USS Murphy
Wreck Site off the New Jersey coast
Location
About This Ground
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.
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 USS Murphy
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 USS Murphy
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 USS Murphy?
USS Murphy is known for Tuna, Bluefish, Bonito, False Albacore, Sea Bass.
What makes USS Murphy 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
- Depth
- 250-270 ft
- Size
- 2,666 acres
Nearby Grounds
Similar Species
Fishing Reports
Check recent reports to see what's biting at USS Murphy.
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