Ess Ridge
Ridge off the New Jersey coast
2,666 acresArea
3Species
North ShoreRegion
Location
🎣
Scroll to load fishing grounds mapAbout This Ground
Ess Ridge snakes along the bottom about 15.4 nautical miles east of Barnegat Inlet — the name follows the ridge's S-curve. Ridgelines this far out gather sea bass and tautog on structure, and passing striped bass use the elevation as a migration waypoint.
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 Ess Ridge
Most charters depart from point-pleasant-beach - Wreck fishing specialists
The Gambler
point-pleasant-beach
- ✓Family operation since 1949
- ✓Widest party boat in class
$60/person$
Miss Chris Boats
Cape May
- ✓Three daily departure times
- ✓Air-conditioned 80-foot vessel
$50/person$
Starlight Fleet
Wildwood
- ✓85-foot vessel
- ✓Family-friendly atmosphere
$55/person$
Compare all sea bass charters and book online
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Inshore Tackle for Ess Ridge
Inshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
Ships free with Prime
Recommended tackle for Sea Bass and Tautog 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 Ess Ridge?
Ess Ridge is known for Sea Bass, Tautog, Striped Bass.
How do I get to Ess Ridge?
Ess Ridge is accessible from Barnegat Inlet. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
Quick Info
- Type
- Ridge
- Nearest Inlet
- Barnegat Inlet
- Size
- 2,666 acres
Nearby Grounds
Similar Species
Fishing Reports
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Ess Ridge.
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