New Jersey Deep Sea Fishing Charters

New Jersey Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Best Deep Sea Fishing Charters in New Jersey

New Jersey: 103 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(59 reviews)
Atlantic City
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $450
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(99 reviews)
Cape May
 Instant Confirmation
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(7 reviews)
Belmar
 Instant Confirmation
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(133 reviews)
Point Pleasant Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $160

Deep Sea Fishing in New Jersey

If you’ve never tried the deep sea fishing NJ has access to, we can sum it up in two words: fast and furious. New Jersey’s bluewater season only lasts a few months but when it’s good, it’s really good. Blue and White Marlin keep even the most skilled sportfishers locked into their fighting chairs, while monster Blue and Mako Sharks put heavy tackle to the test. 
 
But the most famous fish in the area have to be Tuna. Bluefin, Yellowfin, Bigeye, Albacore – they’re all here and they’re looking for a fight. Throw in a few Swordfish lurking in the deep, and you have one of the toughest and tastiest lineups imaginable.

What to Expect from a Deep Sea Fishing Trip

New Jersey’s best big game action takes place out at the canyons, some 80 miles offshore. These deep-water trenches take a while to get to, but you can count on a full cast of Tuna, Sharks, and Marlin when you get there. The Hudson Canyon is the go-to spot in North Jersey, while the Wilmington and Baltimore Canyons cater to towns further south. 
 
You don’t have to travel that far for to find great fishing, though. The New York Bight holds Bluefin Tuna in just 60-90 feet of water in the fall. Makos don’t come quite as close, but can be found in the deeper Bight waters along the path of the Hudson River. This means you could be hooked on 500-pound fish within an hour of leaving the dock in Point Pleasant or Highlands.
 
The long runs are less avoidable in southern towns like Brigantine and Atlantic City. Twelve-hour trips are the minimum here, and overnight charters are common. The upside of fishing in South Jersey is you won’t have to compete with every angler in the greater NYC area. It’s all down to how much time you have.

Fishing Techniques

Trolling is the main way of catching Marlin in New Jersey. You can work your way through huge changes in depth by zig-zagging across the canyons. This makes them perfect trolling territory. You’ll need serious heavy trolling rods to target Blue Marlin, but switching down to lighter gear (somewhere in the 50-pound range) will let you target Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and White Marlin all at once.
 
Marlin aside, most guides pack up their trolling gear once the waters get warm and start chunking instead. Mackerel and Herring work well for Tuna, while Bluefish are the go-to Shark bait thanks to their famously-strong scent. Whatever you’re going after, the first step is to chum the water to alert nearby hunters. Once you start throwing baits in, every fish for miles around will want to find out what’s happening.
 
However you fish, you’re in for an awesome time. New Jersey has some of the biggest fish and most experienced captains in the country. So next time you’re planning your summer vacation, remember that there’s more to the Garden State than boardwalks, beaches, and Jersey Shore.
New Jersey
Excellent
4.5 / 5
Based on 26,609 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Deep Sea Fishing in New Jersey

