WILDWOOD WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Four Hours Offshore with the Starlight Fleet: Deep‑Sea Fishing Out of Wildwood Crest
A 4‑hour, family‑run Starlight Fleet excursion aboard a comfortable 100‑ft vessel—this guide explains what to expect, where you’ll fish, and practical gear and accessibility details.
Four Hours Offshore with the Starlight Fleet: Deep‑Sea Fishing Out of Wildwood Crest.
Set out from Wildwood Crest with the Starlight Fleet for a compact, purposeful four‑hour deep‑sea fishing trip. Operated by a family business founded in 1976, the fleet runs out of the Cape May and Wildwoods waters aboard comfortable, well‑equipped dayboats that aim to put anglers — from novices to experienced fishers — on species common to the New Jersey coast.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A family operation with six dayboats
The Starlight Fleet is a family‑run operation that began in 1976 and now operates multiple vessels, including names like The Starlight and The Atlantic Star, offering a range of day‑boat trips along the Cape May and Wildwoods coast.
Target a variety of East‑Coast species
Trips commonly pursue an assortment of inshore and near‑shore species — examples include flounder, bluefish, croakers, porgies, snapper blues and sea bass — giving anglers multiple chances at a productive day.
Comfortable, modern dayboat accommodations
You’ll fish from a comfortable dayboat (the fleet advertises 100‑ft vessels with modern amenities), with an inside cabin for shelter and basic onboard services to keep a half‑day trip straightforward.
What the day feels like
What the four‑hour trip feels like
This is a compact, family‑oriented deep‑sea outing: guests board a well‑maintained Starlight Fleet vessel, head offshore to productive grounds, and spend focused time fishing under the direction of experienced mates and captains. The operation prioritizes approachable instruction for first‑timers while maintaining the routines and amenities that make a short ocean trip comfortable for families.
THE FLEET
A family operation with six dayboats
The Starlight Fleet is a family‑run operation that began in 1976 and now operates multiple vessels, including names like The Starlight and The Atlantic Star, offering a range of day‑boat trips along the Cape May and Wildwoods coast.
THE CATCH
Target a variety of East‑Coast species
Trips commonly pursue an assortment of inshore and near‑shore species — examples include flounder, bluefish, croakers, porgies, snapper blues and sea bass — giving anglers multiple chances at a productive day.
THE BOAT
Comfortable, modern dayboat accommodations
You’ll fish from a comfortable dayboat (the fleet advertises 100‑ft vessels with modern amenities), with an inside cabin for shelter and basic onboard services to keep a half‑day trip straightforward.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should check details before booking.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The public trip runs four hours total.
Departures begin at 6200 Park Boulevard, Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260.
You may bring food and non‑hard alcohol drinks; beer is permitted (one 6‑pack per person, cans only). Small coolers and strollers are allowed. Bring cash if you plan to buy galley items or tip the crew.
There is a small galley selling snacks, soda, beer and water (priced roughly $2–$5 and cash only). The crew can bag your catch and will clean fish for a nominal mate‑determined fee.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Advance purchase is recommended to guarantee your spot because trips often sell out; tickets are available online or by phone with major credit cards.
What happens if it rains?
Trips run rain or shine; in the event of severe weather that forces cancellation you may reschedule or receive a voucher for a future trip.
Is this trip appropriate for young children?
Yes — children of all ages are welcome and there is a reduced price for children 12 and under.
Is the trip suitable for pregnant women?
Yes, the operator states the cruise is suitable for pregnant women.
Is the trip wheelchair accessible?
Manual wheelchairs are usually manageable and can be lifted aboard; electric wheelchairs may not fit—contact the operator with your specific needs.
Do I need a fishing license?
No — you do not need a fishing license on these trips.
How far will the boat go out?
The boat typically goes anywhere from about 2 to 5 miles offshore, depending on where the bite is best.
How much of the trip is spent fishing?
Fishing time on this trip is approximately 2.5 hours.
Do I have to keep the fish I catch?
No — you may catch and release if you prefer; mates will also advise on species limits and handling.