When bluefin are off Barnegat Light
Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Barnegat Light runs in two windows, spring (April to June) and fall (September to November), with giant bluefin in November and December. Boats typically run 20 to 30 miles from Barnegat Light at the north end of Long Beach Island. The species guide covers Atlantic bluefin tuna biology. This page covers timing, run distance, named structure with positions, local methods and the boats that fish them. Every claim is attributed to the local operator that reports it.
Spring and fall
One charter lists spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) as the bluefin windows here, and LBI Sportfishing lists bluefin as a spring and fall target out of Barnegat Inlet. The wider Northeast picture (see also the wider Atlantic Northeast guide) shows how these windows fit the coastwide run.
Late-season giants
A neighboring operator reports giant bluefin in November and December. Captain Dave’s pairs its giant bluefin trips with striper fishing on the same day.
How far boats run from Barnegat Inlet
Every distance on this page is measured from Barnegat Inlet. Local reports put bluefin 20 to 30 miles out, and one operator gives a range of 20 to 100 miles near temperature breaks or structure.
The 20 to 30 mile grounds
Hi Flier reports bluefin 20 to 25 miles from the inlet, including a 60 lb fish on the 25 mile grounds, and describes the run as 20 to 30 miles.
Temperature breaks out to 100 miles
Reel Altercation says bluefin range 20 to 100 miles out near temperature breaks or structure. A temperature break is where surface temperature changes over a short distance, and that edge is the line to look along.
Barnegat Light Reef and its wrecks
Barnegat Light Reef, which locals call "The Tires," sits about 3 miles due east of the Barnegat Light lighthouse in 45 to 60 ft. It is named structure near the port and has not been reported as a bluefin ground.
| Site | What it is | Depth (ft) | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tibor | 45 ft tug, sunk in 2023 | 50–60 (reef range) | 39 45.792 N / 74 01.191 W |
| Tuna Sub | Barge sponsored by the Forked River Tuna Club, 2002 | 50–60 (reef range) | 39 45.973 N / 74 01.459 W |
| Towboat #9 | Former USCG patrol boat, 1995 | 50–60 (reef range) | 39 45.127 N / 74 01.297 W |
| Antares | 41 ft sailboat, 1996 | 50–60 (reef range) | 39 45.067 N / 74 01.892 W |
These are reef deployment positions for planning, and the chart layers are not for navigation. The four positions load as waypoints for trip planning in Breakpoint.
Other named structure
More named structure near the port:
- Garden State North and South reefs: named reefs near the port.
- Atlantic Princess: a named wreck near the port.
- Barnegat Inlet jetty and rocks: at Barnegat Light State Park, at the inlet itself.
How bluefin are fished out of Barnegat Light
Local boats troll, jig and fish bait; Hi Flier lists all three. For more on rigging and technique, see the tuna fishing guides.
Trolling: way-back ballyhoo and spreader bars
Way-back ballyhoo on the troll is a local method, and Reel Altercation trolls spreader bars.
Jigging and bait: chunking butterfish
Hi Flier jigs and fishes bait, and Reel Altercation chunks with butterfish.
Bluefin and stripers in one day
Captain Dave’s combines giant bluefin with a striper trip in the same day.
Who fishes for bluefin out of Barnegat Light
These local charters list Atlantic bluefin tuna:
- Hi Flier Sportfishing: Dave DeGennaro signs the reports. Methods: troll, jig, bait.
- Reel Altercation Sport Fishing: Captain Rob Alter per the operator’s site. Methods: butterfish chunking and spreader bars.
- Captain Dave’s Charters: Benita J. Giant bluefin combined with stripers.
- Miss Barnegat Light: Boat name. The site has an About Captain John Larson page.
- LBI Sportfishing NJ: Lists bluefin as a spring and fall target.
- Branarchy Sportfishing: Capt. Frank is named in a customer review on the listing.
FAQ: Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Barnegat Light
When is bluefin season at Barnegat Light?
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November), per one charter. Giant bluefin show in November and December, per a neighboring operator.
How far do you run for bluefin from Barnegat Inlet?
Hi Flier reports 20 to 30 miles from the inlet. Reel Altercation puts fish 20 to 100 miles out near temperature breaks or structure.
Where is Barnegat Light Reef?
It is about 3 miles due east of the Barnegat Light lighthouse in 45 to 60 ft. Locals call it "The Tires." Its wrecks include Tibor, Tuna Sub, Towboat #9 and Antares.
What methods do local boats use?
They troll way-back ballyhoo and spreader bars, jig, and chunk with butterfish. Captain Dave’s pairs giant bluefin with stripers in the same day.
Which charters target bluefin here?
Hi Flier, Reel Altercation, Captain Dave’s, Miss Barnegat Light, LBI Sportfishing and Branarchy list Atlantic bluefin tuna.
