Full Day Offshore Fishing in New Jersey Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
15hour offshore expedition targeting tuna and mackerel beyond 25 miles.Premium gear and experienced captain provided for deepsea fishing.Small group capacity of 6 guests ensures personalized fishing experience.
When you're ready to leave the weekend warriors behind and chase real gamefish, this 15-hour offshore adventure puts you where the monsters live. We're talking about pushing 25+ miles out into the deep blue, where the continental shelf drops off and the big pelagics cruise. CMF Charters runs a tight ship with seasoned captains who know these Jersey waters like the back of their hand. You'll be fishing alongside five other serious anglers, sharing the deck space and the adrenaline when someone hooks up with a yellowfin or bluefin that's going to test every ounce of your strength.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're back at the dock by lunch. We're talking about a marathon fishing session that starts before dawn and has you grinding it out until the sun's getting low on the horizon. The boat heads out in the dark, running hard to reach those productive offshore grounds where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and you know you're in tuna country. The captain's watching the fish finder, checking water temps, and reading the signs that tell him where to set up the spread. You'll spend most of your time trolling through prime habitat, covering water and looking for that telltale bend in the rod that means game on. When the bite turns on, it can get chaotic fast – multiple hookups, fish screaming drag, and everyone working together to land what could be the fish of a lifetime.
The name of the game out here is high-speed trolling with a spread that covers the water column from surface to about 30 feet down. We're running a mix of cedar plugs, spreader bars, and daisy chains that mimic the baitfish these pelagics are hunting. The boat's rigged with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with 50-80 pound test, matched to rods that can handle the punishment when a 200-pound bluefin decides to make a run for the horizon. Circle hooks are standard – they're easier on the fish and way more effective at staying hooked up during those long fights. The captain's got the electronics dialed in, running everything from traditional sonar to side-scan imaging that helps locate bait schools and the predators following them. When we mark fish, that's when we might switch tactics – dropping jigs or rigging live bait to get those finicky tuna to commit.
The king mackerel we're targeting off New Jersey are absolute rockets when they hit a trolled bait. These fish typically run 15-40 pounds, with the occasional smoker pushing 50-plus. They've got razor-sharp teeth and a nasty habit of making blistering runs right at the boat, so you need to stay on your toes. Best action usually happens from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are in that sweet spot between 68-78 degrees. What makes kings so addictive is their aggressive nature – they'll absolutely crush a bait and then put on an aerial show that'll have everyone on deck scrambling for their phones.
Mahi mahi are the crowd-pleasers of the offshore world, and for good reason. These colorful fighters average 10-25 pounds but can surprise you when a bull dolphin over 40 pounds shows up to the party. They're structure-oriented fish, so we're looking for floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks where they like to hang out. Once you hook one mahi, keep your lines in the water – they travel in schools and you might boat three or four before the action dies off. Their electric blue and yellow colors make them Instagram gold, and their white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the ocean.
Cobia are the bruisers that test your tackle and your patience. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) can push 50-80 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're curious fish that will follow the boat, giving you a shot at sight-casting if conditions are right. Peak season runs from June through September when they're cruising the offshore structure and following rays near the surface. Land a big cobia and you've got enough premium fish for the freezer to last months – their meat rivals grouper for table quality.
Yellowfin tuna are what most anglers dream about when they book an offshore trip. These fish are pure muscle wrapped in a torpedo-shaped package, typically running 30-100 pounds in our waters. They're constantly moving, burning calories at an incredible rate, which means they're always feeding. Summer months bring the most consistent action, especially when water temps push into the mid-70s. The fight is what separates yellowfins from everything else – they'll sound deep, then make runs that have you wondering if your reel's going to survive.
Bluefin tuna are the holy grail of New Jersey offshore fishing. These giants can range from school-sized fish around 30 pounds all the way up to true monsters exceeding 200 pounds. They're incredibly intelligent and can be maddeningly picky about what they'll eat. When conditions are right – usually cooler water periods in spring and fall – bluefins provide some of the most challenging and rewarding fishing on the planet. Their strength is legendary, and a big bluefin will take you into your backing faster than you thought possible.
This type of fishing separates the serious anglers from the casual weekend crowd. You're investing a full day, dealing with offshore conditions, and putting in the work that comes with chasing trophy pelagics. But when everything comes together – when that outrigger pops and you're hooked up to a fish that's going to push you to your limits – you'll understand why offshore fishing gets into your blood. CMF Charters has the experience, equipment, and local knowledge to put you on fish when conditions allow. Just remember to bring your own food an
Step aboard this 28-foot Luhrs sportfishing machine and get ready to chase tuna and mackerel in New Jersey's deep waters. Twin 240HP Yanmar engines push this serious fishing platform up to 28 knots, getting you to the productive grounds 25+ miles offshore where the big pelagics roam. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, with all the essentials for a full day on the water - GPS and radar keep you on course, while the fish finder helps locate schools below. An icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 15-hour grind. When you need a break from battling fish, there's a proper galley, head, and even a bunk to recharge. This isn't just any boat ride - it's your ticket to the edge of the continental shelf where serious gamefish live.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of offshore fishing - massive, powerful, and worth their weight in gold. These giants average 100-300 pounds, with 500+ pounders swimming our waters. They roam from the surface down to 300+ feet, following bait schools along temperature breaks. Fall through early winter is prime time as they migrate south. What sets bluefin apart is their incredible strength and the fact they're worth serious money for quality fish. The meat is unmatched - rich, buttery, and prized worldwide. My advice: use the heaviest tackle you've got and be ready for a marathon fight. When chumming, start light and build the slick gradually - these fish are smart and spook easily.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the bulldogs of the deep - powerful, stubborn, and built for a fight. These brown, shark-looking fish average 30-50 pounds but can push 80+ pounds. We target them around structure like wrecks, buoys, and oil rigs, usually in 30-100 feet of water. Spring through fall is your best bet, especially during their spawning migration. What makes cobia special is their attitude - they're aggressive predators that'll eat almost anything you throw at them. The table fare is outstanding too, with firm white meat that's perfect for steaks. Here's the deal: use heavy jigs and don't be afraid to bounce them right off the structure. Cobia hang tight to cover, so get your bait down there where they live.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your gear and skills. These sleek predators typically run 15-30 pounds, though 50+ pounders show up regularly in our deep water. They cruise the 40-150 foot range, often near temperature breaks and current edges. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that 68-84°F sweet spot. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel line like few fish can. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. The key trick out here is running a stinger rig with your live bait since kings love to hit the tail section first. Wire leader is mandatory - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy and great fighters that'll put on a show. These colorful fish average 15-25 pounds but can hit 40+ pounds when conditions are right. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in that top 100 feet of water. Summer into early fall is prime time when warm water pushes up from the south. What guests love most is watching them light up in electric blues and golds during the fight, then enjoying some of the best-tasting fish in the ocean afterward. The meat is firm, mild, and perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for the school - mahi often travel together, so multiple hookups are common.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of the tuna family - fast, strong, and built for battle. These torpedo-shaped fish typically run 40-80 pounds, though 100+ pounders are always possible. We find them in the top 300 feet, roaming the deep blue water 30+ miles out. Summer through fall gives us consistent action when bait moves through. What makes yellowfin special is their raw power and speed - they'll hit 50 mph and test every inch of your drag system. The meat is world-class too, perfect for sushi or searing. Key tip: when fish are marked deep but won't bite trolled baits, switch to jigging. Sometimes you need to get down to their level and trigger that predator instinct.
New Jersey