NJ's Premier 15-Hour Offshore Fishing Adventure

Published Date: September 25, 2025
Fishing

New Jersey
$700 - $4,000 price range

Summary

Looking for a beginner-friendly offshore fishing adventure in New Jersey? Captain Rob Erickson's 15-hour trip is perfect for newcomers eager to try deep-sea angling. You'll head out early, traveling 25+ miles offshore on a comfy sportfishing boat built for long trips. The captain and crew are patient teachers, showing you the ropes with quality gear as you target exciting catches like Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and King Mackerel. It's a hands-on experience where you'll learn the basics while having a blast on the water. With room for up to 6 people, it's great for small groups or families wanting to try offshore fishing together. By the end of the day, you'll have gained confidence, had fun, and hopefully landed some impressive fish to show for it. It's a full day of learning and adventure that gives you a real taste of New Jersey's offshore fishing scene.

NJ's Premier 15-Hour Offshore Fishing Adventure

Deep Sea Action Shots

Hook, line, and sinker in Jersey

NJ waters, endless possibilities

Hooked on New Jersey's finest fish!

Fisherman with 13-inch catch in Lacey Township

Reeling in the big ones in NJ!

Reel in Adventure: NJ's Offshore Fishing Dream

Get ready to leave the Jersey Shore behind and head for the open ocean on this epic 15-hour offshore fishing trip. Perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike, you'll be chasing some of the Atlantic's most prized catches alongside Captain Rob Erickson. With an early start and a full day on the water, you're in for a proper deep-sea adventure that'll have you hooked on offshore fishing.

What's the Deal?

We're talking a pre-dawn departure at 4 AM sharp, so grab that coffee and let's hit it! You'll be cruising 25+ miles offshore on a decked-out sportfishing boat built for the long haul. Don't sweat it if you're new to this – Captain Rob's got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need. He'll walk you through everything from baiting hooks to fighting big fish, so you can focus on the thrill of the catch. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for a group of buddies or the family looking to make some serious fishing memories.

Gearing Up for the Deep Blue

Offshore fishing is a whole different ballgame from your typical day at the pier. We're using heavy-duty rods and reels that can handle the big boys swimming out there. You might be trolling with artificial lures that mimic baitfish, or dropping lines deep with live bait to tempt those bottom-dwellers. The boat's decked out with fish-finding tech to put you on the hotspots, and there's plenty of cooler space for your catch (and your snacks – trust me, you'll work up an appetite out there).

Fish Tales: What's Biting

New Jersey's offshore waters are teeming with some real bruisers. You've got a shot at hooking into yellowfin and bluefin tuna – these guys will give you the fight of your life. Mahi mahi (aka dolphinfish) are like the acrobats of the sea, known for their aerial displays when hooked. King mackerel are speed demons that'll make your reel sing, and if you're lucky, you might tangle with a cobia – they're built like torpedoes and fight just as hard.

The Offshore Lineup

Yellowfin Tuna: These speedsters are the bread and butter of offshore fishing. They school up in the warmer months and can tip the scales at over 100 pounds. When you hook one, hang on tight – they're known for blistering runs that'll have you pumping and winding like crazy.

Bluefin Tuna: The heavyweight champs of the Atlantic. These monsters can grow over 1,000 pounds, though the ones you'll likely encounter are in the 100-300 pound range. They're most common in the spring and fall, and landing one is a true badge of honor for any angler.

Mahi Mahi: Also called dorado or dolphinfish, these are the beauty queens of the offshore world. With their vibrant colors and acrobatic fights, they're a blast to catch. They love hanging around floating debris, so keep your eyes peeled for weed lines or floating objects.

King Mackerel: "Smoker" kings are prized for their smoking runs (hence the nickname) and their delicious meat. They're typically most active in the warmer months and are often caught while trolling at high speeds.

Cobia: These bruisers are like the linebackers of the sea. They're curious fish that often swim right up to the boat, but don't let their laid-back approach fool you – once hooked, they fight like crazy. They're most common in the summer months.

Why Anglers Can't Get Enough

There's something special about being out on the open ocean, miles from shore, with the possibility of hooking into a real sea monster. The anticipation builds as you watch those lines, waiting for that moment when a rod doubles over and the reel starts screaming. It's not just about the fish – it's the whole package. The sunrise over the Atlantic, the camaraderie with your fellow anglers, and those "you had to be there" stories that'll last a lifetime.

