Mussel Rocks — North
Reef off the New Jersey coast
145 acresArea
4Species
North ShoreRegion
Location
🎣
Scroll to load fishing grounds mapAbout This Ground
The inshore Mussel Rocks ground, 145 acres about 4.6 nautical miles north-northeast of Shark River — its slightly larger twin sits farther out to the northeast. Rock-and-shell bottom keeps striped bass interested spring and fall; summer belongs to fluke on the sand seams and sea bass on the rock.
The surrounding area is characterized by rocky and sandy material in the southern part.
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 |
| 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 |
Peak Season
Good Season
Off Season
Bottom Composition
rock
Charters to Fish Mussel Rocks
Most charters depart from point-pleasant-beach - Best striper access
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 striped bass charters and book online
Check Availability🛒
Inshore Tackle for Mussel Rocks
Inshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
Ships free with Prime
Recommended tackle for Striped Bass and Bluefish 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
Check Current Price
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
Check Current Price
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
Check Current Price
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
Check Current Price
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
Check Current Price
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
Check Current Price
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch at Mussel Rocks?
Mussel Rocks is known for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke (Summer Flounder), Sea Bass.
How do I get to Mussel Rocks?
Mussel Rocks is located 3.5 nm E (90 degrees T) from the Elberon Beach. The nearest departure point is Shark River.
What makes Mussel Rocks a good fishing spot?
Reef structures provide habitat for a variety of species. Artificial reefs are regularly stocked and monitored by NJ Fish & Wildlife.
Quick Info
- Type
- Reef
- Nearest Inlet
- Shark River
- Location
- 3.5 nm E (90 degrees T) from the Elberon Beach
- Size
- 145 acres
Nearby Grounds
Similar Species
Fishing Reports
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Mussel Rocks.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
Learn more →