Wreck Site off the New Jersey coast
The bow section of USS Murphy (DD-603), a Benson-class destroyer, rests in 252–265 feet of water roughly 75 miles offshore New Jersey. On October 21, 1943, the Murphy was struck by the tanker SS Bulkoil in New York Harbor; the forward third of the ship separated, sank with 35 crew, and was confirmed by divers who found the hull number DD-603 in 1989. The site was featured on History Channel's "Deep Sea Detectives." At this depth, the wreck requires technical equipment and is beyond recreational fishing range, but the surrounding offshore seafloor produces tilefish and deepwater structure fish. The bow section rests on its side draped in commercial fishing nets, testament to the productive deep-water grounds surrounding it.
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
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Check AvailabilityUSS Murphy 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 USS Murphy.
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