18-Hour Charter Fishing Adventure in NJ Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna during peak migration season18hour charter accommodates up to 6 guests offshoreMultiple fishing techniques include trolling, chunking, and jigging
When serious anglers talk about world-class tuna fishing on the East Coast, New Jersey's offshore grounds always come up in conversation. This 18-hour charter with Moover Fishing Adventures puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive tuna waters from the Hudson Canyon to the Baltimore Canyon. We're talking about a legitimate big-game fishing experience that takes you 30-65 miles offshore where the real action happens. You'll be targeting two of the ocean's most prized species – Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna – during their prime migration months from June through November. With room for up to 6 anglers, this isn't your typical half-day trip. We're going where the fish are, and we're staying until we find them.
This is a marathon fishing trip, not a sprint. We'll be departing well before sunrise to maximize our time on the productive grounds, and you'll be back at the dock feeling like you've earned every fish story you'll tell for years to come. The boat heads out to the continental shelf where the water turns that deep blue color that gets every angler's heart racing. These are the waters where commercial boats make their living, and recreational anglers come to test their skills against some of the strongest fish in the Atlantic. The ride out gives you time to rig up, talk strategy with your fellow anglers, and watch the sunrise paint the horizon. Once we hit the grounds, it's game on. The captain and crew know these waters like their backyard – they've been reading the fish reports, watching the water temperatures, and tracking the bait migrations all season long.
We fish smart out here, adapting our approach based on what the fish want that day. Trolling is often our bread and butter technique – spreading lines at different depths with cedar plugs, spreader bars, and daisy chains that mimic the baitfish schools these tuna are chasing. When we mark fish on the sonar or see birds working, we'll switch to chunking. This means anchoring up and creating a slick with cut butterfish, mackerel, or whatever bait is running hot that season. The key is getting the tuna fired up and competing for an easy meal. Jigging comes into play when we mark fish deep or when they're being picky about the surface offerings. Diamond jigs, butterfly jigs, and vertical presentations can trigger strikes when nothing else will work. The crew will have you rigged with the right tackle for each technique – we're talking 50-80 pound class gear that can handle the runs these fish are famous for. Circle hooks are the standard for live and chunk baiting, and we'll have plenty of backup rigs ready when things get busy.
Yellowfin Tuna are the workhorses of the offshore fleet, and for good reason. These fish average 30-80 pounds in our waters, with the occasional beast pushing triple digits. They're incredibly aggressive feeders and put up a fight that'll test your back, shoulders, and determination. Yellowfins are most active from July through October when the water temperatures are prime and the bait is thick. What makes them so exciting is their unpredictability – one minute they're shy and finicky, the next they're attacking anything that moves through the water column. When you hook into a quality yellowfin, expect multiple runs that'll have your drag singing and your arms burning.
Bluefin Tuna are the holy grail for serious offshore anglers, and New Jersey waters offer some of the best bluefin fishing on the entire East Coast. These are the fish that legends are made of – powerful, intelligent, and capable of making even experienced anglers look foolish. The bluefin run typically peaks from September through November, coinciding with their southern migration. School-size fish in the 30-60 pound range provide plenty of action, but it's the possibility of that 200-300 pound giant that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Bluefins are notorious for their stamina and their ability to sound deep when hooked, making every fish a true test of angler skill and tackle quality.
This top-rated 18-hour charter represents serious value for dedicated anglers who want to fish where the big tuna live. You're getting access to prime offshore grounds that most recreational boaters can't safely reach, combined with the local knowledge that comes from fishing these waters day in and day out. The extended time on the water means multiple opportunities to connect with fish, try different techniques, and really dial in what's working. Whether you're an experienced offshore angler or ready to step up from inshore fishing, this trip delivers the kind of memories that last a lifetime. The tuna migration waits for no one – book your spot with Moover Fishing Adventures and experience why New Jersey's offshore fishing scene draws anglers from across the country.
Step aboard our sturdy 35-foot Donelle pilothouse cruiser, your floating basecamp for serious tuna hunting off the New Jersey coast. This 2003 cabin cruiser runs on a powerful 430HP Cummins engine that'll get you out to the productive waters 30-65 miles offshore where the bluefin and yellowfin tuna are running. The pilothouse design keeps you protected from spray and weather while you're working the lines. Down below, you'll find a comfortable bed for catching some rest during the long 18-hour adventure, plus a private head for convenience. Our fish finder and GPS keep us locked onto the best spots, whether we're trolling the break, chunking for giants, or jigging the depths. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work without getting in each other's way when the action heats up. Built tough for New Jersey waters, this boat handles the run offshore and back with confidence, giving you more time with lines in the water chasing these incredible gamefish during their peak migration season.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefins are the holy grail of tuna fishing - these massive, warm-blooded fish average 6.5 feet and 550 pounds, but can reach over 1,000 pounds. They're built like torpedoes and fight harder than anything else in the ocean, making blistering runs at 40+ mph and diving deep when hooked. We find them 30-65 miles offshore from June through November during their migration. The meat is pure gold - the best sushi grade tuna you'll ever taste. They hunt in the upper water column but will dive to 3,000+ feet when spooked. We use heavy tackle and target them by trolling with herring, chunking, and jigging. Local trick: fish early morning or evening when they're most aggressive, and always have your drag set right - these fish will test every piece of gear you own.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfins are solid fighters that'll give you a real workout once hooked. These torpedo-shaped fish average around 60 pounds off our Jersey coast, though they can hit 400+ pounds. You'll find them in the top 300 feet of water, usually 30-65 miles offshore during their June through November migration. What makes them special is their blazing speed - they can hit 50 mph when they want to escape. The meat is outstanding too, perfect for sushi or grilling steaks. We target them using trolling spreads with rigged ballyhoo, chunking with fresh herring, and vertical jigging when they're holding deep. Pro tip: when chunking, use whatever baitfish the yellowfins are feeding on that day - it makes all the difference in drawing them up from the depths.
Atlantic City