Salem
Plain Area off the New Jersey coast
2,666 acresArea
4Species
South ShoreRegion
50-70 ftDepth
Location
🎣
Scroll to load fishing grounds mapAbout This Ground
Salem is a locally named vessel wreck or fishing spot off Townsends Inlet in Cape May County offshore waters. Named for a vessel that operated in or sank in the area, this ground marks productive bottom structure for sea bass, tautog, and fluke in the southern NJ offshore zone. Charter boats from Cape May, Stone Harbor, and Townsends Inlet marinas include Salem in their bottom-fishing rotation during peak 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluefish | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off | Off |
| 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 |
| Weakfish | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Off | Off | Off | Off |
Peak Season
Good Season
Off Season
Charters to Fish Salem
Most charters depart from Barnegat Light - Prime bay fishing access
The Gambler
point-pleasant-beach
- ✓Family operation since 1949
- ✓Widest party boat in class
$60/person$
Miss Chris Boats
Cape May
- ✓Three daily departure times
- ✓Air-conditioned 80-foot vessel
$50/person$
Highroller Fishing
Atlantic City
- ✓No Seasick Guarantee
- ✓Only back bay party boat in AC
$50/person$
Compare all fluke charters and book online
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Gear for Offshore Fishing
Offshore-ready tackle & gear
Trusted by NJ charter captains
Recommended tackle for Fluke (Summer Flounder) and Bluefish fishing.
Offshore Trolling Rod
Heavy-duty rod for tuna, mahi, and billfish. 30-50lb class.
BETTER LEADER
BETTER LEADER 2-Piece Saltwater Offshore Bent Butt Trolling Rod, Conventional Boat Fishing Rod Heavy Duty Big Game Rods Deep Sea Fishing Pole (5'6", 30-50lb/50-80lb/80-120lb)
$119.00
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BETTER LEADER
BETTER LEADER 2-Piece Saltwater Offshore Bent Butt Trolling Rod, Conventional Boat Fishing Rod Heavy Duty Big Game Rods Deep Sea Fishing Pole (5'6", 30-50lb/50-80lb/80-120lb)
$109.00
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Conventional Reel (30-50 class)
Heavy-duty conventional reel for offshore trolling and jigging.
PENN
PENN Special Senator Star Drag Conventional Nearshore/Offshore Fishing Reel, HT-100 Star Drag, Max of 20lb | 9.0kg, Machined and Anodized Aluminum Spool
$169.95
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OKUMA
Okuma Solterra SLX Single Speed Closed Wide Frame Lever Drag Saltwater Trolling Reel, SLX-50W, 420yds-80LB, Black
$225.81
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Fighting Belt & Harness
Essential for battling big fish. Reduces fatigue on long fights.
Loomcraft
Loomcraft Fishing Belt & Shoulder Strap Harness Set, Enhanced Protection Shoulder Back Support System, with Rod Locking Buckle, Offshore Big Game Fishing Fighting Gear
$118.90
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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
$99.99
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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
$36.99
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SANLIKE
SANLIKE Telescopic Fish Gaff with Stainless Sea Fishing Spear Hook Tackle, Soft Rubber Handle Aluminium Alloy Pole for Saltwater Offshore Ice Tool
$25.99
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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
$35.99
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AGOOL
Trolling Lures Saltwater for Tuna Mahi Marlin Wahoo Dolphin Shark Offshore Trolling Baits with Squid Skirt Big Game Fishing Lures Deep Sea Squid Skirts Rig 6/9 inch
$33.99
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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)
$149.98
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CWSDXM
CWSDXM Insulated Fish Cooler Bag, 60'' Waterproof Leakproof Fishing Kill Bag with Drain Valve, Zipper and Heavy Duty PVC Marine Cooler for Boat Kayak Offshore Fishing, Keeps Fish Fresh Up to 48H
$125.99
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Wire Leaders
Essential for toothy fish like wahoo and king mackerel.
AMYSPORTS
AMYSPORTS Freshwater Wire Fishing Leader Stainless Heavy Duty Wire Leader Fishing Saltwater Rigs Leaders Fishing Steel White Nickel #5 60lb 11.8in 30pcs
$10.99
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AFW
American Fishing Wire Surflon Nylon Coated 1x7 Stainless Steel Wire Leader - Wire Fishing Leader Line for Saltwater 10lb Up To 250lb Test in Bright, Black, Camo in 30ft, 100ft, 300ft, & 1000ft Lengths
$12.49
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Offshore Tackle Bag
Large, waterproof bag for organizing offshore tackle.
Calamus
Calamus GearMaster Tackle Backpack with Bait Binder, Large Lightweight Water-Resistant Fishing Bag, Rod Holders, Food Storage
$119.99
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KastKing
KastKing All Weather Fishing Tackle Backpack with 4 Waterproof Tackle Boxes & Removable Rod Holders,Waterproof ArmorShield Fabric Fishing Bag Storage Fishing Gear
$169.99
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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
$22.99
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VMSIXVM
VMSIXVM Diamond Jigs Saltwater Fishing Lures Sinking Metal Spoons, Casting Trolling Jigging Lures Bottom Surf Fishing Jigs for Bluefish, Striped bass, Tuna, Salmon, Deep Sea, Ocean
$14.99
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Circle Hooks (Offshore)
Required for many species. Better hookups, easier release.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch at Salem?
Salem is known for Fluke (Summer Flounder), Bluefish, Weakfish, Sea Bass.
How do I get to Salem?
Salem is accessible from Townsends Inlet. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
Quick Info
- Type
- Plain Area
- Nearest Inlet
- Townsends Inlet
- Depth
- 50-70 ft
- Size
- 2,666 acres
Nearby Grounds
Similar Species
Similar Plain Areas
Fishing Reports
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Salem.
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