New Jersey · Jersey Shore
BLUEFIN TUNA FISHING
IN POINT PLEASANT BEACH
Point Pleasant Beach 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 Point Pleasant Beach
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 — Point Pleasant Beach
Month-by-month availability for bluefin tuna in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ.
How to Catch Bluefin Tuna in Point Pleasant Beach
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 Point Pleasant Beach
Top spots where local captains target bluefin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
Mud Hole (Lindenkohl Canyon)
The Mud Hole, also known as the Lindenkohl Canyon area, lies approximately 20 miles offshore of Point Pleasant Beach where the seafloor transitions from sandy shelf to soft muddy bottom in 200 to 600 feet of water. Ling, whiting, cod, and pollock concentrate in this area during cooler months, while the deeper edges hold tilefish and monkfish year-round. The Mud Hole is one of the most historic and productive offshore fishing grounds in the entire New York Bight.
Offshore Wreck Field (Glory Hole)
The offshore wreck field 15 to 30 miles southeast of Point Pleasant Beach includes dozens of shipwrecks in 80 to 130 feet of water, many dating to World War II. These wrecks hold tremendous concentrations of sea bass, tautog, ling, cod, and pollock that use the structure for habitat and feeding. Point Pleasant's massive party boat and charter fleet runs daily wreck-fishing trips to this area throughout the year.
Hudson Canyon
Hudson Canyon lies approximately 80 to 100 miles southeast of Point Pleasant Beach, the largest submarine canyon on the East Coast and a world-class destination for pelagic fishing. Yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, white marlin, blue marlin, and longfin albacore concentrate along the canyon's walls and temperature breaks during summer and early fall. Overnight canyon trips from Point Pleasant are the signature offshore experience for serious mid-Atlantic anglers.
Toms Canyon
Toms Canyon is a smaller submarine canyon along the continental shelf edge approximately 70 miles from Point Pleasant Beach, offering concentrated pelagic fishing at a somewhat shorter range than Hudson Canyon. Yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and white marlin patrol the canyon's edges where warm Gulf Stream water intrudes onto the shelf. Charter boats from Point Pleasant target Toms Canyon as a productive alternative when conditions favor the southern canyons.
Other Species in Point Pleasant Beach
More fish you can target while visiting Point Pleasant Beach.
Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Point Pleasant Beach — FAQ
Bluefin Tuna fishing in Point Pleasant Beach is productive during June, July, October.
Bluefin Tuna fishing charters in Point Pleasant Beach 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 Point Pleasant Beach, 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 Point Pleasant Beach, you may also catch Striped Bass, Fluke, Tautog, Bluefish, Black Sea Bass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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