When black sea bass are around Indian River Inlet
Wreck fishing starts around the first of April, according to the local tackle shop. The wrecks are where the sea bass bite begins out of this port, so the grounds below are ordered with that in mind. The species guide covers why the fish move inshore and offshore. For the wider coast, see the black sea bass fishing in the Atlantic Northeast and the Atlantic Northeast offshore fishing guide.
Where boats run from the inlet
Black sea bass fishing out of Indian River Inlet comes down to range. The nearest reef sits about 6 to 7 miles off the beach, and the farthest named grounds run past 28 miles. Grounds are listed by run distance, nearest first. Much of the bottom fished sits in about 60 ft of water, which sets the lead sizes in the next section. Inlet, ramp and marina detail is on the Indian River Inlet port page, so this page stays on sea bass.
| Ground | Distance | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Artificial Reef Site 10 | about 6 to 7 miles from the beach | 60 ft |
| Open bottom near B buoy | ||
| Old Grounds | 13 miles off the bell on a 113 heading | |
| Reef Site 11 (Redbird Reef) | about 18 miles from the inlet | 75 ft |
| Del-Jersey-Land Reef | about 22 miles southeast | |
| USS Arthur W. Radford wreck group | about 28 miles out | |
| Massey’s Canyon | about 35 miles offshore | 80 ft |
Mark the named reefs and wrecks before the run; you can view that structure on the Chart Contours layer. Chart layers are not for navigation. Check the official NWS marine forecast for wind, wave height and period before you leave the dock.
Reef Site 10
Delaware Artificial Reef Site 10 is about 6 to 7 miles from the beach in 60 ft, according to FishTalk. It is the shortest run on the list and suits a short window or a smaller boat.
Old Grounds and B buoy
Open bottom near B buoy keeps the run short. The Old Grounds sit 13 miles off the bell on a 113 heading, according to Old Grounds bearing from ProPTalk.
Reef Site 11 (Redbird Reef)
Site 11 is about 18 miles from the inlet in 75 ft. That is a large jump in run length from Site 10, so plan fuel and time around it.
Del-Jersey-Land Reef
Del-Jersey-Land Reef is about 22 miles southeast of the inlet, according to ProPTalk.
Radford wreck group
The USS Arthur W. Radford wreck group is about 28 miles out, according to FishTalk. It is one of the wrecks the heavy metal method in the next section is built for.
Massey’s Canyon and Site 9
Massey’s Canyon, about 35 miles offshore in 80 ft according to DNREC, is the farthest ground on the list. Delaware Artificial Reef Site 9 is another named reef near the inlet. Both are charted in the DNREC Delaware Reef Guide.
How sea bass are fished here
Locals fish two ways: a bait rig on the bottom, and heavy metal over the wrecks. For broader reef and wreck bottom-fishing technique, start there. What follows is specific to this port.
Top-and-bottom rigs
The bait rig is a top-and-bottom rig:
- 4/0 to 6/0 hooks
- Squid, cut bait or clams for bait
- 5 to 8 oz of lead
In about 60 ft, 5 to 8 oz is the range that keeps the rig on the bottom.
Heavy metal over the wrecks
Over the wrecks, locals jig heavy metal with a top-only hook over wrecks. Using one hook means fewer snags and less lost gear on structure.
Who fishes for sea bass out of Indian River Inlet
Four local charters list black sea bass:
- Action Jackson Sportfishing: 35-foot Henriques. Captain Christopher Keller.
- Makai Charters: 28-foot Sportsman with twin 300 HP Yamaha engines. Captain Lawrence Coyle.
- Captain Ike II Charters: 40-foot custom North Carolina style hull. Captain Dave Collins.
- JaySea II Sportfishing: custom-rigged Jay Sea II. Captain Jamar Campbell.
The Kids Catch-all Fishing Tournament is usually held in June.
FAQ
How far is Reef Site 10 from Indian River Inlet?
About 6 to 7 miles from the beach, in 60 ft. It is the shortest named reef run on the list.
When does wreck fishing for sea bass start?
Around the first of April, according to the local tackle shop. Black sea bass fishing out of Indian River Inlet starts on the wrecks, and the farther grounds follow from there.
What rig do locals use for sea bass?
A top-and-bottom rig with 4/0 to 6/0 hooks, baited with squid, cut bait or clams, and 5 to 8 oz of lead. Over the wrecks, locals jig heavy metal with a top-only hook.
How much lead do you need in 60 ft?
5 to 8 oz on a top-and-bottom rig in about 60 ft.
What heading runs to the Old Grounds?
13 miles off the bell on a 113 heading. Chart layers are not for navigation, so check the official forecast and your own plotter before the run.
Which charters run sea bass trips out of Indian River Inlet?
Four local charters list black sea bass: Action Jackson Sportfishing, Makai Charters, Captain Ike II Charters and JaySea II Sportfishing.
