When bluefin are off Atlantic City
Jessie James Charters fishes bluefin in spring and fall, so plan around those two windows. Each window opens when the water says so rather than on a fixed date, so book with some flexibility.
The species guide covers where the fish go the rest of the year. For coast-wide timing, see the Northeast regional picture (see also the wider Atlantic Northeast guide).
Where boats run and the structure near the inlet
Two distances matter from this port. The named reef structure sits about 12.2 nautical miles out, while the canyon and offshore grounds are 65 to 120 miles out. Boats leaving Atlantic City run to the canyon and offshore grounds, so fuel planning should be based on the length of that run.
Canyon and offshore runs
Jersey Nutz’s 61′ boat sails from Atlantic City for 65 to 120 mile canyon trips, as listed in the Jersey Nutz canyon trip listings. Euphoria’s runs to the grounds are generally 70 miles offshore. Jessie James says the fish are often found 100 to 300 ft deep.
Atlantic City Reef
Atlantic City Reef is a New Jersey artificial reef site at 55 ft, 12.2 nautical miles east of Atlantic City. The named structure on it is charted deeper, from 80 to 110 ft, with most of it around 100 ft.
Named wrecks and patches
Seven named structures sit on or inside Atlantic City Reef:
- William Kane Reef patch: caisson gate, inside Atlantic City Reef, 92 ft, N39 14.080 W74 12.862
- Reina Wreck: tug Tobacco Pointe, Atlantic City Reef, N39 14.0381 W74 12.5675
- Morania Abaco: tanker, 110 ft, GPS 39 14.133 N, 74 12.154 W
- Blue Crown: freighter, 100 ft, GPS 39 14.138 N, 74 12.357 W
- Francis Bushey: tanker, 100 ft, GPS 39 14.203 N, 74 12.148 W
- First Lady: clam dredge, 100 ft, GPS 39 13.703 N, 74 12.486 W
- Vicki-Pat: clam dredge, 80 ft, GPS 39 15.255 N, 74 14.818 W
Save these positions as waypoints. Chart layers are not meant for navigation.
Reading conditions
The nearest NOAA station is ACYN4 (8534720), Atlantic City, NJ, at 39.357 N, 74.418 W. Check wind, wave height and period there, then look at the official forecast before the run.
How bluefin are fished out of Atlantic City
Jessie James and Jersey Nutz name four methods: chunking butterfish or sardines, live bait when available, trolling and jigging. For technique beyond local practice, see the tuna fishing guides.
| Method | Local detail |
|---|---|
| Chunking | Butterfish or sardines |
| Live bait | Used when available |
| Trolling | Covers water |
| Jigging | Works the 100 to 300 ft band |
Chunking
Chunking uses butterfish or sardines, per Jessie James and Jersey Nutz, and works the 100 to 300 ft band.
Live bait
Live bait is used when available, so build that uncertainty into your plan. The Jessie James offshore charter page lists it alongside the other methods.
Trolling
Trolling is used locally to cover water.
Jigging
Jigging is used locally and works the 100 to 300 ft band.
Who fishes for bluefin from this port
Four charter operations list Atlantic bluefin out of Atlantic City.
Jessie James Charters
Captain Mark Schrenk runs 16-hour trips. The operator lists spring and fall for bluefin.
Euphoria Sportfishing
The 60′ Custom Precision Euphoria takes up to 6 guests under Captain Ricky Wheeler. Runs to the grounds are generally 70 miles offshore.
Jersey Nutz Sportfishing
The 61′ Blackwell sails from Atlantic City on 65 to 120 mile canyon trips.
Miss Atlantic City
Atlantic City Charter Boat is a local boat that lists bluefin.
FAQ about Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Atlantic City
When is bluefin season out of Atlantic City?
Spring and fall, per Jessie James Charters.
How far do boats run for bluefin from Atlantic City?
Jersey Nutz runs canyon trips of 65 to 120 miles. Euphoria’s runs to the grounds are generally 70 miles offshore.
How deep are bluefin off Atlantic City?
Jessie James says they are often found 100 to 300 ft deep. The named structure on Atlantic City Reef is charted at 80 to 110 ft, while the reef site itself is listed at 55 ft.
What bait do Atlantic City boats use for bluefin?
Chunked butterfish or sardines, plus live bait when available. Trolling and jigging are also used.
What is the nearest NOAA station for Atlantic City?
ACYN4 (8534720), at 39.357 N, 74.418 W. Check wind, wave height and period there, then look at the official forecast.
