Cape May County, NJ · Atlantic Ocean
Cape May
The southern tip of New Jersey where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic — a striped bass, bluefish, and summer flounder (fluke) hot spot through the rips, the inlet, and the surf, with a legendary fall striper run as fish funnel south. Live tide and water temperature from the Cape May station.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Bluefish — Skip the Bluefish trip today.
Best conditions of 3 species tracked at Cape May.
Small Craft Advisory issued July 21 at 4:46PM EDT until July 23 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Today's Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:31 AM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 8:38 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 3:10 PM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 9:22 PM | Low | 0.9 ft |
Species at Cape May
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Bluefish Skip the Bluefish trip today. In season 14/100
What's helping
- 76°F water — inside bluefish's active range
- incoming tide — bluefish prefers incoming tide
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Pomatomus saltatrix — Toothy, aggressive pelagic predator. "Snapper blues" invade the lower Bay and coastal bays in summer; bigger choppers along the Atlantic coast. Hits metal jigs, topwater, and cut bait savagely — wire leaders recommended.
Prefers. Water 60–80°F (ideal 70°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–50 ft.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 5
No minimum size. 5 fish/day from shore or private boat; 7/day on for-hire vessels.
Source: New Jersey regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Striped Bass Skip the Striped Bass trip today. In season 0/100
What's helping
- incoming tide — striped bass prefers incoming tide
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- 76°F water — above striped bass's active range (50–72°f) — fish move deep
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Morone saxatilis — Maryland's state fish. Anadromous — runs into Bay tributaries to spawn each spring. Targeted by trolling, jigging, live-lining, and surf casting. Locally called "rockfish."
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–35 ft.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 28"
- Max size
- 38"
- Daily creel
- 1
28–38" slot, 1 fish/day. Circle hooks are required when fishing with bait.
Source: New Jersey regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Summer Flounder Skip the Summer Flounder trip today. In season 0/100
What's helping
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- 76°F water — above summer flounder's active range (58–75°f) — fish move deep
- incoming tide — summer flounder prefers outgoing tide
- Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Paralichthys dentatus — Locally called "fluke." Flatfish that ambushes bait off sandy and mixed bottom. Drifting bucktails tipped with Gulp! or live minnows through Ocean City and Chincoteague inlets is the classic method.
Prefers. Water 58–75°F (ideal 65°F) · outgoing tide · depth 10–100 ft.
Last verified 54 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 18"
- Daily creel
- 3
18" minimum, 3 fish/day. Exact season dates are set annually by NJ DEP; the typical spring–early-fall window is shown.
Source: New Jersey regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Atlantic Ocean
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
New Jersey
Coordinates
Notes
NJ: striped bass 28–38" slot, 1/day; fluke and bluefish per the NJ limits. The fall run concentrates fish at the point.
Local reports & rules for Cape May: NJ Fish & Wildlife fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Cape May?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Cape May you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Cape May?
Cape May is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Summer Flounder. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Cape May?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Cape May against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Cape May have?
Cape May has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. NJ: striped bass 28–38" slot, 1/day; fluke and bluefish per the NJ limits. The fall run concentrates fish at the point.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Cape May?
state agency regulations apply at Cape May. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Cape May tidal water?
Yes. Cape May sits on tidal water with a NOAA tide station nearby. Today's high/low timing is in the tide chart on this page.