Cigar GPS Coordinates : Your Complete Navigation Guide

The Cigar GPS coordinates off the New Jersey coast are 38.9033/-74.1393 in decimal degrees format. Located 35 miles east of Cape May and 15 miles beyond the Sea Isle Ridge, this popular offshore fishing ridge attracts anglers targeting bluefish, sharks, mahi-mahi, and tuna throughout the fishing season.

For marine GPS navigation, you can use these coordinate formats:

• Decimal Degrees (DD): 38.9033° N, 74.1393° W
• Degrees Decimal Minutes (DDM): 38° 54.198' N, 74° 8.358' W
• Degrees Minutes Seconds (DMS): 38° 54' 11.88" N, 74° 8' 21.48" W

This comprehensive guide will walk you through locating the Cigar ridge, understanding GPS coordinate formats, and maximizing your success at this prime New Jersey fishing destination.

Understanding the Cigar Ridge Location

The Cigar ridge represents one of New Jersey's most accessible offshore fishing structures, positioned strategically in waters that consistently hold game fish. This underwater ridge formation creates an upwelling effect that concentrates baitfish, making it a magnet for predatory species.

When you locate GPS coordinates for the Cigar, you're targeting a natural underwater structure that rises from deeper surrounding waters. The ridge runs roughly northeast to southwest, creating current breaks and eddies that trap nutrients and attract marine life throughout the water column.

The positioning 35 miles from Cape May puts this spot within range of mid-sized boats on calm days. Weather windows become critical for safe access, as conditions can change rapidly at this distance from shore.

How to Enter Cigar Coordinates in Your GPS

Converting Between GPS Coordinate Formats

Different GPS systems accept various coordinate formats, making conversion essential for accurate navigation. The Cigar's GPS coordinates latitude longitude can be entered in three primary formats:

Decimal Degrees Format (Most Common): Simply enter 38.9033 for latitude and -74.1393 for longitude. Most modern chart plotters and GPS coordinates free mobile apps accept this format directly.

Degrees Decimal Minutes Conversion: To convert decimal degrees to DDM format, keep the whole number as degrees and multiply the decimal portion by 60. For the Cigar location:

• Latitude: 38° + (0.9033 × 60) = 38° 54.198' N
• Longitude: 74° + (0.1393 × 60) = 74° 8.358' W

Degrees Minutes Seconds Format: Some older GPS units require DMS input. Take the decimal minutes and multiply by 60 again:

• From 54.198 minutes: 0.198 × 60 = 11.88 seconds
• Final latitude: 38° 54' 11.88" N

Programming Your Marine GPS

Modern marine GPS units from Garmin, Lowrance, Simrad, and Raymarine handle waypoint entry differently. Access your waypoint menu and create a new waypoint named "Cigar" or "Cigar Ridge."

Enter the coordinates using your unit's preferred format. Most systems allow you to switch between formats in the settings menu. Save the waypoint and consider adding it to a route if you're navigating from a specific inlet.

For satellite GPS coordinates accuracy, ensure your GPS has acquired at least four satellites before navigation. Modern units typically lock onto 8-12 satellites, providing accuracy within 10-15 feet.

Interactive GPS Coordinates and Mapping Tools

Using Google Maps for Pre-Trip Planning

Google Maps coordinates location services accept the Cigar coordinates directly. Enter "38.9033,-74.1393" in the search bar to visualize the location relative to the New Jersey coastline.

While Google Maps shows the general area, specialized marine charts provide critical depth information and underwater structure details. The coordinates reveal the Cigar sits in approximately 60-80 feet of water, depending on the specific area of the ridge.

Interactive GPS coordinates platforms like Navionics and C-MAP offer detailed bathymetric data showing the ridge's contours. These tools help identify the most productive fishing areas along the structure.

Mobile Apps for GPS Navigation

Several mobile applications provide GPS coordinates free navigation to the Cigar:

Navionics Boating offers downloadable charts for offline use, crucial when cellular service disappears offshore. Input the Cigar waypoint before departure and follow the app's routing guidance.

iNavX integrates with onboard GPS systems, allowing coordinate sharing between devices. This redundancy proves valuable when primary navigation fails.

Fishing Points specifically targets anglers, providing tide data and solunar tables alongside navigation features. The app calculates optimal fishing times based on the Cigar's location.

GPS Coordinates to Address: Understanding Marine Navigation

While GPS coordinates to address conversion works on land, offshore locations like the Cigar lack traditional addresses. Instead, mariners reference these spots using:

Bearing and Distance from Known Points: The Cigar sits approximately 35 miles at 95° true from Cape May Point. This bearing/distance method provides backup navigation if GPS fails.

