Lump off the New Jersey coast
Big-Eye is an offshore fishing ground in NJ waters, likely named for the bigeye tuna or the visual marker (buoy or structure) that defines the spot. The ground marks productive offshore bottom holding sea bass, tautog, and tuna depending on season. Offshore boats from the NJ coast target this area during summer and fall.
Click a species row to see fishing methods, regulations, and tips.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellowfin & Bluefin Tuna | Off | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off | Off |
| Bluefish | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off | Off |
| Black Sea Bass | Off | Off | Off | Off | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Off |
| Bonito & False Albacore | Off | Off | Off | Off | Off | Off | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Off |
Most charters depart from Belmar - Closest to offshore canyons
Atlantic City
Belmar
Belmar
Compare all tuna charters and book online
Check AvailabilityOffshore tackle for the canyons
Trusted by NJ charter captains
Recommended tackle for Tuna and Bluefish fishing.
50-class conventional combo for tuna trolling at the Hudson Canyon.
Heavy live-bait rod for chunking yellowfin off the Mud Hole.
4-8 oz slow-pitch and speed jigs for tuna and offshore bottom.

CAPT JAY FISHING

TitanixHook
Tuna trolling spreader bars. Short side, long side rigging-ready.

BLUEWING

BLUEWING
Padded gimbal belt + back harness for the long fight on offshore tuna.

GAFFER SPORTFISHING

QWUUYEC
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Big-Eye is known for Tuna, Bluefish, Bonito, False Albacore, Sea Bass.
Lumps are elevated bottom features that concentrate fish. They are productive for both bottom fishing and trolling.
Check recent reports to see what's biting at Big-Eye.
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