Red Church
Plain Area off the New Jersey coast
132 acresArea
4Species
North ShoreRegion
70-90 ftDepth
Location
🎣
Scroll to load fishing grounds mapAbout This Ground
Red Church is a locally named fishing spot off Shark River Inlet, named for a visual landmark — a red-painted church visible from the water that local captains historically used as a range marker for this productive offshore ground. The spot marks hard-bottom structure for sea bass, tautog, and bluefish in the Shark River zone. Traditional range and compass bearings like this one predate GPS and reflect decades of local fishing knowledge. Charter boats from Belmar and Shark River target Red Church on afternoon bottom-fishing trips.
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 |
| 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 |
Peak Season
Good Season
Off Season
Bottom Composition
rock
Charters to Fish Red Church
Most charters depart from point-pleasant-beach - Wreck fishing specialists
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
$50/person$
Starlight Fleet
Wildwood
- ✓85-foot vessel
- ✓Family-friendly atmosphere
$55/person$
Compare all sea bass charters and book online
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Inshore Tackle for Red Church
Inshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
Ships free with Prime
Recommended tackle for Sea Bass and Tautog fishing.
Inshore Spinning Combo (7 ft)
Medium-power 7 ft rod + 3000-class reel. Stripers, fluke, and weakies.
PENN
Penn Pursuit V Travel Spinning Reel 7' 3-PieceFishing Rod Combo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
$127.49
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PENN
Penn Pursuit V Spinning Reel and 7' 2-Piece Fishing RodCombo, Graphite Composite Rod Blank Construction, EVA Handles
$119.98
“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.
kmucutie
kmucutie 5 pcs bucktail Jigs Saltwater or Freshwater Bait,for bass flounder fluke Striper Fishing Lure (All White Color, 1 OZ)
$19.99
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kmucutie
kmucutie 5 pcs bucktail Jigs Saltwater or Freshwater Bait,for bass flounder fluke Striper Fishing Lure (All White Color, 2 OZ)
$23.99
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Inshore Surface Plug
Topwater plugs for blitzing stripers at sunrise off the inlet.
JOGFFDE
Saltwater Fishing Lures Kit,6pcs Jerbaits Striped Bass Fishing Lure Hard Minnow Lures Surf Fishing Jerkbait Popper Plugs Striper Lures Inshore Offshore Saltwater Fishing Lures Set
$18.99
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FUSIGO
Saltwater Fishing Lures Kit - 6pcs Surf Sripers Saltwater Minnow Lures Jerkbait Popper Plugs Set Inshore Offshore Ocean Fishing Lures Tackle for Bass Trout
$18.99
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Inshore Soft Plastic
Paddle-tail and shad-style plastics for snapper blues and fluke.
Matrix Shad
Matrix Shad Original 3 Inch Fishing Lure for Speckled Trout, Redfish, Bass - Paddle Tail Swimbaits for Freshwater and Saltwater - Magneto - 8 Count Bag (Pack of 1)
$8.95
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Vhxmaizxn
Vhxmaizxn 30pcs Soft Plastic Fishing Lures Paddle Tail Swimbaits Soft Baits Lure for Bass Crappie Trout Shad Freshwater Saltwater Fishing Mixed 3.5 Inch 4.7 Inch Swim Bait Kit with Box
$9.99
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Inshore Tackle Bag
3-4 tray bag built to walk jetties without snagging or dumping.
KastKing
KastKing Karryall Fishing Tackle Bags with 4 * 3600 Tackle Trays - Saltwater & Freshwater Fishing Gear Storage
$55.99
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KastKing
KastKing BaitSpace Fishing Tackle Bag With 4 Tackle Boxes & Removable Bait Binder, Water-Resistant Tackle Storage, Durable Fishing Gear, Adjustable Shoulder Strap
$49.39
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Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch at Red Church?
Red Church is known for Sea Bass, Tautog, Bluefish, Striped Bass.
How do I get to Red Church?
Red Church is accessible from Shark River. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
Quick Info
- Type
- Plain Area
- Nearest Inlet
- Shark River
- Depth
- 70-90 ft
- Size
- 132 acres
Nearby Grounds
Similar Species
Similar Plain Areas
Fishing Reports
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Red Church.
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