Wreck Site off the New Jersey coast
Texas Tower 4, one of three Cold War offshore radar platforms modeled on Gulf of Mexico oil rigs, collapsed in a January 1961 winter storm killing all 28 servicemen and civilian contractors aboard. The debris field sits 63 miles offshore in 185 feet of water, now rising 30–40 feet off the bottom after decades of structural collapse. What was a Cold War tragedy has become one of the most productive multi-species fishing destinations in the Northeast — black sea bass and cod on the bottom, pollock in the mid-column, and yellowfin tuna working above the structure in summer. The distance requires an overnight or long-range trip, but the fishing and historical significance make Texas Tower one of NJ's iconic offshore destinations.
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 |
Most charters depart from Belmar - Closest to offshore canyons
Atlantic City
Belmar
Belmar
Compare all tuna charters and book online
Check AvailabilityOffshore tackle for the canyons
Trusted by NJ charter captains
Recommended tackle for Tuna and Bluefish fishing.
50-class conventional combo for tuna trolling at the Hudson Canyon.
Heavy live-bait rod for chunking yellowfin off the Mud Hole.
4-8 oz slow-pitch and speed jigs for tuna and offshore bottom.

CAPT JAY FISHING

TitanixHook
Tuna trolling spreader bars. Short side, long side rigging-ready.

BLUEWING

BLUEWING
Padded gimbal belt + back harness for the long fight on offshore tuna.

GAFFER SPORTFISHING

QWUUYEC
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Texas Tower is known for Tuna, Bluefish, Bonito, False Albacore, Sea Bass.
Wreck sites provide structure that attracts fish. They are excellent for bottom fishing and often hold sea bass, tautog, and striped bass.
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Texas Tower.
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