Wildwood Fishing Charters
Wildwood fishing charters put anglers on productive inshore waters, back bays, and nearshore wrecks for flounder, striped bass, bluefish, and sea bass.
Top Rated Charters in Wildwood
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Wildwood, NJ Fishing Guide
Wildwood, NJ fishing charters work the area’s mix of back bays, tidal creeks, inlets, and nearshore reefs, giving anglers options for both light-tackle inshore trips and runs into the Atlantic for bottom fishing or trolling. Half-day charters are popular for families and casual anglers targeting summer flounder in the back bays or bluefish along the inlet edges, while full-day trips can run 10–20 miles offshore to hit artificial reefs, wrecks, and deeper structure for sea bass, tautog, or triggerfish. Specialty trips may focus on striped bass in the fall, drum fishing in the spring, or even offshore tuna and mahi runs when conditions allow.
The local fishery is shaped by Hereford Inlet to the north and Cape May Inlet to the south, both feeding tidal currents into the back-bay system. Shallow flats, deep channels, and sod bank edges are prime light-tackle grounds. Nearshore, reefs like Wildwood Reef, Cape May Reef, and the Old Grounds offer reliable bottom fishing. Most charters launch from marinas along Rio Grande Avenue and the Wildwood Yacht Basin, with quick access to both back bay and ocean waters.
Seasonal fishing patterns are pronounced. Summer is dominated by flounder, sea bass, bluefish, and occasional weakfish, while fall brings a strong striped bass migration and larger bluefish. Spring offers black drum and early-season bass, and winter sees a shift to tautog fishing on wrecks and rock piles. Techniques vary by season—drifting live bait rigs or bucktails for flounder, vertical jigging over structure for sea bass, trolling spoons or umbrellas for bass, and bottom fishing with crab or clam for tautog.
Nearby options include Cape May for offshore trips, the Delaware Bay for drum and striped bass, and the backwaters of Stone Harbor for sheltered fishing on windy days. Wildwood’s central location on the South Jersey coast makes it easy to target multiple fisheries in a single trip, and local captains know how to adapt quickly to changing weather and tidal conditions.
Fishing Seasons in Wildwood
Spring (March–May)
As waters warm, black drum show up in Delaware Bay in April and May, often targeted with surf clams on anchor. Striped bass feed heavily in the back bays and around inlet structures, with live eels and soft plastics producing strikes. Flounder season opens in May, and anglers drift squid strips or Gulp! along channel edges. Charter trips often split time between back-bay bass and flounder in the early part of the season.
Summer (June–August)
Flounder dominate the back-bay fishery, with bucktails tipped with Gulp! or squid producing consistent catches. Sea bass season reopens on reefs and wrecks, where vertical jigging and bait rigs with squid strips work well. Bluefish move through in spurts, hitting metals and trolling gear. Calm summer days also allow for nearshore trolling for mahi around lobster pots or running further for tuna if booked as an offshore trip.
Fall (September–November)
Striped bass migration peaks, with fish taken on trolled bunker spoons, live spot, and plugs worked along inlet jetties. Bluefish mix in, and sea bass remain strong on the reefs. Many charters switch to full-day trips to maximize time on productive nearshore structure. Water clarity improves, making sight-casting for false albacore a possibility on warmer days.
Winter (December–February)
Tautog take over as the primary target, fished with green crab or white leggers on wrecks, bridge pilings, and rock piles. Some striped bass linger into early winter, particularly around Cape May, but most effort focuses on bottom fishing. Cold-weather trips are often shorter, concentrating on nearshore structure within 10 miles of the inlet.
Gamefish in Wildwood
- Summer Flounder – 2–6 lbs. Drifting squid strips or Gulp! along back-bay channels and inlet edges from May through September
- Striped Bass – 10–40 lbs. Trolled spoons or live bait around inlets and nearshore bars in spring and fall.
- Black Drum – 20–60 lbs. Anchored in Delaware Bay in spring with surf clams on fish-finder rigs.
- Bluefish – 2–12 lbs. Cast metals or troll small plugs near inlets and breaking fish schools in summer and fall.
- Sea Bass – 1–4 lbs. Vertical jigging or bait fishing over reefs and wrecks spring through late fall.
- Tautog – 2–8 lbs. Crab baits on jigs or rigs fished over structure in late fall and winter.
- Weakfish – 2–6 lbs. Soft plastics and bucktails in back bays in spring and early summer.
- Mahi-Mahi – 5–20 lbs. Trolled feathers and live bait around nearshore pots and weed lines in late summer.
Wildwood Fishing FAQs
Where do most Wildwood fishing charters depart from?
Most trips launch from marinas along Rio Grande Avenue or the Wildwood Yacht Basin, providing quick access to both the back bays and the Atlantic Ocean via Hereford or Cape May Inlets.
How long are typical Wildwood fishing trips?
Half-day trips of 4–5 hours are common for back-bay flounder or inlet fishing. Full-day trips run 8–10 hours, allowing time to reach offshore reefs or target multiple species.
What gear is provided on Wildwood fishing charters?
Licensed captains supply all rods, reels, bait, and tackle. Most also provide fish cleaning at the dock, so you go home with ready-to-cook fillets.
Do I need a fishing license in Wildwood?
No. Passengers on licensed NJ saltwater charters are covered under the vessel’s permit, but you must register with the free NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry.
What’s the best time of year to fish Wildwood?
Summer is prime for flounder, sea bass, and bluefish, while fall brings excellent striped bass fishing. Spring offers black drum and early-season bass, and winter is best for tautog
What techniques are most common in Wildwood fishing?
Light-tackle drifting for flounder, bottom fishing for sea bass and tautog, trolling for bass and bluefish, and jigging over structure are all standard methods.
What species can I expect to catch in the back bays?
Flounder, weakfish, and bluefish are the main back-bay catches, along with schoolie striped bass and the occasional blowfish or kingfish in summer.
How many anglers can go on a Wildwood fishing charter?
Most boats carry 4–6 passengers, though larger head boats can take 20 or more for bottom fishing trips.
Are there any specialty fishing trips in Wildwood?
Yes. Captains offer spring black drum trips in Delaware Bay, fall trophy striped bass charters, and offshore tuna or mahi trips in summer when weather allows.