Offshore 8 Hours with Babu Sport Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eight-hour offshore fishing adventure beyond 15-mile markTarget mahi-mahi, sea bass, red hake, and fluke speciesSmall group experience with maximum four guests aboard
When you're ready to leave the inshore crowds behind and get serious about fishing, it's time to head beyond the 15-mile mark where the real action happens. This 8-hour offshore adventure with Babu Sport Fishing Charters puts you right in the heart of the deep water bite, where trophy fish patrol the blue water and structure holds everything from aggressive pelagics to bottom dwellers that'll test your tackle. With space for just four anglers, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make the difference between a good day and one you'll be talking about for years.
Your day starts early with the run out to the productive offshore grounds, where clear blue water and strong currents create perfect conditions for both trolling and bottom fishing. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the temperature breaks, watching the fish finder, and positioning you over the best structure. You'll spend your time working multiple techniques - pulling spreads for mahi and tuna when they're running, then dropping down to the wrecks and ridges for sea bass, red hake, and fluke when the bite calls for it. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is having enough time to really work different areas and adapt to what the fish want that day. Don't expect to just sit back and wait - this is hands-on fishing where you'll be constantly adjusting, moving, and staying on top of the action.
Out here, versatility wins the day. When we're trolling for pelagics, you'll be running a spread of lures at different depths and distances, covering water to find where the fish are feeding. Ballyhoo rigs, cedar plugs, and diving lures all have their place depending on conditions and what's showing on the sonar. Once we mark fish or hit structure, it's time to break out the bottom rigs - high-low setups with circle hooks and enough weight to stay connected in the current. The key is reading the drift, feeling the bottom, and knowing when you've got a bite versus just bouncing over rocks. Your captain will have all the terminal tackle sorted, but if you've got favorite jigs or know how to tie a proper fluke rig, bring them along. The variety keeps things interesting - one minute you're fighting a mahi on spinning gear, the next you're cranking up a keeper sea bass from 80 feet down.
Atlantic Bonito are the speed demons of the offshore world, and when they're running in late summer and fall, they'll give you some of the most exciting light tackle action you can ask for. These fish hit trolled lures like freight trains and make blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. They're not huge - most run 3 to 8 pounds - but pound for pound, they fight harder than almost anything else out there. The meat is excellent when handled properly, with a rich, tuna-like flavor that's perfect for the grill.
Atlantic Mackerel might not get the respect they deserve, but they're absolute fish magnets when you find a school. These silver bullets travel in massive numbers and create some of the fastest action you'll see offshore. They're perfect for kids or anyone who wants constant action, and they make outstanding bait for bigger fish. During peak season from late spring through early fall, you can literally catch them as fast as you can drop a sabiki rig. They're also fantastic eating when fresh - don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Atlantic Cod are the holy grail of Northeast offshore fishing, and while they're not as common as they once were, when you connect with one, it's special. These bottom huggers can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds still swimming these waters. They love structure, cold water, and will absolutely crush a properly presented bait. Cod fishing requires patience and technique - you need to stay tight to the bottom and feel every bump and tap. When you hook one, they fight with surprising power for a bottom fish, making long, steady runs that'll test your drag.
Bluefin Tuna represent the ultimate offshore prize - these are the fish that legends are made of. When they're around, everything else takes a back seat. Even the smaller schoolies that show up in late summer can weigh 30 to 60 pounds and fight like fish twice their size. Giant bluefin, when they're legal and in season, are simply unmatched in terms of power and endurance. These fish can take hours to land and will push you and your tackle to the absolute limit. The meat is phenomenal - true sashimi grade when handled properly.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of offshore bottom fishing, and for good reason. They're plentiful, they bite consistently, and the bigger ones put up a solid fight. A keeper sea bass - anything over the minimum size limit - makes for excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They love structure, so we'll be working the wrecks, ridges, and rocky bottom where they congregate. The key is getting your bait down quickly and staying alert - sea bass have a subtle bite, and you need to set the hook at the first sign of weight.
This 8-hour offshore trip gives you the full deep water experience without the commitment of an all-day marathon session. You'll cover serious ground, target multiple species, and have enough time to really dial in the bite when you find it. With only four spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention from the crew and plenty of room to fight fish properly. The offshore waters beyond 15 miles offer some of the most consistent and diverse fishing on the coast, and Babu Sport Fishing Charters has the local knowledge to put you on the best action. Whether you're after your first offshore species or looking to add to an already impressive list, this trip delivers the goods. Book now and get ready for a day of
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are fast-moving members of the tuna family that show up in schools of hundreds when conditions are right. These silver fish with dark stripes typically run 8-12 pounds and can hit 40 mph when chasing bait. You'll find them in open water beyond 15 miles, especially during summer months when water temps hit the 60s. They're surface feeders, so look for diving birds - that's your best sign. While they're not great eating here in the States, they put up a solid fight and make excellent bait for bigger game. When you locate a feeding school, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. My tip: use fast-moving lures or live bait, and once you're on them, work quickly - these schools don't stick around long.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod are bottom dwellers that hang around rocky areas and wrecks in 50-200 feet of water. These chunky fish average 10-20 pounds but can grow much larger, with that distinctive barbel under their chin and mottled coloration. They're most active in cooler months, making late fall through early spring your best bet. Cod are prized for their flaky white meat - some of the best eating you'll find offshore. They're not the strongest fighters, but their size makes up for it. You'll want to fish near the bottom with natural baits like clams, squid strips, or chunks of fish. A 16oz sinker keeps your bait in the strike zone. Local tip: when you find one cod, stick around - they often travel in small groups and you might pick up a few more in the same spot.
Scomber ScombrusAtlantic Mackerel are schooling fish that travel in massive groups - sometimes stretching for miles. These metallic blue and silver fish average about a foot long and rarely exceed 3 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and speed. You'll find them in open water during summer months when they move closer to shore to feed. They're daytime feeders that hit aggressively on small shiny lures and strip baits. The meat is oily and rich in omega-3s, making them great for the table or cut bait. They're fast swimmers and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. When you find a school, expect steady action. Pro tip: use light spinning gear with small jigs or sabiki rigs - the more hooks in the water, the better your chances.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky bottom dwellers that love structure - wrecks, rocks, and rough bottom in 20-120 feet of water. Most run 2-4 pounds, though bigger males can hit 8+ pounds and develop that distinctive hump on their head during spawning. They're most active late spring through summer when they move inshore to feed and spawn. These fish are excellent eating with firm, sweet white meat that's hard to beat. They fight hard initially but tire quickly once you get them off the bottom. You'll find them around any kind of structure using squid, clams, or fish strips on a simple two-hook rig. The bigger fish prefer deeper water and rocky bottom. Local trick: once you hook one, keep your bait in the same spot - they often school up and you can pick off several more before they wise up.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin Tuna are the ultimate offshore target - powerful, fast, and built like torpedoes. These giants average 200-400 pounds but can top 1000, with that classic dark blue back and silver sides. They roam deep offshore waters year-round, following bait schools and temperature breaks. The fight is legendary - expect long runs at 40+ mph and deep dives that'll test your tackle and stamina. The meat is world-class, especially for sushi and sashimi. Peak season runs spring through fall when they're actively feeding. You'll need heavy tackle and plenty of patience. We target them by trolling with live herring or chunking with fresh bait. Key tip: fish early morning or late evening when they're most aggressive, and always have your drag properly set - these fish can snap lines in seconds if you're not ready.
Brigantine, NJ