Ready for the big leagues of offshore fishing? Our overnight canyon trip is where serious anglers come to play. We're talking 24+ hours of non-stop action, targeting some of the most prized gamefish in the Atlantic. From the moment we leave the New Jersey coast, you'll be in for a wild ride as we push out to the legendary offshore canyons where the real giants lurk.
This ain't your average day on the water, folks. We're headed for the deep blue, where the continental shelf drops off and the big boys come to feed. We'll be hitting prime spots like the Hudson, Toms, Spencer, and Berkley Canyons - each one a potential goldmine for trophy tuna. You'll have the chance to fish both day and night, maximizing your shot at hooking into something truly massive. And when the sun goes down? That's when things really heat up. We'll break out the heavy tackle for a shot at sword fishing under the stars. It's an around-the-clock fishing frenzy that'll test your stamina and potentially reward you with the catch of a lifetime.
Once we reach the canyons, it's all hands on deck. We'll be employing a variety of techniques to put you on the fish. Expect to do some serious trolling with spreader bars and daisy chains to attract schools of yellowfin and bigeye tuna. When we mark fish on the sonar, we'll switch gears and start chunking - that's when things can get crazy fast. Be ready for screaming reels and epic battles that could last hours. As we drift through the night, we'll drop lines deep for swordfish and maybe even do some pot-hopping for mahi-mahi. It's non-stop action that'll push your fishing skills to the limit.
Let's be real - this trip isn't for the faint of heart. It's for anglers who live and breathe big game fishing and are willing to put in the time and effort for potentially massive rewards. The allure of hooking into a 200+ pound tuna or battling a broadbill swordfish in the moonlight keeps our regulars coming back season after season. There's nothing quite like the rush of watching your rod double over with the weight of a canyon monster on the other end. Plus, the camaraderie that develops during these long trips is something special. You'll leave with new fishing buddies and stories that'll last a lifetime.
Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish: These deep-water beauties are a prized catch for both their fight and their flavor. Found along the continental shelf, tilefish typically hang out in waters 600-1200 feet deep. They're known for their striking blue-green coloration and can grow up to 50 pounds. Anglers love targeting these fish not only for the challenge of deep-dropping, but also because they're considered one of the best-tasting fish in the ocean. Prime time for tilefish is usually late spring through fall.
Bigeye Tuna: The heavyweight champion of the canyon, bigeye tuna are the stuff of offshore legend. These bruisers can top 300 pounds and are known for their incredible stamina and deep-diving tactics. They're most active at night, which is why our overnight trips give you the best shot at landing one of these giants. Bigeye meat is highly prized in the sushi market, making them a top target for both sport and commercial fishermen. Peak season is typically late summer through fall, but they can be caught year-round in the right conditions.
Yellowfin Tuna: Often called "footballs" when they're smaller, yellowfin are the speedsters of the tuna world. They're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. These fish school up in huge numbers, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Yellowfin in our canyons can range from 30 to over 100 pounds, with the bigger fish typically showing up in late summer and fall. Their meat is highly sought after for both sashimi and grilling, making them a favorite among anglers who like to fill the cooler.
Swordfish: The gladiators of the deep, swordfish are the ultimate prize for many offshore anglers. These mysterious creatures spend their days in waters up to 2000 feet deep, coming up to feed near the surface at night. That's when we target them, using specialized tactics and heavy-duty gear. Landing a sword is a test of patience and strength - fights can last for hours. But the payoff is huge, both in terms of bragging rights and on the dinner table. Swordfish can be caught year-round, but summer and fall tend to be most productive in our area.
Bluefin Tuna: The king of all tuna species, bluefin are the ultimate test for any angler. These massive fish can top 1000 pounds, though most caught in our canyons are in the 100-300 pound range. Bluefin are incredibly powerful and known for their endurance - expect a fight that could last several hours. They're most commonly caught trolling or chunking, and their appearance in our waters is often unpredictable. When they do show up, usually in the cooler months, it's an all-out frenzy to get on them. Landing a bluefin is a bucket-list achievement for many offshore anglers.
Look, if you're still reading this, you know this trip is calling your name. This isn't just fishing - it's an adventure of a lifetime. We're talking about the chance to battle some of the ocean's most sought-after gamefish in their own turf. Whether you're dreaming of your first canyon tuna or you're a seasoned pro looking for your next trophy, our overnight trips offer the best shot at making those dreams a reality. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait. Grab your crew, pack your gear, and let's hit the canyons. The fish are out there waiting - are you ready to meet them?
The Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish is a striking fish with a long body and golden spots on a dark olive-green background. They're usually found in sandy areas near coral reefs, at depths of 250 to 800 feet. These fish typically reach 2 to 3 feet long and weigh 40 to 65 pounds. They're bottom dwellers, feeding on invertebrates like worms, snails, and crustaceans. Tilefish are great eating and put up a solid fight. To catch them, you'll want to drop a weighted rig with fresh squid or eel to the bottom. Wait for a good tug before setting the hook. They're not too picky, so you should get bites pretty quick if you're in the right spot. Summer and fall are prime seasons for tilefish off the Jersey coast. We usually target them during the day when we're not focused on tuna. It's a nice change of pace and a chance to add some variety to the cooler. Just remember, these fish come from deep water, so they don't handle sudden pressure changes well. Reel 'em up slow if you're planning to release them.
Bigeye tuna are powerhouses, often weighing 200-400 pounds. They've got huge eyes that help them hunt in deep, dark water. These fish can dive deeper than other tunas, sometimes hitting 1,500 feet or more. They're built to handle cold water and low oxygen, which lets them access food sources other fish can't reach. We usually find bigeye in the canyons, especially near temperature breaks or underwater structures. They tend to feed deep during the day and come up shallower at night. Late summer through fall is prime time for bigeye off New Jersey. Anglers love bigeye for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent table fare. Their rich, fatty meat is prized for sashimi. When we're after bigeye, we often troll just before dark or at dawn. Dark-colored lures in the 8 to 10-inch range work well. If you're marking fish deep but not getting bites on the troll, try switching to jigging. It can be a game-changer.
Bluefin tuna are the heavyweight champs of the tuna world. These giants can top 1,000 pounds, though we usually see them in the 100-300 pound range around here. They're built like torpedoes and can swim at highway speeds. We find bluefin in a variety of waters, from the inshore lumps to the offshore canyons. They're here from spring through fall, with the best action often in June and again in the fall. These fish can handle cold water, so they sometimes show up when other tunas aren't around. Anglers target bluefin for the ultimate test of strength and for their prized meat. The fight can last hours, and you'll earn every inch of line. We troll for them with spreader bars and big plastics, but chunking and jigging can be deadly too. If you're lucky enough to boat a bluefin, treat that meat with respect. It's some of the most valuable fish in the sea. Bleed it immediately and get it on ice. And remember, there are strict regulations on bluefin. Make sure you're up to date on the current rules before you head out.
Swordfish are the ninjas of the deep. They're big, averaging 200-400 pounds, with that distinctive sword-like bill. These fish are loners, hanging out in deep water during the day and coming up to feed at night. We target swordfish in the canyons, usually in water 1,000 to 2,000 feet deep. They're available year-round, but we have our best luck in the warmer months. Swordfishing is often a night game, but daytime deep-dropping has been gaining popularity. Anglers love swordfish for the challenge and their excellent eating quality. It's a waiting game - you might sit for hours without a bite, then suddenly hook into the fish of a lifetime. We use heavy tackle with lots of line capacity. Squid is the go-to bait, rigged with lights to attract the fish in the dark depths. Here's a pro tip: when you get a bite, don't set the hook right away. Let the fish eat for a bit, then slowly start reeling. Swordfish have tough mouths, and a gentle hookset often works better than a hard jerk.
Yellowfin tuna are sleek, powerful fish with bright yellow fins that give them their name. They're typically smaller than bluefin, averaging 60-100 pounds, but can get up to 400 pounds. These speedsters can hit 50 mph when they're on the chase. We find yellowfin in the warmer, upper layers of the ocean, usually within the top 300 feet. They're migratory, following warm currents. Off New Jersey, we see them from late spring through fall, with peak action in the summer months. Anglers prize yellowfin for their acrobatic fights and excellent eating quality. They're a blast on lighter tackle and make for some of the best sushi and sashimi around. When we're targeting yellowfin, we often troll with a spread of ballyhoo, skirted lures, and cedar plugs. But nothing beats the thrill of seeing a yellowfin crush a topwater lure. If the fish are being finicky, try chunking to draw them up from the depths. Fresh butterfish or sardines work great.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 60
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 350