Reef off the New Jersey coast
The reef conatins 60 tanks, 3 reef balls, 45 tires units, and 2 vessels. Between 30-40 % of the bottom area is coveret of material. Located between Barnegat Inlet (3.1 nautical miles, 103 degrees T) and R "2" buoy. Minimum depth guarantee is 50 feet Check tide chartsâfish are most active during water movement.
The surrounding area is sandy.
Click a species row to see fishing methods, regulations, and tips.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Tautog (Blackfish) | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Off | Off | Off | Off | Peak | Peak | Good |
Most charters depart from Barnegat Light - Prime bay fishing access
point-pleasant-beach
Cape May
Atlantic City
Compare all fluke charters and book online
Check AvailabilityInshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
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Recommended tackle for Fluke (Summer Flounder) and Sea Bass fishing.
Medium-power 7 ft rod + 3000-class reel. Stripers, fluke, and weakies.

PENN
âThe combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.ââ Jersey Shore Guide editors

PENN
1/2 to 2 oz bucktails for fluking the channels and bridge pilings.
Topwater plugs for blitzing stripers at sunrise off the inlet.

JOGFFDE

Dr.Fish
Paddle-tail and shad-style plastics for snapper blues and fluke.

TRUSCEND

Vhxmaizxn
3-4 tray bag built to walk jetties without snagging or dumping.

KastKing

KastKing
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Barnegat Light Reef is known for Fluke (Summer Flounder), Sea Bass, Tautog.
Barnegat Light Reef is accessible from Barnegat Inlet. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
Reef structures provide habitat for a variety of species. Artificial reefs are regularly stocked and monitored by NJ Fish & Wildlife.
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Barnegat Light Reef.
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