New Jersey Deep Sea Fishing | Overnight Canyon Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
24-hour offshore canyon fishing targeting tuna, mahi, and marlinAll gear provided with experienced crew guidance throughout tripSmall group capacity of 4 guests for personalized fishing experience
If you're serious about big game fishing, this 24-hour canyon adventure out of Brigantine is what you've been waiting for. We're talking about a full overnight trip that takes you into the deep blue where the real monsters live. Captain Jessie James and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that most weekend warriors only dream about. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're heading way offshore to where the continental shelf drops off and the pelagics roam. Pack your patience and bring your A-game because these canyon fish don't come easy, but when they bite, it's pure magic.
This trip starts before dawn and doesn't end until the next evening – that's 24 solid hours of fishing time in some of the most productive waters off the Jersey coast. We'll be running out to the canyons, those underwater valleys where warm Gulf Stream water meets cooler shelf water, creating the perfect storm for big game action. The boat sleeps four comfortably, so you'll actually get some rest between the evening bite and the pre-dawn action. Don't worry about bringing tackle – we've got everything from heavy trolling rigs to deep drop setups. The crew handles all the rigging and knows exactly what works in these waters. You'll be trolling for pelagics during the day, dropping baits deep for swordfish at night, and maybe even trying your luck on some bottom structure for those monster tiles that call the canyons home.
Canyon fishing is a whole different ball game than inshore work. We'll be running a spread of high-speed trolling lures during daylight hours, covering water until we find those temperature breaks and current edges where the action happens. The captain uses top-of-the-line electronics to mark bait and structure, plus he's got years of logbook data to know exactly where to set up. For swordfish, we'll be dropping electric reels loaded with 80-pound braid down to 1,500 feet or more – this is serious deep dropping that requires the right gear and know-how. The crew handles all the technical stuff while you focus on fighting the fish. We'll also have some lighter spinning gear ready in case we run into a school of mahi or want to throw some poppers at breaking fish. Everything's included, from the reels to the leaders to the bait – you just need to show up ready to fish.
Yellowfin and bluefin tuna are the bread and butter of canyon fishing here, and these fish are absolute freight trains when they're hooked up. Yellowfins typically run 30 to 80 pounds in our waters, with the bigger fish showing up in late summer and fall. They're fast, they're strong, and they'll test every ounce of drag on your reel. Bluefins are even more special – these are the holy grail of Northeast fishing, and when one crashes a spread, you'll know it instantly. They can range anywhere from school fish to giants over 200 pounds, depending on what's moved through the area.
Mahi mahi are pure fun on lighter tackle, and they're gorgeous fish that photograph beautifully. They love floating debris and temperature breaks, often traveling in schools that can provide non-stop action once you find them. Most run 10 to 25 pounds, perfect for spinning gear when you want a break from the heavy trolling. These fish are also fantastic table fare, so they're always a welcome addition to the cooler.
Swordfish are the ultimate challenge – these are the fish that separate the serious canyon anglers from the weekend crowd. Night fishing for swords requires patience and skill, dropping baits into the black depths and waiting for that telltale tap-tap-tap on the rod tip. A good swordfish will run 50 to 150 pounds and fight like nothing else in the ocean. They're smart, they're strong, and landing one is something you'll remember for the rest of your life.
Yellowcheek wrasse might sound like an unusual target, but these deep water beauties are prized by serious anglers for their rarity and fighting ability. They're typically found around deep structure and are considered a trophy catch by those in the know. Most anglers have never even heard of them, which makes landing one even more special.
Canyon trips like this don't come around every day, and with only four spots available, they book up fast during prime season. This is the kind of fishing that serious anglers plan their whole year around – the chance to target multiple species in deep water with a crew that knows how to put you on fish. Whether you're after your first bluefin, want to battle a swordfish under the stars, or just love the idea of 24 hours on the water chasing whatever bites, this trip delivers. The memories you'll make and the stories you'll tell are worth every penny. Give Jessie James Charters a call and lock in your dates before someone else grabs your spot on what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime.
Our 4-passenger motorboat is built for serious offshore canyon fishing adventures. Equipped with GPS navigation and radar systems to safely navigate those deep Atlantic waters where the big fish live. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting tuna boils and working birds while our captain positions you on productive fishing grounds. For those overnight canyon runs, you've got everything needed - comfortable sleeping quarters, onboard toilet, and a full kitchen to fuel up between fishing sessions. Whether you're targeting daytime mahi and tuna or setting up for nighttime swordfish, this boat handles the offshore conditions with ease. The layout gives anglers plenty of room to work big fish without getting tangled up with your fishing buddies. Ready to head out to the canyons where the real action happens.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of our canyon trips. These torpedo-shaped giants average 200-400 pounds, with some pushing 800+ pounds. They're built for speed and power, hitting 40+ mph in short bursts. We find them from spring through fall, with peak action in June and October when they're migrating through our waters. They cruise in open water around 100-300 feet deep, often near temperature breaks and bait schools. What makes bluefin special is their legendary fight - long screaming runs that'll test your endurance - plus they're the most prized sushi fish on the planet. We troll with live bait or chunk herring when we mark them on the sonar. Mornings and evenings are prime feeding times when they're most aggressive. Pro tip: when you hook up, don't horse them early. Let them run and tire themselves out, then work them up slowly or they'll dive deep and the fight gets much harder.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of the most exciting fish we target in the canyons. These golden-sided beauties average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds out here. Look for them under floating debris, weedlines, or around our boat when we're drifting. They're surface dwellers that love warm water, making summer our prime season from June through September. What makes mahi special is their fight - they'll jump, run, and put on a real show. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with that firm, mild white meat. We usually find them by trolling ballyhoo or squid around current breaks and temperature changes. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep it in the water and let the others see it - mahi are curious and the whole school will often stick around. That's when you can catch multiple fish in one stop.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate canyon challenge. These prehistoric-looking beasts average 200-400 pounds and live in 1,200+ feet of water. We target them both day and night, but they're easier to catch after dark when they move up to feed around 300 feet deep. The best months are July through October when water temps are right. What draws anglers to swordfish is the combination of their size, the technical fishing required, and that they're incredible table fare - firm, meaty steaks that are restaurant quality. We use heavy tackle with electric reels and drop squid baits down deep with lights to attract them. The fight is more of a steady, powerful pull than explosive runs. Local tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them chew on the bait for 30 seconds - swords like to grab prey sideways before swallowing it properly.
Halichoeres CyanocephalusYellowcheek Wrasse are small, colorful fish that top out around 11 inches. You'll find them in 65-300 feet of water over sandy and gravelly bottoms. These bright blue-bodied fish with yellow markings aren't really a target species for our canyon trips, but you might catch one while bottom fishing for bigger game. They're more common around reefs and structure closer to shore. If you do hook one, they're pretty to look at with their vibrant colors, though they don't put up much of a fight given their size. They eat small crustaceans and worms, so they'll hit small pieces of cut bait. Spring through fall gives you the best shot when they're most active. Pro tip: if you're specifically after them, use light tackle with size 4-6 hooks and fresh mussel or worm - they're picky about stale bait.
Atlantic City