Hole off the New Jersey coast
The offshore-side Lobster Hole, a depression 11.4 nautical miles east-southeast of Absecon Inlet; a separate ground of the same name lies farther east. Its hard rim and drop concentrate tautog and sea bass, and passing striped bass visit the edge in migration season.
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 Cape May - Structure fishing experts
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Cape May
Barnegat Light
Compare all tautog charters and book online
Check AvailabilityInshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
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Recommended tackle for Tautog and Sea Bass 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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Lobster Hole is known for Tautog, Sea Bass, Striped Bass.
Lobster Hole is accessible from Absecon Inlet. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Lobster Hole.
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