Reef off the New Jersey coast
The Five Fathom Light ground spans more than 5,100 acres about 15.7 nautical miles southeast of Cape May Inlet, taking its name from the lightship station that once marked the bank's approaches. Broad, workable bottom: fluke and weakfish across the flats, sea bass and tautog where it firms, and its southern companion parcel adjoining.
The surrounding area is a big lump in the north of it and plain the rest of it.
Click a species row to see fishing methods, regulations, and tips.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Flounder (Fluke) | Off | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off | Off | Off |
| 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 |
| Weakfish | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Off | Off | Off | Off |
Most charters depart from Barnegat Light - Prime bay fishing access
point-pleasant-beach
Cape May
Atlantic City
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Check AvailabilityFive Fathom Light is known for Fluke (Summer Flounder), Sea Bass, Tautog, Weakfish.
Five Fathom Light is located 4.2 nm SE from the SE Cape May Reef corner. The nearest departure point is Cape May Inlet.
Reef structures provide habitat for a variety of species. Artificial reefs are regularly stocked and monitored by NJ Fish & Wildlife.
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Five Fathom Light.
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