Deep Sea Sharks & Tuna - Point Pleasant NJ
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-16 hour offshore trips targeting sharks and tuna speciesFish up to 60 miles offshore at Mud Hole and FingersSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests per charter
Looking for the real deal when it comes to New Jersey offshore fishing? Captain Frank and the crew at Kettle Creek Outfitters have been putting anglers on trophy fish for years, and this 12 to 16-hour deep sea adventure is what serious fishermen dream about. We're talking about heading 60 miles offshore into some of the most productive waters along the entire East Coast, where massive bluefin tuna patrol the depths and apex predators like hammerheads cruise the blue water columns.
This isn't your typical half-day trip close to shore. When you book with Captain Frank, you're signing up for a legitimate offshore expedition that takes you to legendary fishing grounds like The Mud Hole and Fingers - spots that have been producing monster fish for decades. The boat accommodates up to 4 guests, which means you'll have plenty of room to work and won't be crowded when that 200-pound bluefin starts peeling drag. Captain Frank knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's constantly monitoring fish finders, water temps, and current breaks to put you on the bite. The 12-hour option gives you solid fishing time, but if you really want to maximize your chances at a fish of a lifetime, the 16-hour trip lets you hit multiple spots and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day.
We're fishing serious water here, so we use serious gear. Expect heavy conventional reels spooled with 80 to 130-pound test, because when a big bluefin decides to sound, you need equipment that can handle the punishment. Captain Frank runs a mix of techniques depending on what's working - trolling spreads with cedar plugs and ballyhoo when we're covering water looking for tuna schools, and chunking with fresh bunker when we want to bring the sharks up from the depths. The boat's rigged with outriggers, downriggers, and all the electronics you need to mark fish and structure. Circle hooks are the standard for shark fishing, both for conservation and because they dramatically increase your hookup ratio. When we're targeting tuna, we might switch to J-hooks on the lighter tackle, especially if we find fish feeding aggressively on the surface.
Blacktip sharks are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These athletic predators average 30 to 50 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic fights - expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll test your drag system. They're most active from late spring through early fall when water temps climb above 70 degrees. What makes blacktips special is their aggressive nature; they'll often hit baits hard and fast, giving you that heart-stopping moment when your reel starts screaming.
Yellowfin tuna are the speedsters of the deep, and catching one is like hooking onto a freight train. These fish can top 100 pounds in New Jersey waters and are built for sustained runs at incredible speeds. Peak season runs from July through October when they follow baitfish migrations along the continental shelf. Yellowfins are prized not just for their fighting ability, but also for their incredible table quality - sashimi-grade meat that's worth every minute of the battle.
Lemon sharks bring a different kind of excitement to the boat. These golden-colored predators can stretch over 8 feet and weigh upwards of 200 pounds. They're ambush hunters that prefer deeper water during the day, making them perfect targets for our offshore adventures. Lemons are known for their bulldogging fights - less jumping than blacktips, but more raw power that'll leave your arms burning.
Bluefin tuna represent the ultimate prize for East Coast anglers. These giants can exceed 400 pounds and are considered one of the strongest fish in the ocean pound-for-pound. September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavily before their southern migration. Landing a bluefin requires teamwork, endurance, and often hours of fighting - but the payoff is a fish that many anglers consider the pinnacle of sport fishing achievement.
Scalloped hammerheads are the apex predators that make your heart skip a beat when they surface next to the boat. These prehistoric-looking sharks can reach 10 feet in length and are most commonly encountered from June through September in our offshore waters. What makes hammerheads special is their unique hunting behavior - they use their distinctive head shape to pin stingrays to the bottom, and their incredible sensory abilities make them incredibly efficient predators. Fighting a hammerhead is like battling a living submarine that refuses to give up.
Captain Frank's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak season when the big fish are most active. This trip offers something you won't find on crowded party boats or shorter charters - legitimate shot at trophy fish in some of the most productive waters along the Jersey coast. With only 4 spots available, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to get your hands on the rods. Whether you're after your first shark or chasing a personal best tuna, this offshore adventure delivers the kind of fishing that creates lifelong memories. The combination of Captain Frank's local knowledge, top-tier equipment, and access to legendary fishing grounds makes this a world-class fishing experience right in New Jersey's backyard.
