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 is an underwater ridge that creates current breaks and concentrates baitfish for predators. Most accessible from Barnegat Inlet.
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 Pursuit V Travel Spinning Reel 7' 3-PieceFishing Rod Combo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
$149.98
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PENN
Penn Pursuit V Spinning Reel and 7' 2-Piece Fishing RodCombo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
$95.99
“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 Jerbaits Striped Bass Fishing Lure Hard Minnow Lures Surf Fishing Jerkbait Popper Plugs Striper Lures Inshore Offshore Saltwater Fishing Lures Set
$18.99
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Duel
Yo-Zuri R1412-RMT: 3D Inshore Popper (F) 120Mm 4-3/4", Real Mullet
$11.99
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Inshore Soft Plastic
Paddle-tail and shad-style plastics for snapper blues and fluke.
TRUSCEND
TRUSCEND 12 PCS Fishing Lures for Bass Trout Crappie Multi-Purpose Paddle Tail Swimbaits Superb Soft Plastic Fishing Baits Freshwater Saltwater Bass Walleye Lure Fishing Gifts for Men
$14.99
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Vhxmaizxn
Vhxmaizxn 30pcs Soft Plastic Fishing Lures Paddle Tail Swimbaits Soft Baits Lure for Bass Crappie Trout Shad Freshwater Saltwater Fishing Mixed 3.5 Inch 4.7 Inch Swim Bait Kit with Box
$11.99
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Inshore Tackle Bag
3-4 tray bag built to walk jetties without snagging or dumping.
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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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