Wildwood, New Jersey, is located along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline in Cape May County. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean provides access to deep waters for sport and adventure fishing. Anglers fish by boat for various saltwater fish species that inhabit and roam the deep sea throughout the year.
About
Private and commercial charter boats take anglers into waters 15 to 55 miles from shore to deep sea fish. Depending on the season, waters off the coast of Wildwood contain migratory and fighting fish that live mostly in the open ocean. Anglers consider deeper ocean waters coveted fishing territory that offers the chance to catch large game fish.
Saltwater Fish Species
Off the coast of Wildwood, you can land tuna, marlin, mahi, swordfish, flounder, blackfish and bluefish. In addition, various species of shark, including makos and hammerheads, exist in deeper waters offshore.
Fishing Season
Wildwood, a shore community, is bursting with recreational and sport fishermen in the summer months. Yet charter boat companies based here generally operate deep sea fishing excursions from April until December, which they consider prime fishing season. Officially, the saltwater fishing season never ends in New Jersey. However, New Jersey observes federal regulations for shark. The federal shark season is closed from May 15 through July 15, and catching certain shark species in state and federal waters is prohibited, such as sand tiger, big nose and whale sharks.
Fishing Boats
Although certain private boat operators of large vessels can access the open ocean to deep sea fish, Wildwood charter boat companies provide anglers advantages. Charter boat companies generally know the best deep fishing spots. These companies have experienced crews that know which fish are biting at varies times of the year and where to locate them based on migratory patterns. In addition, charter boats provide fishing assistance and clean fish. Another option to access the open ocean is to hire a head boat. A head boat is a large boat that an angler pays a captain to take him out to fish. Unlike on a charter boat, you receive no special services while onboard. The fee to use the head boat is basically to access deeper ocean water to fish and nothing more. Wildwood commercial charter companies frequently offer charter and head boat options.
Regulations
Before going out in a charter or private fishing boat to deep sea fish in Wildwood, familiarize yourself with state and federal fishing regulations. New Jersey does not require fishermen to purchase a saltwater fishing license to fish state waters. However, the National Marine Fishing Service requires you to purchase a fishing permit, which is sold on its website, to fish shark in state and federal waters. In addition, it requests anglers document recreational landings of tuna, marlin and swordfish on its website. The purpose of reporting this information is to manage fish populations and prevent overfishing.
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