Acid Waters
Reef off the New Jersey coast
2,666 acresArea
4Species
North ShoreRegion
55-75 ftDepth
Location
🎣
Scroll to load fishing grounds mapAbout This Ground
Acid Waters is a colloquially named fishing area in NJ waters off Sandy Hook, known among local captains for consistently productive bottom fishing. The name may refer to a past industrial discharge site or simply a local nickname for a particularly aggressive stretch of bottom. Sea bass and tautog concentrate on hard-bottom structure, with bluefish and bonito active above during summer. Charter boats from Sandy Hook and Highlands marinas include this area on their regular offshore rotation.
Target Species
Best Times to Fish
Click a species row to see fishing methods, regulations, and tips.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Good |
| 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 |
Peak Season
Good Season
Off Season
Charters to Fish Acid Waters
Most charters depart from point-pleasant-beach - Best striper access
The Gambler
point-pleasant-beach
- ✓Family operation since 1949
- ✓Widest party boat in class
$60/person$
Miss Chris Boats
Cape May
- ✓Three daily departure times
- ✓Air-conditioned 80-foot vessel
$50/person$
Highroller Fishing
Atlantic City
- ✓No Seasick Guarantee
- ✓Only back bay party boat in AC
$50/person$
Compare all striped bass charters and book online
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Inshore Tackle for Acid Waters
Inshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
Ships free with Prime
Recommended tackle for Striped Bass and Bluefish fishing.
Inshore Spinning Combo (7 ft)
Medium-power 7 ft rod + 3000-class reel. Stripers, fluke, and weakies.
PENN
Penn Pursuit V Travel Spinning Reel 7' 3-PieceFishing Rod Combo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
$149.98
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PENN
Penn Pursuit V Spinning Reel and 7' 2-Piece Fishing RodCombo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
$95.99
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— Jersey Shore Guide editors
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Inshore Bucktail Jig
1/2 to 2 oz bucktails for fluking the channels and bridge pilings.
Inshore Surface Plug
Topwater plugs for blitzing stripers at sunrise off the inlet.
JOGFFDE
Saltwater Fishing Lures Kit,6pcs Jerbaits Striped Bass Fishing Lure Hard Minnow Lures Surf Fishing Jerkbait Popper Plugs Striper Lures Inshore Offshore Saltwater Fishing Lures Set
$18.99
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Duel
Yo-Zuri R1412-RMT: 3D Inshore Popper (F) 120Mm 4-3/4", Real Mullet
$11.99
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Inshore Soft Plastic
Paddle-tail and shad-style plastics for snapper blues and fluke.
TRUSCEND
TRUSCEND 12 PCS Fishing Lures for Bass Trout Crappie Multi-Purpose Paddle Tail Swimbaits Superb Soft Plastic Fishing Baits Freshwater Saltwater Bass Walleye Lure Fishing Gifts for Men
$14.99
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Vhxmaizxn
Vhxmaizxn 30pcs Soft Plastic Fishing Lures Paddle Tail Swimbaits Soft Baits Lure for Bass Crappie Trout Shad Freshwater Saltwater Fishing Mixed 3.5 Inch 4.7 Inch Swim Bait Kit with Box
$11.99
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Inshore Tackle Bag
3-4 tray bag built to walk jetties without snagging or dumping.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch at Acid Waters?
Acid Waters is known for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke (Summer Flounder), Sea Bass.
How do I get to Acid Waters?
Acid Waters is accessible from Sandy Hook. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
What makes Acid Waters a good fishing spot?
Reef structures provide habitat for a variety of species. Artificial reefs are regularly stocked and monitored by NJ Fish & Wildlife.
Quick Info
- Type
- Reef
- Nearest Inlet
- Sandy Hook
- Depth
- 55-75 ft
- Size
- 2,666 acres
Nearby Grounds
Similar Species
Fishing Reports
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Acid Waters.
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