Premier Family Offshore Fishing in New Jersey

Published Date: September 25, 2025
Fishing

New Jersey
$700 - $4,000 price range

Summary

Ready for a family fishing adventure? Join Captain Rob Erickson of CMF Charters for a full-day offshore trip in New Jersey's Atlantic waters. Setting out at 4 AM, you'll cruise up to 25 miles from shore in search of exciting catches like tuna, mahi-mahi, and king mackerel. This 15-hour journey is perfect for anglers of all ages and skill levels, with room for up to 6 guests. Captain Rob provides quality gear and a friendly approach, ensuring everyone from first-timers to seasoned fishers feels comfortable and included. As you reel in your catches, you'll create lasting memories together on the open ocean. Whether it's watching a child land their first fish or seeing a parent battle a big game species, this trip offers the right mix of learning, fun, and serious fishing action for the whole family.

Premier Family Offshore Fishing in New Jersey

Family Catches of the Day

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!

Family Fishing Adventure: Tuna and More

Ready for some serious offshore action with the whole crew? Captain Rob Erickson's got you covered with this epic 15-hour family fishing trip out of New Jersey. We're talking big game fish, open ocean, and memories that'll last a lifetime. Whether you've got little ones just starting out or seasoned anglers in the family, this trip's designed to give everyone a taste of the thrill. So grab your sunscreen and let's hit the water!

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're heading out before the crack of dawn, cruising up to 25 miles offshore where the big boys play. We're not messing around - we're after tuna, mahi-mahi, and king mackerel. The boat's comfy, the gear's top-notch, and Cap'n Rob knows these waters like the back of his hand. With room for 6, it's perfect for bringing the whole gang. And don't worry if you've never held a rod before - Rob's got a knack for making sure everyone from kids to grandparents gets in on the action.

How We Roll on the Water

Alright, let's talk tactics. We'll be doing a mix of trolling and chunking, depending on what's biting. Trolling's where we drag lures behind the boat - great for covering ground and getting those pelagics fired up. When we find a hot spot, we might switch to chunking. That's when we anchor up and create a chum slick to bring the fish to us. The gear's all top-of-the-line stuff - Penn reels, custom rods, the works. And here's a pro tip: bring a light jacket. Even in summer, it can get chilly when you're bombing along at 30 knots in the early morning.

Species You'll Want to Hook

King Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast to catch. They hit hard and run like their tails are on fire. We usually find them in the warmer months, and they love to chase down trolled lures. Get ready for some serious fights - these guys can top 50 pounds!

Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these are some of the prettiest fish in the ocean. They're famous for their acrobatics when hooked, and they're just as good on the grill as they are fun to catch. We often find them near floating debris or weed lines.

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 that fool you - once hooked, they put up one heck of a fight. They show up in our waters in the late spring and stick around through summer.

Yellowfin Tuna: Now we're talking big game. Yellowfins are the athletes of the tuna world - fast, powerful, and they can weigh over 200 pounds. When we're into a school of these guys, it's all hands on deck. They're most common in the warmer months, and there's nothing quite like the sound of screaming reels when a yellowfin hits.

Bluefin Tuna: The heavyweight champs of our local waters. Bluefins are the fish that fishing dreams are made of. They're rare, they're huge, and they fight like nothing else. Landing one of these monsters is a true accomplishment. We see them more in the cooler months, and trust me, you'll never forget your first bluefin.

Why Families Keep Coming Back

Look, fishing's great and all, but this trip's about more than just catching fish. It's about seeing your kid's face light up when they reel in their first tuna. It's about friendly competition with your siblings over who lands the biggest mahi. It's about disconnecting from the world for a day and reconnecting with what really matters. Plus, let's be honest - bragging rights at the next family barbecue are pretty sweet too.

Time to Lock In Your Trip

So there you have it, folks. A full day of offshore action, quality family time, and the chance to tangle with some serious fish. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to big game fishing or just want to spend a day making memories on the water, this trip's got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait around. Give Cap'n Rob a shout and get ready for a day your family won't forget. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin tuna are the heavyweight champs of these waters. They average 200-400 pounds, but giants over 1,000 pounds show up. You'll find them anywhere from the surface down to 3,000 feet deep. Prime season is usually spring and fall as they migrate. These fish are legendary fighters - powerful, fast, and incredibly strong. They're also the most prized eating fish in the ocean. To have a shot, we'll need to locate the bait schools they're feeding on. Chunking is often the way to go - get a slick going and wait for the telltale boils on the surface. When you hook up, it's all hands on deck. These fish can easily destroy tackle and exhaust anglers. Landing a big bluefin is the pinnacle of offshore fishing - it's an experience you'll never forget.

Cobia

Cobia are bruisers, plain and simple. They average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. They show up here in late spring and stick around through fall. Cobia are opportunistic feeders and will eat just about anything that moves. They're famous for their powerful runs and stubborn fights - real shoulder-busters. The meat is excellent too, with a sweet flavor similar to swordfish. To catch one, sight-fishing is a blast. Look for their distinctive shark-like profile just under the surface. Pitch a live eel or a big jig their way. Once hooked, be ready for a long, tough battle. These fish don't give up easy, but man, are they worth it.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel are some of the fastest fish in these waters, reaching speeds up to 60 mph. They average 20-40 pounds but can grow over 100 pounds. Look for them in depths of 30-150 feet, often near reefs or wrecks. They're migratory, so prime season here is late spring through fall. Anglers love targeting Kings for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. Their firm, white meat is excellent for grilling or smoking too. To catch one, try slow-trolling live bait like mullet or menhaden. A wire leader is a must - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When a King hits, hang on tight and be ready for an epic battle. It's an adrenaline rush you won't soon forget.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll see out here. They're usually 15-30 pounds but can get up to 60. Look for them near floating debris or weed lines in the warmer months. These guys are fast growers and voracious eaters, which makes for great action. They put up an acrobatic fight, leaping and thrashing at the surface. The meat is mild and delicious - perfect for grilling. To catch them, troll with ballyhoo or squid, or cast light jigs if you spot them. A cool trick is to keep the first one you hook in the water. Others will often stick around, letting you catch multiple fish from the same school. Just be ready - when they're biting, things can get crazy fast!

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna are speed demons, capable of 50 mph bursts. They average 60-100 pounds here, but 200-pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them in the upper 300 feet of water, often following bait schools. Best fishing is usually late summer through fall. Anglers love yellowfin for their blistering runs and deep, powerful fights. Plus, they're prime eating - sushi-grade stuff. To catch one, try chunking with butterfish or sardines to get them fired up. Then drop back a live bait or toss a popper into the frenzy. When a big one hits, it'll peel off hundreds of yards of line in seconds. Be ready for a marathon - these fish can fight for hours. It's a true test of an angler's skill and endurance, but landing a big yellowfin is hard to beat.

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 15-hour offshore fishing trip is perfect for families looking to bond over the excitement of the open ocean. Setting out at 4:00 AM, you'll journey up to 25+ miles off the New Jersey coast in search of prized catches like Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and King Mackerel. The boat comfortably fits 6 guests, making it ideal for parents and kids to share in the fun together. Captain Rob provides top-notch gear and a welcoming atmosphere that puts anglers of all ages and experience levels at ease. Whether it's a youngster reeling in their first fish or mom and dad battling a big game catch, this family-oriented charter blends learning, enjoyment, and Atlantic fishing action. It's a full day of quality time on the water, creating stories you'll share for years to come.

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