Wreck Site off the New Jersey coast
SS Tolten, a 280-foot Chilean cargo freighter built in 1938, was torpedoed March 13, 1942, by German U-boat U-404 approximately 32 nautical miles off Barnegat, NJ, while traveling in ballast from Baltimore to New York. The sinking of a neutral Chilean vessel caused an international diplomatic protest. She sank in under six minutes, carrying 27 men to their deaths. The wreck lies at approximately 90 feet, roughly 16 miles from Manasquan Inlet — one of the closest offshore wrecks of historical significance accessible from NJ's central coast. Charter captains from Manasquan and Barnegat Inlet target the Tolten for sea bass, ling (cusk), and cod. The intact hull structure provides excellent habitat throughout the season.
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
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Check AvailabilityInshore tackle for back-bay and jetty
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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.
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Tolten is known for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Fluke (Summer Flounder), Sea Bass.
Tolten is accessible from Manasquan Inlet. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
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 Tolten.
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