World-Class Midshore Tuna Fishing | Point Pleasant

Midshore Tuna Fishing: NJ's Offshore Bounty

Hey there, tuna chasers! Ready to put some bend in those rods? Our midshore tuna trips out of Point Pleasant are the real deal. We're talkin' 40 to 60 miles offshore where the big boys play. Yellowfin, bluefin, and albacore are all on the menu, and trust me, these Jersey waters deliver. Whether you're a seasoned pro or looking to land your first tuna, our experienced captains know how to put you on the fish. So grab your crew (up to 6 anglers) and let's hit the canyons for a full day of offshore action!

What to Expect on the Water

First things first - we're not messing around with any half-day trips here. When you're chasing tuna, you need time to find the fish and work the bite. We'll leave the dock early (usually pre-dawn) and run offshore to where the water turns that deep cobalt blue. Once we're in the zone, we'll deploy a spread of lines and start trolling. Keep your eyes peeled for birds working or fins slicing the surface - that's when things get exciting! As the day progresses, we might switch up tactics, dropping jigs or chunking if that's what the fish want. And on the way home? Don't be surprised if we stop to target some mahi-mahi on the lobster pot buoys. It's all about maximizing your time on the water and putting quality fish in the box.

Techniques That Land Lunkers

Alright, let's break down how we'll be fishing. Trolling is our bread and butter out here. We'll run a spread of ballyhoo and artificial lures, covering water and searching for active fish. When we mark a good school on the fishfinder or spot surface activity, that's when we might switch to jigging or chunking. With jigging, we'll drop heavy metal lures and work them aggressively - it's a blast when a tuna slams it on the drop. Chunking involves putting out a slick of cut bait to draw the fish in close. It's a deadly technique when the bite is tough. Our crew will walk you through each method, so even if you're new to offshore fishing, you'll be in the game in no time.

Top Catches This Season

The midshore grounds off New Jersey have been on fire lately. We've been seeing solid numbers of 30-60 pound class yellowfin, with some larger models in the 80-100 pound range mixed in. Bluefin have been making appearances too, often providing some of the most intense fights of the season. As we get into late summer and fall, the false albacore (we call 'em "albies") show up in force. They might be smaller, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. And let's not forget about the mahi - we've been finding good numbers on the inshore weedlines and pot buoys. All in all, it's shaping up to be another banner year for Jersey's offshore fishing.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Yellowfin Tuna: These are the gold standard of our midshore trips. Yellowfin are absolute torpedoes, known for blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. They typically range from 30 to 100 pounds out here, with larger specimens always a possibility. Yellowfin meat is prized for its rich, red color and excellent flavor whether you're grilling, searing, or enjoying as sashimi. Peak season is usually July through October, but we see them from late spring all the way into early winter some years.

Bluefin Tuna: The heavyweight champs of the tuna world. While we don't target them specifically on these midshore trips, they do show up and when they do... hold on tight! Even "small" bluefin in the 100-pound class will test your stamina and tackle. They're here sporadically throughout the summer and fall, with best chances often in June and again in September/October. Bluefin flesh is the most prized in the sushi world, and for good reason - it's incredibly rich and flavorful.

Albacore Tuna: Often overlooked by anglers fixated on their larger cousins, albacore (or longfin tuna) are a blast to catch. They're usually in the 15-30 pound range, but they fight well above their weight class. Albacore have a longer season than the other tunas, often showing up in good numbers from May all the way into November. Their meat is milder and lighter in color than yellowfin or bluefin, but still makes for excellent eating.

False Albacore: These aren't true tuna, but they're part of the same family and boy, do they act like it! False albacore (or "albies") typically show up in late summer and stick around well into fall. They're smaller, usually 5-12 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in speed and endurance. Watching a school of albies blitz on the surface is a sight you won't forget. While they're not considered good eating, they're catch-and-release superstars that'll keep your rods bent all day long.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I could go on all day about the quality of the fishing, but that's only part of the story. There's something special about being offshore, away from the hustle of the coast. Out here, it's just you, your crew, and the endless blue. You'll see things most folks never do - whales breaching, pods of dolphins riding our wake, maybe even a sea turtle or a sunfish. And when that reel starts singing and you're locked in battle with a powerful tuna? That's the moment memories are made of. It doesn't matter if you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, that rush never gets old. Plus, at the end of the day, you're coming home with some of the finest eating fish in the ocean. From the fight to the table, these trips deliver.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's make this happen! Our midshore tuna trips are some of the most popular outings we offer, and for good reason. You're getting a full day on the water, access to world-class fishing grounds, and the expertise of captains who've been chasing these fish for decades. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, cross "catch a tuna" off your bucket list, or just want to experience the thrill of offshore fishing, we've got you covered. Remember, we can only take 6 anglers per trip, so don't wait to book. Grab your fishing buddies, pack some snacks (we'll be out there all day), and get ready for an offshore adventure you won't forget. The tuna are waiting - let's go get 'em!