Dad's Place
Fishing from piers, jetties, and man-made structures in Wildwood, Cape May County
Location
📍 Address: 501 Ocean Drive
Get DirectionsAbout This Spot
Dad's Place is a pier, jetty, or man-made fishing structure in Wildwood, Cape May County. Fish the structure with jigs and bait rigs. Tautog and sea bass hold tight to the rocks and pilings. Cape May County benefits from both the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, creating diverse fishing opportunities. The fall striped bass run (September-December) brings trophy fish within casting distance of shore.
Cape May County benefits from both Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean influence, creating diverse opportunities.
Target Species
Best Times to Fish
Late fall (November-December) sees big stripers migrating south
How to Fish Here
Techniques
- ✓Jig vertically for tautog around structure
- ✓Drop clam or crab baits tight to pilings
- ✓Cast metals for bluefish along the rocks
- ✓Work soft plastics for weakfish at night
Recommended Gear
- •7-8 foot medium-heavy rod
- •Spinning reel (3000-4000 size)
- •Jig heads and soft plastics
- •Bank sinkers (1-3 oz)
- •Studded boots for slippery rocks
Gear for Pier & Jetty Fishing
Essential tackle for your shore trip
Ships free with Prime
Picks for Tautog (Blackfish) and Black Sea Bass at Dad's Place.
Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
Versatile combo for surf and pier fishing.
PENN
Penn Pursuit V Spinning Reel and 7' 2-Piece Fishing RodCombo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— Jersey Shore Guide editors
PENN
PENN 7' Wrath II Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo, Size 5000, Medium Heavy Power, Fast Action, Corrosion-Resistant Graphite Construction, Lightweight and Durable
Tackle Box
Organize lures, hooks, and tackle.
KastKing
KastKing HyperSeal Waterproof Tackle Box, Waterproof 3600 and 3700 Tackle Trays, Fishing Tackle Box Organizer with Removable Dividers, Lure Box and Terminal Tackle Storage
KastKing
KastKing HyperSeal 3500 Double-Sided Waterproof Fishing Tackle Box, 2 Packs
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Book a Charter
Want to go offshore? Charter boats depart from Cape May.
Peak fishing season
Weekend charters filling fast - book ahead
Book a Fishing Charter
Book online through FishingBooker
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Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch at Dad's Place?
Dad's Place is productive for Tautog (Blackfish), Black Sea Bass, Striped Bass, Bluefish, Weakfish, Kingfish. Best seasons are spring, fall, winter.
Do I need a fishing license to fish here?
Yes, you need a free NJ Saltwater Registry to fish from shore in New Jersey. Register online at the NJ Fish & Wildlife website.
What safety gear do I need for jetty fishing?
Korkers or studded boots are essential—jetty rocks are extremely slippery. Never fish alone and tell someone where you are going.
What species can I catch from piers and jetties?
Tautog (blackfish), sea bass, striped bass, and bluefish are common. Structure holds fish year-round.
What is the best technique for jetty fishing?
Drop baits tight to the structure where fish hide. Green crabs are deadly for tautog. Use jigs to work around the rocks.
Quick Info
Cape May County Highlights
- 🎣Cape May Inlet - trophy striper territory
- 🎣Wildwood jetties - tautog heaven
- 🎣Stone Harbor - excellent weakfish
Nearby Fishing Spots
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