Tuna Fishing in New Jersey | 10-Hour Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
10hour offshore tuna fishing adventure 3065 miles outMultiple fishing styles including trolling, chunking, and sharkingSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests per trip
Looking for a serious fishing adventure without burning your entire weekend? Side Job Sportfishing's 10-hour tuna trip puts you right where the action is, 30-65 miles off the New Jersey coast. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to chasing some of the most sought-after fish in the Atlantic. With only 6 spots available, you'll have plenty of room to work and won't be fighting for deck space when the bite gets hot. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not messing around when it comes to putting you on fish.
Your day starts early – real early. We're talking about a pre-dawn departure to maximize your time in the prime fishing zones. The ride out gives you time to get your gear sorted and talk strategy with the crew. Once we hit the grounds, it's game on. You've got options here: trolling spreads for active fish, chunking when they're finicky, or even throwing some shark baits if the tuna bite slows down. The crew provides all the heavy-duty gear you need – we're talking quality reels that can handle the punishment these fish dish out. Live bait is included, which makes all the difference when tuna are being picky. Bring your own cooler because if things go well, you're going home with some serious table fare. The deck layout gives everyone room to fish properly, and the crew knows how to rotate spots so everyone gets their shot.
Side Job runs a no-nonsense operation when it comes to tackle. They've got the heavy spinning gear and conventional reels that can handle anything from 20-pound yellowfins to triple-digit bluefins. Trolling spreads typically run a mix of cedar plugs, spreader bars, and ballyhoo – whatever's working that day. When we switch to chunking, it's all about reading the water and putting baits in the right spots. The crew handles the chumming and keeps the spread tight. If you've got your own rods you prefer, bring them, but the boat gear is solid and well-maintained. Circle hooks are the standard for live bait work, and the crew will walk you through proper fighting techniques if you're new to big tuna. Wire leaders and heavy fluorocarbon are standard – these fish have seen it all and won't hesitate to cut you off on light tackle.
The tuna fishing off New Jersey offers three distinct species that'll test your skills and fill your cooler. Each one brings its own challenges and rewards, making every trip a gamble worth taking.
Blackfin tuna are the speed demons of the bunch, typically running 10-25 pounds and fighting way above their weight class. These fish show up consistently from late spring through fall, often traveling in schools that can keep the action going for hours. They're incredibly fast on the initial run and love to make multiple screaming runs before coming to the boat. What makes blackfins special is their willingness to bite – they're aggressive feeders and respond well to both trolled baits and chunks. The meat is outstanding, with a rich flavor that's perfect for sashimi or blackened preparations.
Yellowfin tuna are the bread and butter of offshore New Jersey fishing, ranging from teenagers in the 20-30 pound class to monsters pushing 100+ pounds. Peak season runs from June through October, with the bigger fish typically showing up in late summer. Yellowfins are smart – they'll test your drag, your knots, and your patience. They're known for their long, steady runs and their ability to sound deep when they feel pressure. The larger fish often require team effort to land, making them a true group achievement. The quality of yellowfin meat is legendary – firm, clean, and perfect for high-end sushi preparations.
Bluefin tuna are the holy grail of New Jersey offshore fishing, with fish ranging from school-size 30-pounders to giants over 200 pounds. These fish are around year-round but peak in spring and fall migrations. Bluefins are incredibly powerful and smart – they've been known to strip entire spools and break heavy tackle without breaking a sweat. The regulations are strict, so make sure you understand the current rules before your trip. When you do connect with a keeper bluefin, it's a fish of a lifetime. The meat quality varies by season, with fall fish being prime for the sushi market.
This 10-hour tuna trip with Side Job Sportfishing delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – access to prime fishing grounds, quality gear, and a crew that knows how to put you on fish. With only 6 people max, you're not dealing with a crowded cattle boat experience. You're getting personal attention and plenty of room to work when fish are on the line. The boat runs rain or shine (within reason), so you know they're committed to getting you out there. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak tuna season, so don't wait around if you see an open date that works. Whether you're after sushi-grade yellowfins, screaming blackfins, or the bluefin of a lifetime, this trip puts you in position to make it happen. Book now and get ready for a day of serious offshore fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
Get ready to chase tuna aboard Side Job Charters' powerful motorboat, rigged with twin 450 HP engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. This well-equipped vessel handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, with plenty of deck space for battling big fish. You'll find everything needed for a serious day on the water - fish finder to locate the schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus VHF radio to stay connected. The boat's loaded with creature comforts too: air conditioning to beat the heat, refrigerator and ice box to keep your catch fresh, even a head with shower for those long offshore runs. Whether you're trolling the edges or chunking over structure, this boat's wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly without spooking the fish. The onboard kitchen and sleeping quarters mean you can fuel up or rest between bites during your 10-hour adventure targeting tuna 30-65 miles offshore.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest member of the tuna family, blackfins typically run 15-30 pounds with that classic dark back and bright yellow side stripe. They're scrappy fighters that love to school up in our warm offshore waters from late spring through fall. You'll find them cruising the continental shelf edge in 100-400 feet, often mixed with skipjacks. What makes them special? They're absolute bulldogs on light tackle and the meat is fantastic - sweet and firm, perfect for the grill or sashimi. Here's a local trick: when we're chunking, I always scale down to lighter fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks. These fish are sharp-eyed, and that finesse approach will double your hookups when they get finicky.
Thunnus ThynnusThe holy grail of New Jersey tuna fishing. These giants average 100-300 pounds but can push 600+ pounds off our coast. They're built like torpedoes - dark blue backs, silver sides, and pure muscle. Bluefins move through our waters spring and fall during their migration, favoring cooler water temps in the 60s. They'll hunt anywhere from 50 feet to over 300 feet deep along temperature breaks. Why chase them? It's the ultimate test - incredible fights and the world's finest sashimi. Each fish is federally regulated, so we report every catch. Local secret: when chunking, I use smaller baits than most guides. Big hooks spook these smart fish. A simple 6/0 circle hook on light wire often outfishes the heavy gear everyone else runs.
Thunnus AlbacaresThese are the workhorses of our tuna fleet - averaging 40-80 pounds with those signature bright yellow fins and sickle tail. Yellowfins cruise the upper water column out past the shelf break, typically in 200-1000 feet. They're here spring through fall, but summer's prime time when water temps hit the mid-70s. What draws people back? Pure power. They'll rip drag like nothing else and those surface explosions on poppers are something else. The meat quality rivals bluefin at half the cost - perfect for steaks or sushi. Pro tip from years out here: when trolling's slow, try dropping jigs to the thermocline. Mark fish on the finder but can't get bites? Go vertical and work that mid-water column where they're holding.
Belmar, NJ