Charter Fishing In NJ | 18 Hour Charter Trip
If you're serious about tuna fishing, this 18-hour charter with Moover Fishing Adventures is exactly what you've been looking for. We're talking about a full day and night on the water, chasing some of the most powerful fish that swim off the New Jersey coast. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we head out 30 to 65 miles offshore where the real action happens, targeting both Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna during their prime migration season from June through November. With just 6 anglers max, you'll get plenty of rod time and personal attention from our experienced crew who know these waters like the back of their hand.
What to Expect on the Water
This is a marathon fishing trip, not a sprint. We're talking about leaving the dock in the early morning hours and not seeing land again until the next day. The beauty of an 18-hour charter is that we can time our fishing around the best bite windows – dawn, dusk, and into the night when these tuna are most active. You'll be fishing in some of the most productive waters off the New Jersey coast, where the continental shelf drops off and the deep blue water holds massive schools of baitfish that attract hungry tuna. The crew will keep you fed with snacks and drinks throughout the trip, though you'll want to bring your own meals for this extended adventure. Don't worry about gear – we've got everything covered from heavy tackle rods to circle hooks, but feel free to bring your own setup if you've got preferences.
Techniques & Tackle
We run a variety of techniques depending on what the fish are telling us. Trolling is our bread and butter – we'll pull spreader bars loaded with ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and other proven tuna producers at different speeds until we find what they want. When we mark fish on the sounder or see diving birds, we'll switch to chunking – cutting up fresh bunker or mackerel and creating a slick that draws tuna right to the boat. This is where things get really exciting because you can actually see these monsters come up in the chum line. We also do plenty of jigging, especially when the fish are deep or being finicky. Our jigs range from 4 to 12 ounces depending on the current and depth. The tackle is all heavy-duty stuff – 50 to 80-pound class rods with reels that can handle long, blistering runs. Circle hooks are mandatory for any tuna over 73 inches to comply with federal regulations, and trust me, they work just as well as J-hooks once you get the hang of not setting the hook.
Target Species
Yellowfin Tuna are the workhorses of our offshore trips and for good reason. These fish are pure muscle, typically running 20 to 80 pounds off our coast, with the occasional giant pushing over 100. They're most active from July through October when water temperatures are warmest. What makes Yellowfins so special is their incredible stamina – they'll make multiple long runs that'll test both your drag system and your back muscles. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with that deep red meat that's perfect for sashimi or searing. The best part about Yellowfins is they often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around.
Bluefin Tuna are the holy grail of offshore fishing, and New Jersey waters host some true giants. These fish can range from 20-pound "rats" all the way up to 300-pound plus monsters that'll give you the fight of your life. Peak season runs from September through November when they're fattening up for their southern migration. Bluefins are incredibly smart fish – they'll inspect your bait, test your drag, and make you earn every inch of line you get back. The bigger ones are known for their deep, powerful runs and their ability to sound straight down when they don't want to come up. Landing a big Bluefin is something you'll remember for the rest of your life, and the meat quality is absolutely world-class.
Time to Book Your Spot
An 18-hour tuna charter isn't something you do every weekend, but when you're ready for the ultimate New Jersey offshore fishing experience, this is it. Moover Fishing Adventures has been putting anglers on quality tuna for years, and our track record speaks for itself. The extended time on the water gives us flexibility to move around, try different techniques, and really maximize your chances of hooking up with the fish of a lifetime. With only 6 spots available, these trips fill up fast during peak tuna season. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler looking for your next personal best or someone ready to step up from inshore fishing, this charter will deliver the kind of action and memories that keep people coming back year after year. Give us a call and let's get you booked for the tuna trip you've been dreaming about.