Full Day Offshore Fishing Trip - New Jersey
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
15-hour offshore fishing trip targeting tuna and mackerelDeep water fishing 25+ miles from New Jersey shorePremium gear and experienced captain for 6 guests maximum
Picture yourself 25+ miles from the Jersey coast, where the continental shelf drops into deep blue water and trophy game fish rule the depths. This 15-hour offshore fishing adventure with CMF Charters puts you right in the heart of some of the Atlantic's most productive fishing grounds. We're talking about a serious day on the water – the kind where you'll be talking about the action for years to come. With just 6 anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work and fight fish without bumping elbows. Our seasoned captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, hitting the spots where yellowfin tuna cruise the thermoclines and mahi mahi stack up around floating debris.
This isn't your typical half-day trip close to shore. We're heading to the canyons and deep water structure where the big pelagics live, and that means an early start and a long ride out. You'll watch the sun come up from the boat as we steam to the fishing grounds, covering serious ground to reach those prime spots 25+ miles offshore. The vibe is all business once we reach the fishing zone – lines in the water, rods bent, and constant action. Between the ride out, fishing time, and trip back, you're looking at a full 15 hours, so come prepared for a marathon day. The boat is equipped with top-shelf tackle and all the gear you need, but bringing your own rods is always welcome if you've got favorites. Expect to work for your fish out here – these aren't the small stuff you catch closer to shore.
We run a spread of high-speed trolling lures and natural baits to cover water and trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics. The captain will set up a pattern of cedar plugs, spreader bars, and ballyhoo rigs that mimic the baitfish these predators are hunting. When we mark fish on the sounder or spot birds working, we'll stop to chunk with butterfish or deploy live bait if we can catch it. The tackle is heavy – 50 to 80-pound class gear that can handle the brutal runs these fish make. You'll be fighting fish from a fighting chair or standing up at the rail, depending on what hooks up and your preference. The boat carries a full selection of terminal tackle, from circle hooks for live bait to heavy jigs for when the bite gets hot. We're also equipped with a quality fish finder and GPS to locate structure and mark productive spots throughout the day.
Yellowfin Tuna: These are the bread and butter of New Jersey offshore fishing from late spring through fall. Yellowfins in our waters typically run 20 to 60 pounds, with occasional giants pushing 100+. They're incredibly strong fighters that make blistering runs and test every knot in your tackle. Look for them around temperature breaks and underwater structure during warmer months. What makes yellowfin so special is their combination of speed, power, and incredible table fare – there's nothing quite like fresh tuna sashimi from a fish you just caught.
Bluefin Tuna: The king of the offshore scene, bluefin are the fish that make grown anglers weak in the knees. New Jersey sees excellent bluefin action during their migrations in spring and fall, with fish ranging from school-sized 20-pounders to giants over 200 pounds. These fish are incredibly intelligent and can be finicky, requiring precise presentations and quality bait. When you hook a big bluefin, prepare for a battle that can last hours – they're absolute tanks with the endurance to match their size.
Mahi Mahi: Also called dolphinfish, mahi are the acrobats of the offshore world. They love floating debris, weed lines, and structure, often traveling in schools that can provide non-stop action. Mahi typically show up in our waters when the sea temperature climbs above 70 degrees, making summer and early fall prime time. They're known for their spectacular jumps when hooked and their beautiful golden colors. Plus, mahi are fantastic eating and relatively easy to clean, making them a favorite with families and dinner-focused anglers.
King Mackerel: These torpedo-shaped predators are built for speed and armed with razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through light leaders in seconds. Kings are most active during the warmer months and love to ambush baitfish around structure and temperature changes. They're notorious for their initial screaming runs and acrobatic jumps. What makes king mackerel fishing so exciting is their unpredictable nature – they can be extremely aggressive one minute and completely shut down the next.
Cobia: Often called brown sharks by inexperienced anglers, cobia are actually incredible sport fish that fight like freight trains. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you a chance to sight-cast to them with jigs or live bait. Cobia are most common in our waters during late spring and summer, often found around structure or following rays and sharks. They're powerful fighters that use their broad tails and strong bodies to make punishing runs toward the bottom.
