Chesapeake
Wreck Site off the New Jersey coast
2,666 acresArea
4Species
North ShoreRegion
75-85 ftDepth
Location
🎣
Scroll to load fishing grounds mapAbout This Ground
The fishing vessel Chesapeake, a 174-foot converted mackerel boat built in 2002, was intentionally scuttled November 4, 2019, as part of New Jersey's artificial reef program at Delaware Reef #11, approximately 80 feet below the surface off Barnegat Inlet. The Chesapeake's steel hull creates substantial vertical structure on a sandy bottom, quickly attracting black sea bass, tautog, and porgy. As a relatively new artificial reef, she still retains most of her structural integrity — large compartments, deck rails, and machinery provide diverse habitat zones. The site represents excellent sea bass and tautog fishing, particularly in fall, with easy access from Barnegat Inlet and Barnegat Light marinas on standard-range charter trips.
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 Chesapeake
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
Check Availability🛒
Inshore Tackle for Chesapeake
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 Spinning Reel and 7' 2-Piece Fishing RodCombo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
$119.99
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— Jersey Shore Guide editors
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PENN
PENN 7' Wrath II Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo, Size 5000, Medium Heavy Power, Fast Action, Corrosion-Resistant Graphite Construction, Lightweight and Durable
$75.99
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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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Dr.Fish
Dr.Fish Saltwater Fishing Lures 5 Inches Surf Fishing Striper Lures Saltwater Minnow Mustad Hooks Jerkbait Popper Plugs Inshore Offshore Ocean Fishing Mackerel Bluefish Barracuda Lures
$22.99
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Inshore Soft Plastic
Paddle-tail and shad-style plastics for snapper blues and fluke.
Matrix Shad
Matrix Shad Original 3 Inch Fishing Lure for Speckled Trout, Redfish, Bass - Paddle Tail Swimbaits for Freshwater and Saltwater - Magneto - 8 Count Bag (Pack of 1)
$8.95
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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
$9.99
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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 Chesapeake?
Chesapeake is known for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke (Summer Flounder), Sea Bass.
How do I get to Chesapeake?
Chesapeake is accessible from Barnegat Inlet. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
What makes Chesapeake a good fishing spot?
Wreck sites provide structure that attracts fish. They are excellent for bottom fishing and often hold sea bass, tautog, and striped bass.
Quick Info
- Type
- Wreck Site
- Nearest Inlet
- Barnegat Inlet
- Depth
- 75-85 ft
- Size
- 2,666 acres
Nearby Grounds
Similar Species
Fishing Reports
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Chesapeake.
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