NJ Summer Fishing Guide: Fluke, Tuna & Offshore Action
Summer transforms the Jersey Shore into a world-class fishing destination. Fluke fill the bays and nearshore waters, tuna and mahi prowl the offshore canyons, and bluefish blitz along the beaches.
Summer is peak season on the Jersey Shore—and that extends below the waterline. Warm water temperatures draw a diverse cast of gamefish from the back bays to the canyon edges, offering something for every angler regardless of skill level or budget.
In the bays and nearshore waters, summer flounder (fluke) are the main attraction. These hard-fighting flatfish provide accessible action from party boats, charter trips, or your own small craft. Move out to the wrecks and reefs, and sea bass stack up in impressive numbers.
But summer's real magic happens offshore. The canyons—Hudson, Baltimore, Wilmington, and beyond—come alive with pelagic species. Yellowfin and bluefin tuna patrol the edges, mahi mahi crash weed lines, and sharks lurk in the deep. This is big-game fishing within reach of day trips from New Jersey ports.
This guide covers it all—from flounder flats to canyon drops—so you can maximize every summer day on the water.
Summer Fishing Timeline: Month by Month
Summer fishing unfolds rapidly as water temperatures climb into the 70s. Each month brings new opportunities and shifting patterns.
June: The Ramp-Up
Water temperatures in the mid-60s to low 70s signal the start of true summer patterns. This is a transition month with excellent variety:
- Fluke push from bays into nearshore waters and start spreading along the beachfront
- Sea bass season opens (check current dates), with fish stacking on wrecks and reefs
- Offshore tuna action begins, particularly at Hudson Canyon's western edge
- Bluefish become increasingly common along the surf
June weekdays often fish better than weekends due to reduced boat pressure.
July: Peak Summer
July is prime time for summer fishing. Warm water (68-75°F) concentrates fish and triggers aggressive feeding:
- Fluke are established throughout the nearshore zone—drifting over sand and structure produces daily limits
- Offshore canyons heat up with yellowfin tuna, mahi, and the first makos
- Mahi appear along weed lines and debris—when the bite is on, it's spectacular
- Sea bass provide consistent action on wrecks and artificial reefs
- Bluefish blitzes increase along beaches, particularly at dawn and dusk
This is the month to book offshore trips—calm weather windows allow canyon runs.
August: Sustained Action
August continues July's patterns with some notable shifts:
- Fluke remain productive, though some fish move to deeper structure as water temps peak
- Tuna fishing peaks—yellowfin and bigeye are established throughout the canyons
- Mahi remain strong, with larger fish (15-30 lbs) more common than early season
- Shark fishing is excellent, with mako and thresher sharks in the mix
- Early fall transition begins late month as water temperatures start to drop
Late August often produces some of the year's largest tuna catches.
Species Guide: What to Target When
Fluke: Summer's Bread and Butter
Summer flounder (fluke) are the most accessible and popular summer target. These flatfish fight hard, taste great, and can be caught from shore, bays, or offshore structure.
Peak window: June through August (best in July)
Best methods: Drifting bucktails with Gulp!, live killies, squid strips
Key spots: Nearshore lumps and bumps, inlet mouths, back bay channels
Current regulations: Check current year's size/bag limits—they change annually
Yellowfin & Bigeye Tuna: Canyon Hunters
The tuna action from NJ ports is world-class. Yellowfin dominate summer catches, with bigeye providing bonus opportunities in deeper water.
Peak window: July through September
Best methods: Trolling spreader bars, chunking, jigging
Key spots: Hudson Canyon, Baltimore Canyon, Wilmington Canyon edges
Note: Bluefin tuna have strict regulations—know the rules before you go
Mahi Mahi: Weed Line Warriors
Mahi are summer's most exciting light-tackle target. When you find the fish, the action is non-stop.
Peak window: Late June through August
Best methods: Trolling small lures, casting to weed lines, live bait
Key spots: Weed lines, flotsam, temperature breaks 50-70 miles offshore
Pro tip: Keep one fish in the water when you find a school—they'll stay with their buddy
Sea Bass: Wreck & Reef Regulars
Black sea bass provide consistent action on structure throughout summer.
Peak window: June through September (season dates vary)
Best methods: Dropping clams, squid, or jigs to bottom
Key spots: Artificial reefs, nearshore wrecks, rock piles
Current regulations: Size and bag limits change—verify current rules
Bluefish: Surf & Nearshore Action
Bluefish are summer's most aggressive targets, often providing fast action when other species are slow.
