Cape May's Premier 16-Hour Deep Sea Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
16-hour offshore charter targets tuna, mahi, marlin, and wahoo44-foot Henriques boat travels 60-70 miles to continental shelfAccommodates up to six guests with twin 700 HP engines
When serious anglers talk about world-class offshore fishing on the East Coast, Cape May consistently tops the list. This 16-hour deep sea charter with Gone Fishin' Sport Fishing Charters takes you 60-70 miles offshore to the continental shelf edge, where trophy pelagics roam in open blue water. You'll be fishing some of the most productive waters in the Atlantic, targeting bluefin and yellowfin tuna, white marlin, mahi mahi, and wahoo. The trip runs between 12-16 hours depending on conditions and bite, giving you maximum time in the zone where the big fish live. With space for up to six anglers aboard a well-equipped 44-foot Henriques, this is the kind of charter that creates fishing stories you'll tell for years.
Your day starts early – we're talking pre-dawn departure to maximize fishing time in the blue water. The 44-foot Henriques is powered by twin 700 HP Mercury engines, meaning you'll cover those 60-70 miles to the fishing grounds efficiently while staying comfortable. The continental shelf drop-off is where the magic happens – it's where warm Gulf Stream waters mix with cooler inshore currents, creating a feeding highway for pelagic species. You'll be fishing in 200-600 feet of water, where temperature breaks and current edges hold baitfish and attract the predators we're after. The boat has plenty of deck space for six anglers to fish comfortably, with outriggers for trolling spreads and enough rod holders to keep multiple lines working. Plan to bring your own food and drinks – with a 16-hour day ahead, pack like you're feeding an army. Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and layers for changing conditions are essential since you'll be out there from dawn to dusk.
This is high-speed trolling at its finest. We'll be pulling a spread of lures and baits at 8-12 knots, covering water to locate feeding fish. The setup typically includes a mix of cedar plugs, daisy chains, ballyhoo rigs, and high-speed lures on the outriggers and flat lines. When we mark fish on the sounder or spot feeding activity, we'll adjust our spread and work the area methodically. Tuna fishing often means watching for bird activity, temperature breaks, and debris lines that concentrate baitfish. For mahi and wahoo, we'll focus on floating structure, weed lines, and color changes in the water. The tackle is heavy – 50 and 80-pound class gear that can handle the drag-screaming runs these fish are famous for. When a fish hits, it's all hands on deck. The mate will clear lines while the angler fights the fish, and everyone gets involved in the action. Circle hooks and proper release techniques ensure healthy fish whether you're keeping dinner or practicing catch and release.
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of summer offshore fishing here, and they're absolute dynamite on the line. These fish typically run 10-30 pounds, with bulls pushing 40-50 pounds when conditions are right. Peak season runs from June through September, when they're scattered throughout the warm water column. What makes mahi special is their willingness to eat just about any lure or bait, plus their acrobatic fight – expect multiple jumps and long runs. They're also excellent table fare, which is why they're such a customer favorite. Schools often travel together, so when you find one, there's usually more around.
Yellowfin tuna are the power players of the offshore scene, averaging 30-80 pounds with monsters over 100 pounds always possible. These fish are available year-round but peak from August through October. Yellowfin fight with incredible stamina – they'll sound deep and make multiple runs that test your endurance and tackle. They're prized for their sashimi-quality meat and are considered one of the finest eating fish in the ocean. The key to consistent yellowfin success is finding the right water temperature and bait concentrations.
Bluefin tuna represent the ultimate offshore challenge. These are the fish that separate recreational anglers from serious big game fishermen. Cape May bluefin can range from school fish in the 40-60 pound range up to giants exceeding 200 pounds. Prime time is typically late fall through early winter, though smaller fish may show up throughout the season. Bluefin are incredibly strong and smart – they'll test every knot and every piece of tackle you have. The regulations are strict and change frequently, so catch and release is often the rule, but the experience of battling one of these fish is worth the trip alone.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting lures at 50+ mph and stripping line faster than almost any other fish. They typically range from 20-60 pounds in our waters, with their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs making them a top target for experienced anglers. Wahoo are most common from late summer through fall, often caught while targeting tuna. Their white, flaky meat is outstanding on the grill, and their fierce fight makes them a favorite among charter customers looking for something different.
