Fish guide
Spot
Leiostomus xanthurus.
Showing the fish for North Jersey Shore, NJ.
Season in North Jersey
Aug 2025: spot and croakers on the Keyport waterfront in Raritan Bay; Oct 2025: spot off the beaches, used as bait. NCDMF: most abundant from Delaware Bay to Georgia in summer and fall. (Our inference)
Season by region
| Myrtle Beach | JFMAMJJASOND |
|---|---|
| North Jersey | JFMAMJJASOND |
| South Jersey | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Delmarva | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Virginia Beach | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Outer Banks | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Southern NC | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Charleston | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Georgia | JFMAMJJASOND |
Where to find them
Piers and the first trough during the fall run.
Bottom, close in.
What to look for
Pier crowds with bloodworms in October.
Bait
Bloodworms (top bait), Shrimp bits, Fishbites bloodworm. Double-drop, #4 to #6 hooks, 1 to 3 oz.
Leader
15 to 20 lb.
Common mistakes
- Hooks too large
Landing
Simple.
Handling
- Minor spines
No special hazards.
Keep or release
Good eating and prime live bait. Check state rules.
Typical: About 8 in, 0.5 lb. Large: Over 0.75 lb. SC record 1 lb 1 oz.
Limits
FishOS has not checked the NJ limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife before you keep a fish.
Sources
- On The Water: Northern New Jersey Fishing Report, August 14 2025 (Angler knowledge)
- On The Water: Northern New Jersey Fishing Report, October 16 2025 (Angler knowledge)
- NC Division of Marine Fisheries species profile: spot (Official source)
- ASMFC 2017, Atlantic Sciaenid Habitats (Habitat Management Series 14): Spot chapter (Official source)
- SCDNR species profile: spot (Official source)
Is spot worth it today?
The planner rates it for your exact time with the live tide, weather and water temperature.
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