For Family Fishing Cape May Is Perfect

By Harriet Porter


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.

The fish called croaker seldom gets more than twelve inches long and is easy for a child to land. They fight fiercely and give kids a real thrill. Moreover, they are plentiful in the New Jersey waters, so they provide a lot of action that everyone will enjoy.

Party boats are designed for people who are either learning or just want to see what a fishing trip is like. They have cabins for shelter from sun or rain, high side rails for security, bathrooms on board, and staff that love to show kids a good time. The crew will help both adults and children 'rig the tackle' (bait the hooks), bring in a fish, and even clean one that's big enough to take home. The boats are inspected and licensed by the US coast Guard, so they are safe, clean, and equipped with all safety gear.

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.

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.

Boat trips that take about four hours are suitable for children over six. Older kids and teens may enjoy the six or eight hour day trips. Fish are usually from half-pound to ten pounds, so as many are thrown back as are kept. For those who are really keen and at least twelve, night-fishing for bluefish is an exciting experience that calls for a certain amount of strength and courage.

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.

Those who don't want to fish can have a wonderful day - or a whole vacation of days - exploring the charming Victorian town of Cape May. There are historic houses, museums, exclusive shops, and great restaurants. The beaches are breath-taking. Luxury hotels and period B&Bs are waiting to make your stay comfortable, guide you to local attractions, and tell you all about the area.




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