Early Bird

Captain Mike and the courteous, salty crew will guide you to your favorite fishing spots aboard the all-new Miss Chris. Generations have enjoyed the early morning cool breeze and low sun angle which some say produces more bites… But that could just be another fishy story…

Upon arrival, you will pick up your tickets at the Cape May Whale Watcher Red Ticket Booth and Gift Shop. You will then board the boat once the crew gives the signal that it is safe to proceed. Next, you will choose your fishing equipment (if rented) and find a spot aboard the Miss Chris.

Miss Chris will get underway promptly at departure time. Once we’ve left the pier, the captain will provide a brief introduction and overview of the type of fishing and the itinerary. Then you will sit back and relax while enjoying the short ride to the fishing grounds. You can sightsee on the way with a chance to spot some Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, bald eagles, and maybe even a humpback whale.

First-time anglers will receive instructions on how to operate their fishing equipment from the experienced crew. Once on the grounds, the captain will give the ok to drop lines and provide further instructions. Once fishing, the crew will be readily available to untangle lines, bait hooks, provide more bait, re-rig equipment, unhook and net fish, and help you with all aspects of the process. Feel free to ask questions and you may see the captain down on deck telling a fish tale or two.

During the trip home, the crew will weigh up the pool and clean 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.