Deep Water Tuna Fishing in New Jersey Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
15-hour deep sea fishing charter targeting premium speciesMaximum 6 guests for personalized offshore canyon experienceProfessional filleting service included with caught fish
When you're ready to leave the weekend warriors behind and chase some serious fish, this 15-hour offshore charter is where you want to be. We're talking about a real fishing trip here – the kind where you're running 40+ miles to the canyons where the big pelagics live. With just 6 anglers max, you've got plenty of room to work and fight fish without bumping elbows. Captain and crew know these waters like their backyard, and they're not messing around when it comes to putting you on fish. You'll be targeting bluefin tuna, yellowfin, mahi mahi, and even swordfish if conditions are right.
This isn't your typical half-day trip close to shore. We're heading to the deep water canyons where the continental shelf drops off and the real action happens. You'll be up early – think 4 AM departure – because the best fishing windows are worth the early alarm clock. The boat runs hard to get to the productive areas, and once we're there, it's game time. Expect to see water depths of 600 to 2,000 feet, where the temperature breaks and current edges hold baitfish that attract the big predators. The crew sets up multiple rods with different techniques running simultaneously, so there's always something working. Weather plays a huge role out here, so flexibility is key – but when conditions line up, you're in for some of the best fishing the Atlantic has to offer.
We run a serious spread out here – typically 6 to 8 lines working at once using a mix of high-speed trolling for tuna and slower presentations for mahi and billfish. The boat carries heavy tackle rated for big fish: 50 and 80-pound class rods with quality reels spooled with fresh line. For bluefin, we'll pull cedar plugs, spreader bars, and daisy chains at 8-12 knots. When we mark fish or hit a temperature break, we might switch to chunking with fresh bait or even try some jigging with butterfly jigs. The crew handles all the rigging and will coach you through fighting techniques, but be ready to work – a big bluefin can take 45 minutes to an hour to bring to the boat. Circle hooks are mandatory for all tuna fishing, and the crew knows how to rig everything properly for maximum hookup ratios.
The bluefin tuna fishing has been lights-out this year, with fish ranging from 40-pound school fish up to giants pushing 200+ pounds. These fish are pure muscle and attitude – they'll test every piece of gear and technique you've got. Yellowfin have been showing up consistently in the 30 to 80-pound range, and they're absolute rockets when hooked. The mahi mahi bite has been solid too, especially around floating debris and weed lines, with bulls reaching 30+ pounds providing non-stop action. Swordfish are the wild card – we'll set up for them if conditions are perfect, and hooking one of these prehistoric fighters in daylight is a bucket-list experience. Every trip is different based on water temperature, bait movements, and weather, but the variety out there keeps things exciting from first light to lines in.
Bluefin tuna are the kings of these waters, and for good reason. These fish are built like torpedoes and fight like they're angry about being hooked. Peak season runs from June through October, with the biggest fish typically showing up in late summer and fall. A 100-pound bluefin will humble even experienced anglers – they make long, powerful runs and use their broad tail to fight you every inch of the way back to the boat. The meat quality is restaurant-grade, and there's nothing quite like fresh bluefin sashimi made from a fish you just caught.
Yellowfin tuna bring speed and acrobatics to the fight. These fish are smaller than bluefin but make up for it with pure athleticism – they'll jump, run, and change direction faster than you can react. Best fishing is typically summer through early fall when water temperatures are warmest. Yellowfin travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're also excellent table fare with firm, clean-tasting meat that works great for steaks or sushi.
Mahi mahi are the fun fish of the offshore world. They're absolutely gorgeous with their electric colors, and they put on an aerial show when hooked. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks from late spring through fall. Bulls can reach 40+ pounds and have the distinctive square heads that make them instantly recognizable. The smaller females travel in schools and provide fast action when you find them. Mahi are also one of the best eating fish in the ocean – sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Swordfish are the ultimate challenge fish. These ancient predators can reach 200+ pounds and fight with a combination of power and endurance that will test everything you've got. Daytime swordfishing requires specific conditions and techniques, including deep dropping baits 200+ feet down and using heavy weights. When you hook one, be prepared for a battle that can last hours. The reward is a fish that few anglers ever get to catch, plus some of the best eating you'll find in the ocean.
This is serious offshore fishing for anglers who want the real deal. The 15-hour format gives us time to run to the best spots and work them properly without feeling rushed. With only 6 anglers, everyone gets plenty of shots at fish and room to fight them properly. The crew takes care of all the filleting, so you're going home with coolers full of restaurant-quality fish
Get ready to chase tuna in the deep blue with Side Job Charters' powerful fishing machine. This beast packs twin 450 HP engines that'll rocket you past the continental shelf to where the big fish hunt. Built for serious anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water - fish finder to mark your targets, GPS and radar for precise navigation, plus VHF radio to stay connected. The spacious cockpit gives your crew of 6 plenty of room to work multiple lines without getting tangled up. When you hook into a screaming yellowfin or stubborn bluefin, you'll appreciate the ample fighting space and professional-grade gear. Between battles, cool off with onboard AC, grab cold drinks from the fridge, or take a break in the comfortable cabin complete with bed, shower, and galley. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish. After 15 hours of canyon fishing, head home with your catch properly iced and ready for the fillet table.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the kings of our waters - these silver bullets average 200-400 pounds but can top 800. They're built like torpedoes with that deep blue top and silver belly. Being warm-blooded, they handle our cooler Northeast waters better than other tunas. Peak season runs spring through fall, especially when bunker and herring move through. Why chase bluefin? Simple - they're the ultimate test. Lightning fast runs, deep dives, and fights that can last hours. The meat is unmatched, that rich red flesh prized by sushi chefs worldwide. We troll, chunk, and jig depending on conditions. Best advice: when you see birds working or bait dimpling, get your lines in the water fast. Bluefin move through quickly, and timing is everything in this game.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are some of the most colorful fish you'll see out here. Mahi run 15-30 pounds on average but can hit 60+. They love floating debris and weed lines in the upper water column, making them perfect targets during our canyon runs. Best fishing is late spring through fall when water temps hit 70°F+. What makes mahi special? They fight hard with wild jumps, change colors like a light show when hooked, and taste amazing - firm white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Plus they're not related to dolphins, despite the nickname. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the spread out. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Work the area thoroughly before moving on.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the gladiators of the deep - averaging 200-400 pounds with that unmistakable flat bill. These nocturnal hunters spend their days in 1,000+ feet of water, coming up to feed at night around 300 feet. We fish them year-round, but late spring through early fall gives us the best shot. What makes swords special? It's the challenge - they're smart, strong, and live in the abyss. Landing one feels like winning the lottery. The meat is firm and meaty, perfect for grilling. We deep-drop with heavy weights and electric reels, using squid or large baits with lights to attract them in the darkness. Here's the trick: be patient and keep your bait in the zone. Swords take their time deciding, but when they commit, hang on tight.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of the tuna world - averaging 60 pounds with bright yellow fins that give them their name. These torpedo-shaped fish cruise the upper 300 feet of water and can hit 50 mph when they want to. We target them year-round, but summer and fall are prime time when bait concentrates near the canyons. What draws anglers back? The raw power and stamina - they'll peel line and test your endurance. The meat is top-shelf too, that beautiful red flesh perfect for sushi or steaks. They're aggressive feeders, hitting everything from ballyhoo to jigs. My go-to trick: when they're marking deep but won't bite the trolling spread, bring in the lines and drop jigs. Sometimes those lazy fish just need something right in their face.
Belmar, NJ