Cross-References to Other Structure: Located 15 miles beyond Sea Isle Ridge, the Cigar forms part of a chain of productive fishing grounds. Understanding these relationships helps verify your position.

Depth Readings as Confirmation: When you arrive at the coordinates, your depth sounder should read between 60-80 feet. Significant variation suggests you may be off the primary structure.

Related Fishing Spots Near the Cigar

Nearby GPS Coordinate Locations

The waters surrounding the Cigar offer additional productive fishing opportunities. Understanding these nearby structures helps maximize your offshore trips:

Sea Isle Ridge (20 miles from Cape May) serves as a waypoint when traveling to the Cigar. This shallower structure holds fish earlier in the season when water temperatures remain cool.

28 Mile Wreck (39.0075/-74.0828) sits northeast of the Cigar, offering wreck fishing opportunities for bottom species. The structure creates excellent habitat for sea bass and tog.

Cape May Reef provides inshore alternatives when weather prevents reaching the Cigar. These artificial reef sites hold similar species in shallower, more protected waters.

Creating GPS Coordinate Routes

Building efficient routes between fishing spots maximizes your time on productive water. Start from your home inlet and create waypoints for:

1. Safe passage through inlet channels
2. Clear navigation around shallow areas
3. The Cigar ridge primary waypoint
4. Alternative spots for changing conditions

Save these routes for different weather scenarios. Calm conditions allow direct routing, while rough seas may require following depth contours for a smoother ride.

Best Practices for Using GPS Coordinates Offshore

Equipment Redundancy and Safety

Never rely solely on one GPS unit when navigating to offshore locations like the Cigar. Experienced captains maintain multiple navigation sources:

Primary GPS/Chart Plotter: Your main helm-mounted unit with the largest screen and most features.

Backup Handheld GPS: Waterproof, battery-powered units provide emergency navigation if main electronics fail.

Mobile Device with Offline Charts: Downloaded charts on phones or tablets offer additional redundancy.

Traditional Compass and Charts: Magnetic compass navigation remains viable when all electronics fail.

Marking Productive Spots

Once at the Cigar, use your GPS to mark specific productive areas along the ridge. Fish often concentrate on particular features:

• High spots where the ridge peaks closest to the surface
• Drop-off edges where the structure falls into deeper water
• Irregular bottom creating current breaks

Create detailed waypoint names including depth and structure type. "Cigar Peak 62ft" provides more information than simply "Spot 1."

Seasonal Considerations for the Cigar

Spring and Early Summer Patterns

April through June brings migrating species past the Cigar. Bluefin tuna follow warming water temperatures north, often stopping to feed on sand eels congregating around the ridge.

Water temperatures between 50-60°F trigger the best spring action. Monitor satellite GPS coordinates of water temperature breaks, as fish concentrate along these thermal boundaries.

Peak Summer Fishing

July through September offers the most consistent action at the Cigar. Mahi-mahi arrive with warm water and floating debris. Sharks patrol the ridge edges, particularly during slack tide periods.

Morning trips often produce better results before boat traffic increases. The coordinates remain the same, but fish behavior changes with pressure and conditions.

Fall Migration Opportunities

October and November can produce exceptional fishing as species migrate south. False albacore and bonito school actively around the ridge, creating exciting light-tackle opportunities.

Weather windows become shorter but fish feed aggressively before winter. Monitor conditions carefully and maintain flexibility with backup inshore options.

Navigation Technology and Tools

Understanding Coordinate Systems

The GPS coordinates for the Cigar use the WGS84 datum, standard for modern navigation. Older charts may reference NAD27, requiring conversion for accuracy.

Most coordinate differences appear minimal at this scale, but precision matters when marking specific spots. Ensure all your devices use the same datum setting to maintain consistency.

GPS coordinates maps integration allows real-time position overlay on digital charts. This visual reference helps maintain situational awareness in fog or rough conditions.

Advanced GPS Features

Modern GPS units offer features that enhance navigation to spots like the Cigar:

Track Recording: Save your actual path for future reference, particularly useful when navigating around commercial traffic or weather.

Anchor Alarm: Set a proximity alarm to alert drift from your intended fishing position.

Route Optimization: Calculate fuel-efficient paths considering current and wind conditions.

AIS Integration: View commercial vessel traffic to avoid conflicts in shipping lanes.

