Private Offshore Canyon Fishing Trips
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target bluefin, yellowfin, and bigeye tuna in famous offshore canyons16hour private charter accommodates up to six guests maximumIncludes tile fishing, mahi fishing, and optional swordfishing opportunities
When you want to get serious about offshore fishing, the canyon waters off New Jersey and New York deliver some of the best action on the East Coast. This 16-hour private charter takes you and up to five other anglers to legendary spots like Hudson, Toms, Spencer, and Berkley Canyons, where the deep water drops off fast and the big fish live. You're not just casting a line here – you're hunting tuna in their backyard, working the structure for tiles, and maybe even tangling with a sword if the conditions are right. Jordi Sport Fishing knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish when others are still searching.
A 16-hour charter means you're getting the full canyon experience, not some shortened version that barely scratches the surface. You'll likely start before dawn, making the run out to the canyons while the coffee's still kicking in. These aren't your typical inshore waters – we're talking 100 to 400 feet deep, with underwater structure that creates perfect ambush points for pelagic species. The boat can handle six anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the whole crew or keeping it intimate, there's room to fish without bumping elbows. The captain will read the water, check the temperature breaks, and position you where the bait is stacked up. Some days you'll be working the surface for feeding tuna, other days you might be dropping down 200 feet for golden tiles. That's the beauty of canyon fishing – the variety keeps you on your toes all day long.
Canyon fishing isn't a one-trick operation. You'll start with high-speed trolling, pulling spreader bars and cedar plugs to cover water and locate feeding schools. When you mark fish or find a temperature break, it's time to switch gears. Chunking butterfish or squid gets the tuna fired up and coming to the boat, creating some of the most intense fishing you'll ever experience. For the tile fishing, you're dropping jigs and baits to the bottom structure – it's a different game that requires patience, but golden tiles are some of the best eating fish in the ocean. The boat carries quality tackle, but serious anglers often bring their favorite rods. If you're targeting big bluefin, you want something with backbone. For the smaller yellowfins and tiles, lighter tackle makes the fight more fun. The crew will set you up with the right gear for whatever's biting, and they know how to rig baits that get results.
Mahi Mahi, or common dolphinfish if you want to get technical, are the opportunists of the canyon waters. They show up around floating debris, weed lines, and anywhere baitfish are getting pushed around. What makes mahi special is their speed and aerial show – they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a display that gets everyone on the boat excited. Best fishing happens during the warmer months when they move up from the south, typically May through October. They're also fantastic table fare, with firm white meat that's hard to beat. You'll often find them in small schools, so when you hook one, be ready for multiple fish.
Bigeye tuna are the night shift workers of the tuna family. These fish come up from the deep water after dark, making them perfect targets for overnight canyon trips. They're built like submarines – thick, powerful, and stubborn fighters that will test your tackle and your patience. Bigeyes can push over 200 pounds in these waters, and even smaller ones in the 50-80 pound range will give you a workout. They prefer squid and prefer to feed when the sun goes down, so if your trip extends into the evening hours, you might get a shot at one of these bruisers.
Yellowfin tuna are the workhorses of canyon fishing. They're aggressive feeders, beautiful fish, and they fight hard from the first hook-up to the boat. Spring through fall is prime time, with fish ranging from 30-pound schoolies to 100-plus pound giants. Yellowfins love to feed on the surface when conditions are right, creating some spectacular fishing when you find a hot school. They're also excellent eating, which makes them a favorite target for serious anglers who want sport and a great meal.
Swordfish are the holy grail of canyon fishing. These prehistoric-looking predators feed deep during the day and come shallow at night, making them a real challenge to target. Day swordfishing means dropping baits 1,000 feet or more and waiting for that distinctive tap-tap of a sword mouthing your bait. Night fishing brings them closer to the surface, but it's still a game of patience and skill. When you hook a sword, especially a big one, you're in for a battle that can last hours. They're not just strong – they're smart, and they know how to use that bill to their advantage.
Bluefin tuna are the ultimate canyon prize. These fish are built for speed and endurance, and they'll test every knot and every piece of tackle you put in front of them. The giants can exceed 400 pounds, but even smaller bluefin in the 100-200 pound class are world-class fighters. They're also highly regulated, so make sure you understand the current rules before you wet a line. Bluefin season varies, but spring and fall typically offer the best shots at these magnificent fish. When everything comes together – the right bait, the right spot, and a hungry school of bluefin – it creates fishing memories that last a lifetime.
