Tuna Fishing NJ
Chase yellowfin, bluefin, and bigeye tuna in the offshore canyons. The ultimate offshore adventure awaits 60-70 miles from the Jersey Shore.
Tuna fishing in New Jersey is a bucket-list experience. Each summer, yellowfin tuna flood the offshore canyons 60-80 miles from the coast, with fish regularly exceeding 50-80 pounds. Add the chance at giant bluefin, bigeye tuna, and the occasional marlin, and you have world-class offshore fishing just hours from New York and Philadelphia.
Book a Tuna Charter
Fish with experienced offshore captains who know the canyons. Overnight trips, state-of-the-art equipment, and the adventure of a lifetime.
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Tuna Species in NJ Waters
Yellowfin Tuna
Primary Target • June-September
The most common tuna in NJ waters during summer. Fish range from 30-100+ pounds, with 50-70 pounders being typical. Found in the canyons trolling or chunking.
Bluefin Tuna
Trophy Fish • May-June, Oct-Nov
The most prized tuna, with fish exceeding 200+ pounds not uncommon. Spring and fall runs bring bluefin closer to shore. Heavily regulated with strict quotas.
Bigeye Tuna
Deep Dweller • July-September
Less common but highly prized for sashimi. Found deeper in the water column, often caught while chunking in the canyons. Can exceed 150 pounds.
The Offshore Canyons
Tuna fishing in NJ means fishing the underwater canyons along the continental shelf edge. These deep-water features concentrate baitfish and create ideal hunting grounds for tuna, marlin, and other pelagic species.
Hudson Canyon
65-80 milesThe closest major canyon to most NJ ports. Primary target for yellowfin and bigeye.
Toms Canyon
55-65 milesSlightly closer, good for yellowfin and mahi when conditions are right.
Wilmington Canyon
70-90 milesPopular from Cape May. Known for big yellowfin and white marlin.
Baltimore Canyon
80-100 milesMajor canyon further south, accessed from Cape May for multi-day trips.
Book a Tuna Charter
These ports offer dedicated offshore tuna charters with experienced captains and boats equipped for the long run to the canyons:
Belmar
Canyon Eagle Fleet - Premier offshore specialists with overnight capability
65 miles to Hudson Canyon
View charters →Cape May
Closest NJ port to southern canyons, world-class tuna and marlin
60 miles to Wilmington Canyon
View charters →Atlantic City
Farley State Marina hosts offshore fleet with canyon access
70 miles to Hudson Canyon
View charters →Book a Fishing Charter
Book online through FishingBooker
What to Expect on a Tuna Trip
Day Trip (Full Day Offshore)
- Departure: 4:00-5:00 AM
- Run time: 3-4 hours each way
- Fishing time: 4-6 hours
- Return: 5:00-7:00 PM
- Cost: $1,500-2,000 (private charter)
- Best for: Inshore bluefin, closer yellowfin
Overnight Canyon Trip
- Departure: Evening (8:00-10:00 PM)
- Run time: Overnight to canyons
- Fishing time: Full day (8-12 hours)
- Return: Following evening
- Cost: $2,500-3,500 (private charter)
- Best for: Yellowfin, bigeye, marlin
Month-by-Month Tuna Calendar
May
⭐⭐⭐Bluefin Tuna (inshore)
Spring bluefin run begins. Fish 20-40 miles out. Cooler weather, rougher seas.
💡 Best for giant bluefin. Strict regulations - book with experienced captains.
June
⭐⭐⭐⭐Bluefin + early Yellowfin
Bluefin continues. Yellowfin start showing in canyons. Water warming up.
💡 Good value month - fewer crowds than July/August.
July
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Yellowfin Tuna (peak)
Prime yellowfin season. Canyon trips produce consistently. Mahi bonus.
💡 Book 3-4 weeks ahead. Best weather for offshore trips.
August
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Yellowfin + Bigeye
Peak continues. Bigeye in the mix. Hottest month - leave early.
💡 Overnight trips maximize fishing time in best conditions.
September
⭐⭐⭐⭐Yellowfin + early Bluefin
Yellowfin still strong. Fall bluefin starting. Weather can be variable.
💡 Fewer crowds, still great fishing. Watch weather forecasts.
October
⭐⭐⭐Bluefin Tuna (fall run)
Fall bluefin run. Yellowfin tapering off. Cooler, rougher conditions.
💡 For hardcore anglers. Be prepared for weather cancellations.
🤢 Seasickness Survival Guide
Canyon trips mean 3-4 hours of open ocean each way. Seasickness prevention is NOT optional.
