New Jersey Deep Sea Fishing | 16 Hour Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
16hour offshore charter targets Yellowfin and Bluefin TunaFishing adventures extend up to 80 miles from New Jersey coastSmall groups of 6 anglers with jigging and trolling methods
When you're serious about fishing and want to get after the big pelagics, this 16-hour offshore adventure with Shoot'em Sportfishing Charters is exactly what you need. We're talking about a proper deep sea trip that takes you up to 80 miles out into the Atlantic, where the real fish live. This isn't some half-day milk run – we leave the dock at 2 AM and don't head back until late afternoon, giving you maximum time in the zone where yellowfin tuna, bluefin, mahi, and other top-tier species cruise. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows, and the crew knows these waters like the back of their hand.
This is a marathon fishing trip, not a sprint. You'll be up before most people go to bed, meeting at the dock around 1:30 AM for a 2 AM departure. The early start isn't just for show – it gets you to the fishing grounds right as the bite starts heating up at dawn. The ride out takes a few hours, but that gives you time to rig up, grab some coffee, and watch the sunrise paint the ocean. Once we hit the offshore canyons and temperature breaks where the pelagics hunt, it's game on. The boat runs three main techniques depending on conditions: jigging and popping for aggressive fish, trolling spread for covering water, and flat lining live or dead bait when the fish want something natural. Custom departure times are available if you need something different, but trust me – the 2 AM start puts you in the sweet spot when these fish are most active.
Offshore fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. When we're jigging, you'll be working heavy metal lures in 100-300 feet of water, feeling for that telltale thump of a tuna or mahi grabbing on. It's active fishing that keeps you engaged, and when a 50-pound yellowfin crushes your jig, you'll know why we love this method. The trolling spread covers serious ground – we'll have 6-8 lines out at different depths and distances, pulling everything from cedar plugs to ballyhoo rigs. This technique shines when fish are scattered or when we're hunting for that one monster bluefin. Flat lining is the finesse play – dropping back a live bunker or chunk bait and letting it swim naturally in the current. The bites on flat line baits are often the most explosive, especially when a big tuna comes up from the deep and absolutely destroys your offering.
Yellowfin tuna are the bread and butter of these offshore trips, and New Jersey's continental shelf provides world-class fishing for them. These fish typically run 30-80 pounds out here, with the occasional cow pushing triple digits. They're most active from late spring through fall, feeding heavily on squid, flying fish, and small tunas. What makes yellowfins so special is their pure speed and stamina – when one takes off on its first run, it's like being connected to a freight train. They're also fantastic eating, with that deep red meat that's perfect for sushi or searing. Bluefin tuna are the holy grail of offshore fishing, and the New Jersey waters see both school-size fish in the 30-60 pound range and giants that can top 200 pounds. These fish are incredibly smart and can be picky about presentations, but when you hook one, it's a battle you'll never forget. The larger bluefins are catch-and-release only depending on regulations, but the fight alone is worth the trip.
Mahi mahi bring the color and acrobatics to offshore fishing trips. These bright gold and green speedsters love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, often traveling in small schools. They're aggressive feeders that will crush trolled baits, jigs, and poppers with equal enthusiasm. What makes mahi special is their aerial show – they'll jump, tailwalk, and put on a display that gets everyone on the boat fired up. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 50+ mph when they take a trolled bait. These torpedo-shaped predators have razor-sharp teeth and a habit of cutting off unprepared anglers, but when you land one, you've got a fish that's both a trophy and a meal. Bigeye tuna round out the target list as the deep-water specialists, often caught while fishing at night or in deeper water during the day. They're similar to yellowfins but tend to be thicker and more powerful, with that same incredible sashimi-quality meat.