Safety Considerations for Offshore Navigation

Weather Planning and Monitoring

The 35-mile run to the Cigar requires careful weather consideration. Check multiple forecast sources before departure:

• NOAA marine forecasts for wind and seas
• Real-time buoy data for actual conditions
• Radar imagery for approaching weather systems

Establish clear go/no-go criteria based on boat capability and crew experience. The coordinates remain constant, but conditions determine accessibility.

Communication and Float Plans

File a float plan including the Cigar GPS coordinates with someone ashore. Include:

• Departure time and expected return
• Specific coordinates you plan to fish
• Boat description and registration
• Number of people aboard
• Emergency contact information

VHF radio provides primary emergency communication, but consider satellite messengers for redundancy at this distance offshore.

Equipment and Preparation for Cigar Trips

Essential Navigation Gear

Beyond GPS units, successful trips to the Cigar require:

Quality Compass: Mounted away from magnetic interference

Paper Charts: Waterproof charts covering the area from your inlet to the Cigar

Distance and Bearing Tools: Parallel rules and dividers for manual plotting

Depth Sounder: Confirms arrival at the ridge structure

Radar: Invaluable for navigation in reduced visibility

Fishing-Specific Preparations

The Cigar's diverse species require varied tackle:

Trolling Gear: High-speed trolling for tuna and mahi Chunking Setup: Anchor system for chumming sharks Jigging Outfits: Vertical presentations for bottom species Light Tackle: Spinning gear for false albacore and bonito

Understanding Marine Life at the Cigar

The ridge's unique position creates ideal conditions for various species. Understanding types of saltwater fish common to New Jersey waters helps target specific species effectively.

Pelagic species like mahi-mahi and tuna cruise the upper water column, while bottom dwellers occupy the structure itself. This vertical distribution allows multiple fishing techniques simultaneously.

For anglers interested in the culinary aspects, many species at the Cigar rank among the best tasting saltwater fish. Mahi-mahi, tuna, and sea bass provide excellent table fare when properly handled.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Navigation Errors

Incorrect Coordinate Format: Double-check your GPS accepts the format you're entering. A misplaced decimal creates miles of error.

Datum Mismatches: Ensure all devices use WGS84 for consistency.

Magnetic vs. True Bearings: Understand your compass variation for accurate manual navigation.

Ignoring Tidal Influence: Strong currents around the ridge affect boat positioning and drift calculations.

Safety Oversights

Inadequate Fuel Reserves: Calculate fuel needs with 1/3 out, 1/3 back, 1/3 reserve minimum.

Weather Window Optimism: Conditions deteriorate quickly offshore; maintain conservative decision-making.

Equipment Assumptions: Test all navigation equipment before departure, not upon arrival at the coordinates.

Advanced Techniques for Fishing the Cigar

Locating Fish on the Structure

Once you've navigated to the Cigar coordinates, finding fish requires understanding structure subtleties:

Use your GPS coordinates maps overlay with sonar to identify:

• Bait schools appearing as clouds on the screen
• Individual predators marked as arches
• Bottom composition changes indicating prime habitat

Mark productive spots immediately when you find fish. Create detailed waypoint names including time, depth, and species caught.

Drift Patterns and Positioning

The ridge's orientation affects current flow and drift direction. Calculate drift speed and direction to maintain optimal presentation:

1. Mark your starting position with GPS
2. Drift naturally for several minutes
3. Mark ending position and calculate speed/direction
4. Adjust boat positioning for productive drifts

This systematic approach maximizes time over productive bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Cigar GPS coordinates (38.9033/-74.1393) mark one of New Jersey's premier offshore fishing destinations. This comprehensive guide provides everything needed for successful navigation to this productive ridge, from coordinate conversion to safety planning.

Remember that coordinates alone don't guarantee fishing success. Combine precise navigation with proper weather planning, safety preparation, and local knowledge for the best results. The Cigar's position 35 miles offshore demands respect for ocean conditions while rewarding prepared anglers with exceptional fishing opportunities.

Whether you're targeting pelagic species in the upper water column or bottom fishing the structure itself, the Cigar remains a cornerstone of New Jersey's offshore fishing scene. Save these coordinates, plan your trip carefully, and discover why generations of anglers have made the journey to this remarkable fishing ground.

For those interested in exploring the mysteries of the deep waters beyond the Cigar, understanding the scary fish in the ocean can help prepare for unexpected catches. And if you're curious about marine ecosystems closer to shore, learning about brackish water fish provides insight into New Jersey's diverse coastal habitats.

Ready to navigate to the Cigar? Program these coordinates into your GPS, check the weather forecast, and prepare for an unforgettable offshore fishing adventure off the New Jersey coast!