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Cape May Harbor

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

New Jersey, United States

4.7·183 catches

Top fish species at Cape May Harbor

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Cape May Harbor fishing reports

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Summer flounder

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Dusky smooth-hound

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Dusky smooth-hound

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Gray weakfish

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Pacific spiny dogfish

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Spot croaker

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General info

Cape May Harbor is an inshore water located in Cape May County, New Jersey, United States. It is most popular for fishing Striped bass, Summer flounder, and Black sea bass.

Location

38°57′2.9″N 74°53′19.6″W
Directions

Amenities

When are Striped Bass biting on Cape May Harbor?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Cape May Harbor. 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 Harbor, 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 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
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: May 15 - December 31
Black sea bass

Black sea 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 size12.5" (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, please visit http://www.saltwaterregistry.nj.gov
Additional information
Bag Limit: May 15-June 21 = 10 black sea bass per person;June 22-September 22 = 1 black sea bass per person;September 23-October 31 = 10 black sea bass per person;November 1-December 31 = 15 black sea bass per personTotal length does not include tail filament.
Edibility
Excellent according to Adam L.
Synonyms
Centropristis striata
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Local laws and licenses

New Jersey fishing license

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Reviews of Cape May Harbor

4.7
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3 ratings

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Cities nearby

Cape May

1.1 miles away

Diamond Beach

2.0 miles away

Lower

2.4 miles away

West Cape May

2.7 miles away

Erma

3.1 miles away

Wildwood Crest

3.1 miles away

North Cape May

3.9 miles away

Cape May Point

4.2 miles away

Wildwood

4.5 miles away

Rio Grande

4.8 miles away

West Wildwood

4.9 miles away

Villas

5.1 miles away

North Wildwood

6.0 miles away

Whitesboro

6.4 miles away

Burleigh

7.2 miles away

Stone Harbor

9.5 miles away

Cape May Court House

9.6 miles away

Middle

9.7 miles away

Avalon

12.7 miles away

Goshen

13.7 miles away

South Dennis

15.8 miles away

Lewes

18.2 miles away

Henlopen Acres

18.8 miles away

Rehoboth Beach

19.3 miles away

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FAQ about Cape May Harbor fishing

📍 Where is Cape May Harbor located?
Cape May Harbor is an inshore water located in Cape May County, New Jersey, United States. Its coordinates are:
38°57′2.9″N 74°53′19.6″W
.
🎣 Where on Cape May Harbor is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Cape May Harbor 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 Harbor?
The most common species in Cape May Harbor are:
📢 What are the latest Cape May Harbor fishing reports?
The latest Cape May Harbor fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Cape May Harbor right now?
According to fishing regulations at Cape May Harbor, 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 Harbor?

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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