2-Day Canyon Overnight Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
2day overnight canyon fishing adventure for up to 5 guestsNight chunking for tuna and swordfish in prime September watersDay two features mahi fishing and specialized tile fishing
This is what serious offshore fishing looks like. You'll push out to the deep canyons for a full 48-hour adventure that starts at 2 PM and doesn't quit until you've experienced some of the best blue water action on the East Coast. For $3,600, your group of up to 5 anglers gets access to prime canyon fishing grounds during peak season, running June through October. Most trips kick off in September when the bite really turns on and the night fishing becomes absolutely electric.
We're not talking about your typical day trip here. This canyon overnight puts you right where the big fish live, and you'll fish through multiple feeding periods to maximize your shots at trophy-class pelagics. The boat heads out mid-afternoon, timing your arrival at the fishing grounds perfectly for the evening bite. As the sun drops, you'll start chunking for yellowfin and bigeye tuna while the water comes alive with feeding activity. Night fishing means swordfish opportunities – these billfish hunt in the dark and your chances of hooking into a broadbill are at their peak. Sharks cruise through the chum slick too, adding another dimension to the night bite. Come morning, the fishing strategy shifts completely. You'll work floating debris and weed lines for mahi mahi, explore different depth zones for golden tilefish, or try daytime sword drops in deeper water. The variety keeps everyone engaged and your odds of multiple species sky-high.
Canyon fishing demands serious gear and proven techniques. For nighttime chunking, you'll fish with circle hooks and heavy fluorocarbon leaders, dropping baits back in the chum slick where hungry tuna patrol. The chunking spread uses multiple rods at different depths – some baits near the surface, others down 50-100 feet where the bigger fish often feed. Swordfish require a totally different approach with heavy weights, chemical lights, and baits fished deep in the 200-400 foot range. During daylight hours, the tactics change again. Mahi mahi fishing means working the surface with lighter tackle, casting to floating debris or trolling colorful lures around weed lines. Tile fishing puts you on the bottom in 300-600 feet of water, using heavy jigs and cut baits. Daytime sword fishing combines elements of both – heavy tackle with large baits worked in the mid-water column where these billfish hunt during daylight hours. The boat carries a full arsenal of rods, reels, and terminal tackle suited for each technique, plus all the electronics needed to find fish and navigate safely in deep water.
Mahi mahi remain the crowd favorite for good reason. These fish are pure adrenaline – they hit hard, jump repeatedly, and their golden colors make them stunning to see. Peak season runs July through September when schools of 10-30 pound fish patrol floating sargassum and debris. What makes mahi special is their willingness to bite and their acrobatic fights. Hook one and others often stay near the boat, letting you catch multiple fish from the same school. They're also excellent table fare with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. Bigeye tuna represent the ultimate canyon prize. These deep-water speedsters can exceed 100 pounds and their night feeding habits make them perfect targets for overnight trips. Bigeyes fight differently than other tunas – they make long, powerful runs and use their bulk to their advantage. The best action happens from September through November when cooler water temperatures bring these fish closer to the surface. Swordfish are the holy grail of canyon fishing. These magnificent billfish hunt at night, rising from depths of 1,000+ feet to feed in the upper water column. A typical swordfish runs 50-150 pounds, though giants over 300 pounds are possible. Their bills make them dangerous and their size creates epic battles that can last hours. Success rates improve dramatically during overnight trips when you can fish prime nighttime hours. Bluefin tuna are pure power wrapped in a torpedo-shaped package. These fish can exceed 200 pounds and their stamina is legendary. Peak season varies but September and October often produce the best action. Bluefins are incredibly valuable and strictly regulated, making every encounter special. African pompano are the wildcards of canyon fishing. These deep-bodied fish aren't common but when they show up, they provide spectacular fights with their broad sides creating maximum resistance. They're typically caught while targeting other species, making them a welcome bonus fish that adds variety to your catch.
