Target Bluefin & Yellowfin Tuna in New Jersey Deep Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
15hour offshore charter targets bluefin and yellowfin tunaDeep canyon fishing accommodates maximum 6 guests per tripProfessional filleting service included with all caught fish
Picture this: you're 50 miles offshore in the deep Atlantic canyons, surrounded by nothing but open ocean, and your reel starts screaming as a massive bluefin tuna makes its first run. That's exactly what you're signing up for with Side Job Sportfishing's premier 15-hour offshore adventure. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a serious fishing expedition that takes you to where the big boys live. With only 6 anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to fight fish and won't be bumping elbows when the action heats up. Plus, we'll fillet your catch so you can head home with coolers full of the freshest sashimi-grade tuna you've ever tasted.
We're not messing around here – this is a marathon fishing trip that starts before dawn and doesn't quit until we've put you on fish. The journey to the offshore canyons takes us past the continental shelf where the water drops from 100 feet to over 1,000 feet in a matter of miles. That's where the magic happens. The temperature breaks, upwelling currents, and structure create a feeding ground that attracts some of the Atlantic's most prized gamefish. You'll feel the anticipation build as we clear the inlet and the shoreline disappears behind us. The small group size means you're not fighting for rod time or the best spots on the boat – there's room for everyone to fish comfortably and safely. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, reading the sonar, watching for bird activity, and positioning us over the most productive bottom. When we mark fish, the energy on deck is electric.
We run a spread of high-speed trolling lures designed to trigger reaction strikes from pelagic predators. Think cedar plugs, daisy chains with ballyhoo, and spreader bars that mimic schools of baitfish. The outriggers keep our lines spread wide, covering maximum water as we work the canyon edges and temperature breaks. When we hook up, you'll be fighting fish on quality tackle – heavy-duty reels with smooth drags and rods built to handle the punishment these fish dish out. The crew will coach you through the fight, helping with proper pumping and winding technique to maximize your chances of boating that fish of a lifetime. We also carry chunking gear for when the bite calls for a more finesse approach, especially when targeting swordfish during the twilight hours. Circle hooks and wind-on leaders are standard to protect both the fish and ensure solid hooksets that won't pull out during long battles.
Bluefin tuna are the crown jewel of New Jersey offshore fishing, and these fish are absolutely built for speed and power. We're talking about fish that can weigh anywhere from 40 pounds to over 200 pounds, with broad shoulders and stamina that'll test your limits. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they follow bait migrations along the continental shelf. What makes bluefin special isn't just their size – it's the way they fight. First run might peel off 200 yards of line before you even realize what hit you. The meat is premium sashimi grade, dark red with incredible flavor that makes every restaurant tuna pale in comparison.
Yellowfin tuna bring their own brand of excitement to the table. These fish are rockets – built for sustained high-speed runs that'll have your arms burning within minutes. They average 30-80 pounds in our waters, with that classic football shape and bright yellow fins that give them their name. Yellowfins are most active during summer months when water temperatures peak, and they love to travel in schools. Hook one and there's a good chance his buddies are nearby. Their light-colored meat is perfect for steaks on the grill, and they're known for making multiple blistering runs that keep you guessing until they're in the boat.
Mahi mahi are pure fun on a fishing rod – these fish jump, tail-walk, and put on an aerial show that never gets old. They're gorgeous fish with electric blue and gold coloring that lights up even brighter when they're fired up. Size ranges from schoolie dolphins around 10-15 pounds up to bull dolphins pushing 40-50 pounds. They show up consistently from late spring through early fall, often around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks. Mahi are also some of the best eating fish in the ocean – white, flaky meat that's perfect for everything from fish tacos to blackened fillets.
