Five Fathom Light
Reef off the New Jersey coast
5,145 acresArea
4Species
OffshoreRegion
Location
🎣
Scroll to load fishing grounds mapAbout This Ground
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Peak Season
Good Season
Off Season
Charters to Fish Five Fathom Light
Most charters depart from Barnegat Light - Prime bay fishing access
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
$50/person$
Highroller Fishing
Atlantic City
- ✓No Seasick Guarantee
- ✓Only back bay party boat in AC
$50/person$
Compare all fluke charters and book online
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Gear for Offshore Fishing
Offshore-ready tackle & gear
Trusted by NJ charter captains
Recommended tackle for Fluke (Summer Flounder) and Sea Bass fishing.
Offshore Trolling Rod
Heavy-duty rod for tuna, mahi, and billfish. 30-50lb class.
BETTER LEADER
BETTER LEADER 2-Piece Saltwater Offshore Bent Butt Trolling Rod, Conventional Boat Fishing Rod Heavy Duty Big Game Rods Deep Sea Fishing Pole (5'6", 30-50lb/50-80lb/80-120lb)
$150-400
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BETTER LEADER
BETTER LEADER 2-Piece Saltwater Offshore Bent Butt Trolling Rod, Conventional Boat Fishing Rod Heavy Duty Big Game Rods Deep Sea Fishing Pole (5'6", 30-50lb/50-80lb/80-120lb)
$150-400
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Conventional Reel (30-50 class)
Heavy-duty conventional reel for offshore trolling and jigging.
Fighting Belt & Harness
Essential for battling big fish. Reduces fatigue on long fights.
Pegciuho
Pegciuho Fishing Waist Belt Padded Fighting Belt and Harness with Supportive Design Oxford Cloth Secure Connections Suitable for Boat Fishing trolling Hard Pull Fights Open Water
$40-150
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Loomcraft
Loomcraft Fishing Belt & Shoulder Strap Harness Set, Enhanced Protection Shoulder Back Support System, with Rod Locking Buckle, Offshore Big Game Fishing Fighting Gear
$40-150
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Gaff Hook
Landing tool for big fish. 3-4 foot handle for boat use.
Dutiplus
Dutiplus Telescopic Fish Gaff with Stainless Sea Fishing Spear Sharp Hook Tackle, Non-Slip Handle Thickened Aluminium Alloy Pole for Saltwater Offshore Ice Tool
$30-80
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SANLIKE
SANLIKE 55in Retractable Fish Gaff Soft EVA Handle Saltwater Offshore Tool
$30-80
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Trolling Lures & Spreader Bars
Skirted lures and spreader bars for tuna and mahi.
AGOOL
Trolling Lures Saltwater for Tuna Mahi Marlin Wahoo Dolphin Shark Offshore Trolling Baits with Squid Skirt Big Game Fishing Lures Deep Sea Squid Skirts Rig 6/9 inch
$25-80
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YOTO
YOTO Trolling Lure Saltwater,6.5 inch 6 pcs Squid Skirted Deep Sea Fishing Lure kit,Tuna,Marlin,Wahoo,Shark,Mahi Trolling Fishing Lures
$25-80
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Insulated Fish Bag
Keep your catch cold on the ride home. Fits in boat storage.
Wire Leaders
Essential for toothy fish like wahoo and king mackerel.
AMYSPORTS
AMYSPORTS Freshwater Wire Fishing Leader Stainless Heavy Duty Wire Leader Fishing Saltwater Rigs Leaders Fishing Steel White Nickel #5 60lb 11.8in 30pcs
$15-35
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Scotank
Fishing Leaders, Fishing Tackle, Fish Line, Stainless Steel Wire, Fish Gear Kit, with Swivels Snap Connect, for Lures Bait Rig Or Hooks Green (3 Size Test 50 Lb)
$15-35
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Offshore Tackle Bag
Large, waterproof bag for organizing offshore tackle.
Plano
Plano Guide Series 3700 Tackle Bag, Large, Beige 1680 Denier Fabric with Waterproof Base, Includes 6 StowAway Utility Boxes, Premium Fishing Storage for Baits & Lures
$60-150
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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, XL
$60-150
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Diamond Jigs
Classic vertical jig for sea bass, cod, and bottom fish.
VMSIXVM
VMSIXVM Diamond Jigs Saltwater Fishing Lures for Striped Bass, Tuna, 1oz
$10-30
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Dr.Fish
Dr.Fish Fishing Jigs Jigging Spoon Saltwater Fishing Lure Casting Metal Spoon Surf Fishing Mackerel Striper Lures Stinger Bluefish Vertical Diamond Jig 2oz
$10-30
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Circle Hooks (Offshore)
Required for many species. Better hookups, easier release.
Mustad
Mustad Demon Perfect in-Line Circle Hook Saltwater Offshore Bait Hook 39944 Black Nickel Size 7/0 Pack of 50
$10-25
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Mustad
Mustad Demon Perfect 39950NP Inline Circle Hook, 3X Strong Wide Gap, Saltwater Freshwater, Black Nickel, 8/0, Pack of 25
$10-25
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Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch at Five Fathom Light?
Five Fathom Light is known for Fluke (Summer Flounder), Sea Bass, Tautog, Weakfish.
How do I get to Five Fathom Light?
Five Fathom Light is located 4.2 nm SE from the SE Cape May Reef corner. The nearest departure point is Cape May Inlet.
What makes Five Fathom Light a good fishing spot?
Reef structures provide habitat for a variety of species. Artificial reefs are regularly stocked and monitored by NJ Fish & Wildlife.
Quick Info
- Type
- Reef
- Nearest Inlet
- Cape May Inlet
- Location
- 4.2 nm SE from the SE Cape May Reef corner
- Size
- 5,145 acres
Similar Species
Fishing Reports
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Five Fathom Light.
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