Private 24-Hour Canyon Fishing Adventure
If you're serious about offshore fishing in New Jersey, Purple Jet Sport Fishing's private 24-hour canyon trip is exactly what you've been looking for. Captain David Riback runs this seasonal operation from April 15 through December 15, departing Point Pleasant at 1:00 PM sharp for the fishing grounds that serious anglers dream about. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking about a full commitment to the deep water, where the big fish live and feed in the canyon systems up to 100 miles offshore.
What to Expect on the Water
This private charter accommodates up to 6 anglers, giving your group complete control of the boat and fishing strategy. The beauty of a 24-hour trip is that you're not racing against the clock like those shorter charters. Captain Riback will position you over prime structure in the canyons where tuna schools congregate, mahi hang around floating debris, and swordfish cruise the depths after dark. The overnight element opens up completely different fishing opportunities – night fishing for swordfish is a whole different ballgame than daytime trolling, and having those extra hours means you can adapt to whatever the fish are doing. You'll have the option to extend up to 30 hours if the bite is hot and nobody wants to head back to the dock. Since meals aren't included, make sure to pack plenty of food and drinks for the long haul – trust me, you'll work up an appetite fighting these offshore giants.
Trolling and Bottom Techniques
Captain Riback employs a mix of high-speed trolling and deep-dropping techniques depending on what species you're targeting and what the conditions look like. For tuna, we're typically pulling spreader bars, cedar plugs, and ballyhoo at 6-8 knots over the canyon edges where baitfish concentrate. The boat's rigged with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with heavy braid – you'll need that backbone when a 200-pound bluefin decides to make a run. When we're targeting mahi, we'll look for floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks where these fish ambush baitfish. For swordfish, it's a completely different approach – we're dropping deep with electric reels, targeting depths of 1,200 to 1,800 feet with squid and mackerel baits. The canyon walls create upwelling that brings nutrients and baitfish up from the depths, which is why these spots are so productive. Captain Riback knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the structure that's holding fish.
Customer Stories
"Captain David Riback and Purple Jet Sport Fishing exceeded our expectations! His professionalism and dedication to customer satisfaction made for an enjoyable day. We caught more fish than we anticipated. A must-try in Point Pleasant Beach!" - Michael
"Our family had a wonderful experience with Purple Jet Sport Fishing and Captain David Riback. He was patient, knowledgeable, and made the trip enjoyable for everyone. We caught some great fish and made lasting memories." - James
"A fantastic fishing trip with Purple Jet Sport Fishing and Captain David Riback! His professionalism and dedication to customer satisfaction made for a memorable experience. We caught plenty of fish and had a blast. Can't wait to go again!" - Megan
Species You'll Want to Hook
Mahi mahi are arguably the most fun fish you'll encounter on this trip. These colorful fighters typically range from 10 to 40 pounds in our waters, with the occasional bull mahi pushing 50-plus. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, and they absolutely love floating debris and weed lines. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fighting style – they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Shortfin mako sharks are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 45 mph and launching themselves completely out of the water when hooked. These athletic predators range from 100 to 300 pounds in our area and are most active during the summer months when water temperatures climb. Fighting a mako is unlike anything else – they'll make blistering runs, jump repeatedly, and test every knot and connection on your tackle. The canyon edges are prime mako territory since they follow the tuna schools and feed on the abundant baitfish.
Bigeye tuna are the night shift workers of the tuna family, often feeding in deeper water during daylight hours before moving up the water column after dark. These powerful fish typically run 40 to 150 pounds in our waters and are known for their incredible stamina and deep, punishing runs. Bigeyes are most cooperative during the fall months when they're feeding heavily before their offshore migration. Their dark, rich meat is prized by sashimi lovers and commands top dollar at fish markets.
Yellowfin tuna are the bread and butter of offshore fishing, combining size, fight, and table quality into one perfect package. Our local yellowfins typically range from 30 to 80 pounds, with larger specimens showing up during peak season. They're most active from June through October and are often found mixed with schools of dolphins or feeding under bird flocks. Yellowfins are notorious for their long, powerful runs and will test both your tackle and your endurance.
Albacore tuna might be the smallest of the tuna species you'll encounter, typically running 15 to 40 pounds, but don't let their size fool you – these fish are scrappy fighters with incredible speed and agility. They're most abundant during late summer and early fall, often forming large schools in the cooler water along the continental shelf. Albacore are fantastic eating with light, flaky