Canyon overnight trips book up fast, especially during peak September and October dates when the fishing hits its stride. This top-rated experience gives you access to some of the East Coast's most productive offshore fishing grounds with professional guides who know these waters inside and out. At $3,600 for your entire group, it breaks down to excellent value for 48 hours of world-class fishing opportunity. The seasonal window is limited – June through October only – so don't wait to secure your dates. Whether you're after your first swordfish, a personal-best tuna, or just want to experience canyon fishing at its finest, this trip delivers the goods. Contact On The Rocks Sportfishing today to check availability and start planning your canyon adventure.
Our 31-foot Jupiter center console is built for serious offshore fishing adventures. This 1999 workhorse packs twin 300HP Suzuki engines that'll push you to the fishing grounds at 40 knots, getting you to the canyons while there's still daylight left. The center console design gives everyone room to move around when the fish are biting, and with space for up to 5 anglers, you won't be bumping elbows during the action. She's loaded with everything you need for productive fishing - GPS to mark those honey holes, radar for navigating in fog or darkness, and a fish finder to locate schools of tuna and mark structure where the big ones hide. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long overnight sessions chunking for yellowfin and bigeye. Whether you're dropping baits deep for swordfish or pot hopping for mahi, this boat handles offshore conditions with confidence and gets you back to port safely with your coolers full.
Alectis CiliarisAfrican pompano are sleek, silvery members of the jack family that provide some serious surprises on lighter tackle. They typically run 10-30 pounds but the Florida record is over 50 pounds, so you never know what you're getting into. We find them in 30-250 feet of water over structure and drop-offs, especially during the warmer months of our canyon season. What makes pompano fun is their speed and agility - they're fast swimmers that will test your drag and make long runs. The meat is excellent, with a firm texture that's great for grilling or smoking. Since they're attracted to shiny, moving objects, jigs work really well alongside live bait. The trick is to keep your lure moving because these fish are used to chasing fast-moving prey in open water.
Thunnus ObesusBigeye are the night shift workers of the tuna world, feeding in deeper water than their yellowfin cousins. These chunky fish average 40-100 pounds but can push 200+ pounds. They live in 250+ feet of water but come up to feed at night, making them perfect targets for our overnight chunking trips from September through October. Their big eyes help them hunt in low light, which is why dawn and dusk fishing is so productive. Guests love bigeye for their bulldogging fights and premium sashimi-grade meat - it's some of the most valuable tuna on the market. Here's the key: use darker colored lures in dim conditions since they stand out better, and don't be afraid to fish well after sunset when these fish really turn on.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the kings of the tuna world - massive, powerful fish that average 6.5 feet and 550 pounds but can double that size. These torpedo-shaped fighters are built for speed and endurance, capable of hitting 43 mph and diving over 3,000 feet deep. They're highly migratory, moving through our waters during spring and fall migrations. What makes bluefin special is their legendary fighting ability and world-class meat quality - this is the fish that commands top dollar at sushi markets. They're warm-blooded, so they can handle both cold and warm water, making them unpredictable but rewarding targets. Best tip: focus on dawn and dusk when they feed more aggressively, and be ready for long runs and deep dives that'll test your tackle and stamina.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll see, with brilliant blues and golds that put on a real light show when they come to the boat. They average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ on a good day. We find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100-1000 feet of water. June through October is prime time, especially during our canyon trips when we're pot hopping the next morning. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strikes, acrobatic jumps, and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep working the area because they travel in schools and where there's one, there's usually more waiting.
Xiphias GladiusSwords are the ultimate deep-water gladiators, averaging 9 feet and 400 pounds with that iconic flat bill that sets them apart from marlin. They live in 300-1500 feet of water, feeding near the surface at night and going deep during the day. Our canyon trips from June to October are perfect timing, with September being especially productive for night fishing. What draws people to swordfish is the challenge - they're tough fighters that can hit 40+ mph, plus they're fantastic eating with firm, meaty steaks. The key to success is getting your bait down to 300+ feet at night with plenty of lights to attract them. We usually run 2-3 lights spaced along 45-50 feet of line, and squid is still the gold standard for bait.
Point Pleasant Beach