Private Midshore Tuna Fishing from Point Pleasant
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore tuna fishing targeting Yellowfin and Bluefin speciesExperienced captains guide trolling, jigging, and chunking techniquesMidshore waters 40-60 miles offshore with 6-person capacity
Looking for a serious tuna fishing adventure off the New Jersey coast? This full-day private charter takes you 40–60 miles into some of the most productive midshore waters along the Atlantic. With Captain Jordi and his experienced crew, you'll target trophy Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna using time-tested techniques that consistently put fish in the boat. The beauty of a private charter is flexibility – we can adjust the trip length based on how the bite's going and what your group wants to accomplish. Plus, with only six anglers max, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized instruction.
Your day starts early at Point Pleasant's marina, where you'll meet the crew and get a quick rundown of the game plan. The ride out to the fishing grounds takes about two hours, giving you time to rig up, grab some coffee, and watch the sun come up over the Atlantic. Once we hit the productive zone, it's game on. The captain reads the water, watches for bird activity, and uses electronics to locate bait schools and temperature breaks where tuna love to feed. You'll spend the day working different areas, following the fish and adjusting tactics based on what's happening. As we head back in the afternoon, we often pick up bonus species like Mahi Mahi that move in closer to shore, making for an action-packed finish to your trip.
This isn't a one-trick operation – the crew switches between trolling, jigging, and chunking depending on conditions and what the fish want. Trolling covers water fast with spreader bars and cedar plugs that mimic the baitfish tuna hammer all season long. When we mark fish on the sounder, we'll stop and drop jigs or set up a chum slick with fresh chunks. The boat carries quality tackle, but if you've got favorite rods or reels, bring them along. Circle hooks are mandatory for tuna to protect the resource, and the crew knows how to rig everything properly. They'll coach you through the fight too – landing a 200-pound Bluefin is different than pulling in stripers, and proper technique makes all the difference between a successful release and a lost fish.
Yellowfin Tuna are the bread and butter of midshore fishing here, typically running 30 to 80 pounds with occasional giants pushing over 100. These fish are pure muscle and fight like freight trains, making screaming runs that'll test your drag and your arms. Peak season runs from July through October when water temperatures hit that sweet spot in the mid-70s. Yellowfins school up around structure and temperature breaks, often feeding aggressively in the early morning and late afternoon. What makes them special is their incredible speed and stamina – a 50-pound Yellowfin will give you a workout you won't forget.
Bluefin Tuna are the crown jewel of New Jersey offshore fishing, and these waters produce some real monsters. School-size fish from 40 to 100 pounds show up consistently, but it's the giants over 200 pounds that get your heart racing. Bluefins are smart, powerful, and incredibly strong fighters that use their bulk and endurance to test every piece of your tackle. They're most active during cooler months from October through December, though some stick around year-round in deeper water. Landing a big Bluefin requires teamwork, patience, and respect for one of the ocean's most perfect predators.
False Albacore round out the tuna family as the season progresses, bringing non-stop action when they move through in September and October. These smaller tuna relatives hit lures hard and fight way above their weight class, typically ranging from 5 to 15 pounds. Albies travel in big schools and feed aggressively on small baitfish, creating some of the most exciting visual fishing you'll experience. When you find them busting on the surface, it's pure chaos with birds diving and fish crashing bait everywhere.
Midshore tuna fishing from Point Pleasant offers some of the best big game action on the East Coast, and this private charter puts you right in the middle of it all. With experienced captains, quality equipment, and access to prime fishing grounds, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. The flexibility of a private trip means you can fish at your own pace, learn new techniques, and focus on the species that excite you most. Whether you're looking to land your first tuna or add to an already impressive collection, these fertile waters consistently deliver the goods. Don't wait – peak season books up fast, and the best fishing days fill first.
Get ready to chase tuna aboard our 2018 32-foot Tidewater Custom center console, built specifically for serious offshore fishing. Twin Yamaha engines pushing 700HP will get your crew of up to 6 anglers out to those productive 40-60 mile grounds where the Yellowfin and Bluefin are waiting. This boat cuts through the water at cruising speeds up to 60 knots, meaning more time fishing and less time running. The center console design gives everyone room to move around and work their lines, whether you're trolling spreads, dropping jigs, or setting up a chum slick. Our fish finder will help locate the schools while the GPS keeps us on the productive spots. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long battles with big tuna. Radar and VHF radio ensure safe navigation in all conditions, while the onboard multimedia system keeps the crew entertained during the ride out. There's even a bed for anyone who needs a break between fishing sessions. The boat is wheelchair accessible, so everyone can join the action. When the tuna bite slows down, we'll target False Albacore or hunt for Mahi on the ride back to Point Pleasant. Our experienced captains know these waters and will adjust tactics based on conditions and what the fish are doing.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore might be the smaller cousin in the tuna family, but they're scrappy fighters that run 20-40 pounds on average. These silver bullets have those long pectoral fins that make them easy to ID. They're the only tuna that can legally be called "white meat tuna" - and it really is white with a mild, clean taste that's perfect for steaks or sashimi. We see them best from late summer into fall when they're chasing baitfish. They travel in huge schools, sometimes miles wide, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Trolling works great since they cruise constantly - they never really stop moving. Here's the key: once you hook that first fish, work fast. The school will follow that hooked fish, so get more lines out quick. Miss that window and the whole school disappears.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of tuna fishing off New Jersey. These are massive, powerful fish - we're talking 100-400 pounds of pure muscle wrapped in that distinctive dark blue and silver. They show up best during cooler months when the water temps drop, usually late fall through early spring. What sets bluefin apart is that bone-crushing initial run followed by those deep dives that'll test your tackle and your back. The meat is pure gold - there's nothing like fresh bluefin sashimi. We find them in deeper water columns, often around temperature breaks and structure. One thing I always tell folks: when you hook one, tighten that drag gradually. Too much pressure too fast and they'll either throw the hook or snap your line. These fish have been around the block and they know how to fight.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are some of the most sought-after tuna out there, and for good reason. These torpedo-shaped fish typically run 40-80 pounds in our waters, though we've seen them push over 100. Their bright yellow fins make them easy to spot when they're up. You'll find them in that 40-60 mile range where the water gets really blue and deep. They love the warmer months from June through October when baitfish are thick. What makes yellowfin special is that lightning-fast fight - they'll rip line at 50 mph and dive deep when hooked. Plus, the meat is top-shelf sashimi quality. Here's a tip: when we're chunking and see them finicky, switching to a smaller circle hook on lighter leader often does the trick. They're smart fish but can't resist the right presentation.
Point Pleasant