North Jersey Fishing Grounds
North Jersey waters from Sandy Hook to Manasquan hold some of the most accessible and productive fishing grounds on the entire coast. With 215 documented grounds including historic wrecks, artificial reefs, and natural structure, anglers departing from Belmar, Point Pleasant, and Shark River have incredible options within a short run.
The North Jersey region stretches from Sandy Hook in the north to Manasquan Inlet in the south, encompassing waters that have been fished for generations. This area benefits from the Hudson Canyon influence, bringing nutrients and pelagic species within reach of small boat anglers. The relatively shallow continental shelf creates concentrated structure that holds both bottom fish and migrating gamefish.
North Jersey Fishing Grounds Map
Explore all 215 fishing grounds in the north jersey region. Click any ground for details including depth, species, and coordinates.
Map Legend
Geography & Features
North Jersey grounds sit on a gradually sloping continental shelf, with most structure found in 40-120 feet of water. The proximity to New York Harbor and Hudson Canyon creates nutrient-rich waters that support diverse fisheries.
- ✓Sandy bottom with scattered hard structure
- ✓Historic shipwrecks from WWII and earlier
- ✓Artificial reef deployments (tire reefs, subway cars)
- ✓Natural rock outcroppings and lumps
- ✓Strong tidal influence from NY Harbor
Top North Jersey Fishing Grounds
Sea Girt Reef
reefPopular artificial reef with diverse structure attracting sea bass, tautog, and fluke. Heavily fished but consistently productive.
Depth: 60-75 ft
Klondike Banks
lumpNatural bottom contour that holds baitfish and predators throughout the season. Excellent striper and bluefish action in fall.
Depth: 40-60 ft
Glory Hole
holeDeep hole structure that concentrates fish during temperature changes. Prime spot for trophy sea bass and tog.
Depth: 80-110 ft
Shrewsbury Rocks
reefNatural rock structure close to shore. Excellent for small boat anglers targeting tog and sea bass.
Depth: 50-70 ft
Seasonal Fishing Calendar
Spring (Apr-May)
Stripers migrate through on their way north. Early fluke appear as water warms. Blues arrive in May.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak fluke season. Sea bass limits fill quickly. False albacore and bonito appear late summer.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
The legendary fall run. Trophy stripers and aggressive bluefish. Tog season opens.
Winter (Dec-Mar)
Hardcore tog fishing continues. Limited offshore options due to weather.
Spring striper run starting
Early season rates - book your trip now
Fish North Jersey with Expert Captains
Book a charter with captains who know these grounds inside and out. From Belmar and nearby marinas.
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Access Ports
Belmar
Premier charter port with easy inlet access. Home to a large charter fleet targeting all species.
5-15 miles to most grounds
Point Pleasant
Popular departure point with excellent marina facilities. Quick runs to productive structure.
5-20 miles to most grounds
Shark River
Smaller inlet with access to nearshore grounds. Good for small boat anglers.
3-12 miles to most grounds
Target Species & Techniques
| Species | Peak Season | Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Fluke | June-August | Drifting bucktails with Gulp |
| Sea Bass | May-June, Sep-Dec | Diamond jigs and squid strips |
| Striped Bass | Oct-Nov | Live bunker, trolling |
| Tautog | Oct-Dec | Green crab on structure |
| Bluefish | May-Oct | Metals, trolling spoons |
North Jersey Fishing Tips
- ✓Many North Jersey grounds are within easy range of small boats - start close before venturing far
- ✓The fall run concentrates fish on structure - be there when it happens
- ✓Sea Girt Reef and nearby structure gets heavy pressure - fish early or weekdays for best results
- ✓Monitor the 20-fathom line for temperature breaks and bait concentrations
- ✓North Jersey tog fishing rivals any on the coast - the rocky structure holds big fish
Fishing Gear for North Jersey Grounds
Offshore-ready tackle & gear
Trusted by NJ charter captains
Offshore tackle and equipment recommended for north jersey NJ waters.
Offshore Trolling Rod
Heavy-duty rod for tuna, mahi, and billfish. 30-50lb class.
TRHUNTER
TRHUNTER Offshore Trolling Rod Saltwater Big Game Boat Fishing Rod Heavy Duty Roller Rod (6' - 80-120lbs - Carbon Butt)
TRHUNTER
TRHUNTER Offshore Trolling Rod Saltwater Big Game Boat Fishing Rod Heavy Duty Roller Rod (6'6'' - 120-200lbs - Bent Butt)
Conventional Reel (30-50 class)
Heavy-duty conventional reel for offshore trolling and jigging.
PENN
Penn Warfare II Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel, 30, Graphite Body & Sideplates, Brass Main Gear, HT-100 Drag System, Auto-Engaging Gears
PENN
Penn Warfare II Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel, 30, Graphite Body & Sideplates, Brass Main Gear, HT-100 Drag System, Auto-Engaging Gears
Fighting Belt & Harness
Essential for battling big fish. Reduces fatigue on long fights.
