Full Day Family-Friendly Fishing Trip In New Jersey
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
15-hour offshore fishing adventure targeting tuna and mahi mahiFamily-friendly charter accommodates up to 6 guests comfortablyCaptain provides all gear and guidance for beginners
Captain Rob Erickson and CMF Charters have put together something special for families who want to experience the rush of offshore fishing together. This 15-hour adventure starts in the pre-dawn darkness at 4:00 AM and takes you 25+ miles into the Atlantic where the big fish roam. With room for up to 6 anglers, this top-rated charter focuses on creating those moments where kids and adults alike light up when their rod bends double. The boat's equipped with quality gear, Captain Rob knows these waters like the back of his hand, and the whole setup is designed so everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers feels right at home.
You'll meet at the dock while most of the world is still sleeping, but trust me – getting out there early is what separates the successful trips from the "should have been there yesterday" stories. Captain Rob will have the boat prepped and ready, and after a quick safety briefing, you're heading out into the darkness with the anticipation building. The ride out takes some time, but that's part of the deal when you're chasing pelagic species that live in the deep blue water. Once you hit the fishing grounds, the real fun begins. The captain will set up a spread of lines at different depths and distances, and then it's a waiting game mixed with bursts of pure adrenaline. Kids love the teamwork aspect – one person spots the hit, another grabs the rod, and everyone cheers as the fish comes to the boat. Parents get just as fired up, especially when they see their child's face during their first tuna fight.
This is a trolling operation, which means you're covering water and letting the lures do the work while the boat moves at a steady pace. Captain Rob runs a variety of spreads depending on conditions – ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, cedar plugs, diving plugs, and maybe some high-speed wahoo lures if the conditions are right. The outriggers keep lines separated and create that classic offshore spread that draws strikes from cruising pelagics. All the tackle is provided, from the heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test to the fighting belts that make battling big fish manageable. The boat's electronics help locate temperature breaks, bait schools, and structure that hold fish. When something hits, you'll know it – the reel screams, the rod loads up, and suddenly everyone's focused on one thing: getting that fish to the boat. Circle hooks are the standard here, which makes catch and release easier and keeps everyone safer during the fight.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the bunch, and they show up when you least expect it. These fish can stretch over 30 pounds and make blistering runs that'll test your drag settings and your nerves. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through fall, and they love to cruise along temperature breaks where cooler inshore water meets the warmer offshore currents. Kids get a huge kick out of kings because they fight hard but don't take forever to land – it's pure excitement without wearing out small arms.
Mahi Mahi, or common dolphinfish, are the crowd pleasers that turn every angler into a photographer. Their electric colors – bright yellows, blues, and greens – make them look like they belong in a tropical aquarium rather than on the end of your line. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Mahi are acrobatic fighters that jump and tail-walk across the surface, giving everyone on the boat a show. They're excellent table fare too, which makes the trip home even sweeter.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the offshore world. These bronze-colored fish can push 40+ pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're curious by nature and sometimes cruise right up to the boat, giving you a perfect view before they decide whether to eat your bait. Cobia season peaks in late spring and early summer, and they're known for making powerful runs toward structure or the bottom. Landing a big cobia is a badge of honor that kids will talk about for years.
Yellowfin Tuna represent the pinnacle of offshore fishing for many anglers. These fish are built for speed and endurance, with torpedo-shaped bodies and sickle-shaped fins that cut through water like nothing else. A 40-60 pound yellowfin will give you a workout you won't forget, making long runs and testing every knot in your tackle. They're most active when water temperatures hit the sweet spot in summer and early fall. The meat is world-class, and there's something special about sharing yellowfin sashimi that your family caught together.
Bluefin Tuna are the holy grail – powerful, intelligent, and absolutely relentless when hooked. These fish can exceed 100 pounds in these waters, and they'll take you into your backing faster than you can believe. Bluefin have made a remarkable comeback in recent years, and hooking one is an experience that bonds families together. They're most common during the cooler months, and the regulations are strict to protect the population, but when you get the chance to battle one of these magnificent fish, it's something you'll never forget.
