1 month ago · Updated 5 days ago
Stone Harbor, located along New Jersey’s southern coast, offers a mix of inshore and nearshore fishing opportunities shaped by seasonal migrations and local weather. Recent conditions have been influenced by a nor’easter, but anglers have still managed to find success before and after the storm.
Weekly Catches
The catches below cover the last 7 days.
Tautog (Blackfish)
Despite challenging weather, anglers targeting tautog found success near bridge and rock pile structures before the recent nor’easter. These areas, especially close to the inlet, remain promising once conditions settle. Tog jigs and natural baits like green crabs have been effective for these fish.
- A keeper tautog was landed near the bridge and rock piles prior to the storm.
- Jetties and rocky areas are recommended hotspots as the weather improves.
Sheepshead
Before the storm, sheepshead were caught alongside tautog in rocky areas. Anglers using green crabs or sand fleas as bait reported success, particularly around jetties and rock piles.
- Multiple sheepshead were caught in the days leading up to the nor’easter.
- Best results came from fishing close to structure with crustacean baits.
Sea Bass
The opening of the fall sea bass season saw anglers targeting reefs and wrecks both nearshore and offshore. Clams and squid have been the top baits, with some anglers reaching their limits on these trips.
- Sea bass were caught on reefs using clams or squid.
- Wrecks 20–30 miles offshore are holding larger sea bass.
- One local angler limited out on sea bass during a recent outing.
Triggerfish
Mixed-bag trips produced triggerfish, with at least one notable catch: a 3.4-pound triggerfish won the pool on a recent party boat trip. These fish are often found around reefs and wrecks, biting on pieces of clam or squid.
- 3.4-pound triggerfish caught during a mixed-bag trip.
Striped Bass
Striped bass activity is picking up in the back bays, with fish up to 33 inches reported. Most of these larger fish are released due to slot limits. The first keeper striped bass of the fall season was also recently recorded.
- Back bay anglers have caught stripers up to 33 inches (released).
- The first keeper striped bass of the fall season was landed this week.
- Plenty of bait present in the back bays is fueling the bite.
Kingfish & Croaker
Surf anglers fishing before the storm found kingfish and croaker in the wash and along the bayside beaches. These species are accessible with simple rigs and baits such as bloodworms or small pieces of clam.
- Kingfish and croaker caught from the surf and bayside beaches.
Bluefish
Small bluefish have been reported in the surf, often mixed in with kingfish and croaker. These fish are aggressive and will strike a variety of baits and lures.
- Bluefish caught alongside kingfish and croaker in the surf zone.
Weather & Marine Conditions
Recent fishing in Stone Harbor has been heavily impacted by a strong nor’easter, bringing windy days, waves, and swells that limited angler access and reduced the number of trips. As the weather calms, conditions are expected to improve, especially for those targeting structure-oriented species near the inlet and jetties. Anglers are advised to monitor marine forecasts closely before planning outings.
Tides & Solunar Activity
Stone Harbor experiences regular tidal fluctuations, with low and high tides shaping the best fishing windows. For October 21, sunrise occurred at 7:00 AM, and there were just over six hours until the next low tide in the morning. Anglers should consult updated tide charts to plan trips for optimal current and feeding activity, especially when targeting species like striped bass and tautog that respond to moving water.
Fishing Conditions & Tips
With the recent storm, the most productive areas are likely to be the bayside beaches and protected backwaters, where water clarity recovers faster. Target tautog and sheepshead near structure using green crabs or sand fleas. For sea bass, focus on reefs and wrecks with clams or squid. Surf anglers should continue to find kingfish, croaker, and bluefish using simple bottom rigs and fresh bait. As the ocean settles, expect fishing to rebound quickly, especially for structure-oriented species.
Regulations & Notices
The summer flounder season is now closed, while the fall portion of the sea bass season is open. Striped bass regulations require the release of fish over 31 inches. Anglers are reminded to check current size and bag limits for all species and to obtain a valid New Jersey fishing license before heading out. Always review the latest updates from local authorities, especially after weather events that may affect access or safety.
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