Braid
Braid Products Bluefin Harness (Fits up to 54-Inch)
GAFFER SPORTFISHING
GAFFER SPORTFISHING Adjustable Fishing Belt & Shoulder Harness with Rod Holder, Foam-Padded Fighting Harness, Durable Offshore Saltwater Stand-Up Belt for Big Game Fishing – Blue
Gaff Hook
Landing tool for big fish. 3-4 foot handle for boat use.
Dutiplus
Dutiplus Telescopic Fish Gaff with Stainless Sea Fishing Spear Sharp Hook Tackle, Non-Slip Handle Thickened Aluminium Alloy Pole for Saltwater Offshore Ice Tool
SANLIKE
SANLIKE Telescopic Fish Gaff with Stainless Sea Fishing Spear Hook Tackle, Soft Rubber Handle Aluminium Alloy Pole for Saltwater Offshore Ice Tool
Trolling Lures & Spreader Bars
Skirted lures and spreader bars for tuna and mahi.
Narcissus
Narcissus 6PCS Trolling Lures Kit Saltwater – 6.5inch Offshore Big Game Fishing Lures,Pre-Rigged Lure with Mesh Storage Bag for Tuna, Marlin, Mahi, Wahoo
TROLLING PRO TACKLE
(3 Pack) Tuna Feather Offshore Fishing Lures 6" Long 150lb Leader Dolphin Yellow Fin Tuna Mahi Wahoo Saltwater Trolling Fishing Lures Stainless Hooks. Flash Resin Head for Unmatched Offshore trolling
Insulated Fish Bag
Keep your catch cold on the ride home. Fits in boat storage.
KRAKEN SUPPLY CO
KRAKEN SUPPLY CO 48'' Fish Kill Bag Game Bag Leak Proof Insulated for Offshore Inshore Fishing Designed in USA (48X24)
Buffalo Gear
Buffalo Gear Insulated Fish Cooler Bag 106Qt Fish Kill Bag with YKK Zipper, Flat Bottorm Fishing Bag Keep Your Catch Cool and Fresh All Day
Wire Leaders
Essential for toothy fish like wahoo and king mackerel.
AFW
American Fishing Wire Surflon, Nylon Coated 1x7 Stainless Steel Leader Wire, 210 lb Test, .051" Diameter, Black, 30 ft
AMYSPORTS
AMYSPORTS Freshwater Rigs Fishing Leaders Saltwater Heavy Duty Fishing Leader Stainless Rig Swivels Wire Leader Lure Black Nickel 60pcs
Offshore Tackle Bag
Large, waterproof bag for organizing offshore tackle.
Reaction Tackle
Reaction Tackle Fishing Tackle Bag – Salt Water Resistant Tackle Box Bag, 1000D PVC Waterproof Material, Durable Liner, Removable Dividers, for 3600 or 3700 Trays, XL
Baitium
Baitium Fishing Backpack, Tackle Bag With Rod Holders, 40L Capacity With Cooler, Rain Cover, Insulated Pocket, 4 Tackle Trays Included- (Green)
Diamond Jigs
Classic vertical jig for sea bass, cod, and bottom fish.
VMSIXVM
VMSIXVM Diamond Jigs Saltwater Fishing Lures, 1-16oz Flat Metal Jigging Spoon Baits for Surf Fishing Bottom Bouncing Sinking Casting, Vertical Ocean Lures for Bluefish Striper Tuna Salmon Freshwater
VMSIXVM
VMSIXVM Diamond Jigs Saltwater Fishing Lures, 1-16oz Flat Metal Jigging Spoon Baits for Surf Fishing Bottom Bouncing Sinking Casting, Vertical Ocean Lures for Bluefish Striper Tuna Salmon Freshwater
Circle Hooks (Offshore)
Required for many species. Better hookups, easier release.
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Stay Near the Dock in Belmar
Book a hotel or rental near Belmar marina for early morning departures. Wake up steps from your charter boat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far offshore are North Jersey fishing grounds?
Most North Jersey grounds are 5-20 miles from the major inlets (Belmar, Point Pleasant, Shark River). Many productive spots are within 10 miles, making this region accessible to small boat anglers with modest vessels.
What size boat do I need for North Jersey offshore fishing?
A 20-25 foot center console or walkaround is ideal for North Jersey waters. The relatively short runs and protected nature of many grounds make this region accessible. However, always monitor weather and sea conditions before venturing offshore.
When is the best time to fish North Jersey grounds?
Each season offers different opportunities. Spring brings migrating stripers, summer is peak fluke season, fall offers the legendary striper run plus tog, and winter provides hardcore bottom fishing for tog and cod. Most anglers consider fall (September-November) the prime time.
Are there artificial reefs in North Jersey?
Yes! North Jersey has several artificial reef sites including Sea Girt Reef, Axel Carlson Reef, and various smaller deployments. These sites attract sea bass, tautog, and other structure-oriented species.
What are the best charter ports for North Jersey grounds?
Belmar and Point Pleasant are the primary charter ports, with large fleets offering half-day, full-day, and party boat options. Both ports provide quick access to the best North Jersey structure.
Explore All 215 North Jersey Grounds
Browse individual fishing grounds with detailed information, GPS coordinates, and species breakdowns.
View All North Jersey Grounds