Captain Rob's family-friendly approach combined with his knowledge of New Jersey's offshore waters makes this a customer favorite for good reason. The 15-hour format gives you the best shot at multiple species while keeping things comfortable for younger anglers. Remember to bring snacks and drinks since meals aren't provided, pack some seasickness medication just in case, and don't forget the sunscreen and camera. The early start time means you'll be back at the dock while you still have energy to clean fish and share stories. This world-class fishing experience creates the kind of memories that turn kids into lifelong
The 28-foot Luhrs Sportfishing boat cuts through Jersey waters with twin 240HP Yanmar engines, hitting speeds up to 28 knots as Captain Rob takes your crew 25+ miles offshore. This serious fishing machine comfortably handles 6 anglers with all the gear you need for tuna and mahi action. The onboard kitchen keeps everyone fed during the 15-hour adventure, while the icebox and refrigerator store your catch and cold drinks. GPS and fish finder tech help locate the best fishing spots, plus there's radar for those early morning departures when visibility gets sketchy. A bed and toilet onboard mean comfort during the long haul to the productive offshore grounds where the big game fish are biting.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of tuna fishing - massive, powerful fish that average 100-300 pounds but can exceed 500. They're built like living missiles with incredible stamina and speed. We find them in deeper offshore waters, often around temperature breaks and bait concentrations. Fall and winter are our best seasons when they migrate south along our coast. The fight is legendary - they'll strip line for hundreds of yards and dive deep enough to test your backing. The meat is the finest in the ocean for sushi and sashimi. Be ready for heavy tackle and long battles. My best advice: when trolling, use fresh herring or mackerel on circle hooks. These fish are heavily regulated, so check current rules - you need permits and must report any catches.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are loners that look like small sharks cruising near the surface, but they're actually fantastic table fare with firm, white meat. These brown torpedoes average 20-40 pounds and can stretch 4-5 feet. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, buoys, and markers in 30-70 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they migrate up our coast and start spawning. They're curious fish that'll come right up to the boat, making for great sight fishing opportunities. The fight is strong and steady - they don't jump much but they'll test your tackle with powerful runs. My go-to is a 6-8 oz bucktail jig in any color. When you spot one, cast well ahead and work that jig slowly - cobia like to follow before they commit to eating.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are fast, aggressive predators that typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see some pushing 50+ pounds out here. They cruise in 40-150 foot depths around structure and temperature breaks, usually holding near the surface. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot above 68°F. These fish put on a serious show with blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your drag system. The meat is excellent grilled or blackened, though watch the mercury if you're feeding kids. Pro tip: when trolling, use a wire leader and let your bait skip on the surface - kings love to hit from behind, so that stinger hook near the tail will save you from short strikes.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll see out here - brilliant gold, blue, and green that puts on a light show when they come to the boat. Most run 15-25 pounds, though bull dolphins can push 40+. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in warm water. Best fishing happens late spring through early fall when water temps climb above 70°F. What makes them special is that aggressive strike and the way they leap clear out of the water. Plus, the meat is some of the finest eating you'll find - firm, white, and mild. Here's the trick: when you hook one, leave it in the water while you get more lines ready. Mahi travel in schools, and that hooked fish will often keep the whole group around for multiple hookups.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are built like torpedoes and can hit 50 mph, making them one of the most challenging fish we target. Out here, we see them from 30-100 pounds, though the average is closer to 60. They roam the upper water column in deep offshore waters, usually 25+ miles out. Late summer into fall gives us the best shot when they follow baitfish migrations. The fight is pure power - long runs, deep dives, and they never quit. The meat is world-class sushi grade, rich and buttery. These fish are smart, so we mix up techniques from trolling spreader bars to chunking with live bait. When they're being picky, try dropping a butterfly jig down deep and work it fast - sometimes they'll hit what they can't catch on the surface.
New Jersey