Wreck Site off the New Jersey coast
The SS Iberia, a 255-foot French passenger steamer built in 1881, sank November 11, 1888, after the Cunard liner RMS Umbria sheered off her stern in dense fog near Sandy Hook. She rests in 35–40 feet of water inshore off Sandy Hook, listing heavily to starboard with masts buried in mud. Only the distinctive boiler and engine remain as significant upstanding features — the "boiler wreck" designation reflects her current low-profile state. The shallow depth and silty bottom limit visibility, making this more of a diver curiosity than a primary fishing destination. Porgy and small sea bass visit the structure in season; striped bass and bluefish work the area during migration. A short run from Sandy Hook Bay marinas.
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
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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.
Topwater plugs for blitzing stripers at sunrise off the inlet.

JOGFFDE

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

Matrix Shad

Vhxmaizxn
3-4 tray bag built to walk jetties without snagging or dumping.
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Iberia (boiler) is known for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke (Summer Flounder), Sea Bass.
Iberia (boiler) is accessible from Sandy Hook. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
Wreck sites provide structure that attracts fish. They are excellent for bottom fishing and often hold sea bass, tautog, and striped bass.
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Iberia (boiler).
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