Private Inshore Tuna Trips - New Jersey Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore tuna fishing 1225 miles from New Jersey coastExpert crew teaches trolling, topwater casting, and jigging techniquesBonus Mahi Mahi fishing opportunities on return trip
Picture this: you're 15 miles out from the Jersey coast, lines in the water, and the crew's already spotted bird activity on the horizon. That's exactly what you get with Jordi Sport Fishing's private inshore tuna trips – a full day targeting some of the most sought-after game fish swimming in our productive midshore waters. These aren't your typical party boat charters where you're elbow-to-elbow with strangers. You and up to five buddies get the boat to yourselves, with a captain who knows exactly where the fish are feeding and how to put you on them.
Your day starts early – that's just how tuna fishing works. We're talking about a full-day adventure that takes you 12 to 25 miles offshore, right into the sweet spot where tuna cruise the continental shelf looking for bait. The beauty of booking a private charter is flexibility. Want to stay out longer because the bite's hot? No problem. Need to head back a bit early? We'll make it work. The captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll read the conditions to put you where the action is. You'll be working productive structure, temperature breaks, and bait schools – all the spots that hold fish consistently throughout the season.
This isn't a one-trick operation. The crew runs a variety of proven methods depending on what's working best on any given day. Trolling is your bread and butter – spreading out a pattern of lures and baits to cover water and locate active schools. Once you mark fish, that's when things get exciting. Topwater casting can produce some of the most explosive strikes you'll ever see, with tuna absolutely crushing surface plugs in spectacular fashion. When the fish are holding deeper or being finicky, jigging comes into play. Dropping heavy jigs down to where the fish are marked and working them with quick, sharp motions often triggers strikes when nothing else will. The crew provides all the gear and knows exactly which technique to deploy based on current conditions, water temperature, and fish behavior.
Yellowfin Tuna are the workhorses of these trips and what most anglers dream about when they think Jersey offshore fishing. These fish are pure muscle, typically running 30 to 80 pounds in our waters, with the occasional cow pushing triple digits. They're most active during warmer months when bait is thick, and they fight harder per pound than almost anything else swimming. What makes yellowfin so special is their speed and endurance – they'll make blistering runs that strip line off your reel faster than you thought possible, then settle into a grinding, circle-fighting pattern that tests your stamina and drag system.
Bluefin Tuna are the holy grail for serious anglers, and New Jersey waters hold some genuine giants. These fish can exceed 200 pounds and provide fights that can last over an hour. Bluefin are more temperature-sensitive than yellowfin, often showing up during spring and fall migrations when water temps hit that perfect sweet spot. They're incredibly smart fish that can be frustratingly selective about what they'll eat, making a successful bluefin hookup feel like a major victory. The meat quality is outstanding, especially from larger fish that grade out for sushi.
Albacore Tuna might be smaller than their cousins, typically in the 15 to 40-pound range, but don't let size fool you. These fish are acrobatic fighters that jump, run, and give you a workout on lighter tackle. They're often the most cooperative when it comes to taking lures and provide consistent action when yellowfin and bluefin are being difficult. Albacore have some of the best eating quality of any tuna species, with light, flaky meat that's perfect for steaks or sashimi.
Mahi Mahi add serious variety to these trips, especially on the ride back to port. These fish are pure eye candy with their brilliant gold, green, and blue colors, and they're absolute acrobats when hooked. Most mahi in our area run 10 to 30 pounds, though bull dolphin can push 50-plus. They're structure-oriented fish that love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. What makes mahi special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their habit of traveling in schools – hook one, and there are usually more around. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that grills perfectly.
Here's the bottom line: this trip delivers everything serious anglers want in an offshore experience. You get a private boat with a proven crew, access to some of the most productive tuna grounds on the East Coast, and the flexibility to fish your way. Whether you're a seasoned offshore veteran looking to put some quality fish in the box or newer to the game and wanting to learn proper techniques, this setup gives you the best shot at success. The combination of multiple fishing methods, prime fishing grounds, and experienced guidance makes this a top-rated choice for anyone serious about tuna fishing. Don't wait too long to book – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its hottest.
Meet your offshore fishing machine – a custom 32-foot Tidewater center console that's built to chase tuna in New Jersey waters. This 2018 beauty packs twin Yamaha engines with 700HP that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at speeds up to 60 knots. Perfect for up to 6 anglers heading 12-25 miles offshore where the tuna are running. The boat's loaded with everything serious fishermen need: fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for navigation, VHF radio to stay connected, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. There's even a multimedia system and bed for longer trips. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to work lures and fight fish, whether you're trolling, casting topwater, or jigging the deep spots. On the way back, you can target Mahi Mahi for bonus action. This vessel handles Jersey's offshore waters like a champ and puts you right where the fish are biting.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are our "white meat" tuna, typically running 20-40 pounds with that distinctive torpedo shape and long pectoral fins. They school up in deeper, cooler water usually 20+ miles out, traveling in massive groups that can stretch for miles. Summer into early fall is prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot they prefer. Guests love them because they're consistent fighters that make great table fare - the only tuna you can legally call "white meat." They're also perfect for learning tuna techniques since they're aggressive and less finicky than other species. Key tip: when trolling for albacore, keep your lures 75-100 feet back and watch for that first hookup. If you land the lead fish quickly, you can usually pick up several more from the same school before they move on.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of our tuna trips - these are serious fish that average 100-300 pounds but can go much bigger. They roam from the surface down to 200+ feet, following bait schools along temperature breaks. Peak season runs June through October when they're feeding heavily before their southern migration. The fight is legendary - powerful runs, deep dives, and enough strength to test heavy tackle. Many guests target them for the challenge and bragging rights, though the meat quality is world-class if you decide to keep one. Remember, bluefin require federal permits and careful regulations. My advice: when you hook up, tighten that drag gradually and be patient. These fish have the stamina to fight for hours, so don't rush the process.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are what make our trips back from tuna fishing so worthwhile. Mahi average 15-29 pounds but can hit 40+ when conditions are right. They love floating debris and weed lines in that 12-25 mile range we fish. The colors are stunning - brilliant gold sides with electric blue and green that flash like a light show when they're hooked. Summer through early fall is prime time when water temps hit 70°+. What guests love most is the acrobatic fight - these fish go airborne multiple times and never quit. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, mild white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and get a second line out fast. Mahi travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of our inshore tuna trips, running 40-80 pounds with some bigger fish mixed in. These torpedo-shaped fighters cruise the upper 100 feet of water, especially around temperature breaks and current edges. Spring through fall is when they're most active in our 15-25 mile zone. What makes them special is that raw speed - they'll hit 50 mph and dive deep when hooked, testing every bit of your tackle. The meat is outstanding, perfect for sushi or grilling steaks. Many guests prefer them over bluefin for the consistent action and great table fare. Here's a local trick: when you're marking fish but nothing's biting on the troll, bring in the spread and drop jigs. Sometimes they're sitting deeper and won't come up for surface baits.
Point Pleasant