Plain Area off the New Jersey coast
17 Fathoms is a deepwater fishing ground along the 102-foot (17-fathom) depth contour in NJ offshore waters. The consistent depth creates a productive ledge for sea bass and tautog on the bottom structure. Bluefish and bonito patrol the mid-water column during summer. Charter boats from Sandy Hook target this ground during the fall sea bass season and in summer for mixed-bag offshore trips.
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Click a species row to see fishing methods, regulations, and tips.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluefish | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off | Off |
| Black Sea Bass | Off | Off | Off | Off | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Off |
| Tautog (Blackfish) | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Off | Off | Off | Off | Peak | Peak | Good |
| Bonito & False Albacore | Off | Off | Off | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off |
Most charters we list depart from Point Pleasant Beach - Wreck fishing specialists
Cape May
Wildwood
Belmar
Compare all sea bass charters and book online
Check Availability17 Fathoms is known for Sea Bass, Tautog, Bluefish, Bonito.
17 Fathoms is accessible from Sandy Hook. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
Check recent reports to see what's biting at 17 Fathoms.
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