5.0(2 Reviews)Full Day Offshore Tuna Fishing in Cape May
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore fishing targeting tuna, mahimahi, marlin, and wahooExpert crew employs multiple tactics in Cape May's local canyonsSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests per trip
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, Cape May delivers some of the East Coast's best big game action. This 12-hour adventure with Common Sense Sportfishing puts you right where the monsters live - out in the deep canyons where tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi hunt. Starting before dawn and fishing until evening, you'll cover serious water with a crew that knows exactly where to put you on fish. With just six anglers max, everyone gets their shot at trophy catches without the chaos of crowded party boats.
This isn't your typical half-day trip - we're talking a real offshore grind that separates the weekend warriors from serious anglers. You'll meet at the dock around 3 AM (yeah, it's early, but that's when the fish bite), and we won't see shore again until 5:30 PM. That gives us 12-14 hours to work the canyons, hitting multiple spots based on what's showing on the fish finder and where the water looks right. The boat heads straight for the productive grounds - sometimes 30, 40, even 60 miles offshore where the continental shelf drops into the abyss. These canyon edges are where the food chain explodes with life, and that's exactly where we want to be when the sun comes up.
Out here, it's all about covering water and reading signs. We'll start with a trolling spread - usually four to six lines working different depths with cedar plugs, spreader bars, and daisy chains. The captain watches the sounder like a hawk, looking for temperature breaks, current edges, and bait schools. When we mark fish, it's time to switch tactics. Could be chunking for tuna, throwing topwater poppers at mahi under debris, or working jigs down deep for tilefish. The crew handles all the rigging and re-rigging - your job is staying ready when that reel starts screaming. We're equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with heavy braid, plus a selection of lures that have proven themselves in these waters season after season.
"Me and 5 family members went out for black seas bass, the trip was very successful and we had a great time. The captain and first mate were very helpful and gave tips and advice as we fished. Highly recommend." - Quintin Bailey
"Landed plenty of sea bass throughout the trip! The captain and first mate were super helpful, always ready with tips and guidance. All around, a great day on the water!" - Quintin
"What a fun trip! We got into a bunch of Bonita—nonstop action once Captain Clint put us on the spot. The bites just kept coming! Kyle was incredibly helpful and on top of everything we needed. If you get the chance, don't miss out on fishing with Captain Clint and Kyle!" - Chris
Bigeye Tuna are the crown jewel of these offshore trips, and Cape May's canyon fishing produces some real bruisers. These fish run deep during daylight hours, typically 200-400 feet down, and they'll test every ounce of your strength and stamina. Bigeyes feed heavily at night and early morning, which is why we start so early. When you hook one, expect a brutal fight - they dive hard and fast, then circle endlessly trying to break you off. Fish in the 50-150 pound range are common, with occasional giants pushing 200 pounds or more. The meat is absolutely premium - deep red and perfect for sushi-grade preparation.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish bring the visual excitement with their electric colors and aerial acrobatics. These fish love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, often traveling in small schools. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from schoolie size up to bull mahi exceeding 40 pounds. They hit hard and jump repeatedly, making them a favorite for photos and pure fishing fun. Plus, they're absolutely delicious - white, flaky meat that grills perfectly.
Wahoo Fish are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of runs that will smoke your drag in seconds. These torpedo-shaped predators cruise the canyon edges and drop-offs, ambushing baitfish with lightning-fast strikes. Wahoo are notorious for their initial screaming run - sometimes 100+ yards of line disappearing in moments. They average 20-50 pounds in these waters, with their razor-sharp teeth requiring wire leaders. The meat is firm and white, excellent for grilling or blackening.
Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish offer a completely different fishing experience, living in deep water near the bottom in 300-800 feet. These colorful fish are bottom dwellers that require specific techniques - heavy jigs worked slowly near structure. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it with incredible table fare. Tilefish have sweet, lobster-like meat that many consider the best eating fish in the ocean. They're also reliable producers when the pelagic species aren't cooperating.
Yellowcheek Wrasse might not be the target everyone expects, but these bottom dwellers surprise anglers with their scrappy fights and excellent eating quality. Found around structure and rocky areas, they're often caught while targeting other species. These smaller fish provide consistent action when the bigger predators are being finicky, and their firm white meat is excellent prepared any way you like.
