Black sea bass fishing out of Point Pleasant Beach is a short-run reef fishery. The two closest reefs sit 3.5 and 4.4 nautical miles from Manasquan Inlet. This guide covers when the fish are around, how far boats run, the structure that holds them, how it is fished locally, and which charters list them. Inlet and launch detail is in the Point Pleasant Beach port guide. For the wider coast, see the black sea bass fishing in the Atlantic Northeast and the wider Atlantic Northeast guide.
When black sea bass are off Point Pleasant Beach
The season runs through summer and fall, with peaks in May-June and September-October per the Jersey Shore Guide chart. Fish are on structure between the peaks as well. For habits and biology, see the black sea bass species guide.
Where boats run from Manasquan Inlet
The two main sea bass reefs lie within 5 nautical miles of Manasquan Inlet: Sea Girt Reef at 3.5 nm and Axel Carlson Reef at 4.4 nm. Every sea bass trip out of the inlet starts with a run to one of them.
Sea Girt Reef
Sea Girt Reef lies 3.5 nautical miles northeast of Manasquan Inlet, in 57 to 75 feet of water. Its wrecks and rubble take sea bass in summer.
Axel Carlson Reef
Axel Carlson Reef lies 4.4 nautical miles from Manasquan Inlet on a bearing of 166 degrees. The Fisherman describes its structure as suited to both anchoring and drifting (see the methods section below).
Positions here and in Breakpoint chart layers are not for navigation. Use the official NOAA Coast Pilot chapter and the official chart.
Grounds and structure near Point Pleasant Beach
Eight named reefs, wrecks and ledges lie within reach of Manasquan Inlet.
| Name | Type | Depth (ft) | Position/distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manasquan Inlet Reef | Reef | 67-74 | |
| Sea Girt Reef | Reef | 57-75 | 3.5 nm NE of the inlet |
| Axel Carlson Reef | Reef | 4.4 nm at 166 degrees | |
| Shark River Reef | Reef | West side of the Mud Hole | |
| Mud Hole | Deep ground | 90-240 | |
| Monster Ledge | Ledge | ||
| Arundo Wreck | Wreck | 40 10.399 N, 73 40.980 W | |
| Oil Wreck | Wreck |
For general reef tactics, see the regional reef fishing guides.
Mud Hole and Shark River Reef
The Mud Hole runs from 90 feet on the flats to 240 feet at its deepest point. Shark River Reef lies on its west side.
Wrecks and ledges
The Arundo Wreck sits at 40 10.399 N, 73 40.980 W. Oil Wreck and Monster Ledge are the other named structure on the list.
How sea bass are fished here
Boats out of Point Pleasant Beach drift and anchor on the reefs, and they jig.
Anchoring and drifting
The Fisherman describes Axel Carlson’s structure as suited to both anchoring and drifting. Sea Girt’s wrecks and rock rubble take sea bass in summer. Choose the method that fits the structure you are over.
Jigging
Jigging is common on Axel Carlson Reef.
Charters that fish for sea bass from this port
Six charters out of Point Pleasant Beach list black sea bass:
- Fish Monger Charters: Capt. Jerry. Fish Monger II and III are named on the site.
- Little Mule Sport Fishing Charters: the boat is Little Mule. Cort Dalik is named in the site contact block.
- Parker Pete’s Fishing Charters: Captain Pete Sykes. The site lists USCG-licensed captains and crew.
- Jenn-A Fishing Charters: Captain Adrian McElroy, with crew per the site.
- SeaOwl Fishing Charters
- Blue Chip Sportfishing
FAQ: black sea bass fishing out of Point Pleasant Beach
What are the best months for black sea bass out of Point Pleasant Beach?
May-June and September-October, per the Jersey Shore Guide chart. The season runs through summer and fall, and fish are on structure between the two peaks.
Where should I run first from Manasquan Inlet?
Sea Girt Reef is the closer of the two main reefs, at 3.5 nautical miles northeast of the inlet. Axel Carlson Reef is next, at 4.4 nautical miles on a bearing of 166 degrees. Start with the shorter run and work out from there.
How far is Axel Carlson Reef, and on what bearing?
Axel Carlson Reef is 4.4 nautical miles from Manasquan Inlet on a bearing of 166 degrees. The Fisherman describes its structure as suited to both anchoring and drifting, so it can be fished either way.
How deep is Sea Girt Reef, and what structure holds sea bass?
Sea Girt Reef runs from 57 to 75 feet. Its wrecks and rock rubble take sea bass in summer, so fish the wrecks and rubble rather than the open bottom between them.
What methods work on the local reefs?
Boats drift and anchor on the reefs, and they jig. Axel Carlson’s structure suits both anchoring and drifting, and jigging is common there.
