Reel in the Catch: Seabass and Tilefish Combo Charter in Wildwood Crest, NJ
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Basic physical fitness needed for standing, hauling lines, and handling gear for several hours
Overview
Discover Wildwood Crest's premier Seabass and Tilefish combo charter. Experience expert-guided fishing on the Atlantic coast, perfect for anglers seeking thrilling catches and local ocean insights.
Seabass/Tile Combo
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the legacy of The Starlight Fleet, a family-run deep-sea fishing operation founded in 1976 by Captain Jim Cicchitti. With six unique vessels, embark on thrilling fishing adventures, dolphin watching, and pirate cruises, all while enjoying the beauty of Cape May's waters. Create unforgettable memories on the open sea!
About
The Starlight Fleet was founded in 1976 by Captain James Cicchitti. Jim was a self-made man. He was the embodiment of the American Dream starting from selling newspapers and potholders along the Cape May beachfront to building one of the most premier boat operations along the East Coast. Jim’s passion for fishing and love of the water, as well as his unmatched work ethic and vision, enabled him to build JJC Boats, Inc. JJC Boats, Inc began with one deep-sea fishing boat called The Starlight. Jim quickly added more vessels and diversified operations to create The Starlight Fleet. The Starlight Fleet is comprised of six vessels: The Starlight, The Atlantic Star, The Starlight 101, The Southern Star, The Dark Star, and The Pieces of Eight. The Starlight Fleet offers deep sea fishing, drift fishing, dolphin and bird watching, and pirate cruises. The Starlight Fleet has been a family-run business since 1976. Upon Jim’s passing on August 25, 2022, Jim’s son, Andrew took the helm to lead The Starlight Fleet into the future, honored to continue his father’s legacy.
“I’ve been coming to Cape May all my life, and can’t remember a day when I wasn’t in love with fishing and the open sea. Watching our guests turn off their smartphones and experience this beauty never gets old.”
Captain Jim Cicchitti Founder & Master Captain
Adventure Tips
Bring weather-appropriate clothing
Dress in layers to adjust to changing winds and sea spray throughout the day.
Use sun protection
Apply reef-safe sunscreen and wear a hat to guard against prolonged sun exposure on the water.
Stay hydrated
Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated; the ocean breeze can mask dehydration symptoms.
Follow crew safety instructions
Listen carefully to the crew's briefings regarding boat safety and handling fishing gear to ensure a smooth trip.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Common dolphins
- Ospreys diving for fish
History
Wildwood Crest has a rich fishing heritage dating back to the early 20th century when commercial fishing dominated the local economy.
Conservation
The charter promotes catch-and-release for undersized fish and follows New Jersey’s sustainable fishing guidelines to preserve marine populations.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Wildwood Crest
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Non-slip deck shoes
Provides grip on wet boat decks for safety during fishing activities.
summer specific
Polarized sunglasses
Reduces glare on the water, helping you spot fish and protect your eyes.
summer specific
Windbreaker or waterproof jacket
Keeps you warm and dry against ocean spray and changing weather.
spring specific
Fishing gloves
Protects hands from line cuts and fish spines during handling.