Plain Area off the New Jersey coast
The Lobster Claw sprawls across roughly 12,000 acres of far-offshore bottom east of the southern grounds, its two-lobed outline earning the name. Cover water: sea bass and tautog on scattered hard patches, bluefish and bonito overhead, with its similarly huge western twin adjoining.
The surrounding area are irregular lumps and sloughs characterized by sand, shell, and gravel material.
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 |
| 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 |
| Bonito & False Albacore | Off | Off | Off | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off |
Most charters depart from point-pleasant-beach - Wreck fishing specialists
point-pleasant-beach
Cape May
Wildwood
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Check AvailabilityOffshore-ready tackle & gear
Trusted by NJ charter captains
Recommended tackle for Sea Bass and Tautog fishing.
Heavy-duty rod for tuna, mahi, and billfish. 30-50lb class.

BETTER LEADER

BETTER LEADER
Heavy-duty conventional reel for offshore trolling and jigging.

PENN

KATUYSHA
Essential for battling big fish. Reduces fatigue on long fights.

GAFFER SPORTFISHING

Loomcraft
Landing tool for big fish. 3-4 foot handle for boat use.

Dutiplus

SANLIKE
Skirted lures and spreader bars for tuna and mahi.

AGOOL

Narcissus
Keep your catch cold on the ride home. Fits in boat storage.

KRAKEN SUPPLY CO

CWSDXM
Essential for toothy fish like wahoo and king mackerel.

AMYSPORTS

YOTO
Large, waterproof bag for organizing offshore tackle.

Plano

Reaction Tackle
Classic vertical jig for sea bass, cod, and bottom fish.
Required for many species. Better hookups, easier release.

BLUEWING

Anmuka
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Lobster Claw is known for Sea Bass, Tautog, Bluefish, Bonito.
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