Complete Guide to Wreck Fishing off New Jersey

Black Sea Bass

Sea bass are the bread-and-butter wreck species. These aggressive fish inhabit structure from May through December, with populations building through fall. Limits come easily during peak periods. Sea bass hit jigs, bait, or anything that looks edible. They're excellent eating—white, firm flesh that's hard to beat.

Tautog (Blackfish)

Tautog are the structure specialists. These powerful fish with crushing teeth live tight to rocks, wrecks, and any hard bottom they can find. Tog require different tactics than sea bass—crab bait fished right on the structure with patience and feel. Spring (April-May) and fall (October-December) are prime seasons.

Ling (Red Hake)

Ling inhabit deeper wrecks and the mud bottom surrounding structure. Common bycatch while sea bassing, ling are underrated table fare. They hit clam and squid on bottom rigs. Fall and winter produce the best ling fishing.

Cod

When regulations allow, cod inhabit deeper offshore wrecks during winter. The Mud Hole and other 100+ foot wrecks hold cod when water temperatures drop. Diamond jigs and clam bait produce.

Striped Bass

Wrecks hold striped bass during fall migration. Fish stage over structure before pushing to the beach. Jigs, live bait, and chunk work when bass are present.

Spring (April-June)

Tautog fishing opens the season, with fish emerging from winter dormancy hungry and aggressive. April and May offer excellent tog action before the season closes. Sea bass season typically opens in May, with fish scattered but eager. Ling remain available on deeper structure.

Summer (June-August)

Sea bass populations build through summer, though bag limits may be reduced during peak spawning period. Tog season is closed (typically May-July) to protect spawning fish. Ling move deeper as water warms. Fluke can be caught drifting over sandy bottom near wrecks.

Fall (September-December)

The prime wreck fishing season. Sea bass limits increase and fish are stacked on structure. Tog season reopens with excellent action through December. Stripers stage on wrecks during fall migration. This is the time for wreck trips.

Winter (December-March)

Tog fishing continues into December on shallower wrecks. Deep water sea bass remain available when weather permits. Cod fishing (when open) happens on offshore wrecks. Serious anglers find opportunities even in cold months.

Finding the Fish

Modern electronics make wreck fishing accessible. Quality fish finders show structure and fish marks. Most charter captains have GPS coordinates for productive wrecks. The key is positioning over structure where fish concentrate—a few feet can mean the difference between limits and blanks.

Jigging Technique

Drop your jig to the bottom, then work it up through the water column with sharp lifts and controlled drops. Sea bass often hit on the drop, so stay alert. When you find the depth fish are holding, concentrate there. Add a teaser above the jig for bonus catches.

Bait Fishing Technique

High-low rigs with two hooks cover different depths simultaneously. Fresh clam is the premium sea bass bait—strip it to expose the meat. Use enough weight to maintain bottom contact despite current. When the bite is on, rebait quickly.

Tautog Technique

Tog fishing is different. Anchor tight to structure and fish crabs directly on bottom. The bite is subtle—feel for pressure or the line moving sideways before setting hard. Tog have rubber mouths that require solid hooksets. Once hooked, keep pressure on to prevent them from reaching the wreck.

Reading Conditions

Current affects presentation. Light current allows precise jigging; heavy current requires heavier jigs and may favor bait fishing. Slack tide periods can be slow. Learn how each wreck fishes on different tide stages.

The Mud Hole

A sprawling complex of wrecks 15-20 miles offshore, the Mud Hole is legendary among bottom fishers. Depths of 80-120 feet hold big sea bass, tog, ling, and occasional cod. The concentration of structure in a relatively small area makes it a reliable producer.

Artificial Reef Sites

New Jersey's artificial reef program has created extensive fishing opportunities:

• Axel Carlson Reef: Close to shore (within 3 miles), multiple deployments
• Sea Girt Reef: Inshore site with good sea bass
• Garden State Sites: Extensive Ocean County reefs
• Atlantic City Reef: Central coast structure
• Cape May Reef: Southern option with excellent tog

Historic Wrecks

Centuries of shipping have left wrecks scattered across the continental shelf. Captains jealously guard specific coordinates, but productive wrecks exist throughout the accessible depth range. Some historic wrecks are over 100 years old, creating established ecosystems.

Sea Bass Regulations

Seasons, size limits, and bag limits change annually. Recent regulations have included split seasons with varying bag limits:

• Minimum size: 12.5" (typical)
• Bag limits vary from 1-15 fish depending on season
• Check current regulations before every trip

Tautog Regulations

Tautog face strict management due to slow growth and localized populations:

• Minimum size: 15"
• Bag limits: 1-5 fish depending on season
• Closed season (typically May-July) during spawning

Conservation Practices

Practice selective harvest. Release undersized fish quickly. Use dehooking tools to minimize handling. Tog and sea bass have barotrauma issues when brought up from depth—consider descending devices for deep water releases.

Verify Regulations

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current rules at nj.gov/dep/fgw before fishing.