Horseshoe Shoal

NOAA chart number:  13237

Lat & Long:  41°32.4’ x 70°23’ (northwest corner near buoy “7”)

Best tide: Incoming. Action slows at slack.

Hazards:  Very shallow water in places between buoy “7” and buoy “WR” with depths of 5 feet or less at low tide. Mixed rock and sand bottom. High, short chop develops at the height of the tide when wind direction is against the tide.

(Special note: This area is where the “wind farm” will be constructed over the next few years. Fishing may or may not be allowed near the turbines when they are operational.)

Link To Tide Chart: Click Here

Link to marine weather: Click Here

Fishing strategy:

Casting: Horseshoe is best known as a premier location for large bluefish. Often, you won’t see any surface commotion, even when the place is loaded with bluefish.  Long drifts with great top-water casting can be had by starting at either position (1) or (2) depending on what direction the tide is running. Start at (1) on an East bound tide and (2) on a West bound tide. Throw large top-water poppers with single hooks. You may not get any follows at first, but be patient. Before you know it, you’ll have multiple fish following your plug.
 
Trolling: Troll a semi-circular route along eastern side of the rip between buoys “7” and “WR.” Be sure to closely watch the depth as shallow water is present. Use shallow swimming plugs and stay in 10 – 15 feet of water.

Interactive Map  

Also on Salty Cape

Middle Ground Hedge Fence L’Hommedieu Shoal Bishop and Clerks