New Jersey · Jersey Shore
PORGY FISHING
IN ATLANTIC CITY
Atlantic City is a solid destination for porgy fishing, with good fishing in June, July, August, September. Book a charter and target porgy with local experts.
About Porgy Fishing in Atlantic City
Also called Scup, porgy are abundant and reliable pan fish found from New Jersey to Connecticut. These scrappy fighters are excellent eating and provide fast action on light tackle around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom structure.
Porgy — also called Scup — are one of the most reliable and abundant bottom fish from New Jersey to Connecticut. These small, pan-shaped fish with iridescent silver-blue scales and a distinctive spiny dorsal fin are excellent eating with sweet, mild flesh. Porgy gather in large schools around structure, making them easy to locate and fun to catch in quantity. While not glamorous, they are a bread-and-butter species that provides fast, consistent action for anglers of all skill levels — especially popular for family fishing trips.
Scientific name: Stenotomus chrysops
Porgy Seasonal Calendar — Atlantic City
Month-by-month availability for porgy in Atlantic City, NJ.
How to Catch Porgy in Atlantic City
Techniques & Bait
Small pieces of clam, squid, or sandworm on a high-low rig (two-hook bottom rig) with a bank sinker fished near rocky bottom, wrecks, and reefs in 20-80 feet of water is the standard technique. Small jigs (1/4-1/2 oz) tipped with clam or squid worked near the bottom also produce well. Chum with crushed clam or cat food to concentrate schools. Fish structure transitions — where rock meets sand — for the best catches. Porgy bite aggressively and provide quick, reliable action.
Recommended Tackle
Light spinning rod (6-7 ft), 2000-2500 reel, 8-10 lb braid, 10-15 lb fluorocarbon leader, small hooks (size 4-1/0), light sinkers (1/2-2 oz).
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Atlantic City
Top spots where local captains target porgy and other nearshore species.
Atlantic City Reef
The Atlantic City Reef is a large permitted artificial reef site approximately six miles offshore in 72 feet of water, built with subway cars, concrete rubble, and donated vessels. Black sea bass, tautog, summer flounder, and triggerfish hold on the reef's extensive structure year-round, making it one of the most productive nearshore bottom-fishing destinations in southern New Jersey. The reef's size and diversity of deployed material support a remarkable concentration of reef fish.
Steel Pier Surf Zone
The surf zone along Atlantic City's famous beach, particularly near the historic Steel Pier and adjacent jetties, provides accessible shore-based fishing for striped bass, bluefish, kingfish, and fluke. The city's rock groins and jetties create current breaks that concentrate baitfish and attract predators along the beachfront. Fall striped bass fishing along the Atlantic City surf is a tradition that draws anglers from across the mid-Atlantic region.
Great Egg Inlet
Great Egg Inlet connects Great Egg Harbor Bay to the Atlantic Ocean south of Atlantic City, with tidal currents that create productive nearshore fishing along the channel and adjacent sand bars. Fluke, striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish feed in the inlet's rips during tidal transitions, particularly on the outgoing tide when bait washes out of the bay. The inlet's south jetty provides walk-on access to some of the best structure fishing in the area.
Absecon Inlet Jetties
The rock jetties flanking Absecon Inlet extend into the Atlantic and create prime nearshore structure where strong currents concentrate baitfish and attract predators. Tautog, sheepshead, striped bass, and bluefish hold along the submerged rocks year-round, with fall tautog fishing producing some of the largest fish. Anglers walk the jetties to cast jigs, plugs, and live bait into the turbulent water surrounding the rocks.
Other Species in Atlantic City
More fish you can target while visiting Atlantic City.
Porgy Fishing in Atlantic City — FAQ
Porgy fishing in Atlantic City is productive during June, July, August, September.
Porgy fishing charters in Atlantic City are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Small pieces of clam, squid, or sandworm on a high-low rig (two-hook bottom rig) with a bank sinker fished near rocky bottom, wrecks, and reefs in 20-80 feet of water is the standard technique. Small jigs (1/4-1/2 oz) tipped with clam or squid worked near the bottom also produce well. Chum with crushed clam or cat food to concentrate schools. Fish structure transitions — where rock meets sand — for the best catches. Porgy bite aggressively and provide quick, reliable action.
No — when you book a charter in Atlantic City, your captain provides all required New Jersey fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Porgy regulations in New Jersey include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Porgy in Atlantic City, you may also catch Striped Bass, Tautog, Fluke, Bluefish, Black Sea Bass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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