San Diego
Wreck Site off the New Jersey coast
Location
About This Ground
USS San Diego (ACR-6), a Pennsylvania-class armored cruiser, sank July 19, 1918, after striking a mine laid by German submarine U-156 — the only major U.S. warship lost in WWI. The 13,680-ton cruiser rests upside down in 110 feet of water, about 13.5 miles south of Fire Island, with the highest structure rising to 66 feet. Nicknamed the "Lobster Hotel" by divers for its extraordinary crustacean population, the wreck also holds outstanding black sea bass, tautog, and large baitfish schools year-round. Visibility typically runs 20–40 feet, making it one of the most diver- and angler-visited wrecks on the East Coast. Charter boats from Sandy Hook and northern NJ inlets reach the site in 2–3 hours.
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 San Diego
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 San Diego
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 San Diego?
San Diego is known for Tuna, Bluefish, Bonito, False Albacore, Sea Bass.
How do I get to San Diego?
San Diego is accessible from Sandy Hook. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
What makes San Diego a good fishing spot?
Wreck sites provide structure that attracts fish. They are excellent for bottom fishing and often hold sea bass, tautog, and striped bass.
Quick Info
- Type
- Wreck Site
- Nearest Inlet
- Sandy Hook
- Depth
- 100-110 ft
- Size
- 2,666 acres
Nearby Grounds
Similar Species
Fishing Reports
Check recent reports to see what's biting at San Diego.
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