16-Hour Deep Sea Tuna Charter in New Jersey
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
16hour offshore charter targeting yellowfin and bluefin tunaFish productive canyons including Hudson and Lindenkol areasSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests aboard
When you're ready to leave the inshore crowds behind and chase world-class tuna in some of the Atlantic's most productive waters, this 16-hour deep sea charter with Tuna Homicide delivers exactly what serious anglers crave. We'll take you and up to five other dedicated fishermen to the legendary offshore canyons where the big pelagics roam – Hudson Canyon, Lindenkol Canyon, The Toms, and beyond. This isn't your typical half-day trip; we're talking about a full commitment to finding and fighting the fish that make New Jersey's offshore scene legendary. Pack your favorite snacks, drinks, and bring that New Jersey fishing license because you're going to need the energy and paperwork for what's coming.
This top-rated 16-hour marathon starts before dawn and keeps you on the fish until well after sunset. We're not messing around with shallow water species here – we're steaming straight to the deep blue where the canyons drop off into thousands of feet of water. The ride out can take 2-3 hours depending on which canyon is firing, but that's where the magic happens. These underwater structures create upwellings that bring baitfish to the surface, and where there's bait, there are hungry tuna, marlin, mahi, and wahoo. The atmosphere onboard is all about serious fishing with a crew that knows these waters like the back of their hand. You'll be working with experienced anglers who understand that 16 hours means everyone needs to pull their weight, help with the fight, and stay focused on the goal. The camaraderie builds throughout the day as everyone shares in the battles and celebrates the victories together.
Our approach centers around high-speed trolling with a spread of lures designed to trigger aggressive strikes from pelagic species. We'll be running a mix of cedar plugs, spreader bars, and daisy chains at different positions in our wake – typically 6-8 lines working simultaneously to cover maximum water and present different profiles to cruising fish. When we hit a canyon edge or temperature break, expect to switch between trolling speeds from 6 to 12 knots depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us. The tackle is heavy-duty offshore gear – 50 to 80-pound class rods paired with high-capacity reels loaded with braided line and fluorocarbon leaders. When something big eats, we'll often go into a drift pattern to maximize your fighting advantage and give everyone a chance to get their lines back in the water quickly. The boat's electronics include top-tier fishfinders, GPS plotters, and sea surface temperature gauges that help us locate the productive water where different species stack up along temperature gradients and current edges.
Yellowfin tuna are the bread and butter of New Jersey's offshore scene, with fish ranging from 30-pound "footballs" up to 100-pound bruisers that'll test every ounce of your stamina. These fish are most active during dawn and dusk periods, though they can fire up any time when conditions are right. What makes yellowfin so exciting is their initial run – they'll scream drag and dive deep, often taking 200-300 yards of line before you can start gaining ground. Peak season runs from June through October, with the largest fish typically showing up in late summer when water temperatures hit their stride.
Bluefin tuna represent the ultimate prize in these waters, with the potential for fish exceeding 200 pounds that can fight for hours. These are incredibly smart fish that require perfect presentation and quick reactions when they decide to eat. The fight is legendary – long runs, deep dives, and enough power to humble even experienced big game anglers. They're most cooperative during cooler months and early season, often preferring cooler water temperatures that set up along canyon edges and current breaks.
Blue marlin are the apex predators that every offshore angler dreams about, with fish over 300 pounds roaming these canyon systems during peak summer months. When a blue marlin eats your lure, you'll know it immediately – the reel screams, the rod doubles over, and often you'll see the fish come completely out of the water in a display of raw power that's absolutely breathtaking. They're notorious for long fights that can last several hours, making them the ultimate test of angling skill and endurance.
Mahi mahi bring consistent action and incredible acrobatics to the mix, with their electric colors and tendency to travel in schools creating fast-paced fishing when you find them. These fish love floating debris, temperature breaks, and current edges where they ambush baitfish. They hit hard, jump repeatedly, and provide excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for their combination of fight and flavor. Peak mahi season typically runs from late spring through early fall.
Wahoo are speed demons that can reach 50 mph and are known for absolutely destroying lures with their razor-sharp teeth. When a wahoo hits at full trolling speed, the strike is violent and immediate – there's no wondering what just ate your bait. They make blistering runs and provide some of the best eating in the ocean, with their white, flaky meat being prized by anglers and chefs alike. They're most active during the warmer months and often show up when you're targeting tuna and marlin.
