Neptune Inshore Tuna | 8 Hour Charter Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eight-hour offshore charter targeting tuna and mahi speciesTrolling adventures 30 miles off Neptune coast watersExpert crew guidance with six-guest capacity maximum
Picture this: you're 30 miles off the Neptune coast, lines in the water, scanning the horizon for bird activity and temperature breaks. That's where the magic happens on our 8-hour offshore charter. We're talking serious fishing here – not your typical bay trip, but a full-blown offshore adventure targeting some of the Atlantic's most sought-after gamefish. With Wots Up Dock Charter Fishing, you'll experience what locals have known for years: Neptune's offshore waters hold some of the best tuna action on the Jersey coast. Our top-rated crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and we're stoked to share our favorite honey holes with up to 6 anglers ready to get their lines wet.
We'll meet you at the dock before sunrise, because that's when the fish are most active and the ocean's at its calmest. After a quick safety briefing and introductions, we'll head offshore to where the real action begins. This isn't a leisurely harbor cruise – we're covering serious ground to reach the productive waters where pelagic species roam. Once we hit our fishing zones, expect to spend the day trolling with multiple lines out, watching the rods like a hawk, and staying ready for that telltale scream of a reel. Our experienced crew will handle the boat positioning and help you fight your fish, but make no mistake – when something hits, you're the one doing the work. The open ocean has its own rhythm, and you'll feel it in everything from the boat's motion to the way the birds work over feeding fish. We encourage you to bring your own snacks and drinks since meals aren't included, plus don't forget that sun protection – there's no shade out there when you're battling a fish.
Offshore trolling is an art form, and our crew has it dialed in. We'll be running a spread of lures at different depths and distances, covering water efficiently while targeting the thermocline where baitfish congregate. Expect to see a mix of cedar plugs, spreader bars, and diving plugs working behind the boat at speeds between 6-8 knots. When we mark fish on the sounder or spot working birds, we might switch to chunk baiting or throw some jigs. All tackle is provided – we're talking quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with fresh line, matched to rods that can handle anything from a scrappy bonito to a bulldogging tuna. Our electronics suite includes GPS, fishfinder, and chart plotter, helping us locate structure, temperature breaks, and bait schools. The key to success out here is staying mobile and reading the water – something our crew excels at. We'll teach you how to spot the signs: color changes, bird activity, and debris lines that often hold fish.
Blackfin Tuna are the crown jewel of this trip, and for good reason. These torpedo-shaped fighters typically run 10-25 pounds in our waters, with the occasional larger specimen pushing 30+. They're most active during spring through fall, especially when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 68-78 degrees. What makes blackfins special is their incredible speed and stamina – they'll make blistering runs that'll test your drag system and your arms. The meat is outstanding too, perfect for sashimi if you're into that. When a blackfin hits, you'll know it immediately – the rod doubles over and line starts screaming off the reel like someone lit a fire under the fish.
Atlantic Bonito might be smaller than their tuna cousins, averaging 3-8 pounds, but they fight way above their weight class. These speed demons are pure muscle, making multiple runs and never giving up until they're boat-side. They show up in our waters from late spring through early fall, often traveling in schools that create feeding frenzies. Bonito are excellent table fare when handled properly – bleed them immediately and keep them on ice. They're also fantastic live bait for larger predators if we decide to switch tactics mid-trip.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as some old-timers call them, are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter out here. These beauties can range from small schoolies around 5 pounds to impressive bulls pushing 30+ pounds. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, especially around floating debris or weed lines. Mahi are known for their acrobatic fights – they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that'll have you reaching for your camera. The bright yellows and greens fade quickly once they're landed, but the memory of that fight stays with you forever. Plus, mahi are widely considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Little Tunny, also called false albacore or albies by local anglers, are speed merchants that'll surprise you with their power. These fish typically run 5-15 pounds and are incredibly fast – they're built for speed with their sleek bodies and powerful tail fins. They're most abundant from late summer through fall, often feeding in large schools near the surface. When albies are feeding, it's pure chaos – birds diving, fish jumping, and non-stop action. They're catch-and-release for many anglers since their dark meat isn't everyone's favorite, but the fight alone makes them worth targeting.
