Hole off the New Jersey coast
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.
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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Check AvailabilityMud Hole is known for Tautog, Sea Bass, Striped Bass.
Mud Hole is accessible from Shark River. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Mud Hole.
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