12-Hour New Jersey Offshore Tuna Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targeting Mahi, Albacore, and Bluefin TunaProfessional crew provides toptier gear and expert guidanceSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests per trip
Looking for a serious day of fishing that'll test your skills and fill the cooler? This 12-hour midshore charter out of New Jersey waters is where you want to be. We're talking about a full day targeting some of the Atlantic's most sought-after pelagic species – Mahi, Albacore, Yellowfin, and the crown jewel, Bluefin Tuna. With Tuna Homicide, you're not just booking a fishing trip; you're signing up for a legitimate shot at fish that'll have you talking for years. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and with only 6 anglers max, everyone gets plenty of time on the rod when the bite is hot.
This isn't your typical half-day inshore trip – we're heading out to where the big boys live. You'll be fishing productive midshore grounds where the continental shelf drops off and the water turns that deep blue that gets every angler's heart pumping. The boat's rigged with quality gear, but if you've got your own setup, bring it along. We're talking heavy tackle here – 50 to 80-pound class gear depending on what we're targeting. The crew will have you set up with the right rigs, whether we're chunking for Bluefin or trolling spreader bars for Yellowfin. Expect long runs between spots, but that's where the fish are. Pack your snacks and drinks because 12 hours on the water works up an appetite. Don't forget that valid New Jersey fishing license – marine enforcement doesn't mess around out there.
We run a variety of techniques depending on conditions and what's biting. Trolling is our bread and butter – we'll pull spreader bars, cedar plugs, and ballyhoo rigs at different speeds to cover water and locate active fish. When we mark fish on the sounder or see birds working, we'll often switch to chunking. This means anchoring up and creating a slick with cut bait to draw fish in close. It's a completely different game – more finesse, watching your line, feeling for that subtle pickup before a fish takes off on a screaming run. The crew will coach you through it, whether you're setting the hook on a charging Mahi or fighting a Bluefin that wants to sound. We've got a good mix of conventional and spinning gear onboard, plus all the terminal tackle you'll need. If we're into fish and you want to extend the trip, we can make that happen – nothing worse than leaving when they're biting.
The Mahi Mahi action has been absolutely on fire this year. These fish are pure adrenaline – they hit hard, jump like crazy, and put on a show that never gets old. We're seeing good numbers of 20 to 40-pound bulls, with the occasional cow pushing 50 pounds. Best part about Mahi? They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. They're most active from late spring through early fall, and they absolutely crush anything that moves – ballyhoo, small lures, even chunks if they're fired up. The colors on these fish are something else – electric blues and greens that light up when they're fighting.
Yellowfin Tuna are the workhorses of the offshore fleet, and New Jersey waters hold some serious fish. We're talking 40 to 100-pound fish that will test your stamina and your drag system. These fish are pure muscle – they don't jump much, but they'll take you on long, powerful runs that'll have your arms burning. Peak season runs from summer into fall, and they respond well to both trolling and chunking. When you hook into a decent Yellowfin, clear the deck because you're in for a fight. The meat quality is outstanding too – sashimi grade if you handle it right.
Albacore Tuna might be the smaller cousins, but don't let that fool you. These 15 to 30-pound fish are speed demons and will give you a workout on lighter tackle. They show up in good numbers during their migration, usually late summer and fall. Perfect fish for anglers who want constant action without the brutality of fighting giant Bluefin. The meat is excellent, and they're a blast on spinning gear if conditions allow.
Bluefin Tuna – this is what dreams are made of. These are the fish that separate the weekend warriors from the serious anglers. New Jersey has become a legitimate Bluefin hotspot, with fish ranging from schoolies in the 30 to 60-pound range all the way up to giants pushing 200 pounds or more. These fish are incredibly strong and smart – they'll test every knot, every piece of gear, and every ounce of technique you have. The bite can be seasonal and heavily regulated, but when conditions align, it's some of the best fishing on the East Coast. Whether we're chunking at anchor or trolling the edges, a hooked Bluefin will give you a fight you'll never forget.
This 12-hour charter isn't for everyone – it's a serious commitment that rewards serious anglers. You'll spend a full day on some of New Jersey's most productive fishing grounds with a crew that knows how to put you on fish. With only 6 spots available, trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you're after your first Bluefin, looking to load up on Mahi for the grill, or just want to test yourself against some of the Atlantic's premier gamefish, this is your shot. The combination of experienced crew, quality gear, and prime fishing grounds makes this a top-rated charter option. Pack your cooler, bring your A-game, and get ready for a day of fishing that'll remind you why you love this sport.
Our 31-foot Grady White center console is built for serious offshore action targeting Mahi, Albacore, Yellowfin, and trophy Bluefin Tuna in New Jersey waters. This fishing machine handles up to 6 anglers comfortably with outriggers ready for trolling and all the essential gear you need for a productive day on the water. The boat comes equipped with GPS navigation, radar for those foggy mornings, and fish finder technology to locate schools and structure. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 12-hour journey, while the onboard head ensures comfort throughout the long day. With a seasoned crew providing expert guidance and top-quality tackle, this vessel delivers everything needed for landing that fish of a lifetime in the rich offshore grounds off the Jersey coast.
Thunnus AlalungaAlbacore are smaller than their tuna cousins but don't let that fool you - they're scrappy fighters that average 20-45 pounds. These bullet-shaped fish have long pectoral fins and prefer cooler waters in the 60-degree range. They travel in massive schools that can stretch for miles, which makes for hot action when you find them. Peak time is late summer when cooler currents bring them within range. What guests love is their consistent fight and the fact they're the only tuna you can call "white meat" - the flesh is light, firm, and perfect for steaks or sushi. They never stop swimming, so expect steady pressure once hooked. Best tip I can give: when trolling for albacore, keep your lures 75-90 feet back and watch for bird activity. Once you hook the lead fish, work fast - lose that first one and the whole school often follows it away.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the ultimate prize - massive, powerful fish that can stretch over 6 feet and push 400+ pounds in our waters. These warm-blooded giants roam from the surface down to 1000+ feet, following bait schools along temperature breaks. Peak season runs late spring through fall when they migrate past Jersey. What makes bluefin legendary is their bulldozer fight - they'll make screaming runs and deep dives that can last hours. The meat is pure gold, especially for sushi lovers. They're also the smartest tuna, often requiring finesse over brute force. My go-to technique when they're finicky: chunk with fresh herring and let your bait drift naturally. No weight, light leader, and patience. Sometimes the most subtle presentation triggers the bite of a lifetime.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of our most colorful catches - brilliant gold sides with electric blues and greens that put on a light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-29 pounds, but we've seen some real bulls over 50. They love hanging around floating debris and weed lines in the upper water column, making them perfect targets on our midshore runs. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when water temps climb. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and make blazing runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, mild meat that grills beautifully. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your other lines in the water. Mahi travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more waiting for their turn.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are speed demons built for the deep blue - torpedo-shaped with those signature bright yellow fins. We typically see them in the 60-pound range, though they can push well over 100. They cruise the upper 300 feet but will dive deep when feeding. Summer into fall is prime time off Jersey when warm water pushes north. What gets anglers hooked is their raw power - they'll rip line at 50 mph and dive straight down like a freight train. The meat is top-shelf sashimi grade with that rich, clean flavor. They're also smart fish that'll test your patience. Here's a local trick: when trolling isn't producing and you're marking fish below, switch to vertical jigging. Sometimes that erratic action triggers strikes when they won't touch surface baits.
Belmar