Ready for a serious offshore fishing trip that'll test your skills and potentially land you some monster fish? Our private overnight tuna and shark charter out of Belmar, NJ is the real deal. We're talking 14 hours of non-stop action, kicking off at midnight and running till the afternoon. This isn't your average day trip - it's a hardcore angling experience for those who live and breathe fishing. We'll be hitting the productive waters off the Jersey coast, using both trolling and chumming techniques to target yellowfin, bluefin, and mako sharks. Pack your cooler, grab your buddies, and let's get after some big game fish!
When you step aboard the XTC, you're in for an intense fishing marathon. We'll steam out of Belmar Marina under the cover of darkness, making our way to the offshore grounds where the big boys play. Once we hit our spot, it's all hands on deck. We'll set out trolling spreads at first light, dragging a mix of skirted lures, ballyhoo, and cedar plugs to entice those tuna. As the day heats up, we might switch gears and start chumming for sharks, getting your heart racing as those dorsal fins slice through the chum slick. This trip is no joke - be ready for long hours, potentially rough seas, and the fight of your life when a yellowfin or mako decides to eat. Don't forget to bring plenty of snacks, drinks, and sunscreen - 14 hours on the briny goes by quick when the bite is on, but you'll want to stay fueled up and protected from the elements.
On this overnight tuna and shark trip, we'll be using a mix of high-end gear to put you on the fish. For tuna, we'll be running a spread of 30 and 50-wide reels spooled with 80-100lb braid, matched with custom rods that can handle the pressure when a 100lb yellowfin goes deep. Our trolling spread typically includes a mix of surface lures, diving plugs, and rigged baits to cover the water column. When it comes to shark fishing, we'll break out the heavy artillery - 80 and 130-class setups with wire leaders that can withstand those razor-sharp teeth. We'll set up a chum slick and fish both on the bottom and mid-water column, using fresh bait like mackerel or bluefish to attract the predators. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time targeting these species, our crew will be there to guide you through the techniques and help you land that fish of a lifetime.
Yellowfin Tuna: These speedsters are the bread and butter of our offshore trips. Known for their blistering runs and delicious sushi-grade meat, yellowfin in our waters typically range from 30-100 pounds, with some real giants mixed in. They often travel in schools, so when we find them, it can be non-stop action. Look for them to start showing up in good numbers from June through October, with peak season usually in August and September. There's nothing quite like the scream of a reel when a big yellowfin decides to sound!
Bluefin Tuna: The heavyweight champion of the tuna world, bluefin are the ultimate prize for many offshore anglers. These fish are absolute tanks, capable of growing to over 1,000 pounds (though most we encounter are in the 100-300 pound range). Bluefin are typically targeted in the cooler months, from late fall through early spring, but can surprise us year-round. Landing one of these beasts is a true test of an angler's skill and endurance - be prepared for a long, grueling fight that could last hours.
Shortfin Mako Shark: If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, mako sharks deliver in spades. These are the fastest sharks in the ocean, known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering speed. We typically encounter makos in the 100-300 pound range, but much larger specimens are possible. Mako season usually kicks off in late spring and runs through the summer months. Watching a mako hit the spreader bars during a tuna troll or seeing one come up in the chum slick is a sight you won't soon forget. Just remember, these are serious predators - we practice catch and release with all shark species to help maintain healthy populations.
There's a reason our overnight trips are some of the most popular charters out of Belmar. The extended time on the water gives us the flexibility to really hunt down the fish, even if they're playing hard to get. Plus, fishing through the night into the next day means we hit multiple prime feeding windows, increasing your chances of hooking up with that trophy catch. Our seasoned crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and we're always adapting our techniques to match the conditions and fish behavior. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some premium tuna steaks or want the thrill of battling a mako, this trip offers the best of both worlds. Just be warned - once you experience the excitement of overnight offshore fishing, day trips might not cut it anymore!
If you're serious about your fishing and want to experience some of the best offshore action the Jersey coast has to offer, our overnight tuna and shark trip is calling your name. Remember, we're limited to 6 anglers max, so grab your crew and lock in your date before someone else does. Make sure everyone has their valid New Jersey fishing license sorted before the trip. While we hope for calm seas and hot bites, Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate - we'll only cancel for legitimate safety concerns, so come prepared for a real offshore adventure. Pack those coolers, charge your cameras, and get ready for an epic 14 hours on the water. The big ones are out there waiting - let's go find 'em!
Bluefin tuna are the heavyweight champs of the tuna world, averaging 6-7 feet and 500 pounds, but monsters over 1,000 pounds aren't unheard of. These warm-blooded fish roam from the Gulf of Mexico to New England, following bait schools. We usually find them in 100-300 feet of water, often near underwater structure or along temperature breaks. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Bluefin are known for epic battles - be ready for screaming reels and long fights. Their meat is prized for sushi, making them a bucket list fish for many anglers. Trolling with spreader bars or kite fishing with live bait are go-to tactics. Pro tip: when you mark fish but they won't bite, try jigging - it can turn the bite on fast.
Shortfin makos are the speed demons of the shark world, clocking in at 30+ mph. These open-ocean predators average 6-8 feet and 130-300 pounds, but larger ones aren't uncommon. You'll find them in the upper water column, often within sight of shore but more commonly 20+ miles out. Summer and early fall are prime time as water temps warm up. Makos are known for their acrobatic jumps and brutal fights - they've been known to leap right into boats. Chumming is key to getting them fired up. Use heavy gear - 50-80 lb class setups at minimum. Live bluefish make great bait. Watch those teeth when landing them - makos are no joke. Despite the challenge, their meat is excellent when properly prepared.
Yellowfin tuna are a prized catch off Belmar, typically weighing 60-100 pounds but can reach over 400. You'll find them in the upper 100 meters of warm offshore waters, often near temperature breaks or floating debris. These speedsters can hit 50 mph, so be ready for a fight. Late summer through fall is prime time as they follow bait schools. Trolling with skirted lures or ballyhoo is effective, but chunking can really get them fired up when they're being picky. Their torpedo shape and yellow fins make for great photos, and the meat is excellent for sushi or grilling. My go-to trick is to use light leaders - these fish have great eyesight, so 60-80 lb fluorocarbon can make a big difference in hook-ups.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: John Deer
Maximum Cruising Speed: 28
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 550