Time to Get Your Fish On

Look, if you've ever dreamed of battling big game fish in the deep blue, this is your chance. Captain Rob knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's all about making sure you have a killer day out there. Whether you're looking to check "catch a tuna" off your bucket list or just want to experience the thrill of offshore fishing, this trip's got you covered. The boat's ready, the fish are waiting – all that's missing is you. So what do you say? Let's make some waves and some memories. Book your spot now and get ready for a day of fishing you'll be talking about for years to come.

Learn more about the species

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin Tuna are the heavyweight champs of the tuna world, often topping 500 pounds in our waters. You'll find them anywhere from the surface down to 200 feet, usually over canyon edges or near bait schools. Spring and fall are prime seasons during their migration. Anglers dream of hooking into these giants for their incredible power and valuable meat. To target them, try chunking with butterfish or slow-trolling live mackerel. Keep an eye on your fish finder - Bluefin often show up as massive marks. When you spot them, get ready for battle. These fish can fight for hours, so make sure you're physically prepared. Local tip: if you see them busting on the surface, try casting large poppers or stick baits. The surface bite can be explosive, but it's often short-lived, so act fast when you see it happening.

Cobia

Cobia are brutes, often mistaken for sharks with their broad, flat heads. They average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them near structures like buoys, wrecks, and even rays in shallower water. Late spring through summer is prime time as they migrate. Anglers love Cobia for their powerful runs and excellent eating quality. To target them, sight-fish along the surface or slow-troll live eels near structure. When you spot one, cast a bucktail jig or live bait in front of it. Be patient - they might follow for a while before striking. Once hooked, be ready for a drawn-out battle. These fish have serious stamina. Local tip: if you see rays, there's a good chance Cobia are hanging around underneath. Cast ahead of the ray and let your bait sink - you might just hook into a big one.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel are speed demons of the ocean, typically reaching 30-50 pounds. You'll find them in the upper water column, often near structures like reefs or wrecks. These fish love warm water, so summer and early fall are prime time. Anglers get pumped about Kings for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. They're also great eating, with firm, white meat. To up your chances, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or mullet. Keep your bait near the surface, as Kings often strike from below. Watch for birds diving - that's a good sign Kings are feeding nearby. When you hook one, hold on tight and be ready for some serious action. Just remember, they've got razor-sharp teeth, so handle with care once you land 'em.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi are true showstoppers, with their vibrant colors and acrobatic fights. Most we catch run 15-30 pounds, but they can get much bigger. Look for them around floating debris or weed lines, usually in the top 100 feet of water. Summer's your best bet, when the water warms up. Folks love targeting Mahi for their aggressive strikes, aerial displays, and excellent table fare. To boost your odds, troll small ballyhoo or squid near any floating structure you spot. Keep an eye out for frigate birds - they'll often lead you right to the fish. Once you find a school, keep one hooked to draw in more. These guys are curious and will often stick around the boat. Quick tip: have a pitch bait ready for any that follow your hooked fish to the boat.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna are high-speed torpedoes, usually in the 30-100 pound range offshore. You'll find them in the upper layers of the water column, often near temperature breaks or floating debris. Late summer and fall are prime seasons when they follow the bait schools. Anglers go crazy for Yellowfin because of their blistering runs and top-notch sushi-grade meat. To target them, troll a spread of skirted ballyhoo or cedar plugs. Keep an eye out for birds working - that's a dead giveaway. When you find them, chunking with butterfish or sardines can keep them around the boat. For a real thrill, try casting poppers into a surface-feeding school. Just make sure you've got your drag set right - these guys can smoke a reel in seconds. Local tip: dawn and dusk are often the best bite times, so be ready for those early morning runs.

About the Sportfishing Boats

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yanmar

Maximum Cruising Speed: 28

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 240

Captain Rob Erickson's sportfishing vessel is your ticket to an epic day of offshore angling in New Jersey. This roomy boat comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests for a 15-hour deep-sea adventure. Built for long-range trips, it'll take you 25+ miles out where the big fish swim. You'll have all the quality gear and expert guidance needed to try your hand at catching tuna, mahi-mahi, and king mackerel. Whether you're new to fishing or looking to sharpen your skills, the patient crew ensures everyone on board has a great time and learns something new. With an early 4 AM departure, you'll maximize your time on the water and increase your chances of landing that trophy catch. It's the perfect setup for beginners to dip their toes into the exciting world of offshore fishing without feeling overwhelmed.

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