Ridge off the New Jersey coast
The Highlands Bridge ground lies 4.8 nautical miles south-southeast of Sandy Hook, inside easy range of the Highlands and Atlantic Highlands ramps. Sea bass and tautog work its hard bottom, and the Sandy Hook striped bass runs pass directly through in spring and fall.
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 |
| 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 |
Most charters depart from point-pleasant-beach - Wreck fishing specialists
point-pleasant-beach
Cape May
Wildwood
Compare all sea bass charters and book online
Check AvailabilityInshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
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Recommended tackle for Sea Bass and Tautog fishing.
Medium-power 7 ft rod + 3000-class reel. Stripers, fluke, and weakies.

PENN

PENN
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— Jersey Shore Guide editors
1/2 to 2 oz bucktails for fluking the channels and bridge pilings.
Topwater plugs for blitzing stripers at sunrise off the inlet.

JOGFFDE

Dr.Fish
Paddle-tail and shad-style plastics for snapper blues and fluke.
3-4 tray bag built to walk jetties without snagging or dumping.

KastKing

Reaction Tackle
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Highlands Bridge is known for Sea Bass, Tautog, Striped Bass.
Highlands Bridge is accessible from Sandy Hook. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Highlands Bridge.
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