Atlantic City Charter Fishing | 12 Hour Trip
Looking for a serious fishing adventure off the New Jersey coast? This 12-hour combo charter with Jessie James Charters targets some of the most sought-after species in Atlantic waters - tuna and sharks. We're talking about getting into the real action here, not just dropping lines and hoping for the best. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll test your drag and give you stories to tell for years. With room for up to 6 anglers, this is your chance to experience world-class offshore fishing without the crowds of bigger boats.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical half-day trip - we're going all-out for 12 hours to maximize your time on the prime fishing grounds. The day starts early, and trust me, it's worth the early alarm. We'll head out to the canyon edges and drop-offs where the big fish hang out, sometimes running 20-30 miles offshore to find the best bite. The boat's equipped with top-rated electronics to locate bait schools and mark fish, plus we've got the heavy tackle you need for these bruisers. Captain and crew will handle the navigation and fish-finding while you focus on what you came for - putting fish in the boat. Expect to switch between different techniques throughout the day as we target various species, and be ready for some serious arm workouts when these fish decide to make their runs.
Techniques & Heavy Tackle
We'll be running a mix of trolling and chunking depending on what's biting and where we find the fish. For tuna, we typically start with high-speed trolling using cedar plugs, spreader bars, and daisy chains to cover water and locate schools. Once we mark fish, we'll often switch to chunking with butterfish or mackerel to get them fired up and feeding aggressively. Shark fishing involves different tactics entirely - we'll set up a slick with fresh bait and deploy heavy circle hooks on wire leaders. The boat carries 50-80 pound class tackle, and you'll definitely feel the difference when a 200-pound bluefin or bull shark decides to test your equipment. Don't worry if you're not familiar with offshore techniques - our first mate will get you rigged up properly and coach you through the fights. Just remember that customary 20% tip for the mate who's working hard to put you on fish all day.
Top Catches This Season
The species mix off New Jersey's coast is what makes this fishery so special. Yellowfin tuna are the bread and butter of our offshore trips, typically ranging from 30 to 80 pounds, with occasional larger fish pushing the century mark. These speed demons hit hard and make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. Bluefin tuna are the holy grail - these fish can exceed 200 pounds and provide fights that last an hour or more. They're incredibly strong and smart, often testing every knot and connection on your tackle. On the shark side, blacktips are aggressive fighters that jump and thrash when hooked, usually in the 30-60 pound range and perfect for anglers wanting fast action. Bull sharks are the heavyweights, often exceeding 100 pounds and known for their bulldogging fights and incredible power. Each species requires different approaches and provides unique challenges that keep even experienced anglers coming back.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Yellowfin tuna are customer favorites for good reason - they're excellent table fare and provide consistent action during their peak season from June through October. These fish school up around temperature breaks and underwater structure, making them somewhat predictable to target. They're known for their speed and endurance, often making multiple long runs before coming to the boat. The meat is prized for sashimi and steaks, so you're looking at premium eating when you box one of these.
Bluefin tuna represent the ultimate offshore challenge. These fish are incredibly powerful and can weigh anywhere from 40 pounds to over 300 pounds in our waters. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring, when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore. Bluefin are highly regulated, so we follow all size and bag limits strictly. Landing one is a real achievement that serious anglers dream about.
Blacktip sharks provide non-stop action when they're around, typically from late spring through early fall. These acrobatic fighters will jump repeatedly when hooked, putting on quite a show. They're perfect for anglers who want consistent bites and exciting fights without the marathon battles of larger species. Most blacktips we catch range from 20-60 pounds, making them manageable on medium-heavy tackle.
Bull sharks are the bruisers of our waters, known for their aggressive nature and incredible strength. These fish don't jump like blacktips, but they make powerful runs and fight right to the boat. Summer months offer the best opportunities, when they move inshore following bait schools. Bulls can exceed 200 pounds in our area, and even smaller ones in the 50-100 pound range provide memorable battles that'll leave your arms sore.
Time to Book Your Spot
This 12-hour combo trip offers serious value for anglers looking to experience New Jersey's renowned offshore fishing scene. You're getting a full day with an experienced crew who knows how to find and catch fish, plus the chance to target multiple species that'll challenge your skills. Keep in mind there may be a fuel surcharge if market prices exceed $4 per gallon - just part of the offshore fishing game these days. New clients get a complimentary Jessie James Charters t-shirt to remember the day, but the real memories will be the fish you catch and the stories you'll be telling. With only 6 spots available, this trip fills up fast during peak season. Book early to secure your date and get ready for some world-class fishing action off the Atlantic City coast.