Atlantic City Charter Fishing | 12 Hour Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targeting tuna and sharks off New Jersey coastExperienced crew guides guests to prime fishing locations for multiple speciesMaximum 6 guests with complimentary tshirt for new clients
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This well-equipped motorboat handles the Atlantic waters like a champ, taking you and up to 5 other anglers straight to where the big tuna and sharks are biting. The flybridge gives you killer views of the New Jersey coastline while you're scanning for surface action, and the onboard radar keeps you locked onto fish even when visibility drops. After hours of battling monsters from the deep, kick back in the comfortable cabin - there's a proper galley to fuel up between fights, a head when nature calls, and even a bed if someone needs to recharge during the 12-hour adventure. GPS navigation gets you to the hottest fishing spots fast, while the experienced crew handles the technical stuff so you can focus on landing your catch. Perfect setup for serious offshore fishing where comfort meets performance on those long days chasing pelagics off the Jersey coast.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are one of the most exciting sharks you'll encounter off Jersey. These stocky fighters average around 5 feet but can stretch up to 9 feet and 270 pounds. You'll spot them by those signature black-tipped fins and their habit of jumping clear out of the water - sometimes right into the boat! They cruise shallow waters around 100 feet, especially near reefs and structure where they hunt mackerel, herring, and croakers. Summer through early fall gives you the best shot at them when they're most active. What makes blacktips special is their attitude - they're scrappy fighters that'll give you multiple jumps and strong runs. They're also pretty social, so where you find one, there's usually more around. My go-to trick: use oily baits like live sardines or chunked mackerel, and don't be shy with the chum. These sharks rely heavily on scent, so get that smell trail going and they'll come looking.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefins are the holy grail - massive, fast, and worth their weight in gold at the sushi market. These silver-sided torpedoes average 200-400 pounds off Jersey, but we've seen giants over 700. They're built for speed and endurance, diving to 1000+ feet and running at 40+ mph when hooked. You'll find them anywhere from the canyons to just outside the inlet, following bait schools and temperature breaks. Fall and early winter are magic time when they're feeding heavily before their southern migration. What makes bluefins special isn't just the fight - though they'll take you into your backing faster than any fish swims - it's that you're targeting one of the ocean's apex predators. The meat is restaurant-quality, and these fish have serious market value. Here's what works: troll small herring or mackerel early, then switch to chunking when you mark them. Dawn and dusk bites are often the best, so be ready when the light changes.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the bruisers of our shark lineup - thick, aggressive, and built like underwater tanks. These gray-topped predators typically run 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds of pure muscle. What sets them apart is their ability to handle both salt and brackish water, so we find them near inlets and river mouths as well as deeper offshore structure. Late summer is prime time when they move up from the south, cruising waters from 30-150 feet deep. Guests love targeting bulls because they're straight-up brawlers - no fancy jumps, just raw power and bulldogging runs that'll test your drag and your back. They're also less spooky than other sharks, so you get more consistent action. My secret weapon for bulls is fresh eel - cut it into chunks and let that oil slick work its magic. The high oil content drives them crazy, and eel's tough skin stays on the hook better than most baits when these guys come calling.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfins are the workhorses of our tuna fishing here - fast, strong, and damn good eating. Most of what we catch runs 60-80 pounds, but we see plenty bigger. These torpedo-shaped beauties live in the top 300 feet of water and can hit 50 mph when they want to. You'll recognize them by those bright yellow fins and that metallic blue back. They're around all season, but summer and early fall are prime time when the water's warm and baitfish are thick. What guests love about yellowfins is the variety - they'll crush trolled ballyhoo, slam topwater plugs, or fall for a well-worked jig down deep. Plus, you're looking at some of the best sashimi-grade meat in the ocean. Here's a local tip: when the trolling slows down and you're marking fish deep, pull in the spread and drop jigs. Sometimes they just want something coming up from below rather than cruising by on top.
Atlantic City