Drum Fish Trips

Casting off at 6 PM, we’ll have the beautiful Cape May evening to enjoy some of the best fishing the area has to offer. Using our specialist equipment and unrivaled knowledge, we’ll target flounder, kingfish, weakfish, and, on occasion, sharks!

Once you’ve arrived at the harbor, pick up your tickets at the Cape May Whale Watcher Red Ticket Booth and Gift Shop. Once aboard, pick up your rod rental (if applicable) then choose your seat for the evening’s trip! We’ll get underway promptly at 6 PM while the captain provides a brief overview of the area, what fish to expect, and the itinerary. Then you sit back and relax while enjoying the brief ride to the fishing grounds. You can sightsee on the way and you may spy some Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, bald eagles, and maybe even a humpback whale.

Drum fishing is a regional specialty. It consists of fishing with large baits in strong tides at anchor. Drum fish can weigh up to 100 lbs and with the boat being stationary, the fish can easily snap lines. We spool up with a heavier line to help, but there is still skill involved. You must follow the instructions of the mates very carefully—they want you to land your fish. Work with them as best you can and if they ask you to reel up, reel up. If they ask to check your drag, allow them. They are working hard to make your drum fish dream come true.

During the trip home the crew weighs up the pool and cleans any catch which is of legal size to keep. It is also another opportunity to sightsee. As the original Seaside Resort, the history of Cape May is rich and the Cape May Lighthouse, Cape May Harbor, and the United States Coast Guard Training Center are among the highlights along our route.

• Cape May private fishing charters available(opens in a new tab) upon request (contact us(opens in a new tab) for more information).
• Arrive 30 minutes prior to departure (60 minutes prior in July and August, and holidays).
• Everything you need to fish is on board the boat. If you are looking for special bait like; live minnows and eels, GULP, special rigs or bucktails, MOJOs, Niners, diamond jigs, and other cutting-edge tackle, see Capt Bob in the Miss Chris Tackle Shop. He’ll let you know what’s working and what will help you go for even bigger fish. Call (609)884-3351 for special baits and other tips from Capt. Bob.
• Rods and reels are $5 to rent on a 4-hour trip. Rods are manufactured by Gull and reels are by Penn and Shimano.
• A fishing license is included for every passenger. We are regulated by the National Marine Fisheries, subject to all federal and State of New Jersey Recreational Saltwater Marine Fisheries Regulations. During the striped bass season, we participate in the NJ Bonus Tag Program for striped bass.
• Open boat trips occur daily but advance purchase is recommended to avoid disappointment. In most cases, purchasing in person on the day of the trip is fine.
• COVID POLICY—there is a federal mask mandate. Masks must be worn in public places whenever within 6 feet of others. If you do not have a mask, we have masks available for $1 each. Please bring a mask and wear it. The boat capacity is reduced to 50% and online booking is recommended to ensure your spot under these conditions