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Cape May County Coast

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

New Jersey, United States

4.5·2943 catches

Top fish species at Cape May County Coast

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Check which species have trophy potential in Cape May County Coast

Cape May County Coast fishing reports

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Piked dogfish

length · weight

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Grey smooth-hound

10 in · 2 lb

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Striped bass

14 in · 2 lb

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Blacktip shark

14 in · 2 lb

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Summer flounder

length · weight

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Dusky smooth-hound

length · weight

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General info

Cape May County Coast is a water located in Cape May County, New Jersey, United States. It is also intersecting with Sussex County, Delaware and Atlantic County, New Jersey. It is most popular for fishing Summer flounder, Dusky smooth-hound, and Striped bass.

Location

39°02′39.2″N 74°43′24.4″W
Directions

Amenities

When are Striped Bass biting on Cape May County Coast?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Cape May County Coast. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at Cape May County Coast, NJ

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in New Jersey can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season closed: September 26 - May 3
Summer flounder

Summer flounder

Regulation boundaryNew Jersey State Waters
Bag limit3

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size18" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Required licenses
All saltwater anglers must register with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. To register, visit http://www.saltwaterregistry.nj.gov
Additional information
Possession and size limits: Delaware Bay & Tributaries: 3 fish at 17 inchesIsland Beach State Park: 2 fish at 16 inchesAll Other Marine Waters: 3 fish at 18 inchesFor more info see NJ Fish and Wildlife 2024 Angler Summary.Federal regulations are waived for Summer Flounder, and recreational anglers shall follow regulations for the state in which their catch is landed.
Synonyms
Fluke, Paralichthys dentatus
Season open: year-round
Dusky smooth-hound

Dusky smooth-hound

Regulation boundaryNew Jersey State Waters
Additional information
No closed season. No possession limit. No size limit.
Synonyms
Dusky smoothhound, Mustelus canis
Season open: year-round
Striped bass

Striped bass

Regulation boundaryNew Jersey State Waters
Bag limit1

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size28" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Max size31" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Special gear

NJ Circle Hook

Anglers are required to use non-offset (inline) circle hooks when fishing for striped bass with bait in all waters. Bait is defined as any marine or aquatic organism live or dead, whole or parts thereof. This shall not apply to any artificial lure with bait attached. Striped bass caught on any unapproved method of take must be returned to the water immediately without unnecessary injury.

Restrictions & requirements

NJ No Gaff

It is prohibited for any person to gaff striped bass when fishing recreationally.

Required licenses
All saltwater anglers must register with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. To register, visit http://www.saltwaterregistry.nj.gov
Additional information
Effective on July 2, 2023: 1 striped bass from 28" to 31" in all state watersAtlantic Ocean (0 to 3 miles from shore): no closed seasonAll other marine waters: open Mar. 1 to Dec. 31Delaware River and tributaries from Calhoun St. Bridge, Trenton to Salem River and tributaries: closed from April 1 until May 31The emergency action will not affect the Striped Bass Bonus Program (SBBP):1 fish @ 24" to less than 28"Open season: May 15 to December 31Non-offset (inline) circle hooks must be used when fishing for striped bass with natural bait in all waters; see NJ Striped Bass Hook Requirements.
Synonyms
Morone saxatilis
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Local laws and licenses

New Jersey fishing license

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Reviews of Cape May County Coast

4.5
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31 ratings

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1
Top reviews

Cities nearby

Stone Harbor

2.3 miles away

Avalon

3.3 miles away

North Wildwood

5.0 miles away

Cape May Court House

5.7 miles away

West Wildwood

6.1 miles away

Wildwood

6.5 miles away

Middle

6.5 miles away

Burleigh

6.6 miles away

Sea Isle City

7.6 miles away

Whitesboro

7.7 miles away

Wildwood Crest

7.9 miles away

Rio Grande

8.5 miles away

Diamond Beach

9.1 miles away

South Dennis

9.5 miles away

Erma

9.7 miles away

South Seaville

9.7 miles away

Goshen

9.9 miles away

Ocean View

10.3 miles away

Lower

10.8 miles away

Seaville

11.4 miles away

Villas

11.5 miles away

Cape May

12.0 miles away

Dennisville

12.1 miles away

North Cape May

13.0 miles away

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FAQ about Cape May County Coast fishing

📍 Where is Cape May County Coast located?
Cape May County Coast is a water located in Cape May County, New Jersey, United States. It is also intersecting with Sussex County, Delaware and Atlantic County, New Jersey. Its coordinates are:
39°02′39.2″N 74°43′24.4″W
.
🎣 Where on Cape May County Coast is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Cape May County Coast by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Cape May County Coast?
The most common species in Cape May County Coast are:
📢 What are the latest Cape May County Coast fishing reports?
The latest Cape May County Coast fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Cape May County Coast right now?
According to fishing regulations at Cape May County Coast, some of the species in season this November include: Black sea bass, Atlantic cod, Tautog, Atlantic bluefin tuna, and Scup. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Cape May County Coast?

Fishing in New Jersey requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Options include resident and non-resident, annual and short-term, purchasable online or at licensed agents.

In New Jersey, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16 or residents 70 and older. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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