A man waist deep in water holding a silver fish and his fishing rod

The refuge offers fishing in the Two Mile Beach Unit. Surf fishing areas include the Atlantic Ocean portion (October 1- March 31) and the portion along the Cold Spring Inlet (year-round). Access is provided from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset via public roads and footpaths. No refuge-specific permit or fees are required to fish on Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, but ALL saltwater anglers must register with the New Jersey state’s saltwater fishing registry. No fish of any species may be introduced onto the refuge without appropriate state and refuge permits, including baitfish and eggs. The most common species caught include Atlantic croaker, bluefish, striped bass and flounder.

Laws, rules, and regulations