USS Tarantula
Wreck Site off the New Jersey coast
Location
About 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 |
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)
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 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.
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 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
Check recent reports to see what's biting at USS Tarantula.
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