Catching fish is an outdoor activity that people of all ages enjoy. For a day trip or a vacation, family fishing Cape May will make memories to last a lifetime. The sport is best for children in summer, when the croakers come into the area, but it's a year-round activity here.
Fishing in New Jersey is very seasonal. Some species are there year-round, while other are only found in the warmer months. Croakers are small fish, usually less than twelve inches in length, and they are plentiful in the summer. They're perfect for kids, because they don't take much strength to land but put up a furious fight for lots of excitement.
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.
Part of the fun for children is seeing the water, feeling the wind, and watching for wildlife. At the Rips, all sorts of birds prey on the bait-fish, as smaller species are called. Gulls, terns, pelicans, storm-petrels, kittiwakes, gannets, and jaegers are some that can be seen. Bottle-nosed dolphins and even Hump-backed whales may join the party. Many of these birds and animals can be seen from the off-shore boats, as well.
It's recommended that children be seven and older to go on the off-shore boat trips. There are four-hour excursions that are about all the excitement smaller kids can stand. Teens may be interested enough for the six to eight-hour day trips, which is a long time to spend on the water. However, the time goes quickly when it's all new and exciting. Those really into the sport of game-fishing will like night trips after the large, strong bluefish.
Boats are great, but the family can also fish other places. There are quiet back bays where even toddlers can explore the sport in safety. Surf-casting and trolling is fun, as is fishing from the bridges and jetties around town. Crabbing is a favorite of small children, who love lying on the dock and watching their chicken neck attract blue crabs.
Cape May, the town, is full of great restaurants, charming shops, museums, and activities for all ages. The beaches are great, the ferries fun to ride, and both hotels and B&Bs ready to make things comfortable and fun.
Fishing in New Jersey is very seasonal. Some species are there year-round, while other are only found in the warmer months. Croakers are small fish, usually less than twelve inches in length, and they are plentiful in the summer. They're perfect for kids, because they don't take much strength to land but put up a furious fight for lots of excitement.
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.
Part of the fun for children is seeing the water, feeling the wind, and watching for wildlife. At the Rips, all sorts of birds prey on the bait-fish, as smaller species are called. Gulls, terns, pelicans, storm-petrels, kittiwakes, gannets, and jaegers are some that can be seen. Bottle-nosed dolphins and even Hump-backed whales may join the party. Many of these birds and animals can be seen from the off-shore boats, as well.
It's recommended that children be seven and older to go on the off-shore boat trips. There are four-hour excursions that are about all the excitement smaller kids can stand. Teens may be interested enough for the six to eight-hour day trips, which is a long time to spend on the water. However, the time goes quickly when it's all new and exciting. Those really into the sport of game-fishing will like night trips after the large, strong bluefish.
Boats are great, but the family can also fish other places. There are quiet back bays where even toddlers can explore the sport in safety. Surf-casting and trolling is fun, as is fishing from the bridges and jetties around town. Crabbing is a favorite of small children, who love lying on the dock and watching their chicken neck attract blue crabs.
Cape May, the town, is full of great restaurants, charming shops, museums, and activities for all ages. The beaches are great, the ferries fun to ride, and both hotels and B&Bs ready to make things comfortable and fun.
