Plain Area off the New Jersey coast
Rattlesnake is a locally named fishing spot or rocky bottom feature off Sandy Hook in NJ offshore waters. The name likely refers to a serpentine or irregular bottom profile visible on the depth finder — a feature that creates productive current breaks and hard-substrate habitat. Sea bass and tautog concentrate on the structure; striped bass and bluefish work the edges during migration. Charter boats from Sandy Hook and Highlands marinas target Rattlesnake on standard bottom-fishing runs.
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 |
Most charters depart from point-pleasant-beach - Best striper access
point-pleasant-beach
Cape May
Atlantic City
Compare all striped bass charters and book online
Check AvailabilityInshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
Ships free with Prime
Recommended tackle for Striped Bass and Bluefish fishing.
Medium-power 7 ft rod + 3000-class reel. Stripers, fluke, and weakies.

PENN
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— Jersey Shore Guide editors

PENN
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.

TRUSCEND

Vhxmaizxn
3-4 tray bag built to walk jetties without snagging or dumping.

KastKing

KastKing
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
Rattlesnake is known for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke (Summer Flounder), Sea Bass.
Rattlesnake is accessible from Sandy Hook. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Rattlesnake.
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 →