Peak window: June through August (present all summer)
Best methods: Metal lures, poppers, cut bait
Key spots: Beachfront, inlets, nearshore structure
Note: Blues deteriorate quickly—bleed and ice immediately for best table quality
Where to Fish This Summer
The Canyons: Big Game Territory
New Jersey's offshore canyons hold world-class tuna, mahi, and shark fishing within day-trip range.
- Hudson Canyon - Closest canyon (65-80 miles), excellent yellowfin and mahi
- Baltimore Canyon - Premium tuna water (85-100 miles), bigeye and bluefin mixed
- Wilmington Canyon - Southernmost option, often holds warmest water and most mahi
- 17 Fathom Line - Inshore tuna grounds, makos, and early season mahi
Nearshore Waters: Fluke & Sea Bass
The 3-15 mile zone holds excellent flatfish and bottom fishing.
- Shrewsbury Rocks - Classic fluke grounds off Sandy Hook
- Barnegat Ridge - Deep water structure, big fluke and sea bass
- Atlantic City Reef - Artificial reef with excellent sea bass
- Cape May Reef - Southern reef system, productive all summer
Back Bays: Protected Fluke Fishing
Bays warm faster and hold fish earlier in summer.
- Barnegat Bay - Drift the channels for fluke, particularly around Sedge Island
- Great Bay - Excellent doormat fluke potential
- Delaware Bay - Fluke, weakfish, and croaker mix
- LBI Back Channels - Consistent fluke on outgoing tides
The Beach: Shore-Based Action
Don't overlook surf fishing during summer—bluefish, kingfish, and occasional fluke provide action.
- Island Beach State Park - Dawn bluefish blitzes, kingfish in the wash
- LBI beaches - Bluefish, small fluke in the sloughs
- Cape May Point - Evening blitzes, good bluefish action
Summer Fishing Tactics & Techniques
Fluke Fishing Tactics
Success with fluke depends on three factors: drift speed, bait presentation, and finding the fish.
- Ideal drift: 0.5-1.5 mph—use drift socks to control speed
- Bucktail weight: Match to depth—1 oz per 10 feet of water as a starting point
- Bait combinations: Gulp! Swimming Mullet or squid strips on bucktail trailers
- Work the structure: Edges of channels, slopes, and bottom transitions hold fish
Canyon Trolling Spreads
Offshore tuna trolling requires a proper spread to maximize your chances.
- Spreader bars: Run squid bars in the far positions (7-8 lines out)
- Daisy chains: Position in the middle, rigged for tuna
- Bird rigger: Short, high-riding teaser that creates surface commotion
- Trolling speed: 6-8 knots for yellowfin, slower for bigeye
Chunking for Tuna
When fish are finicky or at night, chunking often outproduces trolling.
- Anchor up: Position up-current of structure or temperature break
- Chunk line: Cut butterfish or bunker into pieces, create a steady slick
- Stagger baits: Fish at different depths—some suspended, some near bottom
- Night fishing: Bigeye feed actively after dark—glow sticks help mark lines
Finding Mahi
Mahi fishing is about finding structure and temperature breaks.
- Weed lines: Sargassum mats and floating debris concentrate fish
- Temperature breaks: Where warm Gulf Stream water meets cooler shelf water
- Color changes: Blue/green water transitions often hold fish
- Keep one wet: Leave a hooked fish in the water to keep the school around
Top Fishing Spots
Hudson Canyon
Closest offshore canyon to NJ ports. Excellent yellowfin and mahi action. Day trips possible from Belmar.
Access: Charter boats from Belmar, Point Pleasant, Barnegat Light
Barnegat Ridge
Prime nearshore structure for jumbo fluke and sea bass. 8-15 mile run from Barnegat Inlet.
Access: Charter and private boats
Shrewsbury Rocks
Classic fluke grounds off Sandy Hook. Rocky bottom holds doormats. Short run from local ports.
Access: Charter boats from Atlantic Highlands, Belmar
Atlantic City Reef
Artificial reef complex with excellent sea bass. Multiple reef sites to explore.
Access: Charter boats from Atlantic City
Great Bay
Protected fluke fishing. Drift the channels on outgoing tide. Small boat friendly.