Swordfish are the night shift workers of the offshore world. These prehistoric-looking predators come up from the depths as the sun goes down, and hooking one is like connecting to a submarine. We're talking about fish that can exceed 100 pounds with that iconic sword and attitude to match. Swordfish are most active during late evening and night hours when they rise from deep water to feed. The fight is different from tuna – more of a bulldogging, deep battle that requires patience and technique. Their meat is dense and meaty, perfect for grilling, and there's something special about bringing home a fish that looks like it swam out of a sportfishing magazine.
This top-rated offshore adventure isn't for everyone – it's for anglers who want to test themselves against world-class gamefish in their natural environment. Fifteen hours on the water means you're getting maximum opportunity to connect with fish of a lifetime. The small group size ensures personalized attention from the crew and plenty of space to enjoy the experience. With professional filleting included, you're walking away with restaurant-quality fillets that'll have your friends asking where you bought such incredible fish. Don't let another season pass wondering what's swimming out there in the deep canyons. These trips fill up fast, especially during prime season, so grab your spot
Our twin 450 HP engines will get you to New Jersey's productive offshore fishing grounds fast, where the real action happens in the deep canyons. This motorboat handles rough seas with ease while keeping your group of up to 6 anglers comfortable with air conditioning, a full galley, and even a bed for those who need to rest between battles with bluefin and yellowfin tuna. The fish finder and GPS will put you right on top of the fish, while the radar keeps you safe when visibility drops. After a long day fighting mahi mahi and swordfish, rinse off in the onboard shower and keep your catch fresh in the refrigerator or ice box. With a head, kitchen facilities, and plenty of deck space for working fish, this boat has everything you need for serious offshore fishing. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive spots, and VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats sharing intel on where the fish are biting.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail - massive, powerful fish that average 200-400 pounds but can push 800+ in our waters. These warm-blooded giants handle both cold and warm water, making spring through fall prime time here. They'll cruise anywhere from the surface down to 1000+ feet, usually following bait schools along temperature breaks. What sets them apart? The fight is legendary - long screaming runs followed by bulldogging deep dives that'll test every piece of your gear. Plus, this is the finest eating tuna on the planet. We target them trolling cedar plugs and live bait, but chunking can be deadly when they're feeding. Here's the key: when you hook one, tighten that drag gradually as the fight progresses. Start too tight and they'll snap you off on the first run.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are probably the most colorful fish you'll see out here - brilliant gold sides with electric blue and green that literally change colors when you bring them boatside. They average 15-29 pounds but can hit 50+ in our canyon waters. These fish love floating debris and weed lines, so we'll work those edges hard. Best fishing is summer through fall when water temps hit the mid-70s. What makes them special? They fight like crazy with long runs and jumps, plus the meat is fantastic - firm, white, and mild. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes open because they usually travel in schools. If we can keep that first fish in the water a bit longer, his buddies often stick around for multiple hookups.
Xiphias GladiusSwords are the ultimate challenge fish - we're talking 200-400 pound fish with that signature flat bill that'll go 9+ feet long. They live deep, usually 800-1500 feet down during the day, then come up to around 300 feet at night to feed. Best action is May through September when they're most active. These are bucket list fish that fight with raw power and those famous deep dives that'll empty your spool if you're not ready. The meat is dense and meaty - perfect for grilling. We fish them at night using heavy tackle, bright lights, and big squid baits. My advice? When you get a bite, resist the urge to set the hook hard right away. Let them take it and start moving first, then lean into them. Patience pays off with these giants.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are pure muscle wrapped in a torpedo shell - most of ours run 60-80 pounds but we see 100+ fish regularly in the canyons. They cruise the upper 300 feet of water and can hit 50 mph when they want to. Peak season here is late spring through early fall when the warm water pushes north. These fish are absolute bulldogs that'll test your drag and your back with their deep, powerful runs. The meat? Top shelf - that's prime sushi grade tuna right there. We target them trolling spreader bars and ballyhoo, but when they're down deep and finicky, dropping jigs can turn the day around. Pro tip: when we mark fish but they won't bite, try switching to smaller baits or lighter leaders - sometimes that makes all the difference.
Belmar, NJ