Reef off the New Jersey coast
A 708-acre reef ground about 3.1 nautical miles east of Barnegat Inlet, one of the first pieces of hard structure outside the inlet. Fluke lie on the sand margins in summer, while sea bass and tautog hold the reef proper — a short-run bottom-fishing option when the weather window is tight.
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
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Check AvailabilityBarnegat 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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