Plain Area off the New Jersey coast
Hargraves is a locally named fishing spot off Barnegat Inlet, likely named for the schooner Cornelius Hargraves or a local captain. The Cornelius Hargraves was the schooner that struck and sank the SS Vizcaya in 1890 with 69 casualties — the vessel itself may have sunk nearby or the name has become associated with the productive Barnegat Inlet offshore grounds. Sea bass and tautog hold on bottom structure; fluke patrol the sandy areas in summer. Charter boats from Barnegat Inlet include this area in their rotation.
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 |
| 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 |
Most charters depart from point-pleasant-beach - Best striper access
point-pleasant-beach
Cape May
Atlantic City
Compare all striped bass charters and book online
Check AvailabilityInshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
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Recommended tackle for Striped Bass and Bluefish fishing.
Medium-power 7 ft rod + 3000-class reel. Stripers, fluke, and weakies.

PENN
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— Jersey Shore Guide editors

PENN
1/2 to 2 oz bucktails for fluking the channels and bridge pilings.

kmucutie

kmucutie
Topwater plugs for blitzing stripers at sunrise off the inlet.

JOGFFDE

Dr.Fish
Paddle-tail and shad-style plastics for snapper blues and fluke.

TRUSCEND

Fish On Tackle
3-4 tray bag built to walk jetties without snagging or dumping.

KastKing

KastKing
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Hargraves is known for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke (Summer Flounder), Sea Bass.
Hargraves is accessible from Barnegat Inlet. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Hargraves.
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