Canyon fishing isn't something you do on a whim. The best dates fill up fast, especially during prime season when the water temperature is perfect and the fish are most active. A 16-hour private charter gives you the flexibility to fish your way
This 32-foot Tidewater Custom center console cuts through offshore waters with authority, powered by twin Yamaha engines delivering 700HP to get you to the canyon grounds fast. Built in 2018, she cruises at 60 knots, making those long runs to Hudson, Toms, Spencer, and Berkley Canyons feel shorter when the tuna are calling. The center console layout gives everyone room to fight fish and work the deck without getting tangled up. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, fish finder, and VHF radio keep you connected and on the fish even when conditions get sketchy. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those 16-hour adventures targeting bluefin, yellowfin, and bigeye tuna. Whether you're tile fishing or pot hopping for mahi, the boat handles beautifully in blue water. She's equipped with a bed for those who need to rest between bites, multimedia system for downtime, and wheelchair accessibility so everyone can experience deep sea fishing. Built to fish hard and comfortable enough for the long haul to where the big ones live.
Thunnus ObesusBigeye are the deep-water specialists of the tuna family, averaging 60-150 pounds with some monsters hitting 200+ in our canyons. These fish have special blood that lets them hunt in oxygen-poor waters down to 800 feet, making them tougher to find but worth the effort. Best bite happens at dawn and dusk when they move up to feed. Their oversized eyes help them hunt in low light, which is why we target them during these twilight periods. Anglers love bigeye for their dogged fight and premium sashimi-grade meat - some of the highest quality tuna you'll find. Here's the key: use dark-colored lures in the 8-10 inch range and don't be afraid to fish after sunset. Many of our best bigeye come well into darkness.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of our canyon fishing - these giants average 100-300 pounds with some reaching 600+ pounds. They're built like torpedoes with incredible speed and endurance, making them the ultimate test of angler and tackle. Found throughout our water column from surface to 1,000+ feet, they prefer water temps in the 60s. Best fishing is typically spring and fall when they're migrating through. What makes bluefin special? The fight is legendary - screaming runs, deep dives, and pure power for hours. Plus, the meat is unmatched - the finest sashimi grade tuna you'll find. Early morning and late evening produce the most aggressive bites. Secret weapon: live herring or mackerel under a kite. Keeps the bait natural and away from the boat - crucial for these smart fish.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are some of the most colorful fighters you'll find in our canyon waters. Mahi typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see some pushing 40+ pounds during peak season. They love floating debris and weed lines in the upper water column, usually within the first 100 feet. Best fishing is late spring through early fall when water temps hit the mid-70s. What makes them special? That wild color show as they fight - flashing gold, blue, and green before settling on that classic yellow. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, mild meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep working the area. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Look for birds diving on bait - that's your money shot.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate canyon challenge - averaging 100-200 pounds with that unmistakable flat bill and massive size. These deep-dwelling giants live in 1,000+ feet of water during the day, moving up to 300 feet at night to feed. We target them both day and night, but nighttime offers better action when they come shallow. The fight is pure power - long, steady pulls that test your endurance and tackle. Beyond the battle, swordfish are prized for their firm, steak-like meat that's perfect grilled. Peak season runs May through September when they're most active in our waters. Key tip: use multiple cyalume lights on your rig - 2-3 sticks about 50 feet above your bait. Squid is king for bait, but fresh barracuda chunks work great too.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of our tuna fishing, typically running 40-80 pounds with their distinctive bright yellow fins and crescent-shaped dorsal. These torpedo-shaped fish cruise the upper 300 feet of water and can hit 50 mph when hooked - prepare for some serious drag-screaming runs. They're here year-round but peak from June through October in our canyon waters. What sets them apart is their aggressive surface feeding and willingness to hit both lures and live bait. The meat is outstanding - firm, red, and perfect for the grill or sushi. My go-to technique: when fish are marking deep but won't bite trolled baits, switch to vertical jigging. Drop a butterfly jig down to them and work it fast - that erratic action often triggers strikes when nothing else will.
Point Pleasant