Rock Piles
Reef off the New Jersey coast
Location
About This Ground
Rock Piles is a rocky ledge or hard-bottom feature in NJ waters near Shark River. The ledge structure creates excellent habitat for tautog and sea bass, which hold tight to the rocks year-round. Striped bass and bluefish work the current breaks along the edge in spring and fall. Local captains fish this structure with bait and jigs, particularly during the tautog season.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellowfin & Bluefin Tuna | Off | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off | Off |
| 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 |
| Bonito & False Albacore | Off | Off | Off | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off |
Charters to Fish Rock Piles
Most charters depart from Belmar - Closest to offshore canyons
Moover Fishing Adventures
Atlantic City
- ✓Bay trips to 36-hour canyon expeditions
- ✓Shark trip specialists ($1,850)
Golden Eagle
Belmar
- ✓State-of-the-art electronics
- ✓Full galley service
Canyon Eagle I
Belmar
- ✓Offshore canyon specialists
- ✓24-hour expedition capability
Compare all tuna charters and book online
Check AvailabilityOffshore Tackle for Rock Piles
Offshore tackle for the canyons
Trusted by NJ charter captains
Recommended tackle for Tuna and Bluefish fishing.
Trolling Rod & Reel Combo
50-class conventional combo for tuna trolling at the Hudson Canyon.
Chunking Rod
Heavy live-bait rod for chunking yellowfin off the Mud Hole.
Offshore Speed Jig
4-8 oz slow-pitch and speed jigs for tuna and offshore bottom.
Jiatai Fishing
2Pcs Slow Pitch Jigs Lures Fishing Jigs Saltwater Speed Jigging Slow with Butterfly Hook Fishing Lures Sinking Metal Spoons for Saltwater Fishing (80g)
Ghanneey
Ghanneey 5pcs Fishing Jigs with Two Assist Hooks Glow Vertical Jigs Fall Side Speed Lure Slow Fast Pitch Flat Saltwater for Tuna Salmon Kingfish Bass 60g
Spreader Bar
Tuna trolling spreader bars. Short side, long side rigging-ready.
BLUEWING
BLUEWING 18" Upgraded Fishing Spreader Bar Port Walker Offshore Trolling Spreader Bar with 9" Bulb Squids and 316 Stainless Steel Rod for Wahoo Tuna Marlin Mahi Mahi, Pink
BLUEWING
BLUEWING 36in Upgraded Fishing Spreader Bar Port Canyon with 6in Floating Squids, Trolling Birds, Big Game Trolling Lure and 316 Stainless Steel Rod for Wahoo Tuna Marlin Mahi Mahi, Green
Fighting Belt + Harness
Padded gimbal belt + back harness for the long fight on offshore tuna.
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
GAFFER SPORTFISHING
GAFFER SPORTFISHING Wide Body Fishing Belt – Adjustable Rod Holder Fighting Belt for Offshore & Saltwater – EVA Padded Harness with Stainless Steel Gimbal – Deep Sea Fishing Gear | Blue
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Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch at Rock Piles?
Rock Piles is known for Tuna, Bluefish, Bonito, False Albacore, Sea Bass.
How do I get to Rock Piles?
Rock Piles is accessible from Shark River. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
What makes Rock Piles a good fishing spot?
Reef structures provide habitat for a variety of species. Artificial reefs are regularly stocked and monitored by NJ Fish & Wildlife.
Quick Info
- Type
- Reef
- Nearest Inlet
- Shark River
- Size
- 2,666 acres
Nearby Grounds
Similar Species
Similar Reefs
Fishing Reports
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Rock Piles.
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