The waters of New Jersey have some of the greatest fishing in the world, with many species during months when the water is warmer and some that stay year-round. Anytime is good for family fishing Cape May area, but the best time is in summer, when the croakers arrive.
Fishing in New Jersey is very seasonal. Some species are there year-round, while other are only found in the warmer months. Croakers are small fish, usually less than twelve inches in length, and they are plentiful in the summer. They're perfect for kids, because they don't take much strength to land but put up a furious fight for lots of excitement.
A fun way to go after croakers and many other species off Cape May is to join a party boat. They fill up fast on week-ends, but week-days often have room for last-minute applicants. These family-friendly boats are inspected and licensed by the Coast Guard, so they are clean and safe. They have cabins, bathrooms, and friendly crew members who love to show kids a good time.
There are many fishing areas near Cape May. The 'Rips', a turbulent fishing ground where the Delaware Bay joins the Atlantic Ocean, are not suitable for children; in fact, they are for experienced fisher-folk only who are willing to take risks even then. But they are great for spectators. The strong twice-daily tides heap up sandbars and dig deep holes behind them. Strong off-shore winds may blow against the tide and create big waves. This turmoil is teeming with bait-fish and all the animals that prey on them.
Part of the fun for children is seeing the water, feeling the wind, and watching for wildlife. At the Rips, all sorts of birds prey on the bait-fish, as smaller species are called. Gulls, terns, pelicans, storm-petrels, kittiwakes, gannets, and jaegers are some that can be seen. Bottle-nosed dolphins and even Hump-backed whales may join the party. Many of these birds and animals can be seen from the off-shore boats, as well.
Wildlife can be seen from the party boats, too. Half-day trips that take about four hours are suitable for kids over six, while older children might enjoy the six or eight hour ones. Eight hours is a long time on the water, but lots of action when the fish are biting makes the day go by quickly. Many fish are too small to be kept, but kids like catching and releasing them anyway. For those who are older and seem really interested, night-fishing for bluefish is exciting.
Boats are great, but the family can also fish other places. There are quiet back bays where even toddlers can explore the sport in safety. Surf-casting and trolling is fun, as is fishing from the bridges and jetties around town. Crabbing is a favorite of small children, who love lying on the dock and watching their chicken neck attract blue crabs.
Cape May, the town, is full of great restaurants, charming shops, museums, and activities for all ages. The beaches are great, the ferries fun to ride, and both hotels and B&Bs ready to make things comfortable and fun.
Fishing in New Jersey is very seasonal. Some species are there year-round, while other are only found in the warmer months. Croakers are small fish, usually less than twelve inches in length, and they are plentiful in the summer. They're perfect for kids, because they don't take much strength to land but put up a furious fight for lots of excitement.
A fun way to go after croakers and many other species off Cape May is to join a party boat. They fill up fast on week-ends, but week-days often have room for last-minute applicants. These family-friendly boats are inspected and licensed by the Coast Guard, so they are clean and safe. They have cabins, bathrooms, and friendly crew members who love to show kids a good time.
There are many fishing areas near Cape May. The 'Rips', a turbulent fishing ground where the Delaware Bay joins the Atlantic Ocean, are not suitable for children; in fact, they are for experienced fisher-folk only who are willing to take risks even then. But they are great for spectators. The strong twice-daily tides heap up sandbars and dig deep holes behind them. Strong off-shore winds may blow against the tide and create big waves. This turmoil is teeming with bait-fish and all the animals that prey on them.
Part of the fun for children is seeing the water, feeling the wind, and watching for wildlife. At the Rips, all sorts of birds prey on the bait-fish, as smaller species are called. Gulls, terns, pelicans, storm-petrels, kittiwakes, gannets, and jaegers are some that can be seen. Bottle-nosed dolphins and even Hump-backed whales may join the party. Many of these birds and animals can be seen from the off-shore boats, as well.
Wildlife can be seen from the party boats, too. Half-day trips that take about four hours are suitable for kids over six, while older children might enjoy the six or eight hour ones. Eight hours is a long time on the water, but lots of action when the fish are biting makes the day go by quickly. Many fish are too small to be kept, but kids like catching and releasing them anyway. For those who are older and seem really interested, night-fishing for bluefish is exciting.
Boats are great, but the family can also fish other places. There are quiet back bays where even toddlers can explore the sport in safety. Surf-casting and trolling is fun, as is fishing from the bridges and jetties around town. Crabbing is a favorite of small children, who love lying on the dock and watching their chicken neck attract blue crabs.
Cape May, the town, is full of great restaurants, charming shops, museums, and activities for all ages. The beaches are great, the ferries fun to ride, and both hotels and B&Bs ready to make things comfortable and fun.
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