Full Day Tuna Chunk Fishing Trip in Barnegat Light
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday 12hour offshore tuna fishing adventure from Barnegat LightTarget Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna with professional captain guidance30' Sea Hunt boat includes all tackle, bait, and fishing permits
Captain Frank's 12-hour offshore tuna adventure is where serious anglers come to play. We're talking about a full day of chunking for bluefin and yellowfin tuna off Barnegat Light, one of New Jersey's most productive offshore destinations. This isn't your typical half-day trip - we're heading to the deep blue water where the big fish live, and staying there until we find what we came for. The 30' Sea Hunt center console gives us the range and stability to fish the canyon edges and temperature breaks where tuna stack up. With all gear, bait, and electronics provided, you just need to bring your A-game and be ready for some serious arm-burning action.
We launch from Barnegat Light before dawn, making the 20-30 mile run to the offshore grounds while it's still dark. Captain Frank has been working these waters for years and knows exactly where to find the temperature breaks and current edges that hold tuna. The ride out gives everyone time to wake up, set up gear, and get mentally prepared for what could be an epic day. Once we reach the fishing grounds, it's all about reading the water - looking for bird activity, bait schools, and those telltale signs that tuna are feeding below. The boat's electronics help us mark fish and structure, but Captain Frank's experience is what puts us on the bite. We'll anchor up on productive spots and get the chum slick going, creating that scent trail that brings tuna right to the boat.
Chunk fishing is all about patience and presentation. We set up a spread of lines at different depths, using fresh butterfish, mackerel, and squid chunks to create an irresistible buffet for hungry tuna. The key is getting that natural drift - no weights, no hardware, just a hook and chunk floating back in the chum slick like an easy meal. Captain Frank provides top-shelf Penn and Shimano reels spooled with heavy braid, paired with quality rods that can handle the punishment these fish dish out. Circle hooks are the way to go for tuna - they hook solid and fish themselves when a bluefin or yellowfin decides to make that screaming run. The boat's fighting chair comes into play for the bigger fish, giving you the leverage needed to battle a 200-pound bluefin without throwing out your back.
The bluefin tuna fishing off Barnegat Light has been absolutely lights-out this season. These fish are pure muscle and attitude, ranging from school-sized 50-pounders up to giants pushing 300 pounds. Bluefin are incredibly smart and can be finicky feeders - one minute they're crushing chunks, the next they're following your bait right to the boat before turning away. When you do hook up, get ready for the fight of your life. They'll strip 200 yards of line on the initial run, then come back for more. The yellowfin tuna have been showing up in good numbers too, especially during the warmer months. These fish are speed demons - faster than bluefin and just as strong. A 60-pound yellowfin will test your tackle and your endurance like nothing else swimming in these waters.
Bluefin tuna are the holy grail of Northeast offshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are built like torpedoes and fight like they're attached to a freight train. Peak season runs from late spring through early winter, with the best action typically happening when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 60-70 degrees. What makes bluefin special is their intelligence - they'll investigate your chum slick, follow chunks, and sometimes even swim right up to the boat to check you out before deciding whether to feed. When they do commit, it's explosive. A big bluefin can peel off 300 yards of line before you even realize what hit your bait. The meat quality is world-class too - there's a reason sushi chefs pay top dollar for these fish.
Yellowfin tuna bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These fish are pure speed and endurance, capable of reaching speeds over 40 mph when they're running. They tend to show up in our waters during the warmer months, following bait schools and warm water masses. Yellowfin are typically more aggressive feeders than bluefin - when they're on the bite, they'll crush chunks without hesitation. The fight is different too - instead of the bulldogging power of a bluefin, yellowfin use their speed and agility, making long runs and quick direction changes that'll have you scrambling to keep up. They're also fantastic eating, with that clean, meaty flavor that makes them a favorite among serious anglers and chefs alike.
This full-day tuna chunk fishing adventure with Captain Frank is exactly what offshore fishing should be - serious angling for world-class fish with an experienced captain who knows how to put you on the bite. The 12-hour format gives us the flexibility to move with the fish and maximize our time on productive water. With only 6 spots available, the boat never feels crowded, and everyone gets plenty of opportunities to get in the action. All fishing permits are included, gear is provided, and Captain Frank's hands-on guidance means you'll learn something new even if you're an experienced angler. Just bring your drinks, snacks, sunscreen, and be ready for a day of fishing that'll have you talking for years. Book now and secure your spot for what could be the tuna trip of a lifetime off the legendary waters of Barnegat Light.
Captain Frank's 30-foot Sea Hunt Gamefish center console delivers the perfect platform for serious tuna fishing off Barnegat Light. Twin 300HP Yamaha outboards get you to the fishing grounds fast and bring you home safely after long days chasing bluefin and yellowfin. The boat's equipped with GPS, radar, and fish finder to locate the best bite, plus outriggers for proper chunk presentation. With space for up to six anglers and an onboard head for comfort during those 12-hour offshore battles, this center console handles big water and bigger fish. The wide deck gives everyone room to fight tuna without getting tangled up, while the electronics help Captain Frank put you on the action when the fish are feeding.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail - massive, smart, and built for battle. We're talking fish that average 100-200 pounds but can push 400+ pounds and fight like nothing else. They roam deep offshore waters but come up to feed, especially during cooler months when bait moves through. What sets them apart? The fight is legendary - long runs, deep dives, and they never quit. Plus the meat is world-class, the best tuna you'll ever taste. They're highly regulated, so we follow strict rules and reporting. My advice: use circle hooks when chunking, keep your drag smooth, and be patient. These fish are incredibly smart and will test every knot you tied. When one grabs your chunk, hold on tight.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are built like torpedoes with that bright yellow coloring on their fins that gives them their name. Most fish we catch run 40-80 pounds, though they can hit 400+. These warm-blooded speedsters cruise at 50 mph and love the upper water column out in deep blue water. Summer through early fall is prime time here off Barnegat Light when water temps climb. What makes them special? They fight hard with long runs and taste amazing - second only to Bluefin for sashimi quality. Chunking works great since they're always feeding. Pro tip: when you see them busting bait on top, keep your chunks small and let them drift naturally. They're smart fish that spook easily, so stay quiet when they're up.
undefined, undefined