Fishermen of the Mid-Atlantic from New England to North Carolina often fish around structure, including shipwrecks, rocks, rubble, bridge pilings and artificial reefs. Depending the location and  season, these fishing hotspots can hold a variety of fish including cod, haddock, scup (porgy), black sea bass, tautog (blackfish), summer flounder (fluke), striped bass, weakfish, croaker, spot, sheepshead, spadefish, cobia, king mackerel, monkfish and other species.

The following list of tips applies to Mid-Atlantic wreck, reef and structure fishing:

* Use a basic top and bottom fishing rig when snags and hang ups are not a problem.

* Switch to a single hook rig in areas of extremely rough bottom.

* Carry a wide selection of sinkers ranging from 3-16 oz.

* When targeting large fish only, use large jigs or single baits such as whole split squid mantles or fish fillets.

* Carry a rod and reel or several setups that can handle depths from 15-200 feet, and 3-16 oz. sinkers.

* Fish with braided lines for added sensitivity.

* Use baits such as squid, croaker, bluefish, herring, sand eels, blue crabs, green crabs, mole crabs, fiddler crabs, shrimp and clams.

* When using cut crab, leave the legs on and check baits often. Replace baits that have had the meat sucked out of the shell.

* Avoid excessive tension on the line and pay attention for minute signs of nibbling. Give a short tug upward when movement is felt. If the fish appears to be in the line, set the hook, lift the fish away from structure and then reel in gently.

* When fish are suspended over structure, try fishing metal jigs or other lures at varying depths.

* Tag and release undersize fish. Switch techniques to avoid excess bycatch of smaller species.

* Take no more fish than needed.

* Identify sexes -  Release female fish when possible.

* Support Artificial Reef programs.

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