TOWNSENDS INLET, NJ

At various times, this newest addition to the New Jersey Artificial Reef System has been referred to as a sea bass bonanza, a hot ticket to tog and a flounder resounder. Whatever the moniker, this .52-square mile combination of reef ball fields, concrete culverts and vessels is a fish factory. With the sea bass season set to re-open on November 1, it promises to deliver in a celebratory way, especially insofar as numbers are concerned. An added bonus a couple of weeks later is spelled b-l-a-c-k-f-i-s-h, and the angling for both ranges from very good to excellent, predicated on conditions, of course.

Located 3.8 nautical miles from Townsends Inlet, the site is 5.73 miles from Corson’s and 9.31 miles from Hereford. Depths range from 40 to 70 feet. The direct shot from Townsends between Sea Isle City and Avalon is a rapid ride, and it does attract some boats from the Ocean City and Strathmere area. However, from Hereford Inlet south, many opt to probe the huge Cape May Reef.

There are six vessels on the reef, the largest being a 90-foot deck barge deployed on June 12, 2010. Already encrusted with barnacles and mussels, it had fish around it almost immediately. The second largest is the 82-foot trawler Donna’s Star that was positioned and sunk on December 20, 2005. Additionally, there is a pair of 77-foot commercial boats; a 60-foot tug, the Bay Jack; and the 31-foot crew boat, the Margie Starns. The myriad reef ball formations and concrete structures make this one of the most productive in-close areas along the southern Garden State Coast despite its relatively small size. Two-thirds of it is designed for drift fishing.

Tog are the main draw right now with some whitechins between seven and ten pounds decked and it will become a prime location when the bag limit opens up to six fish on November 16. It’s green crab, white leggers and the Asian crustacean for the blackfish. The hi-low rig baited with squid or clam is the most common for the sea bass, with the more esoteric bottom bouncers opting for the double hook set-up. Depending on the tide, figure anywhere from two to six ounces.

Two particular locations to work are 39 06.461/74 36.025 and 39.06.543/74 36.249. Sure, this small reef flies under the radar with the Ocean City Reef to the north and the Cape May Reef to the south, but it can prove bombs away for sea bass and tog.