4 weeks ago · Updated 2 weeks ago
Sea Isle City, located along the southern New Jersey coast, offers a diverse mix of inshore and surf fishing opportunities as fall patterns take hold. Anglers here are transitioning into the prime autumn season, with a variety of species available both from shore and by boat.
Weekly Catches
The catches below cover the last 7 days.
Black Sea Bass
The black sea bass season has recently reopened, and anglers are reporting strong action on local reefs and wrecks in waters ranging from 50 to over 80 feet deep. Limits of sea bass have been achieved, with fish responding well to standard bottom rigs. The bag limit is 10 fish per angler at a minimum size of 12.5 inches for October. These productive spots are also holding some late-season triggerfish, providing bonus catches for those targeting structure.
- Best action on reefs and wrecks in 50–80 feet of water
- Effective baits include clam strips and jigs
- Triggerfish also present on the same structure
Bluefish
Surf anglers are finding small bluefish—mostly snappers and cocktail-sized fish—close to the wash. These bluefish are being caught on mullet and small lures, with the bite described as steady along the beaches. While most fish are on the smaller side, their abundance provides consistent action for those fishing the surf.
- Best results on mullet or small metal lures
- Fish are concentrated near the surf line
Kingfish
The kingfish bite continues to be reliable, though not as hot as earlier in the season. Larger kingfish are being caught on small mullet strips, while bloodworms and synthetic baits like Fishbites are also producing. Surf temperatures remain around 70°F, supporting this ongoing bite.
- Consistent action on small mullet strips, bloodworms, and Fishbites
- Surf zone remains the primary hotspot
Tautog (Blackfish)
Tautog fishing is picking up, especially at the inlet rocks. Anglers using green crabs and sand fleas are reporting good numbers, with some keepers mixed in. The bite is better on the rocks than in the bayside areas, but conditions can change daily.
- Best results at inlet rocks and riprap
- Effective baits: green crabs, sand fleas
Fluke
The fluke season has closed, but a few out-of-season fish are still being caught tight to the wash by surf anglers. These incidental catches are a reminder of the strong summer fluke bite, but all fluke must now be released.
Other Species
Late-season blowfish are tapering off, and spot are likely exiting the area soon. There is still a slim chance of encountering a pompano in the surf, given the warm water temperatures, but these are rare bonus catches.
Weather & Marine Conditions
Early October brought a mix of weather, with recent days featuring sunny skies and generally calm seas. The first weekend of October saw light winds and a moderate swell, making for comfortable fishing conditions offshore and along the beaches. Water temperatures in the surf are holding around 70°F, supporting a variety of fall species.
- Recent winds: NE to E/SE, 5–20 knots
- Seas: 3–9 feet, calming toward the weekend
Tides & Solunar Activity
Twilight periods—dawn and dusk—are prime times for fishing the beaches and bays around Sea Isle City. Major and minor bite windows often align with these periods, especially when they coincide with tidal changes. Productive local spots include Ludlam Beach, Ludlam Bay, and Whale Beach, as well as nearby harbors such as Yale Harbor and Whale Harbor.
- Twilight and tide changes are key for surf and bay fishing
- Multiple beaches, bays, and harbors offer access within a short distance
Fishing Conditions & Tips
With the transition to fall, full-on autumn fishing mode is underway. Anglers targeting structure with green crabs or sand fleas are finding success with tautog, while those fishing the surf should focus on mullet and small lures for bluefish and kingfish. As water temperatures remain relatively warm, a variety of summer and fall species are still available. Night fishing at well-lit wharves and jetties can be productive, especially for baitfish and opportunistic predators.
- Target structure for tautog and triggerfish
- Use fresh baits for surf species
- Check local tide charts for optimal timing
Regulations & Notices
The black sea bass season is open with a 10-fish bag limit at a minimum size of 12.5 inches through October. All fluke must be released as the season is now closed. There are no current right whale slow zones or special marine advisories affecting Sea Isle City. Anglers are reminded to check the latest regulations from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife before heading out.
- Black sea bass: 10 fish at 12.5 inches minimum (October)
- Fluke: season closed, catch and release only
- No current whale slow zones or special advisories
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