Townsends Inlet Reef — public NJ reef 3.8 nm off Avalon
Townsends Inlet Reef is a public NJDEP site 3.8 nm off Avalon. The August 2021 map lists 0.7 sq mi and 49–65 ft. Named trawlers and the tug Bay Jack are on the reef PDF.
By Sebastian · Published September 14, 2026
Public-source briefing only. We have not surveyed this water. DEP reef maps are marked not for navigational purposes. Confirm corners, depths, and deployments on the current NJ Fish & Wildlife reef PDFs and a live NOAA chart before you leave the dock.
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What the state published
- Official name
- Townsends Inlet Reef
- Distance offshore
- 3.8 nm off Avalon NJ (reeflocs.pdf and August 2021 map)
- Reef area
- 0.7 square miles (August 2021 map)
- Depth range
- 49–65 ft (August 2021 map)
- NE corner (DGPS)
- 39°06.700′ N, 74°36.000′ W — reeflocs.pdf
- NW corner (DGPS)
- 39°06.700′ N, 74°37.500′ W — reeflocs.pdf
- SE corner (DGPS)
- 39°06.250′ N, 74°36.000′ W — reeflocs.pdf
- SW corner (DGPS)
- 39°06.250′ N, 74°37.500′ W — reeflocs.pdf
- Bay Jack tug (2005)
- 60-foot tug Bay Jack (AKA “Tug From Hell”), November 8, 2005 — 39°06.460′ N, 74°36.030′ W (Townsends Inlet Reef PDF)
Townsends Inlet Reef is the public Avalon / Sea Isle ocean box. It is easy to mix up with Townsends Inlet itself. This page follows the Townsends Inlet Reef PDF and the Avalon corners on reeflocs.pdf.
Official box
3.8 nm off Avalon, NJ. August 2021 map: 0.7 sq mi, 49–65 ft, not for navigational purposes. Legend: concrete, dredge rock, reef balls, ships.
| Corner | Latitude | Longitude |
|---|---|---|
| NE | 39°06.700′ N | 74°36.000′ W |
| NW | 39°06.700′ N | 74°37.500′ W |
| SE | 39°06.250′ N | 74°36.000′ W |
| SW | 39°06.250′ N | 74°37.500′ W |
Treat that table as a copy of the state sheet, then open the PDF yourself.
Named ships (sample)
From the Townsends Inlet Reef PDF — not a forum list:
- 60-foot tug Bay Jack (AKA “Tug From Hell”), November 8, 2005 — 39°06.460′ N, 74°36.030′ W
- 82-foot trawler Donna’s Star, December 20, 2005 — 39°06.360′ N, 74°36.300′ W
- 77-foot commercial trawler Halong Bay (TI Fluke 06), April 10, 2007 — 39°06.480′ N, 74°36.470′ W
- 77-foot commercial trawler Miss Doxsee (TI Fluke 07), August 13, 2007 — 39°06.610′ N, 74°36.180′ W
- 87-foot trawler Fisherman’s Dream, May 31, 2017 — 39°06.500′ N, 74°36.300′ W
The PDF also lists 2019 Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club barges and Townsends Inlet Bridge concrete. We are not dumping the culvert/reef-ball ID grid.
Inlet vs reef
Townsends Inlet is how a lot of small boats leave the bay. It is not this reef, and it is not something we will sketch from memory. Shoals move. Use a current NOAA chart and USCG notices.
Seasons
Statewide 2026 windows: NJ saltwater seasons 2026. Registry: still free, still required for most anglers 16+.
North: Ocean City Reef. Farther east: Deepwater Reef.
Sources checked
Electronics and comms, not $10 staples
Chart + sonar
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv
$999.99 when checked on Amazon for the GT54 transducer bundle
Fixed-mount VHF with GPS/DSC
Icom IC-M330G
$228.12 when checked on Amazon for the black GPS model
Handheld backup
Standard Horizon HX890
$269.99 when checked on Amazon for the navy listing