White marlin fishing represents the pinnacle of East Coast billfishing. These magnificent fish average 60-80 pounds and are renowned for their spectacular jumps and bulldogging fights. Peak season runs from August through September, when they follow baitfish along the continental shelf. White marlin are almost always released, making them a pure sport fish. The sight of a marlin crashing a trolled bait or teaser is something that stays with anglers forever, and Cape May's waters consistently produce some of the best white marlin action on the coast.
This 16-hour offshore charter represents the best value in Cape May deep sea fishing. You're getting maximum time on
This 44-foot Henriques fishing machine is built for serious offshore adventures in Cape May waters. Twin 700 HP Mercury engines power you 60-70 miles out to the continental shelf where the big fish live. The massive 170-square-foot cockpit gives your crew of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work lines and land trophy Yellowfin Tuna, Bluefin, Mahi, White Marlin, and Wahoo. When you need a break from fighting fish, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin featuring TV entertainment, comfortable seating, full kitchen, and even a shower. The boat's equipped with professional-grade fish finder, GPS, radar, and VHF radio to keep you safe and on the fish. Ice storage handles hundreds of pounds of your catch, while the refrigerator keeps your drinks cold during those long 12-16 hour fishing sessions. The flybridge offers elevated views for spotting birds and bait schools, plus there's a bed for anyone needing rest between battles with deep-sea giants.
Thunnus ObesusBigeye are the deep-water specialists of the tuna family, built to hunt in the twilight zone where most fish can't survive. These powerful fish average 30-80 pounds but can push well over 200 pounds. We find them in 400+ feet of water along temperature breaks and ledges. Their huge eyes help them feed in low-light conditions, so dawn and dusk are prime time. They're incredible fighters with long, deep runs that'll make your arms ache. The meat is fatty and rich - highly prized for sashimi and commanding top dollar at market. Late summer through fall is best when they move through our offshore waters. Here's what works: troll dark-colored lures just before sunset or try chunking with fresh bait. They're spooky, so keep noise to a minimum when they're around.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the ultimate prize - massive, powerful fish that can weigh 200-400+ pounds and fight for hours. We find them in cooler waters along temperature breaks and deep structure, often 50-200 feet down. These are warm-blooded fish that can handle cold water, making spring and fall prime seasons when they migrate through. The fight is legendary - long runs, deep dives, and sheer power that'll test your tackle and endurance. The meat is the gold standard for sushi and sashimi. These fish are heavily regulated, so make sure your permits are current. Here's the deal: use heavy tackle with 80+ pound line, and be ready for a marathon fight. Fresh herring or mackerel work best for bait. When you hook one, settle in - it's going to be a battle you'll remember forever.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll see out there - brilliant gold, blue, and green that puts on a real light show when they come to the boat. We typically find them around floating debris and weed lines in 60-80 feet, though they'll roam deeper waters too. Most run 15-30 pounds, but we see fish pushing 40+ pounds fairly regularly. They're incredible fighters with long runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your skills. The meat is fantastic eating - firm, white, and mild. Best fishing is late spring through fall when water temps climb. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep working the area. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Don't be surprised if we boat several on the same spot.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - these fish can hit 60 mph and they'll test every inch of your drag system. We target them in open water along the continental shelf, usually in 200+ feet where they patrol for flying fish and squid. Most wahoo we catch run 20-40 pounds, but 60-pounders show up regularly. They've got razor-sharp teeth and that distinctive torpedo shape with blue tiger stripes. The meat is outstanding - firm, white, and perfect for the grill or sashimi. Fall through early winter is prime time when they're migrating through our waters. Pro tip: use a wire leader and troll fast at 12-15 knots. These fish won't chase a slow bait, so keep those lures moving. When one hits, hang on tight - the initial run is lightning fast.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of offshore fishing - strong, fast, and absolutely beautiful with those bright yellow fins that give them their name. We catch them in the top 100 feet of water over deep structure, usually 30-80 pounds but occasionally much larger. They're built like torpedoes and fight like it too, with blistering runs that'll smoke your reel. The meat is superb - red, meaty, and perfect for steaks or sushi. They're here year-round but peak in late summer when bait is thick. These fish are smart, so vary your spread and keep lures clean. When trolling doesn't work, try chunking with fresh herring or anchovies. Here's the key: match your bait to what they're feeding on. If you see diving birds, get there fast - yellowfin often feed with dolphins and other marine life.
Cape May, NJ