Cape May Inlet / Cold Spring Inlet Fishing Guide
Cape May Inlet, also known as Cold Spring Inlet, connects Cape May Harbor with the Atlantic Ocean at the southern tip of New Jersey. This inlet offers exceptional fishing with easy access, productive ...
Cape May Inlet, also known as Cold Spring Inlet, connects Cape May Harbor with the Atlantic Ocean at the southern tip of New Jersey. This inlet offers exceptional fishing with easy access, productive jetties, and proximity to both inshore and offshore fishing grounds. The confluence of Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean waters creates unique fishing opportunities.
Geography & Water Characteristics
Cape May Inlet features well-maintained rock jetties on both sides. The inlet is approximately 500 feet wide with depths of 20-30 feet in the main channel. Cape May Harbor behind the inlet is home to a large commercial and recreational fishing fleet.
Influenced by both Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Unique water mixing creates productive fishing. Strong currents during tide changes.
Key Features
- ✓Twin rock jetties extending into Atlantic
- ✓Deep maintained shipping channel
- ✓Large commercial harbor
- ✓Access to Delaware Bay influence
- ✓Coast Guard Station nearby
- ✓Ferry terminal access
History & Background
Cape May Inlet has been a vital harbor since the 1700s. The harbor supports one of the largest commercial fishing fleets on the East Coast. The inlet provides access to the famous offshore fishing grounds known as the "Canyons" and the productive Delaware Bay.
Species Calendar & Peak Seasons
Striped Bass
Peak: May, November-DecemberMonths: Apr, May, Jun, Oct, Nov, Dec
Technique: Live bunker, eels, plugs
Excellent striper fishing with Delaware Bay influence bringing fish later in fall.
Tautog
Peak: NovemberMonths: Apr, May, Oct, Nov, Dec
Technique: Green crabs, Asian crabs
Outstanding tog fishing on jetty rocks. Trophy-class fish caught here.
Flounder/Fluke
Peak: June-JulyMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Technique: Bucktails, Gulp, live minnows
Both summer flounder and winter flounder depending on season.
Bluefish
Peak: June, SeptemberMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Technique: Metals, poppers, chunk bait
Consistent bluefish action with occasional large fish.
Weakfish
Peak: May-JuneMonths: May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Technique: Soft plastics, live shrimp
Delaware Bay influence brings weakfish into the area.
Black Drum
Peak: MayMonths: May, Jun
Technique: Clam, crab on bottom rigs
Delaware Bay drum run passes through the area in spring.
Proven Fishing Techniques
Jetty Tog Jigging
Fish tog jigs tipped with crab directly against the rocks. Cape May is famous for trophy tautog.
Harbor Drifting
Drift the harbor and channel edges with bucktails for flounder.
Jetty Plugging
Cast plugs and soft plastics from the rocks for stripers and blues.
Live Bait Fishing
Fish live bunker or eels for trophy stripers, especially at night.
Fish Cape May Inlet with Local Captains
Book a charter with captains who know Cape May inside and out. Expert guides, all gear provided, unforgettable fishing.
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Shore Fishing Spots
South Jetty
The main fishing jetty, accessible from Cape May Point. Excellent structure fishing.
Best For: Tautog, Striped Bass, Bluefish
Access: Access from Sunset Boulevard in Cape May Point.
Parking: Cape May Point State Park lot
North Jetty
Jetty on the Cape May side. Good tog and striper fishing.
Best For: Tautog, Striped Bass
Access: Access from Pittsburgh Avenue.
Parking: Street parking, Coast Guard area
Cape May Harbor Bulkheads
Various spots along the harbor for easy access fishing.
Best For: Fluke, Weakfish, Bluefish snappers
Access: Multiple access points around harbor.
Parking: Various lots and street parking
Sunset Beach
Beach area near the ferry terminal with access to inlet waters.
Best For: Striped Bass, Bluefish
Access: Access from Sunset Beach parking.
Parking: Sunset Beach lot
Tide Strategies for Cape May Inlet
Outgoing Tide
Fish the rips as Delaware Bay water flows out. Strong currents attract predators.
Best Species: Striped Bass, Bluefish
Incoming Tide
Fish the channel edges as clean ocean water enters.
Best Species: Fluke, Weakfish
Slack Tide
Focus on the jetty rocks for tautog during reduced current.
Best Species: Tautog, Sea Bass
Nearby Offshore Grounds
| Ground | Distance | Species |
|---|---|---|
| Cape May Reef | 3 miles | Sea Bass, Tautog, Fluke |
| The Fingers | 25 miles | Tuna, Mahi, Shark |
| Poormanís Canyon | 50 miles | Tuna, Marlin, Swordfish |
| Delaware Bay | 5 miles | Weakfish, Black Drum, Striped Bass |
Facilities & Services
Parking
- Cape May Point State Park
- Sunset Beach parking
- Street parking throughout Cape May
- Harbor marina lots
Amenities
- Full services in Cape May
- Historic Victorian downtown
- Numerous restaurants and shops
- Fish cleaning at marinas
Bait Shops
- South Jersey Marina Bait & Tackle
- Cape May Bait & Tackle
- Various harbor shops
Marinas
- South Jersey Marina
- Cape May Fishermanís Cooperative
- Utschís Marina
- Numerous commercial docks
Regulations & Rules
- •NJ saltwater fishing registration required
- •Check current species regulations
- •Ferry traffic requires awareness
- •Commercial harbor - watch for boat traffic
Local Tips for Cape May Inlet
- ✓Cape May is famous for trophy tautog - bring heavy tackle
- ✓The Delaware Bay influence extends the fall striper season
- ✓Commercial boats know where the fish are - watch their patterns
- ✓The harbor holds fish year-round in the deep water
- ✓Black drum run in May is a unique South Jersey opportunity
- ✓Offshore charter fleet here is world-class
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cape May famous for tautog?
The extensive rock structure, mixing of Atlantic and Delaware Bay waters, and abundant food supply create ideal tautog habitat. Trophy fish over 10 pounds are caught here annually.
When do striped bass peak at Cape May?
The Delaware Bay influence means stripers arrive later and stay longer than mid-Jersey. November and December often produce the best action.
Are there offshore charter boats in Cape May?
Yes, Cape May has one of the largest offshore charter fleets on the East Coast, targeting tuna, marlin, mahi, and other pelagics.
Can I fish near the ferry terminal?
Yes, but be aware of ferry traffic and schedules. Sunset Beach near the terminal offers good access.
What makes Cape May different from other inlets?
The confluence of Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean creates unique water conditions and species mixing. The commercial fleet provides local knowledge unavailable elsewhere.
Related Resources
Explore the Area
Learn more about the town nearest to Cape May Inlet
Cape May