16-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Charter Atlantic City
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
16hour offshore charter targeting bluefin and yellowfin tunaProfessional first mate assistance included throughout entire tripMaximum 6 guests with complimentary tshirt for new clients
When you're ready to leave the weekend warriors behind and chase the big fish way offshore, this 16-hour charter with Jessie James Charters is what serious anglers have been waiting for. We're talking about heading out into the deep Atlantic waters off Atlantic City where the real monsters live - bluefin tuna, yellowfin, marlin, swordfish, and more species than you can shake a rod at. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're back at the dock before lunch. We're going the distance, hitting the canyons and ledges where the water turns that deep blue color and anything can happen on the next drop.
Picture this: you're rolling out of Atlantic City inlet while most folks are still sleeping, heading for the productive waters 40-60 miles offshore. Our experienced first mate knows these waters like the back of his hand and will have you rigged up and ready before we even reach the first fishing grounds. With only 6 anglers max on board, you're not fighting for rod space or waiting in line to use the bathroom. The boat runs smooth in most conditions, but fair warning - we're going to be out there through whatever Mother Nature throws at us, so come prepared for a real offshore adventure. Pack your own food and drinks because we're staying out until the fishing slows down or the coolers are full. The first mate works his tail off all day keeping lines in the water, gaffing fish, and making sure everyone gets their shot at the big ones. A 20% tip is standard - trust me, you'll see why. New customers get a Jessie James Charters t-shirt to remember the day, assuming you don't already have enough fish stories to last a lifetime.
We fish the proven grounds - the canyons, ledges, and temperature breaks where baitfish stack up and predators come to feed. Most of the day we'll be trolling with a spread of lures designed to trigger strikes from tuna, marlin, mahi, and whatever else is cruising these waters. The first mate sets the spread and adjusts the pattern based on what we're marking on the electronics. When we hook up on tuna, we might switch to chunking or throwing jigs if they're really fired up. For swordfish, we'll drop baits deep during the day or try our luck with night fishing techniques if conditions are right. The tackle is heavy duty - we're talking 50-80 pound class gear because you never know when a giant bluefin or white marlin might crash the party. Circle hooks are the rule for most applications, both for better hookups and easier releases when we're practicing catch and release on the bigger fish or anything over the legal limits.
Yellowfin tuna are the bread and butter of this fishery, running anywhere from 30 to 100+ pounds depending on the season and your luck. These fish fight like freight trains once they sound, and the meat quality is second to none. Best action typically runs from late spring through fall when water temperatures are right and bait is plentiful. White marlin are the crown jewel for most anglers - seeing that bill and dorsal fin cutting through the water behind your lure gets the heart pumping every single time. Most of these fish run 50-70 pounds, and while we practice catch and release on marlin, the photos and bragging rights last forever. Swordfish are the wildcard - during the day we target them in 1000+ feet of water, and these prehistoric looking fish can go anywhere from 50 to 300+ pounds. Bluefin tuna are heavily regulated but when they're around and we can keep one legally, you're looking at some of the finest eating fish in the ocean. Grey tilefish might not win any beauty contests, but they're excellent table fare and provide steady action when the bigger pelagics are being picky. These bottom dwellers live in deep water and can reach impressive sizes while putting up a surprisingly good fight on the way up from the depths.
Look, 16 hours offshore isn't for everyone, but if you're serious about fishing and want to target the species that make Atlantic City famous in fishing circles, this is your best shot. The boat only takes 6 people, so dates fill up fast during prime season. Weather can shut us down or delay trips, but that's just part of offshore fishing - we go when conditions allow for safe fishing, period. Bring your camera, pack plenty of food and drinks, dress in layers, and get ready for the kind of fishing day that makes all those shorter trips seem like practice runs. The fish are out there waiting, and Jessie James Charters has the experience and local knowledge to put you on them. Don't spend another season wondering what you're missing in the deep water - book your spot and find out what real offshore fishing is all about.
Our offshore fishing vessel is built for serious deep-water adventures in the Atlantic. This motorboat handles the open ocean swells with ease while you chase bluefin tuna, marlin, and swordfish on those epic 16-hour runs. The GPS and radar keep you on the fish even when conditions get challenging out there. After hours of battling big game fish, you'll appreciate the onboard bed for catching some rest, plus a full kitchen to fuel up and a toilet for convenience. The flybridge gives you that elevated view to spot feeding birds and bait schools that signal where the action is happening. With room for 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rods without getting tangled up. Whether you're trolling for mahi-mahi or dropping lines for tilefish, this boat gets you to the productive waters where the big ones swim.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of tuna fishing - powerful, smart, and absolutely stunning fish that can top 800 pounds off our coast. These warm-blooded rockets cruise from the surface down to 200 feet, following bait schools along temperature breaks and structure. Spring through fall offers the best action, with big fish showing up during cooler months. What makes bluefin special is everything - the incredible fight with screaming runs, their intelligence that keeps you guessing, and meat that's worth its weight in gold for sushi. They're heavily regulated, so every fish counts. Pro tip: when chunking, use the lightest leader you can get away with - these fish are line-shy and will disappear if they spot heavy tackle.
Caulolatilus MicropsGrey tilefish are the "poor man's lobster" of deep water - they taste amazing and fight surprisingly well for bottom dwellers. These 5-8 pound fish live in 250-800 foot depths along muddy or rocky bottoms, staying close to the burrows they dig. Fall and winter fishing is prime time when they're most active feeding on crabs and shrimp. What guests love about tilefish is the steady action - they're not bait-shy and you can often catch multiple fish per drop. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat that's perfect fried or baked. The trick is using a sensitive rod to feel the subtle bite in deep water, and don't be afraid to run multiple rigs - doubles and triples are common on good tilefish spots.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deep-water challenge - these massive predators can hit 400 pounds and live in 1,000+ feet of water. We target them at night when they rise to feed, usually 300-600 feet down around the canyons. Their flat bill and huge eyes make them perfectly built for hunting squid in the dark depths. The fight is different from other billfish - more of a powerful, bulldogging battle than flashy jumps. What makes swordfish special is the combination of size, fight, and fantastic eating - firm, meaty steaks that grill perfectly. The secret is using plenty of lights to draw them up and keeping your squid bait moving naturally. Be ready for a long fight; these fish don't give up easy.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are the acrobats of the Atlantic - smaller than blues but twice as wild when hooked. These 80-pound billfish love the canyons and temperature breaks 20-40 miles offshore, usually in 100-400 feet of water. Summer through early fall gives you the best shot, especially when water temps hit 72-78 degrees. What gets people hooked on white marlin is the show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and fight way above their weight class. Most are catch-and-release, making every encounter special. The key trick is patience when they come up behind your ballyhoo - let them eat before setting the hook. Watch for that telltale purple glow under the surface, and don't get too excited until the fish is actually on.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of offshore fishing - fast, strong, and built like torpedoes. You'll find these beautiful fish with their bright yellow fins cruising the upper 300 feet of water, usually in the 60-150 pound range, though giants over 200 pounds show up. They're warm-blooded, so they fight hard and stay active even when pulled up from depth. Peak season runs May through October when water temps hit their sweet spot. What makes yellowfin special is the combination of an amazing fight and some of the best eating you'll find. The meat is perfect for sushi or grilling. Here's a tip: when trolling, watch for diving birds - yellowfin often feed with dolphins and push baitfish to the surface.
Atlantic City