Thanks to its sprawling coastline, the “Garden State” is home to some excellent fishing all around. If you’re after bluewater monsters, deep sea fishing in New Jersey won’t disappoint! During peak season, you’ll be shocked by how close to shore they can get. We’re talking big Tuna in waters that are just about 40 feet deep.
Of course, if you’re willing to go the distance you’ll want to hit the offshore canyons some 80 miles away. Home to the biggest fish in the state, this is where you’ll really put your tackle to the test. This article is a good place to start if you’re still unsure where to dip your toes in NJ. So without further ado, let’s jump in!
Top New Jersey Deep Sea Fishing Catches
While a good number of anglers who go offshore fishing are in it for some huge Tuna at the end of the day, there are plenty of other species you can target. From acrobatic Billfish to stubborn Sharks and Mahi Mahi, you’ll certainly have your hands full. Summer is the best time to fish for most local deep sea species, with a few exceptions we’ll cover below.
Tuna
Since Tuna are the main stars of the New Jersey deep sea fishing scene, it’s only fair that we start off this section with a few words about them. Bluefin Tuna are the most popular of the bunch, and we stand with the general public on this one. You’ll usually encounter them in the 100–600 pound range, but even 1,000 lb monsters are found in the deep blue. Reeling in a big brute like that will be a highlight of your fishing career!
Next up we have Yellowfin Tuna, another staple of NJ offshore fishing. They’re smaller than their Bluefin cousins, but you can still reel in a 400-pounder if you’re lucky enough. You’re best off targeting either of these species during late summer, especially if you plan on hitting the New York Bight, whose shallow waters hold some huge fish.
Last, but certainly not least, we have Albacore Tuna. Perfect for light tackle trips, these predators will have you at the edge of your seat when you start reeling one in. The smallest of the three, they usually weigh somewhere in the 20–80 pound range. If you’re up for some Albacore action, the best time to head out would be in the fall, since they tend to stick around until November most years.
Marlin
Tuna fishing is a big deal in NJ, but there’s also plenty for Billfish fans to be excited about. White Marlin are the most common, easily beating out the competition in terms of numbers. Even so, don’t expect to run into a school of them while trolling, because they prefer to swim on their own. The best time to go after White (or Blue) Marlin is August–September, particularly if you’re fishing the canyons out of South Jersey.
Blue Marlin are a rarer sight, but an absolute delight to encounter because of it. These acrobatic creatures are the darling of so many sport anglers, and it becomes clear why the moment one leaps out of the water and shows you what it’s made of. At the end of the fight, you probably won’t have any strength left in your arms but will have gained a memory of a lifetime!
Mahi Mahi
An offshore favorite all over the US, there’s no shortage of Mahi Mahi in New Jersey either. They look great, taste even better, and are a lot of fun to catch – what’s not to like? And since you’re likely to run into them while trolling for Tuna or Marlin, they’re probably the best bycatch you could ask for.
You can find Mahi Mahi in New Jersey throughout the year, just avoid the winter months and you’re golden. The ideal time for targeting these colorful pelagics is definitely summer, and they’ll stay there until the end of October. They’re also a good pick for shorter trips since you won’t have to head too far offshore to find them.
And More
We’ve introduced you to New Jersey’s main deep sea attractions, but there are so many other species here that it’s a shame not to give them a shout-out at the very least. The first that comes to mind is certainly Swordfish. Unfortunately, you won’t find all that many in NJ, so you better count yourself lucky if you should get one on the other end of your line. These sharp-eyed fighters will give you a fight for your money and then some.
Some other fish you can run into in the deep blue waters include Mako Sharks, Wahoo, Bigeye Tuna, and more. Even if you’re not strictly going after any of these, they can be a fun diversion and sometimes a very pleasant surprise.
Best Places for Deep Sea fishing in New Jersey
When it comes to deep sea fishing in New Jersey, the best locations depend on the type of trip you’re looking to have. Your first option is to head north and fish the New York Bight. It’s perfect if you plan on a shorter trip, since reaching the fishing grounds doesn’t take more than an hour. The combo of relatively shallow water and large fish makes for some action-packed moments on board!
Your other option is to head 80–90 miles offshore where the deep-water trenches (canyons) are. Reaching the fish will take more time, so be ready to devote at least one full day to your fishing trip if you pick this route. On the plus side, this is where the biggest and baddest sea monsters will be. The trek is more than worth it.
How can I go deep sea fishing in New Jersey?
Now that you know what species you can target and where, let’s get down to brass tacks. While you don’t have to worry about things about gear and bait when fishing on a charter boat, it’s never a bad idea to climb aboard with some prior knowledge. You’ll be able to make informed decisions while your captain can focus on getting you onto some fish. If you ask us, that’s a win-win.
Trolling
Easily the most popular way of deep sea fishing in NJ, trolling is the bread and butter of bluewater trips. In layman’s terms, you’ll have several rods set up on the back of the boat that’ll drag the bait along as your boat zips from spot to spot. The choice of bait and the depth at which it’ll be suspended depends on what species you’re hoping to catch.
One rule of thumb is that bigger fish tend to be deeper in, so you’ll need some heavy-grade gear to go after Blue Marlin or Bluefin Tuna. On the flip side, trolling for White Marlin requires a lighter setup, and a lot of captains just stick with ballyhoo in terms of bait.
Jigging
While not the most obvious choice for heavyweight Tuna, jigging has become another go-to technique on the East Coast in recent years. Now that even lighter rods can take on heavier loads, it’s a perfectly valid option for targeting even big Bluefin Tuna. Essentially, jigging involves moving an artificial lure (a jig) up and down so as to mimic a struggling baitfish. Simple, yet very rewarding.
Compared to trolling, jigging is a much more involved technique for you as an angler. You’ll need endurance to skillfully work a jig throughout the day, especially when you finally feel a big bite. The best type of jig to use depends on the season and your targets for the day, so you can leave the specifics to the charter captain.
Chunking
Chunking is something you tend to see mostly on Tuna trips at night. As the name suggests, you’ll throw chunks of bait fish in the water and wait for the Tuna to have a look at what’s going on. When you finally have their attention you’ll throw in some more bait, but this time attached to a hook.
It’s as easy as it sounds, and can be incredibly effective even on slower evenings. Almost every captain in NJ will use butterfish as the bait of choice, apparently Tuna can’t get enough of them. Sometimes you won’t manage to hook one in your first pull, so just be patient and don’t give up too quickly.
Anything else I should know?
Fishing with a licensed charter captain means you don’t need to worry about having the correct paperwork, licenses, or permits. Just let the captain know what you’re after and he’ll take care of the rest, leaving you to focus on the fishing itself. Of course, you should read up on the basics for the fish you’re hoping to catch just so you know what to expect.
We’d recommend checking out the latest issue of the New Jersey Marine Digest as a good starting point. For example, while there aren’t any limits on, say, Albacore Tuna fishing, you’ll see that Bluefin Tuna have possession limits that can vary during the season.
New Jersey Deep Sea Fishing – Plenty to See, Even More to Do
Fishing has always been a popular way to get away from the hustle and bustle of New Jersey. By checking out the canyons in the deep blue, you’ll be taking things to the next level. Play your cards right, and you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular catch at the end of the day. Sounds like a great deal if you ask us!
Did you have a chance to go deep sea fishing in New Jersey? Any stories to share, or trophies to brag about? Let us know in the comments below.
