Ten Hours Chasing Seabass off Wildwood Crest with the Starlight Fleet

WILDWOOD CREST FISHING FIELD GUIDE

Ten Hours Chasing Seabass off Wildwood Crest with the Starlight Fleet

A 10-hour deep‑sea charter from Wildwood Crest that ventures 20–30 miles offshore to target seabass, porgies, and blues—this guide lays out what the trip covers and the gear you'll need.

Ten Hours Chasing Seabass off Wildwood Crest with the Starlight Fleet.

Duration
10 hours
Location
Wildwood Crest
Operator
Starlight Fleet
Category
Fishing
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

The Starlight Fleet’s Seabass — 10 Hours departs Wildwood Crest for a full day on the open Atlantic, running 20–30 miles offshore to fish seabass, porgies and blues at depths around 90–130 feet. The trip is operated by a family-run fleet founded in 1976 by Captain Jim Cicchitti and continued by his son, Andrew, combining a long local legacy with a purpose-built offshore program.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

A family-run fleet built from Cape May roots
THE LEGACY

A family-run fleet built from Cape May roots

The Starlight Fleet began with Captain James Cicchitti in 1976; his work ethic and vision grew a single boat into a regional operation that remains family-run today, carried forward by his son Andrew after Jim’s passing on August 25, 2022.

Six vessels and a range of outings
THE FLEET

Six vessels and a range of outings

JJC Boats, Inc. expanded from one vessel into a six-boat operation — The Starlight, The Atlantic Star, The Starlight 101, The Southern Star, The Dark Star, and The Pieces of Eight — offering deep-sea fishing alongside drift trips, dolphin and bird watching, and themed cruises.

Targeting seabass, porgies and blues offshore
THE FISHERY

Targeting seabass, porgies and blues offshore

The charter runs 20–30 miles out to fishing grounds in roughly 90–130 feet of water to pursue seabass, porgies and blues; tackle recommendations reflect the offshore nature of the trip.

What the day feels like

What the 10-hour trip feels like

This is a full-day, 10-hour offshore charter aboard the Starlight Fleet that travels 20–30 miles from Wildwood Crest to fish at depths of about 90–130 feet. Anglers work conventional tackle appropriate for seabass, porgies and blues while operating within a long-standing, family-run fleet.

A family-run fleet built from Cape May roots

THE LEGACY

A family-run fleet built from Cape May roots

The Starlight Fleet began with Captain James Cicchitti in 1976; his work ethic and vision grew a single boat into a regional operation that remains family-run today, carried forward by his son Andrew after Jim’s passing on August 25, 2022.

Six vessels and a range of outings

THE FLEET

Six vessels and a range of outings

JJC Boats, Inc. expanded from one vessel into a six-boat operation — The Starlight, The Atlantic Star, The Starlight 101, The Southern Star, The Dark Star, and The Pieces of Eight — offering deep-sea fishing alongside drift trips, dolphin and bird watching, and themed cruises.

Targeting seabass, porgies and blues offshore

THE FISHERY

Targeting seabass, porgies and blues offshore

The charter runs 20–30 miles out to fishing grounds in roughly 90–130 feet of water to pursue seabass, porgies and blues; tackle recommendations reflect the offshore nature of the trip.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits

1
Serious recreational anglersThe recommended tackle—40# test line, 2/0–4/0 hooks and 8–12oz of lead—matches anglers prepared for conventional offshore techniques.
2
Day‑long offshore anglersWith a 10‑hour duration, this trip is for people prepared to commit a full day to offshore fishing rather than a short excursion.
3
Fleet and maritime-history enthusiastsTravelers interested in longstanding, family-run operations will find the Starlight Fleet’s history — founded in 1976 by Captain Jim Cicchitti — a central part of the experience.
4
Groups and party chartersThe Starlight Fleet operates multiple vessels and offers a range of outings, making it suitable for groups seeking a dedicated charter from Wildwood Crest.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

This is a 10-hour trip; plan for a full day commitment offshore.

What to Bring

Suggested tackle: 40# test line, 2/0–4/0 hooks, and 8–12oz of lead.

Operator & Departure

Operated by the Starlight Fleet out of Wildwood Crest.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the trip?

The charter is 10 hours in duration.

How far offshore will we go?

The trip ventures approximately 20–30 miles offshore.

What species are targeted?

The trip targets seabass, porgies and blues.

At what depths will we be fishing?

Fishing typically occurs around 90–130 feet of water.

What tackle should I bring?

Recommended tackle includes 40# test line, 2/0–4/0 hooks and 8–12oz of lead.

Who operates this trip?

The trip is run by the Starlight Fleet, a family-run operation founded by Captain Jim Cicchitti in 1976 and continued by his son Andrew.