This world-class offshore fishing adventure represents everything great about Neptune's charter fishing scene. You're getting 8 solid hours with a renowned crew that knows how to put you on fish, access to premier offshore grounds that many weekend warriors never reach, and shots at multiple species that'll test your skills as an angler. Whether you're a seasoned offshore veteran or someone looking to step up from inshore fishing, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of quality tackle, experienced crew, and productive waters makes this a customer favorite for goo
Get ready to chase tuna aboard this well-equipped 33-foot Bertram that cuts through Neptune waters with authority. Twin Yanmar engines deliver 1,260 horsepower combined, pushing this fishing machine up to 22 knots as you head 30 miles offshore targeting Little Tunny, Mahi, Bonito, and Blackfin Tuna. The flybridge gives you perfect sight lines for spotting working birds and baitfish while the fish finder pinpoints schools below. Outriggers spread your trolling pattern wide, and the bait tank keeps your offerings fresh during long runs. When you need a break from fighting fish, grab a cold drink from the onboard refrigerator or rest up in the cabin. The galley kitchen lets you prep snacks between strikes. GPS and radar keep you on productive fishing grounds safely, while the experienced first mate handles rigging and landing your catch. Up to 6 anglers can fish comfortably with plenty of deck space for battling those hard-pulling offshore species that make Neptune fishing legendary.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are speedy members of the mackerel family that can hit 40 mph underwater. These silver bullets with dark stripes along their sides typically weigh 3-8 pounds, though they can reach 12+ pounds. You'll spot schools feeding on the surface, dorsal fins cutting through like mini sharks chasing baitfish. They love our warmer months when water temps hit the 60s, traveling in massive schools that attract diving birds - that's your visual cue. While they're not great table fare here in the States, bonito are absolute blast to catch on light tackle. They hit almost any lure when feeding and provide nonstop action. When it's windy, metal jigs work best, but on calmer days, soft plastics stay in the strike zone longer. Once you find a feeding school, work fast - they can disappear as quickly as they showed up.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest in the tuna family, typically running 10-25 pounds but can reach up to 46 pounds. They're beautiful fish with dark backs, golden sides, and that signature yellow lateral line that fades after landing. You'll find them in warm offshore waters, usually 30+ miles out where temps stay above 68°F. They travel in schools with other tunas, making fall through spring our best seasons here off Jersey. What makes them special is that fierce tuna fight combined with excellent table fare - their meat is top-notch for sushi or grilling. These fish have sharp eyesight, so we scale down to lighter leaders and smaller circle hooks. Pro tip: when you see birds working or find floating debris, that's where blackfins often feed. Use live pilchards for chum to draw them close.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle Tunny, also called False Albacore, are scrappy tuna relatives that pack a serious punch for their size. Most run 5-15 pounds with that classic torpedo shape and dark wavy lines across their backs. They school up in nearshore waters, often around jetties, inlets, and structure where baitfish gather. Fall migration brings the best action as they head south, but we see them spring through fall when water warms up. Don't let their size fool you - these fish fight like they're twice as big and will test your drag. They're not prized for eating due to their dark, strong-tasting meat, but they're pure fun on light tackle. When trolling, bright feathers with small baits work great, but once you locate a feeding school, switch to casting small jigs or flies. Listen for the commotion - feeding tunnies make plenty of noise when they're busting bait.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are among the most colorful fish you'll encounter - brilliant gold and green that shifts like a light show when hooked. They average 15-30 pounds but can exceed 50 pounds, with bulls having that distinctive blunt forehead. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or any structure in blue water. They're surface dwellers that love warm currents, making late summer through fall prime time off our coast. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - these fish jump, dive, and put on a show. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, white meat. They're aggressive feeders that hit trolled ballyhoo, live bait, or anything that skips on the surface like flying fish. Here's the key: when you hook one, leave it in the water while rigging another rod - mahi travel in groups and seeing a hooked fish often fires up the whole school.
Neptune, NJ