Plain Area off the New Jersey coast
The Farms is a colloquially named fishing area off Shark River Inlet in NJ offshore waters. The name may reflect a historically productive bottom area that "farmed" consistent catches for local captains, or refer to a bottom type with abundant marine growth. Sea bass and tautog concentrate on hard-bottom structure; bluefish and striped bass move through during spring and fall migration. Charter boats from Belmar and Shark River marinas include The Farms in their standard bottom-fishing rotation.
Click a species row to see fishing methods, regulations, and tips.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Good |
| 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 |
Most charters depart from point-pleasant-beach - Best striper access
point-pleasant-beach
Cape May
Atlantic City
Compare all striped bass charters and book online
Check AvailabilityInshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
Ships free with Prime
Recommended tackle for Striped Bass and Bluefish fishing.
Medium-power 7 ft rod + 3000-class reel. Stripers, fluke, and weakies.

PENN
“The combo NJ surf-fishing beginners actually keep using two seasons later.”— Jersey Shore Guide editors

PENN
1/2 to 2 oz bucktails for fluking the channels and bridge pilings.
Topwater plugs for blitzing stripers at sunrise off the inlet.

JOGFFDE

Dr.Fish
Paddle-tail and shad-style plastics for snapper blues and fluke.

Matrix Shad

Vhxmaizxn
3-4 tray bag built to walk jetties without snagging or dumping.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Full disclosure
The Farms is known for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke (Summer Flounder), Sea Bass.
The Farms is accessible from Shark River. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
Check recent reports to see what's biting at The Farms.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
Learn more →