South Jersey Fishing Grounds
South Jersey waters from Atlantic City to Cape May hold 141 documented fishing grounds, making this region a premier destination for serious anglers. The wide continental shelf, abundant artificial reefs, and access to canyon fishing create year-round opportunities for everything from fluke to tuna.
South Jersey offers the best of both worlds - productive nearshore structure and reasonable access to offshore canyons. Cape May is one of the top tuna ports on the East Coast, while Atlantic City and Wildwood provide access to excellent inshore fishing. The artificial reef program here is one of the most developed on the coast.
South Jersey Fishing Grounds Map
Explore all 141 fishing grounds in the south jersey region. Click any ground for details including depth, species, and coordinates.
Map Legend
Geography & Features
South Jersey grounds span a wide continental shelf with extensive artificial reef development. The proximity to Delaware Bay influences water conditions, while the canyons (Wilmington, Baltimore, Poor Man's) provide offshore opportunities.
- ✓Extensive artificial reef system
- ✓Wide continental shelf
- ✓Delaware Bay influence on water quality
- ✓Access to multiple canyons
- ✓Historic wreck concentrations
Top South Jersey Fishing Grounds
Great Egg Reef
reefLarge artificial reef with diverse deployments. Excellent sea bass and tog fishing.
Depth: 65-85 ft
Cape May Reef
reefPremier artificial reef close to Cape May Inlet. Heavy fish concentrations.
Depth: 70-100 ft
Lobster Hole
holeNatural depression that concentrates fish. Popular multi-species spot.
Depth: 75-95 ft
Shark River Wreck
wreckHistoric wreck that holds sea bass and tog throughout the year.
Depth: 90-110 ft
Seasonal Fishing Calendar
Spring (Apr-May)
Delaware Bay drum run. Stripers in the surf. Early season reef fishing.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Prime fluke fishing. Canyon trips for tuna. Triggerfish on the reefs.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Fall run in the surf. Late season canyon trips. Tog season opens.
Winter (Dec-Mar)
Hardcore tog fishing. Mild winters extend the season. Delaware Bay stripers.
Spring striper run starting
Early season rates - book your trip now
Fish South Jersey with Expert Captains
Book a charter with captains who know these grounds inside and out. From Cape May and nearby marinas.
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Access Ports
Cape May
Premier canyon port with world-class tuna fleet. Close access to Wilmington Canyon.
50-80 miles to canyons, 5-25 miles to inshore
Atlantic City
Large fleet with diverse options. Good access to both inshore and offshore.
10-30 miles to most grounds
Wildwood
Growing fishing port with excellent reef access.
8-20 miles to most grounds
Target Species & Techniques
| Species | Peak Season | Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Fluke | June-August | Bucktails, drifting |
| Tuna | June-October | Trolling, chunking |
| Sea Bass | May-Dec | Jigs, bait |
| Black Drum | Apr-May | Clams in Delaware Bay |
| Triggerfish | July-Sep | Small hooks, sand fleas |
South Jersey Fishing Tips
- ✓Cape May is the gateway to the canyons - the tuna fleet here is world-class
- ✓South Jersey artificial reefs are extensive and well-maintained - explore them
- ✓Delaware Bay black drum fishing in spring is a bucket-list experience
- ✓Triggerfish on the reefs are a bonus species - delicious table fare
- ✓The wide shelf means longer runs but also more protected water
Fishing Gear for South Jersey Grounds
Offshore-ready tackle & gear
Trusted by NJ charter captains
Offshore tackle and equipment recommended for south 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 Cape May
Book a hotel or rental near Cape May marina for early morning departures. Wake up steps from your charter boat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cape May famous for tuna fishing?
Cape May provides the shortest run to Wilmington Canyon and the 20-fathom line on the East Coast. The 50-60 mile run is feasible as a day trip, making world-class tuna fishing accessible. The fleet here has decades of experience in the canyons.
What are the best artificial reefs in South Jersey?
Great Egg Reef and Cape May Reef are the most developed, with extensive deployments of concrete, steel, and natural materials. These reefs hold excellent concentrations of sea bass, tautog, and triggerfish throughout the year.
Is Delaware Bay part of South Jersey fishing?
Absolutely. Delaware Bay offers unique opportunities including the famous spring black drum run, excellent weakfish fishing, and striped bass throughout the year. It's a distinct fishery from ocean grounds but equally productive.
When do triggerfish arrive in South Jersey?
Triggerfish typically appear in July as water temperatures warm, staying through September. They concentrate on artificial reefs and wrecks. Use small hooks, light leaders, and sand fleas or clam for bait.
Explore All 141 South Jersey Grounds
Browse individual fishing grounds with detailed information, GPS coordinates, and species breakdowns.
View All South Jersey Grounds