12-Hour Midshore Tuna and Mahi Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour deep-sea adventure targeting bluefin, yellowfin, and mahi mahiMultiple fishing techniques including jigging, trolling, and spinning gear castingFull-day charter accommodates up to 5 guests within 65 nautical miles
Picture this: it's 3 AM, the harbor's still quiet except for the hum of diesel engines warming up, and you're about to head out on one of the most productive fishing grounds within 65 nautical miles of shore. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking about a serious 12-hour commitment that puts you right where the big pelagics cruise. At $2,400 for up to five anglers, you're getting access to some of the best midshore action around, targeting the holy trinity of offshore favorites: Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, and Mahi Mahi. Trust me, after nearly two decades running these waters with On The Rocks Sportfishing, I can tell you this trip delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years.
We're not messing around with this one. The early start means we'll be on the grounds right when the fish are most active, and that 12-hour window gives us the flexibility to chase whatever's biting best. The midshore zone is where the magic happens – far enough out to escape the weekend warrior crowd, but not so far that we're burning half our fuel just getting there. You'll be fishing in depths ranging from 100 to 300 feet, where the thermoclines stack up and create those feeding zones that tuna and mahi absolutely love. The boat's equipped with top-notch fish finders and radar, so we're not just hoping for the best – we're hunting structure, temperature breaks, and bird activity that screams fish. Pack your own lunch and plenty of water because once we find them, we're staying put until the bite dies down or our coolers are full.
Here's where it gets fun – we're not locked into one method all day. Depending on what we're marking and how the fish are acting, we'll switch between jigging, casting spinning gear, deep-sea tactics, popping, and trolling. When the tuna are stacked up deep, we'll drop those heavy jigs down and work them hard. If we spot mahi under debris or kelp paddies, out come the spinning rods for some serious casting action. The popping gear comes alive when fish are busting bait on the surface – nothing beats the visual strike of a yellowfin crushing a popper. Trolling keeps us productive while we're covering water, and the deep-sea setups handle those bigger bluefin that want to test your drag system. All the tackle's provided, but if you've got your favorite rods, bring them along. I always tell my regulars that variety is key out here – the fish will tell us what they want, and we've got the gear to give it to them.
Let's talk about what's got everyone fired up about these midshore grounds. Mahi Mahi are the acrobats of the bunch – these fish hit hard, jump high, and put on a show that never gets old. They're typically running 15 to 35 pounds out here, with the occasional bull pushing 40-plus. Best part about mahi is they're almost always hungry, and once you find a school, you can usually pick away at them for a while. They love structure, floating debris, and temperature changes, so we're constantly scanning for those telltale signs. The colors on these fish are absolutely stunning when they're fresh out of the water – that electric blue and gold just pops.
Yellowfin Tuna are the workhorses of this fishery. These fish are pure muscle, running anywhere from 20 to 80 pounds in our area, and they'll test every piece of gear you've got. They school up in good numbers and when you find them, it's game on. Yellowfin are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, which is why that 12-hour window is so valuable. They're also fantastic on the table – sushi-grade meat that's worth every minute of the fight. The key with yellowfin is being ready when they show up, because their feeding windows can be short but intense.
Bluefin Tuna are the heavyweights, and honestly, they're what get most serious anglers' hearts racing. These fish can range from 30-pound schoolies all the way up to giants over 200 pounds. Bluefin are smart, strong, and absolutely relentless when hooked. They'll take you deep, test your drag, and make you question every knot you tied. The regulations on bluefin change frequently, so we always stay current on size limits and quotas, but when you're legal and hooked up, it's pure adrenaline. These fish are also incredibly valuable – trophy-sized bluefin can be worth serious money if you're planning to sell to the dock buyers.
Look, I've been running these waters long enough to know that trips like this book up fast, especially during peak season. Five anglers max means everyone gets plenty of room to fish, and that $2,400 price tag breaks down to less than $500 per person for 12 hours of world-class fishing. When you factor in fuel costs, tackle, and the expertise to put you on fish consistently, it's a solid value for serious anglers. The early start might seem brutal, but trust me – being on the grounds at first light is when the magic happens. These midshore waters have been producing consistent catches all season, and the variety of techniques we use means there's always something working. Whether you're a seasoned offshore veteran or looking to step up your game from inshore fishing, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps people coming back. Check availability and get your spot locked in – the fish are out there waiting, and these 12-hour adventures are becoming the talk of the harbor for good reason.
Our 31-foot Jupiter center console is built for serious offshore fishing, featuring twin 300HP Suzuki engines that'll get you to the midshore grounds fast and reliably. This 1999 boat cruises at 40 knots, cutting through swells with confidence while you chase bluefin and yellowfin tuna plus mahi mahi up to 65 nautical miles out. The center console design gives you full 360-degree fishing access, perfect for working lures, casting spinning gear, and battling fish from any angle. You'll have GPS navigation and radar for safe runs in changing conditions, plus a fish finder to locate productive water and baitfish. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the full 12-hour adventure. With room for 5 anglers, there's space to spread out whether you're jigging deep structure, popping surface lures, or trolling the blue water for pelagics.
Point Pleasant Beach