This 16-hour deep sea adventure represents serious offshore fishing at its finest, taking you to New Jersey's most renowned canyon systems where the biggest fish in the Atlantic come to feed. With a maximum of six anglers, you're guaranteed plenty of rod time and personalized attention from a crew that lives and breathes this fishery. The combination of world-class fishing grounds, experienced guidance, and the chance to tangle with multiple species makes this trip a must-do for any angler serious about offshore fishing. Remember to bring that vali
Our 31-foot Grady White center console is built for serious offshore fishing in New Jersey waters. This reliable workhorse cuts through ocean swells with ease, getting you and up to 5 other anglers out to the productive canyons where tuna roam. Outriggers give you the spread you need for trolling, while the fish finder helps locate schools in the deep blue. The GPS and radar keep you on course and safe, even when visibility drops. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long 16-hour runs. The head means no cutting trips short, so you can focus on what matters – hooking into yellowfin and bluefin in some of the Atlantic's richest fishing grounds. This boat handles the offshore conditions like a champ, giving you a stable platform to fight fish from Hudson Canyon to the Toms and beyond.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlins are the ultimate trophy fish - females can hit over 1,000 pounds (called "granders") while males top out around 350. These powerful billfish cruise our deep canyons like Hudson and Lindenkol from June through October when the Gulf Stream pushes warm water closer to shore. They're built for battle with that signature bill and incredible strength, making for epic fights that can last hours. The meat's decent eating, though most anglers release these giants. They hunt yellowfin and other tunas in the upper water column, usually 100-400 feet down. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it - let the fish tire itself out with those famous jumps and runs, or you'll pull the hook.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of tuna fishing - massive, powerful fish that average 100-300 pounds but can exceed 800. These giants show up in our canyons from May through November, following bait schools in 100-600 feet of water. What sets bluefin apart is the incredible fight - they'll make long, deep runs that test your tackle and endurance. The meat is world-class, especially the fatty belly cuts prized for sushi. They're warm-blooded fish that can handle cold water, making them unpredictable. Bluefin require heavy tackle and patience since fights often last over an hour. My tip: when you hook one, don't pump and wind - use steady pressure and let the fish work against the drag. Keep your drag smooth and be ready for those signature deep dives that can pull 400 yards of line.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll catch - brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when they're brought to the boat. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet long, though we've seen 50-pounders. They love hanging around floating debris and weedlines in our canyons from May through September when water temps hit the 70s. What makes them special is the combination - they fight hard with plenty of jumps, they're absolutely delicious eating (mild, flaky white meat), and they're gorgeous fish. Look for them in 100-1,000 feet of water. Here's the trick: when you find one, don't boat it right away. Keep it in the water and cast to the others - mahi travel in schools and seeing one hooked up brings the rest in close.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our offshore waters, hitting 60 mph with those torpedo-shaped bodies and razor-sharp teeth. Most fish we catch run 20-50 pounds and 3-5 feet, though 80-pounders show up. They patrol the canyon edges from July through November, usually in 200-1,000 feet of water around temperature breaks. What draws anglers is the blistering initial run - nothing fights quite like a wahoo - plus they're outstanding table fare with white, flaky meat. These loners hunt along drop-offs and structure, feeding on whatever's available. The key to landing wahoo is using wire leaders since those teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with diving plugs or ballyhoo works best - they like their bait moving fast.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the workhorses of our canyon fishing - strong, fast, and absolutely delicious. Most fish we land are 30-80 pounds, though 200-pounders aren't uncommon. They're built like torpedoes and can hit 50 mph, making for serious battles. You'll find them in our deep canyons from June through October, usually in the top 300 feet of water around temperature breaks and current edges. What makes yellowfin special is they're incredible eating - the sushi-grade meat commands top dollar. They school up and feed aggressively on bait pods. When trolling doesn't work and you're marking fish deep, switch to jigging - drop a butterfly jig down 100-200 feet and work it fast. Yellowfin can't resist that action, especially early morning and late afternoon when they're feeding hardest.
Belmar