Slough off the New Jersey coast
The 1st Jump is the inshore-most of the traditional 'jumps' — the bottom steps working seaward off the Cape May County coast — logged here as a tight 32-acre slough 12.8 nautical miles east-southeast of Townsends Inlet. Fluke and weakfish ride the current through the cut, with sea bass on the firmer edges. Its far larger companion parcel spreads to the west.
The bottom characteristics are sandy ans shelly material.
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 |
| Summer Flounder (Fluke) | Off | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off | Off | Off |
| Black Sea Bass | Off | Off | Off | Off | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Off |
| Weakfish | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Off | Off | Off | Off |
Most charters depart from Barnegat Light - Prime bay fishing access
point-pleasant-beach
Cape May
Atlantic City
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Check AvailabilityOffshore-ready tackle & gear
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Recommended tackle for Fluke (Summer Flounder) and Bluefish fishing.
Heavy-duty rod for tuna, mahi, and billfish. 30-50lb class.

BETTER LEADER

BETTER LEADER
Heavy-duty conventional reel for offshore trolling and jigging.

PENN

KATUYSHA
Essential for battling big fish. Reduces fatigue on long fights.

GAFFER SPORTFISHING

Loomcraft
Landing tool for big fish. 3-4 foot handle for boat use.

Dutiplus

SANLIKE
Skirted lures and spreader bars for tuna and mahi.

AGOOL

Narcissus
Keep your catch cold on the ride home. Fits in boat storage.

KRAKEN SUPPLY CO

CWSDXM
Essential for toothy fish like wahoo and king mackerel.

AMYSPORTS

YOTO
Large, waterproof bag for organizing offshore tackle.

Plano

Reaction Tackle
Classic vertical jig for sea bass, cod, and bottom fish.
Required for many species. Better hookups, easier release.

BLUEWING

Anmuka
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1st Jump is known for Fluke (Summer Flounder), Bluefish, Weakfish, Sea Bass.
1st Jump is located 15 nm NE (80 degrees T) of Hereford Inlet. The nearest departure point is Townsends Inlet.
Sloughs are underwater valleys that channel water and baitfish, attracting predatory species.
Check recent reports to see what's biting at 1st Jump.
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