Week Before
- →Get plenty of sleep - exhaustion worsens seasickness
- →Avoid heavy drinking for 3-4 days before
- →Practice on shorter boat trips if possible
Night Before
- →Take Dramamine or Bonine before bed
- →No alcohol at all
- →Light dinner - avoid greasy, acidic foods
- →Get 8+ hours of sleep
Morning Of
- →Take second dose 1 hour before departure
- →Light breakfast: toast, banana, crackers
- →Avoid coffee - can upset stomach
- →Bring ginger candies for the boat
On the Boat
- →Stay on deck in fresh air during the run out
- →Watch the horizon, not your phone
- →Stay near the center of the boat
- →Keep busy - help with lines, watch for birds
💰 Full Trip Budget (Overnight Canyon)
Real costs for a canyon tuna trip - not just the charter fee:
Charter fee (overnight canyon)
Split 5-6 ways = $400-700/person
$2,500-3,500
Crew tip (15-20%)
Essential - split among group
$400-600
Food/drinks for trip
Bring your own cooler with snacks
$30-50
Seasickness meds
Dramamine or Bonine - don't skip!
$10-15
Fish processing (optional)
Fillet and vacuum seal your catch
$50-100
Cooler for catch
Large cooler with ice for transport
Bring your own
Gas to marina
Shore marinas are 60-90 min from NYC/Philly
$20-40
Worth every penny for a cooler full of yellowfin
Common Tuna Fishing Mistakes
Booking a canyon trip as your first offshore experience
12-14 hour trip with 3-4 hours of rough open ocean each way. If you get sick, there's no going back.
Fix: Start with an inshore trip (4-6 hours, calmer water). Work up to overnight canyon trips.
Skipping seasickness prevention
Seasickness 60 miles offshore is brutal. Can't fish, can't escape, ruins expensive trip.
Fix: Take Dramamine night before AND morning of. Bring backup meds. Even experienced boaters get sick offshore.
Not bringing enough layers
It's 10-15°F cooler offshore. Overnight trips get cold. Wet = miserable.
Fix: Bring fleece, rain jacket, extra socks. Dress for 55°F even in summer. Better too warm than freezing.
Forgetting cash for the crew tip
Awkward moment after an amazing trip. Crew works incredibly hard.
Fix: Budget 15-20% of charter cost for tip. Split among group. Bring cash - no Venmo at sea.
Not coordinating with your group on the split
Last-minute dropouts mean everyone pays more. Confusion on costs.
Fix: Collect deposits from everyone before booking. Have a group chat. Confirm 1 week out.
Tuna Charter Pricing
Full-Day Offshore
$1,500 - $2,000
Private charter (up to 6 anglers)
Overnight Canyon
$2,500 - $3,500
24+ hour expedition
What's Included
- • All tackle and bait
- • Fuel for the trip
- • Fish cleaning
- • Ice for your catch
Tip: Budget 15-20% for crew gratuity. Bring snacks, drinks, and seasickness medication. Some boats offer split/shared trips at lower per-person rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for tuna fishing in NJ?
Peak yellowfin tuna season runs from June through September, with July and August being the most consistent months. Bluefin tuna can be caught in spring (May-June) and fall (October-November). Giant bluefin occasionally appear in winter.
How much does a tuna charter cost in NJ?
Full-day offshore tuna trips run $1,500-2,000 for a private charter. Canyon trips (60-70 miles offshore) cost $2,500-3,500 and are often overnight expeditions. Some boats offer shared/split trips at lower per-person rates.
How far offshore do NJ tuna charters go?
Inshore tuna (mostly bluefin in spring) can be found 20-40 miles out. Yellowfin and bigeye tuna require trips to the offshore canyons - typically 60-70+ miles from port. This means early departures or overnight trips.
What tuna species can you catch in New Jersey?
Yellowfin tuna are the primary target in summer, with fish ranging from 30-80+ pounds. Bluefin tuna appear in spring and fall, with some exceeding 200 pounds. Bigeye tuna are occasional catches in the canyons, along with longfin (albacore).
What should I bring on a tuna charter?
Bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, and layers (it's cooler offshore). Seasickness medication is strongly recommended - take it the night before. Bring snacks and drinks. The boat provides all fishing tackle. Bring cash for tips (15-20%).
Do I need a fishing license for tuna fishing in NJ?
You need a free NJ Saltwater Registry, but charter boats typically include this in their fees. For highly migratory species like bluefin tuna, the captain must have the appropriate HMS permits - reputable charters will have these.
Book Your Tuna Adventure
The canyons are calling. Book an offshore charter and experience world-class tuna fishing just hours from the Jersey Shore.
Powered by FishingBooker • Secure online booking • Free cancellation on most trips
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more