Dusky Hole — Central
Hole off the New Jersey coast
2,666 acresArea
3Species
CentralRegion
Location
🎣
Scroll to load fishing grounds mapAbout This Ground
The western logging of Dusky Hole, a depression 26 nautical miles east of Barnegat Inlet near the offshore grounds' inner edge; its twin record lies just northeast. The hole's rim is the fish-holder — tautog and sea bass stack on the hard lip, and striped bass check the depth change in their travels.
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 |
| 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 |
Peak Season
Good Season
Off Season
Charters to Fish Dusky Hole
Most charters depart from Cape May - Structure fishing experts
The Gambler
point-pleasant-beach
- ✓Family operation since 1949
- ✓Widest party boat in class
$60/person$
Porgy IV
Cape May
- ✓Bottom fishing specialists
- ✓Consistent sea bass catches
$55/person$
Miss Beach Haven
Barnegat Light
- ✓80-foot vessel
- ✓Captain Frank Camarda
$60/person$
Compare all tautog charters and book online
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Inshore Tackle for Dusky Hole
Inshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
Ships free with Prime
Recommended tackle for Tautog and Sea Bass fishing.
Inshore Spinning Combo (7 ft)
Medium-power 7 ft rod + 3000-class reel. Stripers, fluke, and weakies.
PENN
PENN 7' Wrath II Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo, Size 3000, Medium Light Power, Extra Fast Action, Corrosion-Resistant Graphite Construction, Lightweight and Durable
$50-150
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PENN
Penn Pursuit V Spinning Reel and 7' 2-Piece Fishing RodCombo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
$50-150
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— Jersey Shore Guide editors
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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 Jerkbaits Striped Bass Fishing Lure Hard Minnow Lures Surf Fishing Jerkbait Popper Plugs Striper Lures Inshore Offshore Saltwater Fishing Lures Set
$10-30
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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
$10-30
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Inshore Soft Plastic
Paddle-tail and shad-style plastics for snapper blues and fluke.
Inshore Tackle Bag
3-4 tray bag built to walk jetties without snagging or dumping.
KastKing
KastKing Karryall with Box Tackle Bag, Saltwater & Freshwater Gear Storage
$40-90
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Reaction Tackle
Reaction Tackle Saltwater Fishing Tackle Bags, Water Resistant 1000D PVC Tackle Box Bag with Removable Dividers, Fits 3600 and 3700 Trays, Large
$40-90
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Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch at Dusky Hole?
Dusky Hole is known for Tautog, Sea Bass, Striped Bass.
How do I get to Dusky Hole?
Dusky Hole is accessible from Barnegat Inlet. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
Quick Info
- Type
- Hole
- Nearest Inlet
- Barnegat Inlet
- Size
- 2,666 acres
Similar Species
Similar Holes
Fishing Reports
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Dusky Hole.
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