Charter Fishing NJ: Canyon Tuna Adventures
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Twoday offshore tuna fishing adventure in New Jersey canyonsAll fishing equipment and gear provided for guestsMaximum six guests per charter for personalized experience
If you're looking to get serious about offshore fishing in New Jersey, this 30-hour canyon run with Side Job Sportfishing is exactly what you need. We're talking about a real deal overnight adventure that'll take you to some of the most productive tuna grounds on the East Coast. This isn't your typical day trip – it's two full days of chasing yellowfin, bluefin, and blackfin tuna in waters that consistently produce trophy fish. With only six anglers per trip, you'll have plenty of room to work and won't be fighting for rail space when the bite gets hot.
These canyon trips start with a long steam to the fishing grounds, usually running 60-80 miles offshore to hit the Baltimore, Poor Man's, or Wilmington canyons depending on where the fish are showing up. The ride out gives you time to get your sea legs and watch the captain set up the spread. Once we reach the grounds, it's game on for the next day and a half. You'll be chunking, trolling, and working live bait depending on what the fish want. The boat sleeps six comfortably, so you can grab some rest between fishing sessions. Don't worry about bringing tackle – Side Job provides everything from the heavy conventional reels to the circle hooks and fluorocarbon leaders you'll need to tangle with these powerful fish.
Canyon fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We'll start most mornings working the temperature breaks and current edges where baitfish stack up. The crew will have you chunking with butterfish or squid to draw fish up from the depths, then switch to live lining when the tuna get aggressive. When the trolling bite is on, we'll pull spreader bars and cedar plugs through the zone at 6-8 knots. The tackle is heavy duty – 50 and 80-pound class gear that can handle the long fights these fish are famous for. You'll learn to work the drag, pump and wind technique, and how to stay connected during those heart-stopping runs that can peel 200 yards of line in seconds. The canyon structure creates upwelling that brings nutrients to the surface, which means bait concentrations and hungry tuna.
The yellowfin tuna fishing has been absolutely phenomenal, with fish ranging from 40-pound school fish up to 200-pound giants that'll test your limits. These fish hit hard and fight harder, making blazing runs that'll have your arms burning. Bluefin tuna have been showing up in good numbers too, especially the larger fish in the 100-300 pound range that are pure muscle. The blackfin tuna provide consistent action when the bigger fish aren't cooperating – they're smaller but aggressive, and great for keeping everyone engaged. Recent trips have seen multiple species caught on the same day, with some anglers landing their personal best fish. The key has been staying flexible with techniques and being ready when the fish decide to feed.
Yellowfin tuna are the bread and butter of these canyon trips, and for good reason. These fish are built for speed and endurance, with that distinctive sickle-shaped tail that powers them through the water at incredible speeds. Summer through fall is prime time, when they're feeding heavily on squid and baitfish along the canyon edges. A 100-pound yellowfin will give you a 45-minute fight that you'll never forget – they dive deep, make long runs, and never give up. The meat is prize-worthy too, perfect for sashimi or grilling.
Bluefin tuna are the holy grail of East Coast fishing, and New Jersey's canyons hold some true giants. These fish can live over 20 years and reach weights over 400 pounds, though most caught here run 100-250 pounds. They're incredibly smart and powerful, with the ability to regulate their body temperature to hunt in different water layers. Peak season runs from late summer into fall when they're fattening up for their spawning migration. Landing a bluefin is a bucket list experience – the initial run alone will make you question if your tackle is up to the task.
Blackfin tuna might be the smallest of the three, but they make up for size with attitude. These 20-40 pound speedsters are perfect for light tackle action and will hit everything from small trolling lures to chunk baits. They travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Blackfins are also excellent eating and their smaller size makes them perfect for taking home a few fillets. They're most active during the warmer months and often provide the steady action that keeps the trip exciting between shots at the larger fish.
This kind of fishing doesn't happen every day, and spots on these overnight canyon trips fill up fast for good reason. You're getting access to world-class tuna fishing with experienced captains who know these waters inside and out, plus all the quality tackle you need to handle whatever takes your bait. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler or ready to step up from inshore fishing, this trip delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years. The combination of multiple tuna species, expert guidance, and prime fishing grounds makes this one of the top-rated charter experiences on the New Jersey coast. Don't let another season slip by – book your spot with Side Job Sportfishing and get ready for some serious offshore action.
Side Job Charters' offshore beast packs twin 450 HP engines that'll get you to the tuna grounds fast. This fully-loaded fishing machine sleeps 6 comfortably with onboard beds, shower, toilet, and kitchen for those epic 30-hour canyon runs. Stay cool with A/C between fishing sessions while the fish finder and GPS guide you to the hot spots. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working the water, and VHF radio keeps you connected. Radar cuts through morning fog, while the icebox and fridge keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Perfect setup for serious tuna hunters ready to spend real time on the water chasing bluefin in New Jersey's prime offshore grounds.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest tuna in our waters, blackfins typically run 10-30 pounds and make up for size with pure fight. These beautiful fish have dark backs with golden sides that fade after death, so get your photos quick. They school up in the canyons during fall through spring, feeding in the upper water column on squid and small baitfish. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they'll hit trolled baits hard and give you a solid battle on lighter tackle. The meat is excellent, perfect for sashimi or grilling. Here's a tip: when you find them, scale down your leaders to 30lb fluoro and smaller hooks. Their eyesight is sharp, and lighter gear gets more bites.
Thunnus ThynnusThe king of our waters, bluefins are what serious tuna fishermen dream about. These giants average 100-300 pounds but can push 500+ in our area. They're built like submarines - dark blue tops, silver sides, and incredible power. Being warm-blooded, they handle our cooler canyon waters better than other tunas. Best action happens fall through early winter when they're feeding heavily before heading south. What sets them apart is the combination of size, fight, and food value - bluefin sashimi is the gold standard. They'll test every piece of your tackle with deep dives and blistering runs. Key tip: fish early morning or late evening when they feed most aggressively, and don't be afraid to chum heavily to bring them up.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfins are the workhorses of our canyon fishing, averaging 40-80 pounds with the occasional triple-digit fish. You'll spot them by the bright yellow fins and streamlined torpedo shape built for speed - they can hit 50mph. They cruise the upper 300 feet of water, often around temperature breaks and current edges. Peak season runs late spring through fall when warm water pushes north. People love targeting them because they fight hard, jumping and making long runs, plus the meat is top-shelf for sushi or steaks. They respond well to trolling spreads, chunking, and vertical jigs. Pro tip: when nothing's hitting the spread, try dropping jigs - they'll often grab them on the way down.
Belmar, NJ