Reef Fishing Adventure with Aquila Sportfishing
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Target multiple species including Tuna, Marlin, and BassAll fishing equipment and gear provided onboardSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests
Looking for a fantastic day on the water that the whole crew can enjoy? This reef fishing trip with Aquila Sportfishing delivers exactly what you're after. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of offshore action or gathering your fishing buddies for another epic day, this charter hits all the right notes. You'll be targeting some serious gamefish - we're talking Yellowfin Tuna, Blue and Black Marlin, Striped Bass, and Albacore. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, so there's plenty of room without feeling crowded. Everything you need for a successful day is provided, from quality rods and reels to tackle and bait. Just bring your enthusiasm and maybe some snacks, because once the fish start biting, you won't want to head back to shore.
This isn't your typical pier fishing experience - we're heading out to where the real action happens. The reef structure creates the perfect hunting grounds for pelagic species, and that's where you'll spend your day. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, so you'll be fishing the most productive spots rather than wandering around hoping for the best. The vibe is relaxed but focused - perfect for families who want to learn and experienced anglers looking to add to their fish count. You'll start early to make the most of prime feeding times, and the crew will have you rigged up and ready before you even realize it. The boat runs smooth, the gear is top-notch, and the crew genuinely wants to see you succeed. That combination makes for the kind of day you'll be talking about for months.
Reef fishing means working structure, and that requires the right approach. The crew will set you up with medium to heavy tackle depending on what's running - typically 30 to 50-pound class gear that can handle anything from a scrappy Albacore to a charging Marlin. You'll be using a mix of techniques throughout the day. Trolling covers water efficiently and triggers aggressive strikes from Tuna and Marlin cruising the reef edges. When fish are marked on the finder, it's time to switch to live bait or chunk baits fished at specific depths. The crew handles all the technical stuff - setting spreads, adjusting depths, and reading the electronics. Your job is simple: stay alert, follow directions, and hang on when something big decides to eat your bait. Circle hooks and quality terminal tackle mean better hookups and safer releases when you're targeting trophy fish that deserve to swim another day.
Yellowfin Tuna are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These football-shaped fighters typically run 20 to 60 pounds around the reefs, though larger specimens show up regularly. They hit hard, run fast, and taste fantastic on the dinner table. Peak action happens during dawn and dusk feeding periods, but don't be surprised when one crushes a trolled lure in broad daylight. What makes Yellowfin so popular is their predictable aggression - when you find them, you usually find multiples.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate reef fishing prize. These apex predators patrol reef edges looking for Tuna and smaller gamefish, making them prime targets for well-presented baits. Blues average 200 to 400 pounds in these waters, though giants exceeding 500 pounds are caught annually. They're most active during warmer months when baitfish concentrate around structure. The strike is explosive, the jumps are spectacular, and the fight tests every piece of equipment on the boat. Most anglers practice catch and release with Marlin, making for incredible photos and lifetime memories.
Black Marlin offer a different but equally exciting challenge. Typically smaller than their blue cousins, Blacks make up for size with pure attitude. They're aggressive feeders that often stay near the surface, creating visual excitement when they're hunting. The 100 to 250-pound range is most common, perfect for anglers who want Marlin action without the marathon battles that bigger fish provide. Their preference for live bait makes for heart-stopping moments as you watch your offering get crushed in clear water.
Striped Bass bring inshore excitement to the offshore environment. These popular gamefish follow baitfish to reef areas during specific seasons, creating fantastic light tackle opportunities. Most reef Stripers run 15 to 35 pounds, perfect for family fishing while still providing legitimate fights. They're excellent table fare and respond well to both live and cut baits. The beauty of targeting Striped Bass around reefs is their willingness to bite throughout the day, keeping kids and novice anglers engaged when the bigger pelagics aren't cooperating.
Albacore Tuna round out the target list with their reputation as long-distance fighters. These silver bullets typically run 15 to 40 pounds and are prized for their sustained runs and excellent eating quality. Albacore often travel in schools, so once you connect with one, rapid-fire action frequently follows. They prefer cooler water temperatures and are most abundant during specific seasonal windows. Light tackle makes Albacore fishing incredibly sporting, and their firm, light-colored meat makes them a favorite for sushi and searing.
This reef fishing adventure delivers exactly what serious anglers and fishing families are looking for - variety, excitement, and the chance at truly memorable catches. Aquila Sportfishing has built their reputation by consistently putting clients on fish while maintaining the kind of professional, friendly service that makes for perfect days on the water. The 6-person capacity means you're not fighting crowds, the provided equipment eliminates guesswork, and the crew's local knowledge puts you on productive water from the first drop. Whether you're chasing your first Marlin, looking to fill the cooler with Tuna, or introducing kids to offshore fishing, this trip checks all the boxes.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are the smaller cousins in the tuna family, typically running 18-25 inches and 20-45 pounds, but don't let size fool you. These bullet-shaped speedsters travel in massive schools up to 19 miles wide in deep subtropical waters. They're active March through July during spawning, but can be caught year-round in the right areas. What makes them special is the meat - they're the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat tuna" with that firm texture and mild flavor everyone loves. They never stop moving, so once you find a school, the action can be fast and furious. Here's the deal: when trolling, that first fish you hook is crucial. Land it quickly and quietly because if it escapes, it'll spook the entire school and they'll vanish.
Istiompax IndicaBlack marlin are the bulldozers of the marlin family, trading some speed for pure brute strength. These dark-backed bruisers typically run 200-400 pounds and are known for aggressive, dangerous fights - they've been known to charge boats with that spear-like bill. Unlike other billfish, they venture closer to reefs and islands in warm water, making them more accessible. Peak fishing depends on your location, but warmer months usually produce best. What sets them apart is the raw power and attitude - they're arguably the toughest gamefish to land. The meat's good eating, but most come for the challenge. Key advice: use bridled live bait like small tuna, and stay clear of that bill when fighting them. These fish can seriously hurt you if you're not careful.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the giants of the billfish world, with females reaching over 1,000 pounds while males stay around 300. These cobalt-blue torpedoes cruise warm offshore waters, following baitfish along temperature breaks and current edges. Peak season varies by location, but warmer months typically produce the best action. What draws anglers is the raw power and aerial shows - nothing matches watching a grander launch itself skyward on a long run. The meat's decent eating, though many prefer the experience over the meal. Here's the key: when trolling, don't rush to set the hook. Let them eat the bait completely before engaging the drag. These fish have hard mouths, and a premature hookset often means watching your trophy swim away.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are some of the most reliable fish you'll encounter, running 20-40 pounds on average but capable of hitting 70. These silver beauties with their distinctive dark stripes love structure - reefs, drop-offs, and anywhere the current moves bait around. They're not the fastest swimmers, which works in your favor, but they'll put up a solid fight once hooked. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during their migration runs. What makes them special is the combo of great table fare and consistent action - that sweet, flaky meat rivals any restaurant fish. Pro tip: when you hook your first one, keep your lines in the water. Stripers often travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more nearby.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are built for speed and endurance, averaging 60 pounds but capable of reaching 400. These torpedo-shaped fighters cruise the upper 300 feet of warm offshore waters, constantly on the move hunting baitfish. They bite year-round in most tropical areas, with peak action often following bait concentrations. What makes them special is the combination of blistering runs and premium sashimi-grade meat - second only to bluefin in taste but much more available. They'll test your tackle at 50mph, making long screaming runs that'll have your arms burning. The trick is chunking when the bite gets tough. Toss cut bait overboard to bring them up from the depths, then drop your hook bait back without weight to drift naturally with the chum.
Beach Haven, NJ