Full Day Family Offshore Fishing in New Jersey
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
15hour offshore fishing trip targeting Tuna, Mahi Mahi, King MackerelFamilyfriendly charter accommodates up to 6 guests with provided gearCaptain Rob Erickson guides groups 25+ miles into Atlantic waters
Looking for a fishing adventure that'll keep the whole crew happy? Captain Rob Erickson's 15-hour offshore charter is exactly what you need. This isn't your typical family outing – we're talking about heading 25+ miles into the Atlantic to chase some of the most exciting fish swimming off the Jersey coast. With room for up to 6 anglers and a captain who knows how to make everyone feel welcome, this trip strikes the perfect balance between serious fishing and family fun. Whether you've got seasoned anglers or first-timers in your group, everyone walks away with stories worth telling.
The alarm goes off early – 4:00 AM departure means you'll be watching the sunrise from the boat while other folks are still hitting snooze. Captain Rob doesn't mess around when it comes to finding fish. He'll push out past the continental shelf where the water turns that deep blue color and the real action happens. The boat's equipped with top-rated electronics and all the gear you need, so you can focus on what matters – getting lines in the water and making memories. This world-class fishery produces year-round, but the mix of species keeps things interesting no matter when you book. The captain's got a knack for reading the water and putting you on fish, plus he's great with kids who might need extra help or encouragement.
We'll be running a spread of trolling lures and rigged baits designed to attract the pelagic species that cruise these waters. Captain Rob sets up the outriggers with a mix of cedar plugs, spreader bars, and ballyhoo rigs that have proven themselves in these waters. When something hits, the rod goes into the fighting chair and the real fun begins. The boat's equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait. For the bigger tuna, we'll switch to heavier tackle and circle hooks to make sure everyone has a fair shot at landing their fish. The captain knows exactly where to position the boat based on water temperature breaks, bird activity, and bait concentrations. Some days we'll work the canyons, other days it's structure fishing or following temperature lines – it all depends on what the fish are telling us.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of this fishery. These silver bullets can hit 40+ pounds and they'll test your drag system from the moment they feel the hook. They're most active during the warmer months when baitfish are thick, and they love to cruise along temperature breaks and structure edges. What makes kings so exciting is their blistering runs – they'll strip line faster than you can count. The fight usually includes several jumps and direction changes that keep you guessing. Families love them because they're big enough to be impressive but manageable enough that younger anglers can experience success.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and acrobatics that make offshore fishing special. These customer favorites run anywhere from schoolie size up to 30+ pounds, and they're known for their golden sides and aerial displays. They're structure-oriented fish, often found around floating debris or weed lines. Spring through fall offers the best action, with peak season typically running May through September. What guests remember most is how they light up when hooked – the colors are absolutely stunning. Plus, they're excellent table fare, making them a trending target for families who want to bring dinner home.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the group. These brown submarines can reach 50+ pounds and they fight with pure power rather than speed. They're curious fish that will often follow the boat, giving everyone a chance to see them before they decide to bite. Summer months are prime time, especially around structure and schools of rays. Cobia fights are all about endurance – they'll pull steady and strong, making long runs toward the bottom. They're perfect for anglers who want to feel what real pulling power is all about.
Yellowfin Tuna represent the ultimate offshore challenge. These fish combine size, speed, and endurance like nothing else in the Atlantic. They can exceed 100 pounds and they'll test every knot and connection on your tackle. Yellowfins are found year-round but peak action typically occurs during late summer and fall when water temperatures are optimal. Their initial run will humble any angler, and the fight can last 30 minutes or more for larger fish. Landing a yellowfin is a badge of honor that serious offshore anglers never forget.
Bluefin Tuna are the apex predators that every angler dreams about. These giants can exceed 200 pounds and they're built for speed and power. The best chances come during cooler months when they're feeding heavily before migration. Hooking a bluefin means you're in for a battle that could last over an hour. They're incredibly intelligent fish that will use every trick to break free – long runs, sudden direction changes, and deep sounding. Successfully landing a bluefin is a team effort that creates bonds and stories that last a lifetime.
