Wreck Site off the New Jersey coast
Choapa North is the northern section of the Choapa wreck complex in the Mud Hole region off Shark River Inlet. The Mud Hole — the ancient submerged channel of the Hudson River — concentrates wrecks and bottom structure at 100–130 feet, creating one of the most consistently productive fishing grounds in the NJ offshore zone. Ling (cusk), sea bass, and tautog hold on the wreck structure throughout the season. The north section of the Choapa provides additional spread-out structure for fish to inhabit between the two sections. Charter boats from Shark River and Belmar regularly target the Choapa complex for ling and 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.

TRUSCEND

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

KastKing

KastKing
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Choapa is known for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke (Summer Flounder), Sea Bass.
Choapa is accessible from Shark River. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
Wreck sites provide structure that attracts fish. They are excellent for bottom fishing and often hold sea bass, tautog, and striped bass.
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Choapa.
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