News & Information
| Fishing and Boating close at hand... | ||
| Tourism Media Kit Situated on a barrier island off the Cape May County peninsula, the resort of the Wildwoods is a natural favorite for those who enjoy fishing, boating and water sports. For much of the year, the waters off the Wildwoods are busy with commercial and sport fishing boats returning to their home ports filled with the day's catch. The commercial fishing port of Cape May/Wildwood is the largest in New Jersey and one of the largest on the East Coast. There's a reason why the fishing port is so successful: the water off the shores of the Wildwoods is rife with flounder, weakfish, tautog, bluefish and striped bass. Not only do the commercial fishermen know the value of the area, but those who fish for fun are aware of the ocean's bounty. Throughout the warmer months of the year, visitors and locals alike enjoy taking the entire family out for a day of boating and fishing. The bay side of the island is filled with boat slips and marinas where boat owners keep their vessels as well as docks for charter and party boat operators. Charter and party boat captains in the Wildwoods offer a variety of excursions for water lovers, ranging from night fishing trips to catch blues or drumfish; full-day excursions in quest of tuna, marlin and swordfish; to a Mississippi River-style paddleboat to take those who prefer to take in the sights rather than catch 'the big one' out for an hour or two in the back bays or the ocean. There's always the chance of returning to port empty-handed, but seafood lovers needn't worry. Many of the seafood markets in the Wildwoods can provide the treasured catches that got away. Whether it's a father-and-son outing, the guys' day out, or a full family event, fishing in the resort's waters will grant you some of the largest catches off the coast and in the back bays along the Jersey Shore. The fishing boats typically have four-, six- or eight-hour trips and those who find themselves in need of fishing equipment are gladly outfitted with the necessary rigs and bait. There are several sightseeing boats in the Wildwoods, each with a captain well-versed in the local marine environment and all with a near-perfect record for finding schools of bottle-nosed dolphins - and often times whales- that make the local waters home in the summer. For thrill-seekers, there are large speedboats that race along the shores of the Wildwoods giving passengers an exhilarating often refreshing glimpse of the island and its environs from the ocean. In recent years, personal watercraft vehicles have grown immensely popular and there are spots along the beach and bay where these vehicles, called by the trade name Wave Runners, can be rented by the hour or day. Windsurfing is another popular activity, especially in Wildwood Crest's vast Sunset Lake, which has ample space and wind without the wake of the ocean. Parasailing along the coastline is an experience that is unmatched and there are several locations throughout the Wildwoods that offer this unparalleled adventure. Another maritime activity favored by those in the Wildwoods is crabbing, done in the marshy areas and back bays of the island. Crabbing is a fun, low-cost activity that the entire family can enjoy and can be done with nets, cages or hand-lines from area bulkheads, piers or from a boat. There are bait and tackle shops at several locations throughout the Wildwoods where the personnel will help even the most inexperienced crabber with bait, equipment, suggestions and tips for bringing in a good catch that can feed a family a fresh blue claw crab dinner. Whether you opt for a sightseeing dinner cruise, a full day of fishing or a few hours zipping over the waves on a personal watercraft, don't miss the opportunity to take advantage of the Wildwoods prime location, surrounded by water and the bounty and beauty of the sea. | ||
