Chesapeake
Wreck Site off the New Jersey coast
Location
About 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 |
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
Miss Chris Boats
Cape May
- ✓Three daily departure times
- ✓Air-conditioned 80-foot vessel
Highroller Fishing
Atlantic City
- ✓No Seasick Guarantee
- ✓Only back bay party boat in AC
Compare all striped bass charters and book online
Check AvailabilityInshore 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 Travel Spinning Reel 7' 3-PieceFishing Rod Combo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
PENN
Penn Pursuit V Spinning Reel and 7' 2-Piece Fishing RodCombo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— NJ Shore Guide editors
Inshore Bucktail Jig
1/2 to 2 oz bucktails for fluking the channels and bridge pilings.
kmucutie
kmucutie 5 pcs bucktail Jigs Saltwater or Freshwater Bait,for bass flounder fluke Striper Fishing Lure (All White Color, 1 OZ)
kmucutie
kmucutie 5 pcs bucktail Jigs Saltwater or Freshwater Bait,for bass flounder fluke Striper Fishing Lure (All White Color, 2 OZ)
Inshore Surface Plug
Topwater plugs for blitzing stripers at sunrise off the inlet.
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)
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
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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