Reef off the New Jersey coast
North Reef Hill lifts off the bottom 5.2 nautical miles southeast of Shark River, 579 acres of elevated ground. The hill's slopes carry sea bass, tautog, and scup on structure, while fluke drift the flats around its base — a versatile single stop for mixed-bag bottom fishing.
The surround going SE is plain, and S of it there is another lump. All the inshore part is the Sea Girt Reef.
Click a species row to see fishing methods, regulations, and tips.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Scup (Porgy) | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | 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 AvailabilityInshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
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Recommended tackle for Fluke (Summer Flounder) and Sea Bass fishing.
Medium-power 7 ft rod + 3000-class reel. Stripers, fluke, and weakies.

PENN

PENN
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— Jersey Shore Guide editors
1/2 to 2 oz bucktails for fluking the channels and bridge pilings.
Topwater plugs for blitzing stripers at sunrise off the inlet.

JOGFFDE

Dr.Fish
Paddle-tail and shad-style plastics for snapper blues and fluke.
3-4 tray bag built to walk jetties without snagging or dumping.

KastKing

Reaction Tackle
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North Reef Hill is known for Fluke (Summer Flounder), Sea Bass, Tautog, Scup (Porgy).
North Reef Hill is accessible from Shark River. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
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 North Reef Hill.
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