Fishermen 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 apply to wreck, reef and structure fishing:

* 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.

* 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 3-8 oz.

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

* Use a rod and reel that can handle depths from 15-120 feet, and 3-8 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 fish are suspended over structure, try fishing metal jigs or other lures at varying depths.

* Tag and release undersized fish. Switch techniques or locations to avoid excess bycatch of smaller species.

* Take no more fish than needed.

* Identify fish sexes – Release female fish when possible.

* Support Artificial Reef programs.