16-Hour Canyon Fishing Expedition
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
16hour offshore fishing expedition targeting multiple tuna speciesMaximum 4 anglers ensures personalized attention and quality experienceTarget species include marlin, swordfish, mahi mahi, and wahoo
Looking for the fishing trip of a lifetime? This 16-hour deep-water adventure takes you straight to the legendary Northeast canyons where the big fish live. We're talking about waters that hold some of the most sought-after pelagic species on the East Coast. At $3,000 for up to 5 people, you're getting access to world-class fishing grounds that most weekend warriors only dream about. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're heading out at 2:00 AM to maximize our time where it counts most.
This top-rated canyon expedition is designed for serious anglers who want to target trophy fish in their natural habitat. The Northeast canyons are underwater mountain ranges that create upwelling currents, bringing baitfish to the surface and attracting the predators we're after. You'll be fishing in 100 to 2,000 feet of water, depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. The early departure might seem brutal, but it puts us on the fishing grounds right when the bite heats up. With only 4 anglers maximum, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized attention from the crew. The 16-hour timeframe gives us flexibility to move around the canyon system, following temperature breaks and bait schools to find the most productive water.
Canyon fishing requires a mix of techniques depending on what species we're targeting. We'll be trolling with heavy tackle for tuna and marlin, using spreader bars, daisy chains, and high-speed lures to cover water and locate schools. For swordfish, we'll switch to deep-dropping with electric reels, sending baits down 1,000+ feet during the day or fishing the upper water column at night. Mahi fishing often involves working around floating debris or weed lines with lighter tackle and live bait when available. The boat comes equipped with top-tier Penn and Shimano reels matched to heavy-action rods that can handle these powerful fish. Circle hooks are the standard for live bait fishing, while we'll use J-hooks for certain lure presentations. The crew will handle all the rigging, but experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own gear if they prefer specific setups.
Mahi Mahi, also known as Common Dolphinfish, are one of the most exciting fish to catch in the canyons. These vibrant gold and green speedsters typically range from 10 to 30 pounds, though bulls can exceed 50 pounds. They're most active from late spring through early fall, often found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks. What makes mahi so popular with anglers is their aggressive feeding behavior and spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They'll often travel in schools, so once you find one, there's usually more around. The meat is excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for both the fight and the dinner plate.
Bigeye Tuna are the marathon runners of the canyon, known for their incredible stamina and deep-water habits. These fish average 40 to 100 pounds in our waters, with occasional giants exceeding 200 pounds. Unlike their bluefin cousins, bigeyes feed actively during daylight hours in deeper water, making them perfect targets for daytime canyon trips. They're available year-round but peak during summer and fall months. The fight is legendary – expect long, powerful runs that will test your endurance and the drag system. Their dark red meat is prized by sushi-grade fish buyers, making them valuable catches for anglers looking to offset trip costs.
Swordfish are the holy grail of canyon fishing, and the Northeast canyons offer some of the best broadbill fishing on the planet. These prehistoric predators can exceed 300 pounds and are known for their powerful runs and jumping ability. Daytime swordfishing has exploded in popularity over the past decade, with fish being caught in 1,200 to 2,000 feet of water using specialized deep-drop techniques. Night fishing in shallower water (200-600 feet) is also productive. The season runs from late spring through fall, with peak action during summer months. Landing a sword is a bucket-list achievement for any serious angler, and the Northeast canyons consistently produce fish when conditions are right.
Bluefin Tuna are the apex predators of the canyon ecosystem, with giants regularly exceeding 200 pounds and occasional monsters topping 500 pounds. These fish are built for speed and power, capable of reaching 40+ mph and diving to incredible depths. The Northeast has become renowned for its giant bluefin fishery, particularly during fall migration when schools of large fish move through canyon waters. The regulations are strict – most fish must be released – but the experience of battling a giant bluefin in deep water is something every angler should experience. When retention is allowed for smaller fish (under 73 inches), the meat quality is unmatched, bringing top dollar at fish markets.
Canyon fishing represents the pinnacle of Northeast offshore angling, and this 16-hour expedition gives you the best shot at multiple trophy species in a single trip. The combination of prime fishing grounds, experienced crew, and small group size creates the perfect storm for an epic day on the water. Whether you're targeting your first canyon fish or looking to add to an already impressive collection, this trip delivers the goods. The $3,000 investment covers access to some of the most productive fishing waters on the East Coast, and with the potential for market-value fish, many trips more than pay for themselves. Don't wait – prime canyon fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when all species are feeding actively in the same waters.
Ready to tackle the legendary Northeast canyons? This 1999 31-foot Jupiter center console is your ticket to some of the best offshore fishing on the East Coast. Twin 300HP Suzuki engines push this boat to 40 knots, getting you to the productive canyon waters fast and keeping you fishing longer. The spacious center console layout gives up to 5 anglers plenty of room to work while targeting tuna, mahi, swordfish, marlin, and wahoo. She's loaded with the essentials for serious canyon fishing - GPS navigation to hit your marks, radar for those pre-dawn runs when visibility is low, and a fish finder to locate baitfish and structure. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 16-hour trips. Starting at 2 AM means you'll be set up on the grounds right at first light, maximizing your time in the prime fishing zones. This boat has the range, speed, and fishability to make the most of your canyon adventure.
Thunnus ObesusThese deep-water bruisers average 50-200 pounds and are built for the depths, with huge eyes and the ability to hunt in low-oxygen zones down to 800 feet. We target them in canyon waters where they feed on squid and deep-water baitfish. Best fishing happens at dawn and dusk when they move up to feed, though night fishing can be productive too. Bigeye are prized for their incredibly rich, fatty meat - some of the most valuable tuna in the world. They're strong fighters that make long runs and test your tackle. My go-to technique is trolling dark-colored lures in the 8-10 inch range right before sunset. These fish have sensitive eyes, so darker colors show up better in dim light.
Thunnus ThynnusThe king of tuna, bluefin are massive fish averaging 200-400 pounds in our waters, with some giants pushing 800+ pounds. These warm-blooded speedsters migrate through the canyons following baitfish like herring and mackerel. Peak season is late spring through fall when water temps are right. Bluefin are the ultimate challenge - incredibly strong, smart, and capable of 40+ mph runs that'll test every piece of your gear. Their meat is legendary among sushi lovers, rich and buttery. We target them by trolling with live bait or chunking over structure. The key is being ready with heavy tackle - 80-130 lb class gear minimum. Morning and evening bites are best, and when you find birds working over bait, get your lines in fast.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties average 15-29 pounds and put on quite a show with their brilliant colors and acrobatic jumps. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in warm canyon waters, especially during summer months. Mahi are aggressive feeders that hit trolled ballyhoo and artificial lures hard, making them perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. Their firm, mild white meat is some of the best eating you'll find offshore. The color-changing light show when you bring one aboard never gets old. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for more - they travel in schools, and where there's one mahi, there's usually several more waiting.
Xiphias GladiusThe gladiators of the deep, swords average 200-400 pounds with that iconic flat bill and can reach speeds up to 60 mph. These solitary hunters live in depths of 1,000+ feet during the day, coming up to around 300 feet at night to feed on squid and baitfish. Peak season runs April through September when they're spawning. What makes swordfish special is the challenge - it's technical fishing that requires patience and skill. The meat is firm and meaty, perfect for grilling. We use deep-dropping techniques with multiple lights to attract them, typically fishing 80-120 lb tackle with squid baits. Here's a key tip: always keep at least 2-3 lights at different depths around 45-50 feet down - they're curious and the lights bring up their prey.
Point Pleasant Beach