12-Hour Tuna Charter Off New Jersey's Coast
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour offshore tuna fishing charter off New Jersey coastExpert crew guides target ocean's most challenging game fishSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests per trip
Picture this: you're 30 miles offshore from the Jersey coast, sunrise painting the Atlantic in shades of gold, and your reel screaming as a 200-pound bluefin takes your bait and runs. That's what you get with Chasin'tail Sportfishing's 12-hour deep sea charter – a full day of serious fishing that separates the casual anglers from the hardcore tuna hunters. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. We're talking about a commitment to the bite, giving you the time needed to really work the productive waters where the big fish live.
When you book this 12-hour adventure with Chasin'tail Sportfishing, you're getting access to some of the most productive tuna grounds the Atlantic has to offer. We launch early – we're talking before dawn – to maximize your time on the fish. The boat accommodates just four anglers, which means you're not fighting for rod space or waiting your turn when the action heats up. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, reading the temperature breaks, watching for bird activity, and positioning you over structure where tuna cruise for their next meal. Expect to cover serious ground during your day, moving from spot to spot based on what the fish are telling us. Some days we're chunking over wrecks, other days we're trolling the canyon edges – it all depends on where we're marking fish and what's working best.
This charter runs the full spectrum of tuna fishing techniques, and the crew will adjust based on conditions and what the fish want. We start most trips pulling spreads – cedar plugs, daisy chains, and ballyhoo rigs designed to cover water and locate feeding schools. Once we find fish, we might switch to chunking, which means anchoring up and creating a slick of cut bait that draws tuna right to the boat. The gear is serious – heavy conventional reels spooled with 80-pound test, rods built to handle the punishment these fish dish out. You'll be fishing with circle hooks to ensure clean releases on the fish we're not keeping, and the crew will coach you through the fight whether you're a seasoned pro or this is your first time battling something that outweighs you. Don't worry about bringing tackle – everything's provided, from the terminal gear to the gaffs needed to boat your catch.
Bluefin tuna are the crown jewel of New Jersey's offshore fishery, and these powerful predators are what most anglers dream about when they book a long-range charter. These fish show up in our waters from late spring through fall, with the best action typically happening from June through October. Bluefin are built like torpedoes – all muscle and attitude – and they'll test every ounce of your stamina during a fight. A medium-sized bluefin around 150 pounds will run hard, dive deep, and make you earn every inch of line you gain back. What makes them special is their intelligence; they're not just strong, they're smart, often throwing hooks or finding structure to break you off. The larger fish, those giants pushing 300 pounds or more, are the stuff of legend. They'll take you into your backing before you can blink, and the fight might last an hour or more.
Yellowfin tuna are another prime target, especially during the warmer months when they move into our offshore waters following bait schools. These fish are speed demons, capable of blistering runs that'll have your drag smoking. Yellowfin typically run smaller than the bluefin we see here – most ranging from 20 to 100 pounds – but what they lack in size they make up for in raw speed and acrobatic ability. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite among anglers who want to take home some sashimi-grade fish. Peak season for yellowfin runs from July through September, when water temperatures are at their warmest and bait is abundant.
A 12-hour charter with Chasin'tail Sportfishing isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to experience New Jersey's world-class tuna fishing at its finest. With only four spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention from the crew and plenty of room to work when the fish are biting. The extended time on the water means we can adapt to conditions, move with the fish, and give you the best shot at hooking into something truly memorable. Whether you're looking to check bluefin tuna off your bucket list or you're a seasoned offshore angler wanting to fish with a top-rated crew, this charter delivers the goods. Don't wait – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak tuna season.
This 30-foot Pursuit Offshore cuts through Jersey waters like it was built for battle, and with that deep-V hull, you'll stay comfortable while chasing down tuna in rough seas. The boat's packed with everything serious anglers need - GPS and fish finder to locate the hotspots, radar for those early morning runs when visibility drops, and VHF radio to stay connected. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and grab cold drinks from the fridge between fights. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rods without getting tangled up. The onboard head means you can focus on fishing all day without cutting trips short. This rig handles offshore conditions with confidence, letting you concentrate on what matters most - putting fish in the boat.
Port Monmouth, NJ