USS Tarantula
Wreck Site off the New Jersey coast
2,666 acresArea
5Species
OffshoreRegion
110-120 ftDepth
Location
🎣
Scroll to load fishing grounds mapAbout This Ground
USS Tarantula (SP-124), a Navy patrol vessel converted from a 128-foot private steam yacht, sank October 28, 1918, after colliding with the Dutch liner SS Frisia eight miles southwest of the Fire Island Lightship. The wreck lies in approximately 115 feet of water, sitting low to the bottom — boilers rise just 7 feet, bow about 3 feet. Her identity as the "Good Gun Boat" was confirmed in 1985 when a diver recovered a bronze bell inscribed "Tarantula." Divers find WWI-era ammunition forward and fine china aft. The structure provides good habitat for tautog and black sea bass. Charter boats from Sandy Hook and Highlands marinas reach the Tarantula on standard afternoon trips during sea bass season.
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 |
Peak Season
Good Season
Off Season
Charters to Fish USS Tarantula
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)
From $475$
Golden Eagle
Belmar
- ✓State-of-the-art electronics
- ✓Full galley service
From $700$$
Canyon Eagle I
Belmar
- ✓Offshore canyon specialists
- ✓24-hour expedition capability
From $750$$
Compare all tuna charters and book online
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Offshore Tackle for USS Tarantula
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.
CAPT JAY FISHING
Capt Jay Fishing Saltwater jigs Speed Jigging Slow Pitching Lures,VerticalArtificial Jigging Lure Fishing jigs (150g-Multi Color SRB (Pack of 3), 150g)
$21.98
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TitanixHook
TitanixHook LED Glow Squid Lures 6" 2.5oz Slow Pitch Jig Deep Drop Offshore Tuna Grouper Halibut Rig, Water Activated Flashing Light, Reinforced Steel Wire (Green&White, 6/0 J Hook-6"(2.5oz))
$11.99
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Spreader Bar
Tuna trolling spreader bars. Short side, long side rigging-ready.
BLUEWING
BLUEWING 36" Upgraded Fishing Spreader Bar Starboard Walker Offshore Trolling Spreader Bar with 9" Bulb Squids and 316 Stainless Steel Rod for Wahoo Tuna Marlin Mahi Mahi, Green
$109.99
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BLUEWING
BLUEWING 36in Fishing Soft Squid Spreader Bar Offshore Fishing Spreader Bar with 6in Soft Squid and Big Game Trolling Lure for Wahoo Tuna Marlin Mahi Mahi, Blue
$89.99
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Fighting Belt + Harness
Padded gimbal belt + back harness for the long fight on offshore tuna.
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
$99.99
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QWUUYEC
Fishing Belly Top Waist Support Harness, Adjustable Rod Fighting Belt with Padded Sponge and Shoulder Straps - Secure and Comfortable, Lightweight Durable Design for Deep-Sea and Offshore Fishing
$68.89
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Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch at USS Tarantula?
USS Tarantula is known for Tuna, Bluefish, Bonito, False Albacore, Sea Bass.
How do I get to USS Tarantula?
USS Tarantula is accessible from Sandy Hook. Check with local charter captains for precise navigation coordinates.
What makes USS Tarantula 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
- Nearest Inlet
- Sandy Hook
- Depth
- 110-120 ft
- Size
- 2,666 acres
Nearby Grounds
Similar Species
Fishing Reports
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