Private Midshore Tuna Fishing from Point Pleasant
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday midshore tuna fishing targeting Yellowfin and Bluefin speciesTrolling, jigging, and chunking techniques guided by experienced captainsPrivate charter accommodates up to 6 guests with flexible trip duration
When you're ready to step up from the inshore bite and chase some serious fish, this private midshore tuna charter puts you right in the action. We'll head 40-60 miles out from Point Pleasant's marina into some of New Jersey's most productive tuna grounds, where the continental shelf drops off and the big fish cruise. This is a full-day commitment that pays off with quality fish and the kind of arm-burning fights that'll have you talking about this trip for years. With room for up to 6 anglers, you get the boat to yourselves and can fish at your own pace without worrying about other groups.
Your day starts early at the Point Pleasant docks, where you'll meet your captain and get a quick rundown of the game plan. The ride out takes about 2-3 hours depending on where the fish are showing, so bring something to keep you busy or just enjoy watching the Jersey coastline fade behind you. Once we hit the grounds, it's go time. The captain will set up the spread based on current conditions – water temp, bait activity, and recent reports all factor into where we start fishing. You'll be working multiple techniques throughout the day, switching between trolling spreads when we're covering water and switching to jigging or chunking when we mark fish or find active feeding areas. The flexibility to adjust trip duration means if the bite is hot, we can stay on them longer, or if conditions get rough, we can head back without feeling rushed.
Midshore tuna fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We start most trips trolling a spread of cedar plugs, spreader bars, and ballyhoo rigs to cover ground and locate active fish. When the fish finder lights up or we see birds working, that's when we switch gears. Jigging with butterfly jigs or knife jigs lets you target fish holding deeper in the water column, while chunking with fresh butterfish or squid creates a feeding frenzy when done right. The boat carries all the heavy tackle you'll need – 50-80 pound class rods matched with quality reels that can handle long runs and sustained pressure. If you've got your own gear and prefer to use it, that's fine too, but make sure your drag system is up to the task. These fish will test everything you've got.
The Yellowfin Tuna are the bread and butter of this fishery, running anywhere from 20-80 pounds with the occasional triple-digit fish mixed in. They're aggressive feeders that hit hard and make blistering runs, often jumping multiple times during the fight. Peak season runs from June through October, with the largest fish typically showing up in late summer when the water temperatures are at their warmest. What makes Yellowfin special is their incredible stamina – they'll fight you to the boat and keep pulling drag even when you think they're done. The meat quality is outstanding, perfect for sashimi or steaks on the grill.
Bluefin Tuna are the holy grail of this fishery, and while they're not as common as Yellowfin, when they show up, it's game on. These fish range from school-sized 30-40 pounders up to giants over 200 pounds that can tow the boat around. Bluefin are most active during cooler months – late fall through early spring – though smaller school fish can show up any time. They're incredibly smart fish that will test your patience and skill, often requiring precise presentations and perfect timing. When you hook into a big Bluefin, everything else stops. These are bucket-list fish that fight harder and longer than anything else in these waters.
False Albacore, or "Albies" as we call them, become a major player as the season progresses into fall. These smaller tunas are speed demons that school up in huge numbers and create some of the most exciting surface action you'll ever see. They average 5-12 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making screaming runs and acrobatic jumps. Albies are perfect for lighter tackle and provide consistent action when the bigger tuna are being finicky. Plus, they make excellent bait for the larger fish when cut fresh.
This midshore tuna charter gives you the chance to target some of the Atlantic's most prized gamefish without the expense and commitment of a full offshore trip. You're fishing proven grounds with experienced captains who know these waters inside and out, using techniques that consistently produce fish. The private boat setup means you're not competing with other anglers for rod time, and the flexible duration lets you make the most of whatever conditions Mother Nature throws at you. Whether you're looking to put some quality fish in the cooler, check a tuna off your bucket list, or just spend a day pulling on some serious fish, this trip delivers. The midshore grounds off Point Pleasant are some of the most consistent tuna fishing on the East Coast, and this is your chance to experience them firsthand with a top-rated crew that knows how to put you on fish.
Step aboard our 2018 32-foot Tidewater Custom center console and head out to the productive midshore waters off Point Pleasant. Twin Yamaha engines with 700HP get you to the tuna grounds fast, cruising at speeds up to 60 knots to maximize your fishing time 40-60 miles offshore. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers while you target Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna using trolling, jigging, and chunking techniques. Our fish finder helps locate schools while the GPS keeps you on the hottest spots. When you need a break from fighting fish, grab a cold drink from the icebox or catch up on the action with the onboard multimedia system. The boat's equipped with radar for those early morning runs and VHF radio to stay connected. As the season progresses, expect bonus shots at False Albacore and Mahi Mahi on the ride back to port. The accessible design and onboard bed ensure everyone stays comfortable during these full-day adventures in some of New Jersey's most productive fishing waters.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are the smaller cousins in the tuna family, running 18-25 inches and 20-45 pounds with those distinctive long pectoral fins. They school up in massive groups that can stretch for miles in deep subtropical waters. Spring through summer is prime time when they move through our area following baitfish. What sets them apart is the meat - it's the only tuna that gets labeled as "white meat" with that firm texture and mild flavor. They're scrappy fighters that stay near the surface, making for active fishing. We troll cedar plugs and tuna feathers, or use live mackerel and sardines. The trick with albacore is once you hook the first fish, work fast - the whole school will be there, but spook that lead fish and they'll all disappear. Keep lures 50-90 feet back and be ready for multiple hookups.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the heavyweight champions out there, averaging 6.5 feet and 550 pounds, though we see smaller schoolies too. These are the holy grail of tuna fishing - shiny blue backs, silver bellies, and they fight like freight trains with deep dives and blistering surface runs. We target them in deep midshore waters during their migration patterns, typically best in cooler months when they're following baitfish. The meat is world-class, the most prized for sashimi with that rich, buttery flavor. They'll test your tackle and stamina - expect long battles. We use heavy gear and troll with herring, squid, or mackerel, plus cedar plugs and poppers. Pro tip: they bite most aggressively during dawn and dusk hours. When fighting one, keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work - trying to horse them up will cost you the fish every time.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of our midshore trips, averaging 60 pounds with that classic torpedo shape and bright yellow fins. We find them in the top 100 feet of water, usually 40-60 miles out where the water turns deep blue. They're warm-blooded fish that can hit 50 mph, making for solid fights with long runs. Peak season runs summer through early fall when water temps are right. What makes them special is the meat quality - it's the "ahi" you see in sushi restaurants, with firm steaks that grill beautifully. We'll troll rigged ballyhoo and cedar plugs to locate schools, then switch to chunking with herring or menhaden when we mark fish. Here's the key: when chunking, keep your bait in the slick and let it drift naturally. If they're being picky, drop back further from the boat.
Point Pleasant