New Jersey · Jersey Shore
BLUEFIN TUNA FISHING
IN CAPE MAY
Cape May is a solid destination for bluefin tuna fishing, with good fishing in June, July, October. Book a charter and target bluefin tuna with local experts.
About Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Cape May
The Atlantic bluefin tuna is the ultimate big game fish of the northeast, with giants exceeding 1,000 pounds caught off New England each year. Stellwagen Bank and the canyons off Montauk are legendary grounds for these incredible fighters.
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna are the largest, most powerful, and most valuable tuna species in the world. These magnificent fish can exceed 1,000 lbs and are the ultimate test of angler and tackle. Their torpedo-shaped body is dark blue-black on top with silver-gray sides and a series of yellow finlets along the tail. Bluefin are warm-blooded — they maintain a body temperature well above the surrounding water, which gives them extraordinary power and stamina. Giant bluefin tuna can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars at fish markets, making them one of the most economically important fish in the ocean.
Scientific name: Thunnus thynnus
Bluefin Tuna Seasonal Calendar — Cape May
Month-by-month availability for bluefin tuna in Cape May, NJ.
How to Catch Bluefin Tuna in Cape May
Techniques & Bait
Chunking (chumming with cut herring, mackerel, or butterfish while drifting) with baited hooks at various depths is the standard technique for school-size bluefin. Live bait fishing with mackerel, herring, or whiting produces trophy-size fish. Trolling with spreader bars, umbrella rigs, and large skirted lures covers water when fish are scattered. "Green stick" fishing (a specialized rig that dangles squid-shaped lures from a tall pole) is popular on the commercial and recreational fleet. Fly fishing for bluefin on 14-16 weight rods is the ultimate challenge.
Recommended Tackle
School bluefin (under 73 inches): medium-heavy spinning or 30-50 lb conventional. Giants (over 73 inches): 80-130 lb stand-up or chair gear, Shimano Tiagra or Penn International reels, 130 lb mono or braid, wind-on leaders to 300+ lb. Fights with giants can last 2-6+ hours.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Cape May
Top spots where local captains target bluefin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
Spencer Canyon
Spencer Canyon is a deep submarine canyon approximately 80 miles southeast of Cape May where the continental shelf drops from 300 to over 3,000 feet. The canyon walls create powerful upwelling that concentrates yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, white marlin, and mahi-mahi along temperature breaks and color changes. Spencer Canyon is the closest major canyon to Cape May and a primary target for overnight offshore trips.
Wilmington Canyon
Wilmington Canyon lies approximately 90 miles offshore of Cape May, cutting deep into the continental shelf edge and attracting a wide range of pelagic species. Blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, wahoo, and swordfish patrol the canyon's walls and edges where warm Gulf Stream water meets cooler shelf water. It is one of the most productive canyons in the mid-Atlantic and a cornerstone of Cape May's offshore charter fishery.
Baltimore Canyon
Baltimore Canyon is one of the largest and most famous submarine canyons on the East Coast, lying roughly 60 miles offshore and accessible from Cape May on extended trips. The canyon's massive structure concentrates yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, white marlin, blue marlin, and longfin albacore along its edges and walls. Tournament-level catches of billfish and tuna make Baltimore Canyon a bucket-list offshore destination for Cape May anglers.
Cape May Offshore Lumps
The offshore lumps south of Cape May are a series of natural bottom rises along the continental shelf in 80 to 150 feet of water that concentrate gamefish. Yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo cruise over these features when warm water pushes onto the shelf during summer and early fall. The lumps serve as essential waypoints for charter captains running from Cape May toward the deeper canyon grounds.
Other Species in Cape May
More fish you can target while visiting Cape May.
Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Cape May — FAQ
Bluefin Tuna fishing in Cape May is productive during June, July, October.
Bluefin Tuna fishing charters in Cape May are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Chunking (chumming with cut herring, mackerel, or butterfish while drifting) with baited hooks at various depths is the standard technique for school-size bluefin. Live bait fishing with mackerel, herring, or whiting produces trophy-size fish. Trolling with spreader bars, umbrella rigs, and large skirted lures covers water when fish are scattered. "Green stick" fishing (a specialized rig that dangles squid-shaped lures from a tall pole) is popular on the commercial and recreational fleet. Fly fishing for bluefin on 14-16 weight rods is the ultimate challenge.
No — when you book a charter in Cape May, your captain provides all required New Jersey fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Bluefin Tuna regulations in New Jersey include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Bluefin Tuna in Cape May, you may also catch Striped Bass, Tautog, Bluefish, Fluke, Black Sea Bass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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