World-Class NJ Tuna Fishing | Smokin Reel Charters

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Neptune City, NJ
$700 - $2,100 price range

Summary

Ready for some serious offshore action? Join Smokin Reel Charters for a 10-hour tuna fishing trip off the New Jersey coast. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and provides everything you need - from top-notch gear to chum and bait. We'll head out to where the big ones lurk, giving you the best shot at hooking into some hard-fighting tuna. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to offshore fishing, our crew's got you covered. We'll handle the technical stuff so you can focus on the fun part - battling these powerful fish. With room for up to 4 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Don't worry about bringing anything except your game face and maybe a lucky hat. We've got the rest sorted. So grab your spot on the boat and get ready for a full day of reeling in some of the ocean's most sought-after gamefish!

World-Class NJ Tuna Fishing | Smokin Reel Charters

Tuna Takedown

Striped bass, 32 inches, caught fishing in NJ

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Powerful striped bass action on the Atlantic!

A striped bass caught in Neptune City, New Jersey

Massive striped bass on a crisp Atlantic day!

Reel in Tuna on NJ's Offshore Hotspots

Get ready to chase some of the ocean's most prized gamefish off the Jersey coast! Our 10-hour tuna fishing trips are the real deal for anglers looking to tangle with yellowfin and bluefin. We'll run you out to the tuna grounds where the bite's been hot, set you up with top-notch gear, and put you on the fish. It's a full day of offshore action that'll test your skills and likely end with some epic catches in the box.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet up at the dock before sunrise, load up the boat with ice and gear, and make our run offshore. The captain's got his finger on the pulse of where the tuna are feeding, so we'll head straight for the action. Once we're in the zone, we'll set out a spread of lines and start working the area. Tuna fishing's a game of patience punctuated by moments of pure adrenaline when a fish hits. When that reel starts screaming, you better be ready for a fight! These powerful fish will test your stamina, often battling for an hour or more before you can get them to the boat. Throughout the day, we'll keep adjusting our tactics based on what's working - maybe chunking with butterfish, maybe running cedar plugs on the troll. Whatever it takes to get those tuna in the boat.

Gear and Techniques

We provide all the heavy-duty gear you'll need to land big tuna. You'll be fishing with sturdy stand-up rods paired with two-speed reels spooled with braided line. For terminal tackle, we typically run fluorocarbon leaders to 6/0 or 7/0 circle hooks. Depending on conditions, we might be chunking, jigging, or trolling. Chunking involves drifting while putting out a steady stream of cut bait to create a feeding frenzy. Jigging can be killer when the tuna are holding deep - we'll drop heavy metal jigs and work them aggressively. And trolling covers water when the fish are scattered, pulling spreader bars, daisy chains, and skirted ballyhoo. The captain will read the water and fish finder to determine our best approach for the day.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Yellowfin Tuna: These speedsters are the bread and butter of our offshore trips. Yellowfin in our waters typically range from 30 to 100 pounds, with some topping 150. They're known for blistering runs that'll have your drag singing. Yellowfin put up an incredible fight on both the initial run and again at the boat. They're most abundant from June through October, with peak action often in August and September. Anglers love targeting yellowfin not just for the fight, but also for their reputation as one of the best-eating fish in the sea.

Bluefin Tuna: The heavyweight champions of the tuna world, bluefin are the ultimate prize for many offshore anglers. These monsters can reach sizes well over 500 pounds in our waters, though most caught on our trips are in the 100-300 pound range. Bluefin are known for their raw power and endurance - hooking one often means settling in for a multi-hour battle. They're typically targeted in the cooler months, with the best action from late fall through early spring. Landing a bluefin is a bucket-list achievement for many anglers, combining the ultimate test of skill with the potential for some world-class sushi.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something addictive about offshore tuna fishing that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the anticipation as you scan the horizon for birds working over a school of fish. Or the rush when a 100-pound tuna crashes a topwater lure. Or the pride of bringing home sushi-grade fillets to share with friends and family. Whatever it is, once you've experienced the thrill of battling these ocean giants, you'll be hooked. Our trips offer the chance to test your skills against some of the strongest, fastest fish in the sea, all while surrounded by the wild beauty of the open ocean. It's a full day of action, laughs, and the potential for fish stories you'll be telling for years to come.

Top Catches This Season

This season's been red hot for tuna, with some epic days on both yellowfin and bluefin. We've had multiple trips land 50+ pound yellowfin, including a few pushing the 100-pound mark. But the real highlight was a monster 300-pound class bluefin that had the whole crew cheering after a grueling 3-hour fight. Whether you're after quantity or quality, the fishing's been on fire. We've even had a few lucky anglers complete "tuna slams" with both yellowfin and bluefin in the same trip. The offshore grounds have been alive with bait, and the tuna have been feeding aggressively. Now's the time to get out there and get in on the action!

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to feel that first run of a big tuna peeling line off your reel, don't wait to book your trip. Our offshore tuna charters fill up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to add to your personal best, or a newbie eager to tangle with your first tuna, we've got you covered. The captain and crew will put you on the fish and make sure you have the best possible shot at landing that trophy. So grab your buddies, pack some snacks, and get ready for a day of hardcore fishing you won't soon forget. The tuna are out there waiting - let's go get 'em!

Learn more about the species

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin tuna are the heavyweight champs of the tuna world. These massive fish can top 1,000 pounds, though most we see are in the 100-300 pound range. They're built like torpedoes and can hit highway speeds in the water. Look for them in the canyons off New Jersey, usually in the cooler months from fall through spring. Bluefin are prized for their rich, fatty meat - it's some of the best-tasting fish you'll ever have. Fighting one is an experience you won't forget. They're incredibly strong and can dive deep, so come prepared for a workout. Here's a local trick: when you spot them busting on the surface, try casting metal jigs or poppers. A big bluefin smashing a topwater lure is pure fishing magic. Just remember, there are strict regulations on bluefin, so we always practice catch and release unless we have the right permits.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna are powerful fish that'll test your skills. They typically range from 60 to 200 pounds, with some monsters reaching 400+. You'll find them in the warmer offshore waters, often near structures or temperature breaks. Summer and early fall are prime times to target them here in New Jersey. Anglers love yellowfin for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent table fare. When you hook one, be ready for blistering runs and deep dives. To up your chances, try chunking with fresh bait like butterfish or sardines. Toss out a steady stream of chunks, then send down a baited hook. The scent trail often brings curious yellowfin right to the boat. Just make sure you've got plenty of line - these speedsters can take off on 100-yard runs in seconds flat.

About the Smokin Reel

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercuiser

Maximum Cruising Speed: 26

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 325

Ready for an epic day chasing tuna off the New Jersey coast? Hop aboard with Smokin Reel Charters for a 10-hour offshore adventure. Our seasoned captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you right on the fish. We've got all the gear you need - from top-notch rods to the freshest bait and chum. No need to stress about the details; we take care of everything so you can focus on the fishing action. Whether you're a tuna fishing pro or trying it for the first time, this trip is perfect for anglers of all levels. Our crew will show you the ropes and share tips to improve your chances of hooking into these hard-fighting fish. With room for up to 4 guests, it's a great opportunity to bring some friends or family along for an action-packed day on the water. Tuna are known for their strength and speed, so get ready for an adrenaline rush when you hook one. Our captain's expertise means you'll have the best shot at landing these prized catches. So grab your sunscreen, pack some snacks, and get ready for an awesome day of offshore fishing. The tuna are waiting - let's go catch 'em!

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