Meet Makaira, your ticket to serious offshore action out of Point Pleasant! This hybrid fishing machine handles deep water runs to hotspots like The Mud Hole and Fingers, but her shallow draft means you can also work the nearshore waters when conditions call for it. Captain Frank knows these New Jersey waters inside and out, and with Makaira's fish finder and GPS, you'll be right on top of the tuna and sharks. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need stealth, while the VHF radio keeps you connected. Pack your tackle and drinks in the icebox, crank up the multimedia system, and get ready for 12-16 hours of serious fishing up to 60 miles offshore. Whether you're chasing bluefin or tangling with sharks, this boat puts you and 3 buddies right where the big fish live.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are one of our most active targets out there. You'll spot them by those distinctive black-tipped fins - they're stockier than blues but just as fun to fight. Most run 4-5 feet, though we've seen some push 8 feet and over 200 pounds. They love patrolling around 60-100 feet of water near structure and artificial reefs. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when water temps climb. What makes them special is their personality - they're jumpers that'll leap right out of the water, sometimes even onto the boat deck! They get excited in feeding frenzies but can be surprisingly shy around other sharks. For bait, oily fish like mackerel or herring work best. My tip: use a heavy braided line with circle hooks and get that chum going strong. Once they smell it, they'll come investigate, and that's when the real fun starts.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna represent the ultimate challenge in our waters - pure power wrapped in a torpedo-shaped package. These giants average 100-300 pounds, but monsters over 800 pounds cruise our offshore grounds. They're warm-blooded fish that can dive to 3000 feet and hit speeds of 40+ mph. We find them from spring through fall in deep water, often around temperature breaks and bait schools. What drives anglers crazy for them is the combination of incredible strength and world-class table fare - this is sushi-grade fish at its finest. They're federally managed, so you need permits and must report catches. We troll with cedar plugs and natural baits like herring, but chunking brings them up from the depths. My best advice: use your heaviest tackle and be ready for long fights. These fish will test every knot and every piece of gear you've got. When you hook one, clear the other lines fast.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are some of the coolest sharks we target off New Jersey. They get their name from that distinctive yellowish color that helps them blend into sandy bottoms. Most run 6-8 feet, but the big females can push 10 feet and 200 pounds. You'll find them in 50-200 feet of water, often around structure where they hunt for rays, crabs, and smaller fish. They're most active during warmer months from June through October. What makes them special is they're smart and curious - they'll often circle the boat checking things out before committing to a bite. They put up a solid fight without the crazy acrobatics of other sharks. We use fresh cut bait like bunker or mackerel on the bottom. Here's a local trick: lemon sharks have excellent eyesight, so keep your movements slow and steady when one's around the boat. Sudden motions will spook them off quickly.
Sphyrna LewiniScalloped hammerheads are the most unique-looking sharks we encounter offshore. That distinctive flattened head with scalloped edges makes them unmistakable. Females grow larger, reaching 8 feet and 180 pounds, while males stay around 6 feet. They cruise depths from 100-500 feet, moving closer to shore during the day and offshore at night. Summer months offer our best opportunities when they follow bait schools north. What fascinates guests is watching their hunting behavior - they use that wide head to pin rays against the bottom and detect electrical fields from hidden prey. They're surprisingly shy despite their intimidating appearance. However, these sharks are critically endangered, so we practice strict catch-and-release. When we do encounter one, we use circle hooks with cut bait. Key tip: hammerheads are extremely sensitive to being handled, so minimize fight time and get them back in the water quickly for the best survival rates.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are what most folks dream about when they book a deep sea trip. These torpedo-shaped fish average 60 pounds but can hit 400+ pounds out in our deeper waters. You'll find them in the top 300 feet, usually around temperature breaks and current edges. The yellow fins and tail make them easy to identify once you get one boatside. Peak season runs late spring through fall when the warm water pushes up our way. What guests love is the incredible fight - they'll rip line at 50 mph and dive deep. Plus, the meat quality is outstanding for sushi or grilling. We target them by trolling spreads with ballyhoo and cedar plugs, but chunking works great when they're finicky. Pro tip: when you mark fish but they won't bite the trolling spread, switch to jigging. Sometimes they're holding deeper and need that vertical presentation to trigger a strike.
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