Reef off the New Jersey coast
A big irregular area South of Cape May Reef following the 60 feet depth line. As much as 71 feet deep. Check tide charts—fish are most active during water movement.
The surrounding area is plain in the W and E of it and there are some big lumps on it. The bottom characteristics are sandy 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 |
| 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 |
| Tautog (Blackfish) | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Off | Off | Off | Off | Peak | Peak | Good |
| Weakfish | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Off | Off | Off | Off |
Most charters depart from Barnegat Light - Prime bay fishing access
point-pleasant-beach
Cape May
Atlantic City
Compare all fluke charters and book online
Check AvailabilityOffshore-ready tackle & gear
Trusted by NJ charter captains
Recommended tackle for Fluke (Summer Flounder) and Bluefish 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.
Essential for battling big fish. Reduces fatigue on long fights.

Braid

GAFFER SPORTFISHING
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

Buffalo Gear
Essential for toothy fish like wahoo and king mackerel.

AMYSPORTS

AFW
Large, waterproof bag for organizing offshore tackle.

Calamus

KastKing
Classic vertical jig for sea bass, cod, and bottom fish.

VMSIXVM

VMSIXVM
Required for many species. Better hookups, easier release.
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Mary Lou Slough is known for Fluke (Summer Flounder), Bluefish, Weakfish, Sea Bass, Tautog.
Reef structures provide habitat for a variety of species. Artificial reefs are regularly stocked and monitored by NJ Fish & Wildlife.
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Mary Lou Slough.
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