Hole off the New Jersey coast
One of the storied grounds of the New York Bight, Cholera Bank lies about 21 nautical miles east of Sandy Hook. Its hard, irregular bottom is classic tautog and sea bass country, and striped bass sweep across the bank during migrations. A smaller ground of the same name sits nearby to the north.
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 |
| 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 Cape May - Structure fishing experts
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Cape May
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Compare all tautog charters and book online
Check AvailabilityInshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
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Recommended tackle for Tautog and Sea Bass fishing.
Medium-power 7 ft rod + 3000-class reel. Stripers, fluke, and weakies.

PENN

PENN
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— Jersey Shore Guide editors
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.
3-4 tray bag built to walk jetties without snagging or dumping.

KastKing

Reaction Tackle
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Cholera Bank is known for Tautog, Sea Bass, Striped Bass.
Cholera Bank is accessible from Sandy Hook. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Cholera Bank.
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