Full Day Tuna Fishing in Barnegat Light
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
10hour tuna fishing adventure targeting four tuna speciesCaptain Frank provides gear, bait, and expert guidanceSea Hunt center console accommodates up to six anglers
Captain Frank knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard his 30-foot Sea Hunt center console at Barnegat Light, you're in for a world-class tuna fishing adventure. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking 10 solid hours on the water targeting some of the Atlantic's most prized gamefish. Whether you're a seasoned angler who lives for the fight or someone ready to tackle their first serious offshore experience, this charter delivers the kind of action that keeps fishermen coming back season after season.
This top-rated charter starts early and runs hard for 10 hours, giving you maximum time in the tuna grounds. Captain Frank runs a tight ship with quality Penn and Shimano gear, live bait tanks full of fresh bunker and mackerel, and electronics that'll put you right on the fish. The 30-foot Sea Hunt handles the offshore swells like a dream, and with space for up to 6 anglers, you won't feel cramped when multiple fish hit the spread. All your fishing permits are covered, so you can focus on what matters – getting tight to some serious tuna. The captain provides hands-on coaching throughout the day, whether you need help setting the drag or fighting your first bluefin. Just bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, plenty of water, and some snacks to keep your energy up during those long battles.
Captain Frank runs a spread of high-speed trolling lures and fresh bait that's proven deadly on Barnegat's tuna population. We're talking cedar plugs, spreader bars loaded with squid, and ballyhoo rigged to perfection. The boat's equipped with quality Penn International reels spooled with 80-pound test and rods built to handle the punishment these fish dish out. When the sonar marks bait balls or the water temperature breaks just right, we'll switch to chunking with fresh bunker or casting poppers when the fish are busting on top. The captain reads the water conditions, bird activity, and bait movement to put you in the strike zone. Live lining with mackerel or bunker often produces the biggest fish, especially when bluefin are being picky. Every angler gets rotated through the cockpit so everyone has equal shots at the action.
Yellowfin Tuna are the crown jewel of this fishery, with most fish running 30 to 60 pounds and the occasional cow pushing over 100. These speedsters hit like freight trains and make blistering runs that'll test your endurance and the drag system. Peak season runs from June through October when water temperatures climb into the 70s. Yellowfin have incredible stamina and will sound deep before making multiple runs toward the surface. The meat is absolutely primo for sashimi, and the fight is pure adrenaline from hookup to gaff.
Bluefin Tuna are the ultimate prize fish that serious anglers dream about. These giants can range from schoolie 40-pounders to monsters over 200 pounds that'll take you into your backing in seconds. Bluefin are most active during spring and fall migrations when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 55 and 68 degrees. They're incredibly smart fish that require finesse with your presentation, but when you hook one, it's game on for what could be an hour-long battle. The power and endurance of a big bluefin has to be experienced to be believed.
Albacore Tuna might be smaller than their yellowfin cousins, typically running 10 to 25 pounds, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and excellent table fare. These silver bullets are perfect for anglers looking to fill the cooler, and they're often the most consistent biters in the spread. Albacore show up best in late summer and early fall when baitfish schools are thick. They're great fighters on lighter tackle and produce some of the finest eating tuna in the ocean.
Skipjack Tuna are the speed demons of the bunch, rarely topping 15 pounds but making up for it with lightning-fast runs and acrobatic jumps. They're excellent for kids or first-time tuna anglers since they're aggressive feeders that hit lures and bait with enthusiasm. Skipjack are around from late spring through early fall and often travel in large schools. While they might be the smallest tuna species you'll encounter, their fighting spirit and willingness to bite makes them a customer favorite for non-stop action.
This renowned full-day tuna charter with Captain Frank represents the best of what Barnegat Light fishing has to offer. Ten hours on the water targeting four different tuna species with quality gear, live bait, and expert guidance is tough to beat. Whether you're chasing your first tuna or looking to tangle with a giant bluefin, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of Captain Frank's local knowledge, top-notch equipment, and prime fishing grounds makes this a trending choice among serious anglers. Spots fill up fast during peak tuna season, so don't wait to secure your date for what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime.
Captain Frank's 30-foot Sea Hunt Gamefish center console is built for serious fishing adventures off Barnegat Light. Twin 300HP Yamaha engines deliver the speed and reliability you need to reach productive waters quickly, whether you're targeting tuna in the inshore grounds or heading offshore for the big bite. The boat's center console design gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish, while GPS, fish finder, and radar help locate schools and navigate safely. Outriggers are rigged and ready for trolling spreads, and there's even a head on board for those long days on the water. With space for up to six anglers, quality electronics, and a captain who knows these waters inside and out, this setup puts you in prime position to hook into Albacore, Bluefin, Skipjack, and Yellowfin tuna. The boat handles choppy seas well and provides a stable platform for landing trophy fish.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are the perfect starter tuna for new offshore anglers. These bullet-shaped fish run 20-45 pounds and have those distinctive long pectoral fins. They travel in massive schools up to 19 miles wide in deeper offshore waters, making for some fast action once you find them. Spring through fall is prime time when they move through our area. The fight is steady and strong without being overwhelming, plus the meat is the only tuna that can legally be called "white meat" - mild flavor and firm texture. Pro tip: when you hook that first fish, keep it in the water if possible and get more lines out fast. The whole school will follow the hooked fish, and you can load the boat before they move on.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of tuna fishing. These massive fish average 200-400 pounds but can hit 800+ pounds locally. They're built like submarines with that distinctive metallic blue back and silver belly. You'll find them anywhere from 50 feet to over 1000 feet deep, moving through our waters spring through fall. What sets them apart is the raw power - they'll take you into your backing on the first run and fight for hours. The meat quality is unmatched, especially for sashimi. Here's the key: when trolling, use fresh herring and don't be afraid to fish early morning or late evening when they're most active. Heavy tackle is a must - these fish will humble you quick if you're not prepared.
Katsuwonus PelamisSkipjack are the scrappy little fighters of the tuna family. These smaller fish typically run 15-25 pounds with distinctive dark stripes along their silver sides. They're surface feeders that love warm water, so they're most active during our summer months when temps are up. You'll usually find them in schools mixed with juvenile yellowfin, feeding in the top 100 feet. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature - they'll hit lures hard and fight way above their weight class. They're also what you'll find in most canned tuna. The trick with skipjack is to troll pink feathers or small spoons at 4-6 knots. They spook easily, so keep your distance and let the lures do the work when you spot a feeding school.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of offshore fishing around here. These torpedo-shaped beauties average 60 pounds but can push 200+, with bright yellow fins that give them their name. They cruise the upper water column in tropical and subtropical waters, hitting best during summer months when water temps are right. What makes them special is their incredible speed - they'll hit 50 mph and put up a serious fight with long runs. The meat is top-shelf too, perfect for sushi or steaks. My go-to trick is chunking with fresh herring or menhaden to bring them up from the deep when trolling isn't producing. Once you get them fired up, they'll compete for baits and you can have multiple hookups.
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