Private Tuna Fishing Trips in New Jersey Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day inshore tuna fishing 12-25 miles offshore.Trolling, topwater casting, and jigging techniques included.Customizable trip duration with Mahi Mahi bonus fishing.
If you're looking for a serious tuna bite without the marathon run to the canyons, this inshore trip is your sweet spot. We're talking 12-25 miles offshore—close enough to maximize your fishing time, far enough to get into the good stuff. Captain Jordi and his crew know these New Jersey waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while keeping things comfortable for up to 6 anglers. This isn't your typical party boat experience; it's a private charter where every detail gets dialed in around what you want to catch and how you want to fish for it.
Your day starts early with a quick safety briefing and gear check before we head out into the productive midshore waters off the Jersey coast. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility—we can stretch it into a full day adventure or dial it back if you're working with a tighter schedule. The crew runs a clean operation with quality tackle, and they'll have you rigged up with everything from trolling spreads to topwater gear depending on what the fish are telling us. Expect to cover water efficiently, with the captain reading conditions and adjusting the game plan as we go. The ride back is never wasted time either—we'll often pick up some beautiful mahi mahi on the return trip, adding another dimension to your cooler.
We're running three proven techniques that consistently produce on these inshore tuna grounds. Trolling is the bread and butter—we'll pull a spread of cedar plugs, spreader bars, and daisy chains at various speeds to cover water and trigger strikes from cruising schools. When we mark fish or see surface activity, that's when the topwater casting gets exciting. There's nothing quite like watching a 40-pound yellowfin explode on a popper you just worked across the surface. The jigging game comes into play when we find fish holding in structure or when the trolling bite slows down. The crew will coach you through the technique if you're new to it, and experienced jiggers will appreciate the quality of water we're fishing. All tackle is included, but feel free to bring your favorite rods if you've got gear you trust.
Yellowfin tuna are the workhorses of this fishery, and for good reason. These fish average 20-60 pounds in our inshore waters, with the occasional beast pushing 80 pounds or more. They're most active from late spring through fall, feeding aggressively on the abundant baitfish that move through these waters. What makes yellowfins so addictive is their speed and power—they'll test your drag and your arms, making long runs that get your heart pumping. They're also fantastic table fare, perfect for sashimi or a nice tuna steak on the grill.
Bluefin tuna are the holy grail when they show up in our area. These are typically smaller school fish in the 30-80 pound range, but pound for pound, nothing fights harder than a bluefin. They're most common in late fall and early winter, though we see them sporadically throughout the season. The regulations can be tricky with bluefins, so the crew stays on top of the current rules and size limits. When you hook into one, you'll understand why these fish are so revered—they dive deep, make blistering runs, and never give up until they're in the boat.
Albacore tuna might not get the same press as their bigger cousins, but they're scrappy fighters and excellent eating. These silver bullets typically run 15-30 pounds and show up in good numbers during their migration periods. They're perfect for anglers who want steady action without the arm-burning fights of the larger tunas. Albacore respond well to all our techniques, making them great confidence builders for first-time tuna anglers.
Mahi mahi are the perfect bonus fish that often save the day when tuna fishing gets tough. These colorful fighters love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks—exactly the kind of structure we encounter heading back from the tuna grounds. Bulls can push 30-40 pounds and put on an aerial show that rivals any gamefish. The smaller males and females still fight hard and make excellent table fare. Mahi are most abundant from late spring through early fall, and they're always willing to eat, making them a reliable backup plan.
This trip delivers exactly what serious anglers want: quality fishing without the expense and time commitment of a canyon run. You're getting private boat access to productive tuna waters, expert local knowledge, and the flexibility to fish your way. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler looking to dial in your technique or someone ready to step up from the inshore slam fishing, this is your entry point into New Jersey's world-class tuna fishing. The calendar fills up fast during peak season, especially for weekend dates, so don't wait too long to lock in your spot. Give Jordi Sport Fishing a call and let's get you set up for a day that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
Get ready to chase tuna aboard our 32-ft Tidewater Custom center console, a 2018 beauty that cuts through New Jersey waters with authority. Twin Yamaha engines pumping 700HP push this fishing machine to 60 knots, getting you to those productive 12-25 mile offshore spots where the action happens. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access while our fish finder marks schools below. Troll the drop-offs, cast topwater lures when they're busting bait, or drop jigs deep – this boat handles every tuna technique. Ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during long battles. GPS and radar keep you on the fish even when conditions get sketchy, while the VHF radio maintains contact with the fleet. After wearing out the tuna, swing by mahi spots on the ride home for bonus action. Comfortable seating for 6 anglers, plus a bed for quick breaks between the bite windows. Wheelchair accessible setup means everyone can join the hunt.
Thunnus AlalungaThe smaller cousin of the tuna family, albacore typically run 20-45 pounds with long pectoral fins that make them easy to identify. They're schooling fish that roam deep subtropical waters, constantly moving since they need to keep water flowing over their gills. Spring through summer is your best shot when they move into our area following bait schools. What's great about albacore is they travel in massive schools - sometimes 19 miles wide - so when you find them, you really find them. They're also the only tuna that can legally be called "white meat" tuna. Key tip: once you hook the first fish, work fast. That lead fish will spook the whole school if it gets away, but land it quick and you might boat several more.
Thunnus ThynnusThe holy grail of tuna fishing - these giants average 100-200 pounds but can push well over 500. They're the ultimate challenge, combining raw power with incredible speed. We target them in deeper water around structure and temperature breaks, especially during their spring and fall migrations. What sets them apart is their legendary fight - they'll make blistering surface runs then sound deep, testing every piece of gear you've got. The meat is unmatched for sashimi, which is why they're so prized. Fair warning: bluefin are heavily regulated, so we follow strict catch and release protocols. Best advice? Use circle hooks and be ready for a battle. When one grabs your bait, hang on tight.
Coryphaena HippurusThese beautiful fish are easy to spot with their brilliant golden sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a real color show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-29 pounds, but they fight way above their weight class. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks in that 12-25 mile range. Summer through early fall is prime time when water temps hit the mid-70s. What makes them special? They're aggressive feeders that'll hit topwater baits, they taste fantastic on the table, and they're one of the prettiest fish you'll ever see. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your lines in - they often travel in small schools and you might double up.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of the tuna family - built like torpedoes with those signature bright yellow fins. Most fish we see run 40-80 pounds, though bigger ones are out there. They cruise the upper 100 feet of water, often around temperature breaks and current edges. Peak season runs late spring through fall when bait moves in close. These fish are pure adrenaline - they'll hit 50 mph and make screaming runs that'll test your drag and your arms. The meat is top-shelf too, perfect for the grill or sushi. Here's the key: when trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface. Yellowfin love chasing flying fish, so make your ballyhoo or lures dance like they're trying to get airborne.
Point Pleasant