World-Class Cape May Tuna Fishing | 16-Hour Trip

Epic Offshore Adventure: Cape May Tuna Charters

Grab your sea legs and get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime out of Cape May, NJ! Our 16-hour offshore charter takes you right to where the big boys play – we're talking monster tuna, acrobatic mahi, and high-flying billfish. If you've been dreaming of battling a yellowfin in the deep blue or watching a white marlin light up, this is your chance to make it happen. We'll run 60-70 miles out to the continental shelf where the Gulf Stream brings in the pelagics and the action never stops. It's a long day on the water, but trust me, when you're hooked up to a 100+ pound tuna, you won't be thinking about the time!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet up before dawn at the marina – I know, it's early, but those fish aren't gonna catch themselves! Our 44-foot Henriques is a beast, powered by twin 700 HP Mercs that'll get us out to the fishing grounds in no time. There's plenty of room for six anglers to spread out and fish comfortably. Once we hit the shelf, we'll be deploying a mix of techniques depending on what's biting. Could be trolling spreader bars for yellowfin, chunking for bluefin, or even kite fishing if the conditions are right. Pack a cooler with sandwiches and drinks, 'cause we'll be out here all day chasing the bite. Don't forget the sunscreen – that offshore sun is no joke!

Techniques That Land the Big Ones

Offshore fishing is a whole different ballgame from your typical inshore trips. We'll be using heavy tackle – 30 to 80-pound class rods and reels spooled with braided line. For tuna, we often troll with a spread of artificial lures like cedar plugs and feathers, mixed with some skirted ballyhoo. When we mark a good school of fish, we might switch to live bait or chunk fishing. For billfish, it's all about the presentation – we'll troll natural baits like rigged ballyhoo or mullet on circle hooks. If the mahi are around, get ready for some light tackle fun with spinning gear and bucktails. The key out here is being versatile and ready to switch it up based on what the fish are telling us.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Yellowfin Tuna: These speedsters are the bread and butter of our offshore trips. They average 30-80 pounds but can top 200+ in these waters. Yellowfin are known for their blistering runs and will test your stamina on a long fight. They school up around temperature breaks and structure, often mixing with other species like mahi. Late summer into fall is prime time, but we can find them from June through October. The meat is prized for sashimi – nothing beats fresh yellowfin steaks on the grill after a long day of fishing.

Bluefin Tuna: The heavyweight champs of the tuna world, bluefin are the ultimate prize for many offshore anglers. These brutes can range from 100 pounds to over 1,000 in the canyons off New Jersey. They're here from June to November, with the giants typically showing up in the fall. Fighting a bluefin is like being tied to a Volkswagen – it's all about patience and technique. When we're targeting them, we'll often chunk with butterfish or sardines to bring them to the boat. Landing a bluefin is a team effort and an experience you'll never forget.

Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean. They're fast-growing and can hit 50+ pounds, but average 10-30 pounds on our trips. Mahi are surface feeders and love to hang around floating debris and weed lines. They're acrobatic fighters, known for tail-walking across the surface. The best part? They're excellent eating and we can usually catch a bunch when we find them. Look for that electric blue and gold color as they race to the boat – it's a sight that never gets old.

White Marlin: The ballerinas of the billfish world, white marlin are prized for their acrobatic displays and beautiful coloration. They average 60-80 pounds and are here from July through October. Trolling with rigged ballyhoo or strip baits is the go-to method. When a white marlin lights up in the spread, with its sail raised and bill slashing, it's one of the most exciting sights in sportfishing. These are strictly catch-and-release, but the photos and memories last a lifetime.

Wahoo: The speed demons of the ocean, wahoo can hit speeds over 60 mph and strike a lure with incredible force. They're not as common as some other species, but when we find them, it's always a highlight. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth and are known for their smoking first run that can peel off hundreds of yards of line in seconds. We target them by trolling high-speed lures or live baits. The meat is some of the best eating in the ocean – firm, white, and delicious.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the canyons off Cape May. Maybe it's the anticipation as we cruise out at dawn, watching the coast fade away. Or the moment when the spread goes off and everyone's scrambling to clear lines and get baits to the fish. Could be the camaraderie that builds over a long day on the water, or the sense of accomplishment when you finally get that big tuna to the boat after an hour-long battle. Whatever it is, this trip has a way of getting in your blood. I've had guys come back year after year, bringing their kids, their friends, making it an annual tradition. It's more than just fishing – it's an adventure, a challenge, and a chance to disconnect from the world and connect with the ocean.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're ready to test your skills against some of the ocean's top predators, our 16-hour offshore trip is calling your name. Whether you're an experienced big game angler or it's your first time venturing this far out, we'll make sure you have the trip of a lifetime. Just remember to bring your A-game, some snacks, and a positive attitude – the fish will take care of the rest. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online, and let's go find some monsters in the deep blue! Trust me, once you feel that first tuna peel off 300 yards of line, you'll be hooked for life.