Atlantic City 10-Hour Offshore Charter
You're looking at one of the best offshore fishing opportunities on the Jersey coast. Captain Mark Schrenk and his crew at Jessie James Charters have been putting anglers on fish for years, and this 10-hour deep-water trip is their signature offering. With clear Atlantic waters just offshore from Atlantic City and a boat that can handle six anglers comfortably, you're set up for a day that could have you talking fish stories for months. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll work hard to put you on whatever's biting that day.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't a quick half-day run – you're committing to a full 10 hours on the water, which means Captain Mark can take you to the prime offshore spots where the big fish live. We're talking about running out to the canyons, drop-offs, and structure that holds everything from yellowfin tuna to mahi-mahi. The boat leaves early, so come ready with your coffee and whatever snacks you need for the day. Weather permitting, you'll be fishing in that gorgeous blue water that makes the Jersey coast famous among serious anglers. The crew handles all the heavy lifting – literally – from setting up the spread to gaffing your fish. All you need to focus on is staying alert and being ready when that rod starts screaming. Remember to bring cash for the mate's tip – 20% is standard and these guys earn every penny of it. Plus, first-timers get a Jessie James Charters t-shirt to remember the day.
Trolling Tactics & Gear Setup
Captain Mark runs a tight ship when it comes to tackle and technique. You'll be trolling most of the day with a spread that's designed to attract multiple species. The crew sets up the outriggers with a mix of lures – ballyhoo rigs, cedar plugs, and spreader bars that mimic schools of baitfish. Don't worry if you've never fished offshore before; the mate will walk you through everything from how to work the drag to proper fighting technique. The boat's equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with heavy braid, plus the wire leaders and circle hooks that'll keep you connected to whatever grabs your bait. When fish are located, the captain might switch tactics to chunking or live bait fishing, especially if there are tuna around. The key offshore is patience and paying attention – fish can show up fast and leave just as quickly.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Yellowfin tuna are the crown jewel of these waters, and when they're around, nothing else matters. These fish show up best from late spring through fall, running anywhere from 20 to 80+ pounds. They're fast, they fight hard, and they'll test every bit of your stamina. What makes yellowfin special is their speed – they can strip line off your reel faster than almost any other fish in the Atlantic. When you hook one, get ready for multiple runs and don't even think about trying to muscle it to the boat.
Mahi-mahi, or common dolphinfish as they're technically known, are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter out there. These guys love floating debris and weed lines, and they put on an aerial show that'll have you scrambling for your phone. They typically run 10 to 30 pounds in these waters, and they're excellent eating. Mahi often travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. They're most common during the warmer months when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore.
Sea bass might not be the biggest fish out there, but they're definitely crowd-pleasers. These bottom dwellers love structure – wrecks, reefs, and rocky areas where they can ambush baitfish. Black sea bass in Jersey waters typically run 2 to 6 pounds, but the bigger ones can surprise you with their strength. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Atlantic bonito are the speed demons of the mid-water column. These smaller tunas are incredibly fast and aggressive, often showing up in blitzing schools that create chaos on the surface. They're perfect for light tackle fishing and they fight way above their weight class. Bonito are excellent for beginners because they're aggressive biters, but they'll still give experienced anglers a good workout on appropriate tackle.
Bluefish are the bullies of the Atlantic, and when they're feeding, the action can be non-stop. These toothy predators travel in large schools and they're not picky about what they eat. Blues can range from "snapper" size at a few pounds up to "gorilla" blues pushing 15+ pounds. They're strong fighters with sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. The bigger blues are surprisingly good eating when bled and iced properly.
Grey triggerfish are one of the trickier species to target, but they're worth the effort. These fish have small mouths and they're notorious bait stealers, so you need to stay sharp when they're around. They typically hang around structure and they're excellent table fare. Triggers can be frustrating to hook, but once you figure out their bite, they're a lot of fun on light tackle.
Jolthead porgy are bottom-dwelling fighters that don't get the respect they deserve. These fish can grow surprisingly large – up to 8 pounds or more – and they're strong fighters around structure. They have powerful jaws for crushing shellfish and crabs, so they can put up a serious fight when hooked. Joltheads are excellent eating and they're often a nice surprise when you're targeting other species.
Atlantic cod are less common in these southern waters, but when they show up, usually in cooler months, they're a real treat. These are classic food fish with firm, flaky meat that's prized by ang
Private Trip
Fishing
Atlantic City
10-hour offshore fishing charter with Captain Mark Schrenk
