Lump off the New Jersey coast
The Deep is a deepwater structure in NJ offshore waters, identifiable by its pronounced depth profile along the continental shelf. The basin or deep zone concentrates baitfish and creates thermal refuges for tuna and bluefish during summer. Sea bass and tautog work the edges in fall. Vessels departing the NJ coast reach this ground in 2–4 hours depending on conditions.
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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The Deep 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 The Deep.
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