This 16-hour offshore charter represents serious fishing at its finest. You're not just buying a fishing trip – you're investing in memories that'll last a lifetime and stories you'll tell for years. The combination of top-notch equipment, experienced crew, and access to prime fishing grounds 80 miles offshore puts you in the best position to tangle with trophy fish. Whether you're after that first yellowfin, looking to best your personal record, or just want to experience what real offshore fishing is all about, this trip delivers. Space is limited to 6 anglers to ensure everyone gets the attention and room they need, so don't wait too long to secure your spot. The fish are out there waiting – the only question is whether you'll be on the boat to catch them.
This 2023 39' Front Runner center console is built for serious offshore fishing adventures off the New Jersey coast. Powered by quad 300 HP Mercury engines, she'll get you to the deep water fishing grounds fast, cruising at up to 55 knots. Perfect for chasing Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Golden Tiles up to 80 miles offshore. The boat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS navigation to find the hotspots, fish finder to locate your targets, plus air conditioning to keep you comfortable during those long 16-hour trips. With onboard facilities including a bed and toilet, you'll have all the amenities for extended offshore runs. Accommodating up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room for jigging, popping, trolling, and flat lining bait. Whether you're an experienced angler or looking to land your first big game fish, this center console delivers the performance and comfort needed for serious offshore fishing in New Jersey waters.
Thunnus ObesusBigeye are deep water specialists that can grow over 400 pounds, though we typically see 50-200 pounders. Those huge eyes help them hunt in deeper, darker water than other tunas. They're found in 250+ feet, often feeding in the twilight zone during the day. Best fishing is dawn and dusk when they move up to feed. Summer months are prime time in our waters. What sets them apart is their ability to dive deep and fight hard - they'll sound like a freight train. The meat is incredibly valuable, fatty and rich, prized for sashimi. These fish are worth their weight in gold at market. Pro tip: fish dark-colored lures in 8-10 inch range just before sunset. Short, stocky patterns work better than long baits for these deep water bruisers.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of tuna fishing. These massive fish average 550 pounds but can top 1,400 pounds and 12 feet long. They're warm-blooded, so they handle our cooler Jersey waters better than other tunas. We find them from spring through fall, following bait schools in deep water. What makes them legendary is the fight - fast surface runs, deep dives, and raw power that'll test your tackle and endurance. The meat is incredibly valuable, especially for sashimi markets. They're heavily regulated, so you need permits and must report catches. These fish are built like torpedoes and can hit 43 mph. My advice: bring your heaviest tackle and be ready for a marathon. When trolling, use herring or mackerel, and fish early morning or evening when they're most active.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of our most popular targets for good reason. These golden beauties average 15-29 pounds but can hit 80+ pounds. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in our offshore waters. They're surface dwellers that love structure, so we look for birds working or floating objects. Summer through fall is prime time here in Jersey waters. What makes them special is that crazy color show they put on when brought to the boat - gold, blue, green flashing like a light display. They fight hard with long runs and jumps. The meat is firm, white, and delicious - perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep another line ready. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more nearby.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and average 3-5 feet long. We find them in open water, often around floating debris or temperature breaks. They're loners mostly, but sometimes travel in small groups. The distinctive blue stripes and beak-like snout make them unmistakable. Peak season is summer through fall when water temps are right. What gets anglers excited is that explosive strike and screaming run - they'll take line like nothing else. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - some say it's like premium tuna. They're called "Ono" in Hawaii, meaning delicious. My tip: use wire leaders because those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with diving plugs works best for these speed demons.
Halichoeres CyanocephalusThe Yellowcheek Wrasse is a small, colorful fish that grows up to 11 inches. You'll find them in 65-300 feet of water over sandy or rocky bottoms. These bright blue and yellow fish aren't really a target species on our deep water trips, but they sometimes show up when we're fishing structure closer to shore. They're more of a pier or inshore catch. The juveniles actually work as "cleaners," picking parasites off other fish. While they put up a decent fight for their size, most anglers practice catch and release since they're small. If you do hook one, use light tackle with fresh mussels or worms - skip the shrimp as they'll just nibble it. They're popular in aquariums because of those vibrant colors that really pop underwater.
New Jersey