Plain Area off the New Jersey coast
21 Fathom Plateau is a deepwater fishing ground along the 126-foot (21-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 the NJ coast target this ground during the fall sea bass season and in summer for mixed-bag offshore trips.
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 depart from point-pleasant-beach - Wreck fishing specialists
point-pleasant-beach
Cape May
Wildwood
Compare all sea bass charters and book online
Check AvailabilityOffshore-ready tackle & gear
Trusted by NJ charter captains
Recommended tackle for Sea Bass and Tautog 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

OKUMA
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.

YOTO

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.

TOOTH SHIELD TACKLE

Drchoer
Large, waterproof bag for organizing offshore tackle.

Plano

Calamus
Classic vertical jig for sea bass, cod, and bottom fish.

VMSIXVM

Dr.Fish
Required for many species. Better hookups, easier release.
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21 Fathom Plateau is known for Sea Bass, Tautog, Bluefish, Bonito.
Check recent reports to see what's biting at 21 Fathom Plateau.
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