Where to Catch Tuna off the Jersey Shore

The Atlantic continental shelf off New Jersey drops dramatically at a series of underwater canyons—ancient river valleys carved during the Ice Age. These canyons create upwellings that concentrate plankton, which attracts baitfish, which draws tuna. Understanding the canyon system is essential for understanding NJ offshore fishing.

Hudson Canyon

Hudson Canyon is the largest underwater canyon on the East Coast—an extension of the Hudson River valley running over 300 miles into the Atlantic. The canyon walls drop to depths exceeding 10,000 feet, creating an underwater Grand Canyon that concentrates marine life. The tip lies about 70 miles east of Manasquan Inlet, roughly a 5-hour run from most NJ ports.

Hudson is the workhorse of NJ tuna fishing. Its size means fish are almost always somewhere along its length—the challenge is finding where they're concentrated on a given day. Most trips focus on the canyon's western edges and the underwater lumps and ledges nearby.

Baltimore Canyon

Baltimore Canyon sits roughly 80 miles offshore and often produces excellent tuna action when water conditions are right. The canyon is smaller than Hudson but can concentrate fish more predictably. Warm water eddies spinning off the Gulf Stream frequently push baitfish and tuna toward Baltimore's walls.

Wilmington Canyon & Beyond

Wilmington Canyon, Carteret Canyon, Toms Canyon, and Lindenkohl Canyon round out NJ's offshore options. Each has its moments depending on water temperature, current patterns, and bait movements. Experienced captains work the entire canyon complex, following the fish rather than committing to a single location.

The Structure That Matters

Beyond the canyons themselves, tuna congregate around underwater lumps, ridges, and temperature breaks. The NJ offshore fishing grounds include hundreds of named structures—each with its history and reputation. Captains spend years learning which spots produce during specific conditions.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna are the bread-and-butter of NJ canyon fishing. Fish in the 30-80 pound range are common, with 100+ pounders possible. Yellowfin are aggressive feeders that respond well to trolling, chunking, and jigging. Their speed and stamina make them exceptional fighters—expect 20-40 minute battles on appropriate tackle.

Bigeye Tuna

Bigeye tuna are the canyon's deep-water specialists. These fish often hold deeper than yellowfin, feeding on squid and fish in the canyon's mid-depths. Bigeye are typically larger than yellowfin—80-200+ pounds—and fight with a dogged determination that tests tackle and angler. Night fishing and deep dropping produce the most bigeye action.

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin tuna are the ultimate prize. Giant bluefin—fish over 500 pounds—pass through NJ waters during their seasonal migrations. Smaller "school" bluefin in the 27-47 inch range are more common and provide outstanding sport. Bluefin are highly regulated with strict size limits and permit requirements.

Longfin (Albacore) Tuna

Longfin tuna appear in NJ waters during cooler months, typically early and late in the season. While smaller than other tuna species (15-40 pounds average), their white meat is prized. Longfin often school in predictable locations when present.

Trolling

Trolling spreaders and lures is how most trips locate fish. Skirted ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and plastic lures pulled at 6-8 knots cover water efficiently. Once fish are found, captains often switch to more targeted techniques. Trolling patterns vary by boat, but a typical spread includes 6-10 lines at various distances and depths.

Chunking

Once fish are located, chunking brings them within casting range. Fresh butterfish, sardine, or bunker is cut into chunks and scattered as chum. Anglers then drift chunks on circle hooks back through the slick. When tuna start popping on the chunks, the action gets intense fast.

Live Baiting

Live bait—particularly butterfish and other forage species—is deadly on all tuna species. Some boats run live wells and specifically target bigger fish with live presentations. The visual of watching a giant bluefin inhale a live bait is unforgettable.

Jigging

Vertical jigging with heavy metal jigs has become increasingly popular for targeting tuna holding in specific depths. Speed jigs in the 150-400 gram range worked with high-speed retrieves trigger aggressive strikes. Jigging is particularly effective on bigeye and yellowfin holding deep.

Night Fishing

Swordfish and bigeye tuna are most active after dark. Overnight trips often anchor up and deep-drop during nighttime hours, then troll and chunk during daylight. The variety of techniques keeps anglers engaged through 24-30 hour trips.

Choosing a Charter

Canyon trips require serious boats—minimum 40 feet with twin engines, safety equipment, and the fuel capacity for 150+ mile round trips. The best captains have decades of offshore experience and spend heavily on electronics and bait. Don't bargain-hunt for canyon trips; the quality difference is significant.

Belmar, Point Pleasant, and Barnegat Light are the primary ports for NJ offshore fishing. Each has reputable charter operations running canyon trips during the season.

Trip Length

Standard canyon trips run 24-30 hours. You'll depart between midnight and 2 AM, run 5-6 hours to reach fishing grounds, fish during daylight, and return the following morning. Some boats offer extended 36-48 hour trips that fish multiple days at the canyons. Overnight accommodations on the boat vary from basic bunks to comfortable staterooms.

Cost Expectations

Canyon trips are premium experiences with prices to match. Private charter rates run $3,000-6,000 for a standard overnight trip, more for extended trips or giant bluefin targeting. Split among 4-6 anglers, per-person costs range from $600-1,500. Some boats run "make-up" trips where individuals can book single spots.

What to Bring

• Seasickness medication (taken before departure)
• Layered clothing—it's cold offshore at night
• Rain gear
• Non-marking shoes (no black soles)
• Cooler for fish (optional—many boats provide)
• Food and drinks for 24-30 hours
• Cash for mate's tip

Physical Demands

Fighting tuna is physically demanding. Large fish require stand-up battles lasting 30-60 minutes. Sleep is limited on overnight trips. Seasickness is common even among experienced anglers. Be honest about your physical condition when booking.