Mud Hole
Hole off the New Jersey coast
2,666 acresArea
3Species
North ShoreRegion
Location
🎣
Scroll to load fishing grounds mapAbout This Ground
The western rim of the famous Mud Hole — the drowned riverbed of the ancient Hudson — about 19 nautical miles east-southeast of Shark River. The deep, soft basin edged with harder bottom draws tautog and sea bass to its slopes, and the depth change makes it a waypoint for everything moving through the Bight. A second Mud Hole ground lies to the northwest.
Target Species
Best Times to Fish
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 |
Peak Season
Good Season
Off Season
Charters to Fish Mud Hole
Most charters depart from Cape May - Structure fishing experts
The Gambler
point-pleasant-beach
- ✓Family operation since 1949
- ✓Widest party boat in class
$60/person$
Porgy IV
Cape May
- ✓Bottom fishing specialists
- ✓Consistent sea bass catches
$55/person$
Miss Beach Haven
Barnegat Light
- ✓80-foot vessel
- ✓Captain Frank Camarda
$60/person$
Compare all tautog charters and book online
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Inshore Tackle for Mud Hole
Inshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
Ships free with Prime
Recommended tackle for Tautog and Sea Bass fishing.
Inshore Spinning Combo (7 ft)
Medium-power 7 ft rod + 3000-class reel. Stripers, fluke, and weakies.
PENN
PENN 7' Wrath II Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo, Size 3000, Medium Light Power, Extra Fast Action, Corrosion-Resistant Graphite Construction, Lightweight and Durable
$50-150
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PENN
Penn Pursuit V Spinning Reel and 7' 2-Piece Fishing RodCombo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
$50-150
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— Jersey Shore Guide editors
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Inshore Bucktail Jig
1/2 to 2 oz bucktails for fluking the channels and bridge pilings.
Inshore Surface Plug
Topwater plugs for blitzing stripers at sunrise off the inlet.
JOGFFDE
Saltwater Fishing Lures Kit,6pcs Jerkbaits Striped Bass Fishing Lure Hard Minnow Lures Surf Fishing Jerkbait Popper Plugs Striper Lures Inshore Offshore Saltwater Fishing Lures Set
$10-30
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Dr.Fish
Dr.Fish Saltwater Fishing Lures 5 Inches Surf Fishing Striper Lures Saltwater Minnow Mustad Hooks Jerkbait Popper Plugs Inshore Offshore Ocean Fishing Mackerel Bluefish Barracuda Lures
$10-30
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Inshore Soft Plastic
Paddle-tail and shad-style plastics for snapper blues and fluke.
Inshore Tackle Bag
3-4 tray bag built to walk jetties without snagging or dumping.
KastKing
KastKing Karryall with Box Tackle Bag, Saltwater & Freshwater Gear Storage
$40-90
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Reaction Tackle
Reaction Tackle Saltwater Fishing Tackle Bags, Water Resistant 1000D PVC Tackle Box Bag with Removable Dividers, Fits 3600 and 3700 Trays, Large
$40-90
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Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch at Mud Hole?
Mud Hole is known for Tautog, Sea Bass, Striped Bass.
How do I get to Mud Hole?
Mud Hole is accessible from Shark River. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
Quick Info
- Type
- Hole
- Nearest Inlet
- Shark River
- Size
- 2,666 acres
Nearby Grounds
Similar Species
Similar Holes
Fishing Reports
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Mud Hole.
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