This renowned New Jersey charter offers everything you need for an outstanding day on the water. Captain Rob's experience and family-friendly approach make this the best trip choice for groups with mixed skill levels. The 15-hour format gives you maximum time in the fishing grounds, and the 6-person capacity keeps things comfortable without feeling crowded. Remember to bring plenty of food and drinks since meals aren't provided – it's a long day and you'll work up an appetite fighting fish. Book early because good captains and prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season. This is the kind of fishing experience that creates lifelong memories and maybe even starts a new family tradition.
Captain Rob's 28-foot Luhrs is built for serious offshore fishing adventures along the New Jersey coast. This 2006 sportfishing vessel packs twin 240HP Yanmar engines that'll cruise you out 25+ miles to the productive tuna and mahi grounds at a comfortable 28 knots. The boat's designed with families in mind - there's a full galley for prepping snacks, a proper head, even a berth for anyone who needs a break from the action. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate the best bite, while the spacious cockpit gives all six anglers room to work without getting tangled up. The icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 15-hour days on the water. Whether you're teaching the kids to fight their first king mackerel or battling yellowfin tuna yourself, this boat handles the Atlantic swells like a champ and gets you back to the dock safely with coolers full of fish.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the ultimate prize - massive, powerful fish that can reach 200+ pounds in our waters, though 50-100 pounders are more common. We hunt them in deeper offshore waters, often around temperature breaks and bait schools. Spring and fall migrations offer our best chances. These fish are legendary among anglers because of their strength, speed, and the fact that they're the most prized tuna for sushi. The meat quality is simply unmatched - rich, buttery, and worth every ounce of effort. Be ready for a serious fight with deep dives and long runs. My best advice: when targeting bluefin, chunk with fresh herring or mackerel to draw them up from the depths, then be patient. These fish are smart and worth the wait.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most underrated gamefish - brown, shark-looking fish that average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+. We find them around wrecks, buoys, and structure in 30-100 feet, often cruising right at the surface. Summer months are prime time, especially during their spawn. What makes cobia special is they're curious fish that you can actually sight-fish for, plus they're phenomenal table fare - firm, white meat that rivals grouper. They're also strong fighters that make long runs. Here's my go-to technique: when you see one cruising, cast a bucktail jig ahead of where it's swimming and work it slow. Cobia will often follow the lure right to the boat, so be ready for a close-range strike.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are fast, aggressive fighters that typically run 15-30 pounds, though some push past 50. We find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. They're most active during warmer months when bait fish are thick. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out here. The meat is excellent grilled or blackened, though watch the mercury if you're pregnant. Here's a key tip: use a wire leader and rig two hooks on your live bait. Kings love to hit from behind, so that stinger hook in the bait's belly often makes the difference between a hookup and a story about the one that got away.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish we catch - bright gold and green colors that put on a light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-30 pounds, and they're found around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in deeper offshore waters. Spring through fall gives us our best shots at them. Guests love mahi because they fight hard, jump like crazy, and taste amazing - firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. They're also great for kids since they're not too overwhelming to fight. Pro tip: when you hook one mahi, don't bring it in right away. Keep it in the water and cast around it - mahi travel in schools and that hooked fish will often keep the others nearby for multiple hookups.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of offshore fishing - sleek, powerful fish that average 30-80 pounds in our waters. We target them in 100+ feet, often around temperature breaks, current edges, and underwater structure. Summer through early fall is peak season here. What draws people to yellowfin is the combination of their fierce fight and exceptional meat quality - this is sushi-grade tuna that rivals anything you'll find in restaurants. They're also fast swimmers that test your tackle and stamina. The key to success is covering water with a good trolling spread using ballyhoo and lures, but when we mark fish deep and the surface bite dies, switching to vertical jigging with heavy metal jigs often saves the day.
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