Mussel Bottom — North
Lump off the New Jersey coast
20 acresArea
5Species
North ShoreRegion
Location
🎣
Scroll to load fishing grounds mapAbout This Ground
A 20-acre dab of shell bottom 8.1 nautical miles northeast of Shark River, smallest of the three Mussel Bottom grounds; the others spread to its southwest. Mussel beds mean forage: fluke and sea bass graze the shell, bluefish and bonito circle above on the tide.
The surrounding area is characterized with a variety of sandy, mussels, gravel and rocky material as a bottom type.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Bonito & False Albacore | Off | Off | Off | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off |
Peak Season
Good Season
Off Season
Charters to Fish Mussel Bottom
Most charters depart from point-pleasant-beach - Beach blitz proximity
The Gambler
point-pleasant-beach
- ✓Family operation since 1949
- ✓Widest party boat in class
$60/person$
Miss Chris Boats
Cape May
- ✓Three daily departure times
- ✓Air-conditioned 80-foot vessel
$50/person$
Highroller Fishing
Atlantic City
- ✓No Seasick Guarantee
- ✓Only back bay party boat in AC
$50/person$
Compare all bluefish charters and book online
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Inshore Tackle for Mussel Bottom
Inshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
Ships free with Prime
Recommended tackle for Bluefish and Bonito 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 Mussel Bottom?
Mussel Bottom is known for Bluefish, Bonito, False Albacore, Sea Bass, Fluke (Summer Flounder).
How do I get to Mussel Bottom?
Mussel Bottom is located 4 nm from the Elberon ( beach). The nearest departure point is Shark River.
What makes Mussel Bottom a good fishing spot?
Lumps are elevated bottom features that concentrate fish. They are productive for both bottom fishing and trolling.
Quick Info
- Type
- Lump
- Nearest Inlet
- Shark River
- Location
- 4 nm from the Elberon ( beach)
- Size
- 20 acres
Nearby Grounds
Similar Species
Similar Lumps
Fishing Reports
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Mussel Bottom.
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