Black sea bass fishing out of Belmar centers on wrecks and reefs, from Sea Girt Reef in 60 to 75 ft to wrecks around the 240 ft Mud Hole. Boats work two run distances. This guide covers the grounds, the depths, the local method and who runs trips, with the general picture in the black sea bass species guide. The wider picture is in the black sea bass fishing in the Atlantic Northeast and the Atlantic Northeast fishing guide.
Where Belmar boats run for black sea bass
Local runs split between Shark River Reef and Sea Girt Reef, both wrecks and reefs. One is a 3.6 nautical mile run; the other is 15.6 nautical miles.
Sea Girt Reef (nearshore)
Sea Girt Reef sits 3.6 nautical miles off Sea Girt in 60 to 75 ft, atop the Klondike.
Shark River Reef (offshore)
Shark River Reef lies in 125 ft, 15.6 nautical miles off Manasquan. The Stolt Dagali wreck sits near it in 130 ft, close to the Mud Hole edge.
The grounds fall into two depth tiers: nearshore at 60 to 75 ft and deep at 125 to 240 ft. The species guide covers how fish move between them.
Grounds and structure off Belmar
Local boats focus on eight named grounds:
| Ground | Depth (ft) | Location note |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Girt Reef | 60 (range 60 to 75) | 3.6 nm off Sea Girt; sits atop the Klondike |
| Klondike | Under Sea Girt Reef | Underwater ridge under Sea Girt Reef |
| Shark River Reef | 125 | 15.6 nm off Manasquan |
| Stolt Dagali | 130 | Wreck near Shark River Reef, close to the Mud Hole edge |
| Mud Hole | 240 | Deep ground |
| Arundo Wreck | 90 (lies in 90 to 150) | Eastern end of the Mud Hole |
| Oil Wreck (Ayuruoca) | 170 | In the Mud Hole area |
| IP Goulandris | 190 | Midway through the Mud Hole |
Named structure runs from 60 ft to 240 ft, a 180 ft spread from shallowest to deepest.
Sea Girt Reef and the Klondike
The reef sits atop the Klondike, an underwater ridge, in 60 to 75 ft. It is the shallowest ground on the list.
Shark River Reef and the Stolt Dagali
Shark River Reef is at 125 ft. The Stolt Dagali wreck, at 130 ft near the reef and close to the Mud Hole edge, links the reef to the deep tier.
Mud Hole wrecks: Arundo, Oil Wreck (Ayuruoca), IP Goulandris
The Mud Hole is the deep ground, at 240 ft. Three wrecks are worked in and around it:
- Arundo Wreck: eastern end, lying in 90 to 150 ft, so one wreck covers both shallower and deeper water.
- Oil Wreck (Ayuruoca): 170 ft, in the Mud Hole area.
- IP Goulandris: 190 ft, midway through.
Choose the tier based on your boat and the length of the run, then work the structure.
How black sea bass are fished from Belmar
Local boats fish black sea bass with drop-and-reel and bait on wrecks and reefs. You drop to the structure, work the bait near the bottom and reel up. For broader technique, see the reef and wreck fishing guides.
Who fishes black sea bass out of Belmar
These local charters list black sea bass:
- Golden Eagle: vessel named Golden Eagle at Belmar Marina.
- Parker Pete’s Fishing Charters: Captain Pete Sykes and USCG licensed captains.
- Just N’ Tyme Guide Service: Capt. Justin Swanson, 35 foot Sea Hunter center console, docked in Shark River.
- Shark Inlet Charters
- XTC Sportfishing: Captain Scott Kulaszewski.
FAQ about black sea bass fishing out of Belmar
How far is Sea Girt Reef?
Sea Girt Reef sits 3.6 nautical miles off Sea Girt, in 60 to 75 ft, atop the Klondike ridge.
How deep is Shark River Reef?
Shark River Reef lies in 125 ft, 15.6 nautical miles off Manasquan. The Stolt Dagali wreck sits nearby in 130 ft.
What wrecks sit in the Mud Hole?
In the 240 ft Mud Hole, the wrecks are the Arundo (90 to 150 ft, eastern end), the Oil Wreck (Ayuruoca) (170 ft) and the IP Goulandris (190 ft, midway through).
What method do Belmar anglers use for black sea bass?
Drop-and-reel with bait on wrecks and reefs.
Who runs black sea bass trips out of Belmar?
Golden Eagle, Parker Pete’s Fishing Charters, Just N’ Tyme Guide Service, Shark Inlet Charters and XTC Sportfishing list black sea bass trips.
