Reef off the New Jersey coast
A long reef running north to south along the 90-foot depth contour, extending roughly 7 nautical miles off Barnegat Inlet in Ocean County. The reef follows the depth line continuously, creating an extended strike zone for bottom fish. At 90 feet, this sits at the sweet spot for fall sea bass — deep enough for good numbers, accessible for center-console boats from Barnegat Light and Beach Haven. Fluke patrol the sandy margins from June through September. Time your drift to run with current along the reef's north-south alignment for maximum contact time. Check tide charts — the reef fishes best during water movement.
The surrounding W to E going from the North side contains lumps; plain in the southern part of it. Soft material in the W and hard in the E of it.
Also caught here: Seaturtle, mako
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 |
| Weakfish | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Off | Off | Off | Off |
Most charters depart from point-pleasant-beach - Wreck fishing specialists
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Cape May
Wildwood
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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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Barnegat Inlet 90ft Reef is known for Sea Bass, Tautog, Fluke (Summer Flounder), Weakfish. Other species include Seaturtle, mako.
Barnegat Inlet 90ft Reef is located 7 nm SE ( 100 degrees T) from the SE corner of Garden State North Reef. The nearest departure point is Barnegat 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 Barnegat Inlet 90ft Reef.
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