Black sea bass fishing out of Sea Isle City starts 3.8 nautical miles southeast of Townsends Inlet, on a reef in 50 to 65 ft. Boats run from there out to deep reefs and wrecks 20 to 35 miles offshore in 100 to 175 ft. This guide covers the seasons, the named structure, the local hi-low rig, and the charters that run trips from this port. For the wider coast, see the black sea bass fishing in the Atlantic Northeast and the Atlantic Northeast offshore fishing guide.
When black sea bass are around Sea Isle City
The season here is spring and fall, according to Philly Hooker’s jumbo sea bass trips. Migration and life history are covered in our black sea bass guide.
Spring
Spring is the first of two windows when Philly Hooker runs jumbo sea bass trips out of Sea Isle City.
Fall
Fall is the second window for those trips.
Where boats run from Townsends Inlet
Boats fish anywhere from the inshore reef, 3.8 nm out, to deep grounds 20 to 35 miles out. The table lists the grounds by distance.
| Ground | Distance from inlet | Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Townsends Inlet Reef | 3.8 nm southeast | 50 to 65 ft | Artificial reef |
| Fisherman’s Dream | On Townsends Inlet Reef | 60 ft | Trawler |
| Jill Adventure | On Townsends Inlet Reef | 60 ft | Trawler |
| Bay Jack | On Townsends Inlet Reef | 60 ft | Tugboat |
| Ocean City Reef | Adjoins Townsends Inlet Reef on its north side | Neighboring reef | |
| Miss Avalon deep grounds | 20 to 35 miles | 100 to 175 ft | Deep reefs and wrecks, unnamed |
Mark the reef on your chart before you leave the dock. Chart layers, including Chart Contours in the app, are not for navigation.
Townsends Inlet Reef and its wrecks
Townsends Inlet Reef sits 3.8 nautical miles southeast of Townsends Inlet, in 50 to 65 ft. Three named wrecks lie on it, each in 60 ft:
- Fisherman’s Dream, a trawler
- Jill Adventure, a trawler
- Bay Jack, a tugboat
Ocean City Reef
Ocean City Reef adjoins Townsends Inlet Reef on its north side, a short run from the inlet.
Deep reefs and wrecks
The deep grounds lie 20 to 35 miles out, in 100 to 175 ft. Miss Avalon fishes deep reefs and wrecks in that band, and Philly Hooker’s offshore sea bass grounds are unnamed. Beyond the inshore reef, this is the band the charter fleet works.
Canyons
Spencer Canyon and Lindenkohl Canyon are among the canyons reached from Avalon.
How black sea bass are fished here
Two setups show up at this port: the hi-low rig on the reef, and bay-side trips.
Hi-low rig on the reef
According to The Fisherman, a hi-low rig baited with squid or clam is the common setup on the Townsends reef. General reef and wreck technique is in our reef fish guides.
Bay-side trips
Starfish Boats runs seabass trips from the bay side. Miss Avalon Fishing & Cruising also runs Avalon Lady, a 45 ft back-bay pontoon.
Who fishes for black sea bass out of Sea Isle City
Three operators list black sea bass out of this port. Each is covered below with its boats.
Miss Avalon Fishing & Cruising
Miss Avalon Fishing & Cruising runs Miss Avalon, a 78 ft fishing yacht that fishes deep reefs and wrecks 20 to 35 miles out in 100 to 175 ft. Its other boat is Avalon Lady, the 45 ft back-bay pontoon.
Philly Hooker Fishing Charter
Philly Hooker Fishing Charter is Capt. Mark Guldin on a 29.5 ft Worldcat center console. It runs jumbo sea bass trips in spring and fall, and its offshore sea bass grounds are unnamed.
Starfish Boats
Starfish Boats runs Starfish and Miss Sea Isle, with seabass trips from the bay side.
FAQ about black sea bass fishing out of Sea Isle City
When is sea bass season at Sea Isle City?
Spring and fall are the windows for Philly Hooker’s jumbo sea bass trips. Check the New Jersey regulations page for legal dates.
How far is Townsends Inlet Reef from the inlet?
The reef is about 3.8 nautical miles southeast of Townsends Inlet, in 50 to 65 ft.
What wrecks are on Townsends Inlet Reef?
Fisherman’s Dream and Jill Adventure are trawlers, and Bay Jack is a tugboat. Each lies in 60 ft.
How far offshore are the deep sea bass grounds?
Miss Avalon fishes deep reefs and wrecks 20 to 35 miles out in 100 to 175 ft.
What rig do anglers use for sea bass off Sea Isle City?
A hi-low rig baited with squid or clam is the common setup on the Townsends reef, according to The Fisherman.