Access: Ramps at Tuckerton, Little Egg Harbor
Related Fishing Grounds
View all 650+ grounds →Explore these offshore fishing grounds on our interactive map.
Charter Fishing Ports
Belmar
Premier offshore port. Canyon Eagle fleet runs tuna trips. Full-service with party boats and charters.
Point Pleasant
Manasquan Inlet access. Excellent fluke and sea bass charters plus offshore tuna trips.
Barnegat Light
Viking Village fleet. Short run to Barnegat Ridge for fluke. Canyon trips available.
Atlantic City
South Jersey hub. Good reef access for sea bass. Growing offshore fleet.
Cape May
Delaware Bay and offshore access. Excellent tuna fishing from southernmost NJ port.
Budget Guide
| Option | Total Cost | Per Person | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offshore Canyon Trip (private) | $2,500-4,000 | $350-650 | Split 6 ways. Fuel intensive. 12-16 hour days. |
| Offshore Canyon Trip (make-up) | N/A | $350-500 | Join an existing trip. Book early. |
| Fluke Charter (private) | $600-900 | $100-150 | Half-day trips. Good for groups. |
| Party Boat Fluke/Sea Bass | N/A | $60-85 | Walk-on. Tackle often included. |
| Small Boat Rental | $200-350 | $100-175 | Bay boats for fluke fishing. |
| NJ Fishing License | $22.50 | $22.50 | Resident rate. Non-res $34. |
Gear Checklist
Essential
- • NJ Fishing License
- • Measuring device
- • Cooler with ice
- • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- • Polarized sunglasses
Fluke Fishing
- • Bucktails (white, chartreuse)
- • Gulp! Swimming Mullet
- • Squid strips
- • Live killies
- • Fluke rigs
Offshore/Tuna
- • Spreader bars
- • Chunking hooks
- • Butterfly jigs
- • Wire leader
- • Fighting belt
Summer Comfort
- • Wide-brim hat
- • Long-sleeve sun shirt
- • Plenty of water
- • Dramamine (if needed)
- • Light rain jacket
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Drifting too fast for fluke
Baits riding above fish, reduced strikes.
✓ Control drift with drift socks. Target 0.5-1.5 mph. Adjust sinker weight to stay vertical.
Going offshore without checking weather windows
Rough seas, shortened trips, seasickness.
✓ Monitor marine forecasts 3+ days out. Canyon trips need 2-3 foot seas or less.
Not bringing enough ice for offshore trips
Fish quality deteriorates in summer heat.
✓ Bring double what you think you need. Ice fish immediately. Bleed tuna for best quality.
Ignoring structure for fluke
Drifting over barren bottom, missing concentrations.
✓ Use electronics to find lumps, edges, channels. Fluke ambush from structure.
Setting the hook too hard on fluke
Pulling bait away before fish turns.
✓ Feel the weight, let them turn, then sweep hook-set. Patience pays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best summer fish to target in NJ?
Fluke (summer flounder) are the most accessible and popular summer target, available from bays to offshore structure. For adventure seekers, offshore tuna and mahi in the canyons provide world-class fishing. Sea bass offer consistent action on wrecks and reefs.
When does tuna fishing peak in NJ?
Yellowfin tuna fishing peaks from July through September, with August often producing the largest catches. Canyon trips to Hudson, Baltimore, and Wilmington Canyons are available as day trips from ports like Belmar, Point Pleasant, and Cape May.
How much does an offshore tuna trip cost?
Private canyon charters run $2,500-4,000 for a 12-16 hour trip, which splits to $350-650 per person with 6 anglers. Make-up trips (joining an existing booking) run $350-500 per person. Book well in advance for prime summer dates.
What is the fluke limit in NJ?
Fluke (summer flounder) regulations change annually—check the current year's size and bag limits before fishing. Typically there's a minimum size around 18-19 inches and a bag limit of 2-5 fish depending on the season. Regulations may differ for party boats.
Can I catch tuna from shore in NJ?
No—tuna require offshore trips to the canyons, 50-100+ miles from port. However, bluefish provide similar hard-fighting action from shore throughout summer. False albacore (mini tuna) occasionally appear at Sandy Hook in late summer/early fall.
What is the best time of day for summer fishing?
For fluke, drifts throughout the day can be productive, though early morning and late afternoon often fish best. For offshore tuna, pre-dawn departure allows fishing at first light when bite is strongest. Surf fishing for bluefish peaks at dawn and dusk.
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