Wreck Site off the New Jersey coast
Crane Barge is a sunken or abandoned construction crane barge resting on the NJ outer shelf offshore from Shark River Inlet. The large steel crane structure provides exceptional vertical relief on a flat sandy bottom, creating dense habitat for sea bass, tautog, and bluefish. Tuna and bonito work the area above during summer. The distinctive crane silhouette makes this a recognizable target for offshore captains from Shark River and Belmar marinas on extended runs.
Click a species row to see fishing methods, regulations, and tips.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellowfin & Bluefin Tuna | Off | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off | Off |
| Bluefish | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off | Off |
| Black Sea Bass | Off | Off | Off | Off | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Off |
| Bonito & False Albacore | Off | Off | Off | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off |
Most charters depart from Belmar - Closest to offshore canyons
Atlantic City
Belmar
Belmar
Compare all tuna charters and book online
Check AvailabilityOffshore tackle for the canyons
Trusted by NJ charter captains
Recommended tackle for Tuna and Bluefish fishing.
50-class conventional combo for tuna trolling at the Hudson Canyon.
Heavy live-bait rod for chunking yellowfin off the Mud Hole.
4-8 oz slow-pitch and speed jigs for tuna and offshore bottom.

CAPT JAY FISHING

TitanixHook
Tuna trolling spreader bars. Short side, long side rigging-ready.

BLUEWING

BLUEWING
Padded gimbal belt + back harness for the long fight on offshore tuna.

GAFFER SPORTFISHING

GAFFER SPORTFISHING
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Crane Barge is known for Tuna, Bluefish, Bonito, False Albacore, Sea Bass.
Crane Barge 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 Crane Barge.
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