Garden State South
Reef off the New Jersey coast
Location
About This Ground
Garden State South is an NJ artificial reef in the Little Egg Inlet offshore zone, part of New Jersey's Garden State artificial reef program that has placed hard substrate at designated reef sites along the coast. The southern unit provides productive bottom structure for sea bass, tautog, and porgy on an otherwise sandy seafloor. Charter boats from Beach Haven and Little Egg Harbor marinas access this reef on standard bottom-fishing trips during peak season.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluefish | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off | Off |
| 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 |
| Weakfish | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Off | Off | Off | Off |
Charters to Fish Garden State South
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
Inshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
Ships free with Prime
Recommended tackle for Fluke (Summer Flounder) and Bluefish 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch at Garden State South?
Garden State South is known for Fluke (Summer Flounder), Bluefish, Weakfish, Sea Bass.
How do I get to Garden State South?
Garden State South is accessible from Little Egg Inlet. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
What makes Garden State South 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
- 50-65 ft
- Size
- 2,666 acres
Nearby Grounds
Similar Species
Fishing Reports
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Garden State South.
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