This world-class offshore fishing experience fills up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot and weather windows are perfect. With only 6 spots available, you're getting the personalized attention and room to fish that makes the difference between a good day and an epic one. The 15-hour commitment means you're maximizing your time on the productive offshore grounds where trophy fish live. Whether you're looking to check yellowfin tuna off your bucket list, chase that giant bluefin, or just experience the rush of offshore fishing at its finest, this trip delivers the goods. Don't let another season pass watching other anglers post their offshore catches on social media – book your spot with CM
This 28-foot Luhrs sportfisher is built for serious offshore action in New Jersey waters. Twin 240HP Yanmar diesels push her at 28 knots to reach those productive fishing grounds where tuna and mackerel are waiting. The boat handles six anglers comfortably with enough space to work big fish without getting tangled up. Modern fish finder and GPS get you on the bite fast, while the radar keeps you safe when visibility drops. After hours of battling pelagics, you'll appreciate the onboard kitchen, refrigerator, and icebox to keep your catch fresh and grab cold drinks. The head and sleeping berth mean comfort during those long offshore runs. This proven fishing platform combines the power and electronics needed to locate fish in deep water with the amenities that make 15-hour trips manageable. Whether you're targeting yellowfin in the canyons or working the edge for mahi, this Luhrs delivers the performance serious offshore fishing demands.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the apex predators that separate serious anglers from weekend warriors. These giants average 100-200 pounds but can exceed 400+ in our waters. They're highly migratory, showing up spring through fall in deep water beyond the continental shelf. As warm-blooded fish, they handle temperature changes better than other tunas. What draws anglers is the legendary fight - blistering runs, deep dives, and battles that can last hours. The meat is the holy grail of sushi, commanding top dollar. Heavy tackle is non-negotiable; bring your A-game gear. Morning and evening bites are typically best when they're actively feeding. My tip: when chunking, be patient and keep that chum line steady. Bluefin are smart and cautious. Once they commit to the slick, have your bait ready to drift back naturally with the chunk.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers that'll surprise you with their raw power. These brown, shark-lookalikes average 30-50 pounds but can hit 100+ pounds. They're loners, cruising shallow structure like wrecks, buoys, and oil rigs in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration and summer months are best, especially when water temps climb. What makes cobia special is their aggressive nature and table fare - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. They're often sight-fished on the surface, which adds to the excitement. Bucktail jigs in 4-8 oz are my weapon of choice around structure. Here's the key: when you spot one, don't rush the presentation. Cobia are curious but spooky. Drop that jig well ahead of the fish and work it naturally. They'll investigate before committing, so patience pays off big time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your gear and skills. These torpedo-shaped predators average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ in our waters. You'll find them cruising 40-150 feet deep, often along temperature breaks and drop-offs. Best fishing runs May through October when water temps hit 68-75°F. They've got razor-sharp teeth like bluefish, so wire leaders are mandatory. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel line faster than almost any fish out there. The meat's rich and flavorful, though it's got higher mercury so don't overdo it. My tip: when trolling, keep baits skipping on the surface. Kings love to slam flying fish, and that surface action triggers their predatory instincts. Once hooked, hold on tight - these fish don't give up easy.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the golden beauties of the offshore world, putting on a color show that'll blow you away. Most run 15-30 pounds, but we see 40+ pounders regularly. They're surface dwellers, hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in that 25+ mile range. Summer through early fall is prime time when water temps are warm. What guests love is the aerial show - mahi jump, tail-walk, and fight with pure fury. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, sweet meat. Look for frigate birds working debris piles - that's your sign. My go-to trick is keeping one hooked mahi in the water while others cast to the school. Mahi are curious and social, so that hooked fish will keep the school around for multiple hookups. Just don't boat that first fish too quick.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of offshore fishing, delivering consistent action and top-shelf sushi meat. Most run 40-80 pounds, though 100+ fish show up regularly. They cruise the upper water column in that deep blue water 25+ miles out, often mixed with dolphins or working bait schools. Summer into fall gives you the best shots when bait is thick. What makes yellowfin special is their speed - hitting 50mph - and that buttery meat that's perfect for the grill or sashimi. They're feeding machines, so matching the hatch is crucial. When trolling isn't working and you're marking fish deep, don't be afraid to put the spread away and start jigging. Yellowfin will come up from 200+ feet for a well-worked jig. The key is varying your retrieve until you find what triggers them that day.
New Jersey