Full Day Tuna Fishing Trip in New Jersey
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore tuna fishing adventure in New Jersey watersExperienced captain provides all equipment, chum, and bait includedSmall group experience with maximum four guests per charter
When it comes to offshore fishing in New Jersey, nothing beats the raw power and fight of tuna. Smokin Reel Charters has been putting serious anglers on these prized pelagics for years, and their full-day tuna trips are becoming a customer favorite among both locals and visiting fishermen. You'll head out into the deep Atlantic waters where yellowfin and bluefin tuna roam, armed with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and comes prepared with fresh chum, live bait, and top-quality tackle that can handle whatever monster decides to take your offering.
This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking about a full day commitment that starts early and rewards those willing to make the run offshore. You'll be fishing in depths ranging from 100 to 1,000 feet, depending on where the fish are holding and what the sonar is showing. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers, which means plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from the captain. No crowded party boat chaos here – just serious fishing with guys who know what they're doing. The captain handles all the prep work, from rigging lines to reading the water, so you can focus on what you came for: hooking up with some of the Atlantic's most powerful fish. Expect to cover some serious ground as the captain follows temperature breaks, bird activity, and bait schools that signal feeding tuna below.
Tuna fishing off New Jersey is all about covering water and presenting the right bait at the right depth. The captain runs a spread of trolling lures, including cedar plugs, spreader bars, and daisy chains that mimic the bunker schools these tuna are chasing. When the bite gets hot, you'll switch to chunking – drifting live or cut bait in a slick of ground chum that draws fish up from the depths. The boat comes rigged with heavy conventional reels spooled with 50 to 80-pound test line, because when a 200-pound bluefin decides to sound, you need equipment that won't let you down. Circle hooks are the standard here, both for their fish-friendly design and their superior hookup ratio on tuna. The captain also keeps a selection of butterfly jigs and poppers on board for when fish are showing on the surface – nothing beats the visual excitement of watching a giant tuna crush a topwater lure.
Yellowfin tuna are the bread and butter of New Jersey's offshore fishery, with fish ranging from 40 to 200 pounds showing up throughout the summer and fall months. These fish are absolute rockets – they'll peel line off your reel like you've never experienced, making long, powerful runs that test both your tackle and your stamina. Peak season runs from July through October when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 68 and 75 degrees. Yellowfins are notorious for their endurance, often taking 30 minutes or more to bring to the boat, and their incredible table fare makes every minute of the fight worthwhile. The meat is prized by sushi restaurants and home cooks alike for its firm texture and rich flavor.
Bluefin tuna represent the ultimate prize in Northeast offshore fishing, with giants exceeding 300 pounds roaming the continental shelf waters off New Jersey. These fish are built like freight trains and fight with a determination that's humbling even to experienced anglers. Spring and fall migrations bring schools of bluefin within range, particularly during May and June, then again from October through December. Landing a bluefin requires patience, technique, and respect for what many consider the ocean's perfect predator. These fish can dive to incredible depths and make runs that seem to go on forever. The adrenaline rush of hooking into a giant bluefin is something that stays with anglers for life, and the stories tend to get better with each telling.
New Jersey's tuna fishing season is world-class, but the best dates fill up fast with returning customers who know what Smokin Reel Charters delivers. This is serious offshore fishing that rewards those willing to put in a full day for the chance at fish of a lifetime. The captain's experience reading water conditions, finding fish, and coaching anglers through the fight makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one. Whether you're looking to check tuna off your bucket list or you're a seasoned offshore angler seeking your next personal best, this trip puts you in the right place with the right crew. Don't let another season pass without experiencing the raw power and beauty of Atlantic tuna fishing – book your spot and get ready for some of the best fishing the East Coast has to offer.
Our fully equipped offshore fishing boat is built for serious tuna hunting in New Jersey waters. This motorboat handles open ocean conditions with ease while keeping your group of up to 4 anglers comfortable during long fishing days. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools of tuna, while GPS navigation gets you to the hottest fishing spots efficiently. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive areas without spooking fish. When you're not fighting tuna, relax in the comfortable cabin featuring a bed, kitchen, and toilet - perfect for those extended offshore sessions. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility to spot diving birds and baitfish activity. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard refrigerator, and fuel up with snacks between battles with these powerful fish. Everything's designed to maximize your time with lines in the water targeting New Jersey's prized tuna.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the kings of tuna fishing - massive, fast, and built to fight. Around Jersey, we see them ranging from schoolies in the 30-60 pound range up to giants over 200 pounds. They're highly migratory, showing up in our waters spring through fall as they follow bait north. These fish will dive over 3,000 feet and hit 40+ mph, so expect a serious battle. The meat is legendary - the best sushi grade fish you'll ever taste. They're federally managed, so you need permits and must report your catch. Pro tip: bluefin bite best at dawn and dusk. When trolling, keep your spread tight and use fresh herring or mackerel. Once you hook one, be ready for multiple deep runs that'll test every piece of your tackle.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are built like torpedoes with bright yellow fins that give them their name. Most run 40-80 pounds off Jersey, though bigger ones are out there. They cruise the upper water column, usually within 100 feet of the surface in warm offshore waters. We find them best from June through October when water temps hit the 70s. These fish are absolute rockets - they'll hit 50 mph and put up one hell of a fight with long runs and deep dives. The meat is top-shelf too, perfect for sushi or grilling. Here's a local trick: when we're marking fish deep but nothing's biting the trolling spread, we'll start chunking with fresh bunker. Cut it up and toss it over - often brings them right up from the depths when they're being picky.
Neptune City, NJ