Clam or squid as bait on a hook thatโ€™s not too big but not to small with a 6 or more oz sinker at the bottom of your rig
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Clam or squid as bait on a hook thatโ€™s not too big but not to small with a 6 or more oz sinker at the bottom of your rig
Victor  C.
Victor C. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Book a short trip and get information from the Captain about future trips.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book a short trip and get information from the Captain about future trips.
Rebecca  C.
Rebecca C. Bayberry, NY
Yes I would recommend fishing stripers for the first time in May. Jason from the Janie k sportfishing was excellent so was his deck hand both very knowledgeable and both went the extra mile for you to make sure you were comfortable and caught the fish you wanted.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes I would recommend fishing stripers for the first time in May. Jason from the Janie k sportfishing was excellent so was his deck hand both very knowledgeable and both went the extra mile for you to make sure you were comfortable and caught the fish you wanted.
Joseph  S.  I.
Joseph S. I. Hopatcong, NJ
Trust the captain. This was an excellent year for stripers so far. When you book they will be honest on what the conditions are like.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Trust the captain. This was an excellent year for stripers so far. When you book they will be honest on what the conditions are like.
Paul  M.
Paul M. Randolph, NJ
You can't predict the fish bite. I have been on this water when it's incredible. I have also been on this water when it's slow. Find the right captain and boat like we did and even if the fish are not cooperating you will have a great trip.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
You can't predict the fish bite. I have been on this water when it's incredible. I have also been on this water when it's slow. Find the right captain and boat like we did and even if the fish are not cooperating you will have a great trip.
Jared  B.
Jared B. Reading, PA
Start your morning with a Taylor ham egg and cheese sandwich from south side 35 diner on the way.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Start your morning with a Taylor ham egg and cheese sandwich from south side 35 diner on the way.
Joel  T.
Joel T. New York, NY
Very nice place, my first time there and liked the setup. Lots of parking but get there early
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Very nice place, my first time there and liked the setup. Lots of parking but get there early
Peter  L.
Peter L. Colonia, New Jersey
Maybe not for beginners - given nyc harbor waters are very rough given the boat traffic
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Maybe not for beginners - given nyc harbor waters are very rough given the boat traffic
Christopher  C.
Christopher C. Denver, CO
Go far offshore if you can. May be spotty close to the reef at this time of year. Better to spend 2x and go big than 1x and go home unsatisfied.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Go far offshore if you can. May be spotty close to the reef at this time of year. Better to spend 2x and go big than 1x and go home unsatisfied.
Alexander  S.
Alexander S. Katonah, NY
Go out early to enjoy the breeze & finish up when the sun starts to peep out!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Go out early to enjoy the breeze & finish up when the sun starts to peep out!
Jennifer  T.
Jennifer T. Egg Harbor, New Jersey
Make sure you take your motion sickness pills before you go LOL but most importantly just having a good time
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure you take your motion sickness pills before you go LOL but most importantly just having a good time
Israel  G.
Israel G. Philadelphia, PA
I definitely recommend going out early to beat the rush, and booking with Hook and Fin Fishing charters.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I definitely recommend going out early to beat the rush, and booking with Hook and Fin Fishing charters.
Christina  M.
Christina M. Hazlet, NJ
Call, Google, fax, send an email...only book with Tying Knots!!! Excellent Crew!! You will not be disappointed!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Call, Google, fax, send an email...only book with Tying Knots!!! Excellent Crew!! You will not be disappointed!!
Torka  C.
Torka C. Syracuse, NY
Get a captain like Michael Decarlo who is experienced in the waters and knows where to find the fish
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Get a captain like Michael Decarlo who is experienced in the waters and knows where to find the fish
Monika  E.
Monika E. Newark, NJ
I would suggest asking the captain what is running when you arrive, you will not be disappointed!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I would suggest asking the captain what is running when you arrive, you will not be disappointed!
John  V.  H.
John V. H. Ithaca, New York
Ask to see what is in season and target that. Work the location in with the targeted fish as well.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Ask to see what is in season and target that. Work the location in with the targeted fish as well.
Paul  S.
Paul S. Lysander, NY
If the west wind is blowing, make sure you bring fly spray, or clothing to cover your legs. They find you, even miles offshore!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If the west wind is blowing, make sure you bring fly spray, or clothing to cover your legs. They find you, even miles offshore!
Tish  C.
Tish C. Cape May Court House, NJ
Captain Mac was a good boating experience, we did catch fish, but I was hoping for flounder.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Captain Mac was a good boating experience, we did catch fish, but I was hoping for flounder.
Linda  D.
Linda D. Sewell, NJ
Bring sunscreen and bug spray. Take something before you board the boat if you are prone to getting sick. The motion of the boat out in the ocean can get you. Also, drink lots of water if itโ€™s hot and bring a cooler with drinks and food. Have fun!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring sunscreen and bug spray. Take something before you board the boat if you are prone to getting sick. The motion of the boat out in the ocean can get you. Also, drink lots of water if itโ€™s hot and bring a cooler with drinks and food. Have fun!
Tim  K.
Tim K. Clementon, NJ
Know what fish are in and biting Check restraints for breakfast, some are closed for the season
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Know what fish are in and biting Check restraints for breakfast, some are closed for the season
Jon  D.
Jon D. Broomall, PA

Top Targeted Deep Sea Fishing Species in New Jersey