Reef off the New Jersey coast
Bendix is a NJ artificial reef site off Shark River Inlet, named for the Bendix Corporation that donated materials to the reef program. The hard substrate provides structure on an otherwise sandy Mud Hole-adjacent seafloor, attracting sea bass, tautog, and ling (red hake). The site sits within the productive inshore zone frequented by charter boats from Shark River and Belmar marinas on afternoon bottom-fishing trips. Peak season runs spring through late fall for sea bass.
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 |
Most charters depart from point-pleasant-beach - Best striper access
point-pleasant-beach
Cape May
Atlantic City
Compare all striped bass charters and book online
Check AvailabilityInshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
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Recommended tackle for Striped Bass and Bluefish fishing.
Medium-power 7 ft rod + 3000-class reel. Stripers, fluke, and weakies.

PENN
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— 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.

Matrix Shad

Vhxmaizxn
3-4 tray bag built to walk jetties without snagging or dumping.
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Bendix is known for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke (Summer Flounder), Sea Bass.
Bendix is accessible from Shark River. 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 Bendix.
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