December 2025 — New Jersey: Tautog Returns, Late Season Bass, Offshore Cod. December is a early winter month with water in the 42-50°F range — last of striper; tautog on offshore wrecks; bluefin offshore. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — December 2025
Primary targets this month: Tautog, Sea Bass, Striped Bass, Cod.
Tautog
Tautog (blackfish) on the inlet jetties (Manasquan, Barnegat, Beach Haven, Atlantic City), the inshore wrecks, and the offshore wrecks in cold water. Green crab is the gold standard bait; whole or half on a 4/0 octopus hook with minimal weight. Bites are subtle, sets must be sharp. Cold-water specialist — best Nov-May.
Sea Bass
Black sea bass on the inshore artificial reefs (Sea Girt, Garden State North/South), the offshore wrecks in 60-150 feet. Drop squid strips, clams, or Gulp! on a high-low rig over wrecks and reefs. The deeper wrecks (80-150 ft) hold the bigger humpbacks.
Striped Bass
Winter striper — limited fishery; some inshore wintering populations and offshore migratory schools. Verify state-by-state regulations.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 42-50°F. Last of striper; tautog on offshore wrecks; bluefin offshore. Raritan Bay striper fishing is tide-driven — outgoing concentrates fish at the rips off Sandy Hook and channel edges. Surf bite shifts with tide and time; pre-dawn and the first hour of darkness are universally strong. Manasquan and Barnegat inlets push hard on outgoing.
Check the NOAA marine forecast and tide charts before launching. Wind direction often matters more than wind speed for inshore fishing — clean water beats churned water nine times out of ten.
Tactics & Tackle for This Month
- Limited inshore. Tautog on wrecks, offshore wrecks for sea bass and cod, and winter striper offshore where available.
- Green crab is gold for tautog — fresh halved crabs on 4/0 octopus hooks with minimal weight.
December Outlook
Winter patterns establishing — sheepshead, tautog, cold-water specialists take over.
Regulations Reminder
Striped Bass: Federal slot typically 28-31″ with state variations; verify ASMFC and state rules annually. Tautog: 15-16″ minimum, 1-4 per day depending on state and season — strictly regulated. Black Sea Bass: 12.5-13″ minimum, 10-15 per day depending on state and season. Always verify current state regulations before each trip — slots, bag limits, and seasons change.
Local Resources
Bait & Tackle: Brielle Bait & Tackle (Brielle, 732-528-5720); Grumpy’s Bait & Tackle (Seaside Park); Fisherman’s Den (Belmar); Surf City Bait & Tackle (LBI).
Public Boat Ramps: Cheesequake State Park (Raritan Bay), Manasquan River (numerous ramps), Forked River, Barnegat Light, Atlantic City marina district, Cape May.
Charter Fishing: $600-$900 inshore; $1,200-$2,500 canyon tuna; $700-$1,100 nearshore wrecks.
More New Jersey Resources
New Jersey Fishing Guide · New Jersey Seasonal Calendar · All New Jersey reports →
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Where to focus this month
December is a cold-water month with surprisingly good action for the anglers who dress for it. Tautog are at or near their peak on the inlet jetties — Manasquan, Barnegat, Beach Haven, and Atlantic City — and on the inshore and offshore wrecks, eating green crab on a tight, minimal-weight rig. Black sea bass are stacked on the deeper offshore wrecks in 80 to 150 feet, where the bigger humpbacks live; a high-low rig with squid, clam, or Gulp does the job.
The last of the bass and offshore
The tail end of the striped bass run lingers along the beaches and in the back bays, with the fish keying on whatever bait remains — clams and bunker chunks on the bottom produce the late-season fish. Offshore, the bluefin tuna bite can be excellent in December for the boats willing to make the run on the right weather window, jigging and casting to fish on the bait. As always with bass and tuna, verify the current regulations, which are tightly managed.
The month ahead
The tautog season closes for the winter and the focus narrows to deep-wreck sea bass and the offshore tuna into January. December is the month to take advantage of the peak tog bite while it lasts, and to pick the calm windows for the offshore run. Cold-water safety is paramount this time of year — file a float plan and dress for immersion.