Garden State South Reef
Reef off the New Jersey coast
Location
About This Ground
A rectangular area perpendicular to the shore between Little egg Inlet ( 9.1 nautical miles, 64 degrees T) and Barnegat Light Inlet (11.1 nautical miles, 198 degrees T). The E side contains tanks, tires units( diving not suggested). The W side contains 6 vessels,tanks and tire Work the reef edges where predators ambush baitfish.
The surrounding area is sandy and shelly materials.
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 |
Bottom Composition
Charters to Fish Garden State South Reef
Most charters depart from Barnegat Light - Prime bay fishing access
The Gambler
point-pleasant-beach
- ✓Family operation since 1949
- ✓Widest party boat in class
Miss Chris Boats
Cape May
- ✓Three daily departure times
- ✓Air-conditioned 80-foot vessel
Highroller Fishing
Atlantic City
- ✓No Seasick Guarantee
- ✓Only back bay party boat in AC
Compare all fluke charters and book online
Check AvailabilityInshore Tackle for Garden State South Reef
Inshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
Ships free with Prime
Recommended tackle for Fluke (Summer Flounder) and Sea Bass 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
PENN
Penn Pursuit V Spinning Reel and 7' 2-Piece Fishing RodCombo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— NJ Shore Guide editors
Inshore Bucktail Jig
1/2 to 2 oz bucktails for fluking the channels and bridge pilings.
kmucutie
kmucutie 5 pcs bucktail Jigs Saltwater or Freshwater Bait,for bass flounder fluke Striper Fishing Lure (All White Color, 1 OZ)
kmucutie
kmucutie 5 pcs bucktail Jigs Saltwater or Freshwater Bait,for bass flounder fluke Striper Fishing Lure (All White Color, 2 OZ)
Inshore Surface Plug
Topwater plugs for blitzing stripers at sunrise off the inlet.
Inshore Soft Plastic
Paddle-tail and shad-style plastics for snapper blues and fluke.
Matrix Shad
Matrix Shad Original 3 Inch Fishing Lure for Speckled Trout, Redfish, Bass - Paddle Tail Swimbaits for Freshwater and Saltwater - Magneto - 8 Count Bag (Pack of 1)
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
Inshore Tackle Bag
3-4 tray bag built to walk jetties without snagging or dumping.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch at Garden State South Reef?
Garden State South Reef is known for Fluke (Summer Flounder), Sea Bass, Tautog.
How do I get to Garden State South Reef?
Garden State South Reef is accessible from Little Egg Inlet. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
What makes Garden State South Reef 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
- Little Egg Inlet
- Depth
- 342-378 ft
- Size
- 486 acres
Nearby Grounds
Similar Species
Fishing Reports
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Garden State South Reef.
More to Explore
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
Learn more →