Ready for a real offshore challenge? Our 15-hour canyon fishing trip is the heavyweight champ of New Jersey fishing charters. We're talking serious blue-water action, targeting the big boys of the Atlantic. If you've got the stamina and the passion, we've got the boat and the know-how to put you on some of the best fishing of your life.
Picture this: You and three of your fishing buddies, way out in the canyons, over 60 miles offshore where the water turns that deep cobalt blue. We're not messing around here – this is where the real monsters swim. Marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, tilefish – they're all on the menu. We'll be leaving at the crack of dawn, sometimes even earlier, because when you're chasing these offshore giants, you've got to put in the time. Our mate's got your back the whole way, making sure your lines are set just right and you're ready when that big hit comes.
Out in the canyons, we're pulling out all the stops. We'll be using heavy-duty tackle – think 30 to 80-pound class rods and reels loaded with braided line. Trolling's the name of the game for the pelagics. We'll have a spread of ballyhoo and artificial lures skipping along behind the boat. For the bottom dwellers like tilefish, we're dropping deep with electric reels and bait. It's a mix of old-school skills and new-tech gear, and trust me, you'll need both out here.
Let me tell you, there's nothing quite like being out in the canyons. The anticipation builds with every mile we cruise offshore. You're scanning the horizon, looking for birds working or that telltale ripple on the surface. When a reel starts screaming and a rod bends double, that's when the real fun begins. It's you against some of the fastest, strongest fish in the ocean. Win or lose, these are the battles you'll be reliving for years to come.
Mahi Mahi, or as we sometimes call 'em, dorado, are like the acrobats of the ocean. These neon-green and gold rockets will put on an aerial show like you wouldn't believe. They hunt in packs around floating debris, so when we find them, it can be non-stop action. Best of all, they're just as good on the plate as they are on the line.
Grey Tilefish are the deep-water delicacy you might not have heard about. These bottom-dwellers hang out in waters 600 feet deep or more. They fight like stubborn bulldogs, and when you finally get one to the surface, you'll see why we call them the "clown of the sea" with their blue-green markings. The meat is sweet and flaky – a real treat for the dinner table.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep. These torpedo-shaped fish can hit speeds of 60 mph and when they strike, hold on tight! Known for their blistering runs and tasty white meat, landing a wahoo is always a highlight of any offshore trip. They're most common in the warmer months, but catch one any time of year and you've got serious bragging rights.
Listen, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it – this 15-hour trip is not for the faint of heart. It's a long day with early starts and late finishes. But for serious anglers looking for the ultimate offshore experience, there's nothing else like it in New Jersey. We've got the boat, we've got the gear, and we've got the know-how to put you on fish. All we need is you. So what do you say? Ready to tangle with some of the ocean's toughest fighters? Give us a call and let's get you booked. The canyons are calling, and trust me, you don't want to miss this.
Grey tilefish are bottom-dwellers we target in 250-800 foot depths. They're usually 5-8 pounds but can reach over 20. Look for muddy or rocky areas along the continental shelf. Winter's best, when they're most abundant. Anglers love 'em for their lobster-like taste. To catch tilefish, you need patience and the right setup. Use a sensitive line to detect strikes at depth. Drop your bait to the bottom and drift slowly at about 2 knots. They're not picky eaters - squid, eel, or cut bonita all work well. Here's a local trick: add a small strobe light near your bait to attract more fish in the deep, dark water.
Mahi Mahi are true showstoppers out here. These colorful fish average 15-30 pounds but can top 80. We find them near floating debris and weed lines, often chasing flying fish. Summer's prime time, but we catch 'em year-round. Folks love Mahi for their acrobatic fights and tasty meat. To land one, look for frigate birds - they'll lead you right to the fish. Troll with ballyhoo or squid, making the bait skip on the surface. Mahi hit hard and run fast, so be ready! Pro tip: have a backup rod rigged in case one breaks off mid-fight. These fish are a blast to catch and even better to eat.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the ocean, hitting 60 mph when they're fired up. They average 3-5 feet long but can grow over 8 feet and 180 pounds. We find them in open water, sometimes near oil rigs, usually 60+ feet deep. Late summer through fall is prime wahoo time here. Anglers target them for their blistering runs and delicious, firm white meat. To catch wahoo, we troll fast - 12-15 knots - with wire leaders (those teeth are no joke). Use minnow lures or skirted ballyhoo. My go-to trick is varying speeds suddenly; that often triggers strikes from following fish. Be ready for explosive hits and screaming reels when a wahoo takes the bait!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 250