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.
Croakers are small fish, usually not more than twelve inches long. They put up a great fight when hooked, but they aren't too strong for a child to bring in. They also are plentiful during the summer, so a day out in a party boat can be full of action.
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.
Kids also will like the natural wonders of the area. An area called 'The Rips' where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean has strong tidal currents which create a rippled bottom with deep holes and sandbars. Off-shore winds, when they're against the tide, cause high waves to stand up behind the barriers on the bottom. This area is only for experienced fisher-folk, but it's great for sightseers and birdwatchers.
Watching the wild water of the Rips and the birds that come to prey on the bait-fish is sometimes enlivened by a sight of Bottle-nosed dolphins or even a Hump-backed whale. Gulls, pelicans, and terns are always about, but even the rarer kittiwakes, jaegers, gannets, and storm-petrels can be seen. Kids like the fact that all of these are also catching fish.
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.
There is all kinds of ways to catch fish: surf-casting from the beach, trolling the shallows in the back bays, and throwing a line off a jetty or a bridge. Kids might like crabbing off a pier as much as anything else. If part of the party doesn't want to catch anything at all, the Victorian town of Cape May is a charming place, full of sights and shops. Those left on shore will have as much fun as those who venture out on the water.
There are other things to do, if the family wants to spend more than a day. There are great beaches, fabulous ferry rides, and a famous light house to visit. Great hotels, charming B&Bs, fine restaurants, museums, and great shopping make this area a wonderful vacation destination.
Croakers are small fish, usually not more than twelve inches long. They put up a great fight when hooked, but they aren't too strong for a child to bring in. They also are plentiful during the summer, so a day out in a party boat can be full of action.
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.
Kids also will like the natural wonders of the area. An area called 'The Rips' where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean has strong tidal currents which create a rippled bottom with deep holes and sandbars. Off-shore winds, when they're against the tide, cause high waves to stand up behind the barriers on the bottom. This area is only for experienced fisher-folk, but it's great for sightseers and birdwatchers.
Watching the wild water of the Rips and the birds that come to prey on the bait-fish is sometimes enlivened by a sight of Bottle-nosed dolphins or even a Hump-backed whale. Gulls, pelicans, and terns are always about, but even the rarer kittiwakes, jaegers, gannets, and storm-petrels can be seen. Kids like the fact that all of these are also catching fish.
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.
There is all kinds of ways to catch fish: surf-casting from the beach, trolling the shallows in the back bays, and throwing a line off a jetty or a bridge. Kids might like crabbing off a pier as much as anything else. If part of the party doesn't want to catch anything at all, the Victorian town of Cape May is a charming place, full of sights and shops. Those left on shore will have as much fun as those who venture out on the water.
There are other things to do, if the family wants to spend more than a day. There are great beaches, fabulous ferry rides, and a famous light house to visit. Great hotels, charming B&Bs, fine restaurants, museums, and great shopping make this area a wonderful vacation destination.
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