Black Sea Bass Fishing NJ
Excellent table fare and fun to catch. Black sea bass are a favorite target for party boats and private charters working the reefs and wrecks off the Jersey coast.
Black sea bass are one of the most popular bottom fish targets in New Jersey waters. Found around artificial reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure, these fish are aggressive feeders that put up a good fight and taste delicious. Party boats make sea bass fishing accessible and affordable for everyone.
Book a Sea Bass Trip
Party boats offer the most economical way to target sea bass. Experienced captains know the reefs and wrecks where sea bass stack up.
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2026 Sea Bass Seasons & Limits
NJ sea bass regulations vary significantly by season. Plan your trips around the most favorable periods for the best experience.
May 17 - June 19
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Best season - generous limits, active fish after winter. Book early!
July 1 - August 31
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Very restrictive. Most anglers target other species in summer.
October 1 - October 31
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Fall run excellent. Cooler weather, hungry fish, great limits.
November 1 - December 31
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Most generous limits. Weather dependent - dress warm!
Note: Regulations change annually. Always verify current rules at NJ Fish & Wildlife before fishing.
Best Sea Bass Fishing Spots in NJ
Sea bass concentrate around structure. Artificial reefs and shipwrecks hold the most fish.
Sea Girt Reef
One of the most productive artificial reefs in NJ. Massive structure with subway cars, concrete, and ships that hold huge numbers of sea bass.
Best: May-June, September-November
Axel Carlson Reef
Large reef complex off Point Pleasant. Mix of concrete and steel structure creates ideal sea bass habitat.
Best: May-June, October-November
Garden State North Reef
Extensive reef system with varied structure. Consistent producer of quality sea bass throughout the season.
Best: May-October
Offshore Wrecks
Numerous shipwrecks along the NJ coast hold trophy sea bass. Captains guard their best spots, but party boats know productive wrecks.
Best: Year-round when open
Book a Sea Bass Charter
Party boats are the most popular and economical way to target sea bass. All gear and bait included, with experienced mates to help.
Belmar
Multiple party boats run dedicated sea bass trips to nearby reefs and wrecks
View boats →Point Pleasant
Large fleet of party boats specializing in bottom fishing including sea bass
View boats →Barnegat Light
Viking Village fleet offers excellent sea bass trips to LBI area reefs
View boats →Atlantic City
Farley State Marina boats target sea bass on southern NJ reefs
View boats →Book a Fishing Charter
Book online through FishingBooker
Sea Bass Fishing Tips
Fish tight to structure
Sea bass hold right on the bottom near wrecks and reefs. Drop your bait all the way down, then reel up 1-2 feet. If you are not getting hung up occasionally, you are not fishing close enough.
Use squid strips
Cut squid into 3-4 inch strips and thread onto your hook. Squid stays on the hook better than other baits and sea bass love it. Fresh is better than frozen.
Size your hooks properly
Use 2/0 to 4/0 hooks for sea bass. Too large and you will miss bites, too small and bigger fish will swallow the hook deeply.
Fish the slack tide
Unlike many species, sea bass often bite best during slack tide when current is minimal. Strong current can make bottom fishing difficult.
Keep fish fresh
Sea bass spoil quickly. Bleed them immediately by cutting the gills, then ice them down. The difference in meat quality is dramatic.
Sea Bass Fishing Gear
Party boats provide all tackle, but here is what you need if bringing your own or fishing from a private boat:
Rod & Reel
- • Medium-heavy conventional rod (6-7 ft)
- • Conventional reel with 30-40 lb braid
- • Sensitive tip to feel light bites
Terminal Tackle
- • 2/0-4/0 circle or J-hooks
- • High-low rigs (2 hooks)
- • 4-8 oz bank sinkers
- • 50 lb fluorocarbon leader
Bait
- • Squid strips (fresh preferred)
- • Fresh clams
- • White/chartreuse jigs with squid
Other
- • Cooler with ice
- • Measuring device (12.5" minimum)
- • Needle-nose pliers
- • Knife for cleaning
Sea Bass Trip Pricing
Party Boat
$50-75
Per person, includes rod/bait
Half-Day Charter
$600-900
Private boat, up to 6 anglers
Full-Day Charter
$1,000-1,400
8+ hours fishing, best for limits
Tip: Budget 15-20% for crew gratuity. Party boats are the best value for sea bass fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for sea bass fishing in NJ?
Black sea bass fishing in NJ is best in late spring (May-June) and fall (September-October) when fish are most active. The season typically opens in mid-May with generous limits, then becomes more restrictive in summer. Fall offers excellent fishing with cooler weather and hungry fish.
What are the NJ black sea bass regulations?
NJ sea bass regulations vary by season. May 17 - June 19: 12.5" minimum, 10 fish limit. July 1 - Aug 31: 12.5" minimum, 1 fish limit. Oct 1 - Oct 31: 12.5" minimum, 10 fish limit. Nov 1 - Dec 31: 12.5" minimum, 15 fish limit. Always verify current regulations before fishing.
Where is the best sea bass fishing in New Jersey?
Sea bass concentrate around structure - artificial reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom. The best spots include the Sea Girt Reef, Axel Carlson Reef, Garden State North Reef, and numerous shipwrecks up and down the coast. Party boats and charters know the best spots.
What bait works best for sea bass in NJ?
Squid strips are the #1 bait for sea bass - durable and effective. Fresh clams also produce well. For artificial lures, try white or chartreuse jigs tipped with squid. Drop your bait right to the bottom where sea bass hold tight to structure.
How much does a sea bass charter cost in NJ?
Party boats offer sea bass trips for $50-75 per person including rod, tackle, and bait. Private charters run $600-900 for half-day trips (up to 6 anglers). Party boats are the most economical way to target sea bass.
Are black sea bass good to eat?
Black sea bass is excellent table fare - firm, white, mild-flavored flesh that rivals any premium fish. They are perfect for pan-frying, baking, or grilling. Many anglers consider them one of the best-eating fish in the Atlantic.
Book Your Sea Bass Trip
Party boats run dedicated sea bass trips throughout the season. Book early for the best dates in spring and fall.
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