Get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime in the deep Atlantic canyons off New Jersey and New York. We're talking serious offshore action here - the kind that'll have you telling stories for years to come. Our 16-hour private charters take you right where the big ones lurk, giving you a shot at some of the most sought-after gamefish in these waters. Whether you're after tuna, mahi-mahi, or even swordfish, we've got the know-how to put you on the fish.
Picture this: You're cruising out to legendary spots like Hudson Canyon or Toms Canyon as the sun rises. The anticipation builds as we reach the fishing grounds, where the ocean floor drops off and the big pelagics roam. We'll be using a mix of techniques - trolling spreads for tuna, maybe some chunking if the conditions are right. And don't forget the chance to drop lines for tasty tilefish or toss baits to schools of mahi around the lobster pot buoys. Night owls can even try their hand at swordfishing under the stars. It's a long day on the water, but trust me, when you're hooked up to a 100-pound yellowfin, you won't be thinking about the time.
Offshore fishing is all about being prepared for anything. We'll have a spread of rods rigged and ready - from light tackle for mahi to the heavy stuff for big tuna and swordfish. Expect to see a mix of trolling lures, live baits, and maybe even some kite fishing if the wind's right. For the bottom fishing, we'll drop cut bait or jigs to target those deep-dwelling tilefish. The canyons are like an underwater highway for migrating fish, so you never know what might show up in the spread. That's the beauty of it - every trip is different, and the potential for a trophy catch is always there.
Let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the rush of a big tuna screaming off line or the sight of a lit-up swordfish coming up from the depths. Our regulars love the variety - one minute you're battling a yellowfin, the next you're filling the box with mahi. It's fast-paced fishing that'll keep you on your toes all day. Plus, with a max of 6 guests, everyone gets plenty of chances to be in on the action. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time offshore, we'll make sure you're in the game and having a blast.
Bluefin Tuna: These are the heavyweight champs of the Atlantic. Bluefins in our canyons can top 500 pounds, and even the smaller ones will give you the fight of your life. They're most active in the cooler months, but we see them year-round. Nothing beats the sight of a big bluefin crashing a topwater lure.
Yellowfin Tuna: The speedsters of the tuna world, yellowfins are known for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They show up in good numbers from summer through fall, often in schools that can turn the water to foam when they're feeding. Expect fish from 30 to 100+ pounds, with bigger ones always possible.
Bigeye Tuna: These deep-dwelling bruisers are a prized catch. They tend to feed deeper than their yellowfin cousins, often preferring cooler water. Bigeyes can get huge, with fish over 200 pounds not uncommon. They're especially active at night, which is why some of our trips run into the dark hours.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean. They're fast-growing and always hungry, which makes for exciting fishing around floating debris or lobster pot buoys. While most are in the 5-15 pound range, we occasionally see some 30+ pound bulls.
Swordfish: The gladiators of the deep, swordfish are a bucket list catch for many anglers. We target them during night trips, fishing baits way down in the water column. They're known for their hard fights and can range from 100 to 300+ pounds. Landing one of these is a true accomplishment.
Look, if you're serious about offshore fishing, this is the trip you've been waiting for. We're talking about access to some of the best big-game fishing grounds on the East Coast, with a crew that knows how to put you on the fish. Whether you're after your first tuna or looking to check 'swordfish' off your list, we've got you covered. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab five of your fishing buddies and get ready for an epic day on the water. Trust me, once you experience canyon fishing, you'll be hooked for life.
Bigeye tuna are powerhouse fighters that can top 400 pounds. We find them in the deeper, colder canyon waters, often at 250+ feet. They have huge eyes adapted for hunting in low light. Peak season is late summer through fall when they feed heavily before migrating. Anglers love bigeyes for their incredibly fatty, flavorful meat - some of the best sushi-grade tuna you can get. To catch them, we'll troll at dawn or dusk with large lures. My go-to is a dark-colored 8-10 inch lure that stands out in dim conditions. Be ready for screaming runs and epic battles that can last hours with these bruisers.
Bluefin tuna are the giants of the tuna world, with fish over 1,000 pounds possible in our waters. We find them from the canyons to inshore, often relating to bait schools or temperature edges. Peak season is June through October. Anglers consider bluefin the ultimate big-game challenge, prized for their power and valuable meat. To catch them, we'll troll spreader bars, big plugs, or live bait like mackerel. My top tip: Watch for working birds and breaking fish - when you find them, cast large topwater lures into the mayhem for heart-stopping strikes. Just make sure you're geared up heavy enough - these beasts can spool large reels in seconds.
Mahi Mahi are colorful, fast-swimming fish found near floating debris in our offshore canyons. They average 15-30 pounds but can reach over 80. These acrobatic fighters put on an amazing show when hooked. We target them year-round, with peak action in summer and fall. Mahi have firm, mild meat that's great for grilling. To catch them, we'll troll rigged ballyhoo or artificial lures near weed lines and floating objects. My top tip: Keep an eye out for frigate birds - they'll often lead you right to a school of hungry mahi. Once you hook one, leave it in the water to keep the school around. With some luck, we can load up the cooler with these tasty, hard-fighting fish.
Swordfish are deep-dwelling monsters that average 200-300 pounds in our canyons. We target them day or night in depths of 1,000+ feet. They feed mainly after dark, so night fishing is often most productive. Anglers love the challenge of battling these powerful fish from extreme depths. Their meat is prized for steaks and sashimi. To catch them, we'll use electric reels to drop large squid baits to the bottom. My top trick is adding several LED lights near the bait to attract fish in the darkness. Be patient - it can take an hour or more for a bite. When one hits, get ready for an intense fight as you winch this beast up from the abyss.
Yellowfin tuna are torpedo-shaped speedsters, usually 60-100 pounds in our canyons. Look for them in the upper 300 feet, often chasing bait schools near temperature breaks. They're here spring through fall, peaking in summer. Anglers prize yellowfin for their hard fights and excellent table quality. To catch them, we'll troll a spread of ballyhoo, skirted lures, and cedar plugs. When we mark fish deep, I like to switch to jigging or chunking. My top tip: If you see yellowfin busting on the surface, cast poppers or stick baits into the frenzy for explosive topwater strikes. Nothing beats the sight of a big yellowfin rocketing out of the water on your lure.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 60
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 350