Reef off the New Jersey coast
A long reef running parallel to the coast 5.5 nautical miles southeast of Absecon Inlet (Atlantic City), oriented north to south along the depth contour. The coastal-parallel alignment intercepts fish migrating along the shoreline, making it productive for sea bass, tautog, and migratory bluefish. Atlantic City charter boats regularly target this structure for sea bass in fall and bluefish in summer. The 2.5-nautical-mile offset from shore puts it within reach for half-day trips from Absecon Inlet marinas. Fish the reef edges where sandy bottom transitions to structure for the most active concentrations.
The surrounding area is characterized with sandy material as a bottom type.
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 |
| 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 |
| Weakfish | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Off | Off | Off | Off |
Most charters depart from point-pleasant-beach - Wreck fishing specialists
point-pleasant-beach
Cape May
Wildwood
Compare all sea bass charters and book online
Check AvailabilityInshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
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Recommended tackle for Sea Bass and Tautog 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.

kmucutie

kmucutie
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
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Absecon Inlet Southeast Reef is known for Sea Bass, Tautog, Bluefish, Weakfish.
Absecon Inlet Southeast Reef is located 5.5 nm SE (130 degrees T) from Absecon Inlet. The nearest departure point is Absecon Inlet.
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 Absecon Inlet Southeast Reef.
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