Cape May's offshore fishing scene delivers world-class action for serious anglers who want to test themselves against the ocean's top predators. This full-day trip gives you the time and range to reach the most productive waters, with an experienced crew that knows how to
Get ready to chase tuna and wahoo aboard this beautifully restored 38-ft Hatteras sportfisher! Built for serious offshore action, she's powered by twin Cummins diesels pushing 740HP total, cruising at 26 knots to get you to the productive canyons fast. The 2018 restoration means everything runs smooth and clean. You and 5 fellow anglers will have plenty of room to work the rails, plus all the creature comforts for those long 12-15 hour canyon runs. The flybridge gives your captain perfect visibility for spotting bird action and bait schools, while the fish finder and radar keep you on the fish even when conditions get sketchy. Between the action, cool off with AC, grab cold drinks from the fridge, or catch some rest on the onboard bed. The full galley lets you fuel up for the long haul, and the head means no cutting trips short. Whether you're chunking for bluefin, trolling for mahi, or dropping deep for tilefish, this Hatteras has the range, comfort, and fish-finding electronics to put you on the bite in Cape May's legendary offshore waters.
Caulolatilus ChrysopsGolden-eye tiles are a solid bottom fish we target in 250-800 feet along the canyon edges. These guys run 24-39 inches and can weigh 40-65 pounds, with that distinctive olive-gold coloring and bright golden fins. They're not flashy fighters like tuna, but they make steady, strong pulls that'll test your arms on the way up from deep water. What really makes them worthwhile is the excellent eating - firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. We find them best during spring and summer months when they're most active. They feed on crabs, shrimp, and worms along the bottom, so we use fresh squid or eel on weighted rigs. Pro tip: once you feel the bite, don't set the hook hard right away. Let them get a good grip on the bait before starting your retrieve - they're not shy but they like to mouth the bait first.
Thunnus ObesusBigeye are the deep water specialists of the tuna family - these fish can dive to incredible depths where other tunas can't survive. They're built like tanks, averaging 100-200 pounds with those massive eyes that help them hunt in low light. We target them in 200+ feet over the canyon structure, especially during dawn and dusk when they move up to feed. Late spring through fall is our best window when water temps are right. What sets bigeye apart is their incredible stamina - they'll make long, powerful runs that'll test every inch of your tackle and technique. The meat is phenomenal too, with that deep red color and rich flavor that's prized for sashimi. Here's something most people don't know: we often have our best luck just after sunset. Those big eyes aren't just for show - they hunt better in dim light, so don't pack it in when the sun goes down.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of our most exciting targets out there - beautiful golden fish that put on a light show when they come to the boat. They average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds in our waters. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, usually in the top 100 feet of water. Late spring through fall is prime time when water temps climb above 70 degrees. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strike, acrobatic fight, and incredible table fare - firm white meat with a mild, sweet flavor that's perfect grilled or blackened. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Here's a tip from years of targeting them: when we hook the first fish, keep one person fighting while we keep the spread out - the school often stays with the hooked fish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our offshore trips - these silver bullets can hit 60 mph and will test your reflexes when they strike. They typically run 3-5 feet long with those distinctive blue zebra stripes along their silver sides. We target them high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots around the canyon edges and temperature breaks in 60-200 feet of water. Summer through fall gives us the best shot when they move up from the south. What makes wahoo special is that explosive initial run and some of the best eating fish in the ocean - white, flaky meat that's mild and sweet. The trick with wahoo is using wire leaders because those razor-sharp teeth will slice through anything else in a heartbeat. When we get a strike, hold on tight - they'll make that first screaming run before you even know what hit the lure.
Halichoeres CyanocephalusThese colorful little fish aren't really a target species on our deep water trips - they're more of a coastal find around 65-300 feet over sandy and rocky bottoms. Yellowcheeks max out around 11 inches with bright blue-green bodies and yellow cheeks that make them easy to spot. They're actually better suited for pier fishing with light tackle and small hooks baited with fresh mussels or marine worms. While they're not great table fare, kids love catching them since they're pretty cooperative. If you do hook one, keep it simple with size 4-6 hooks and avoid using shrimp - they'll just nibble it to pieces. These guys are more common in our inshore waters, but occasionally show up when we're fishing structure in the canyons.
5.0 out of 5.0Me and 5 family members went out for black seas bass, the trip was very successful and we had a great time. The captain and first ...
Landed plenty of sea bass throughout the trip! The captain and first mate were super helpful, always ready with tips and guidance....
What a fun trip! We got into a bunch of Bonita—nonstop action once Captain Clint put us on the spot. The bites just kept coming! K...
Cape May