When bluefin are around Belmar
Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Belmar follows two patterns: the Chicken Canyon bite in July and August, and trolling in the Mud Hole in fall. For species behavior and biology, see our Atlantic bluefin tuna guide. For the range-wide view, read the wider Northeast picture (see also the Atlantic Northeast fishing guide). For the harbor itself, use the Belmar port guide. Run distances on this page are given from Manasquan Inlet.
| Window | Ground | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| July and August | Chicken Canyon | Roughly 56 miles out of Manasquan Inlet |
| Fall | Mud Hole | Trolling |
Chicken Canyon in July and August
The Chicken Canyon bite runs in July and August, roughly 56 miles out of Manasquan Inlet. Plan it as a full offshore canyon day rather than a nearshore trip.
Fall in the Mud Hole
In fall the fishery moves to the Mud Hole, where boats troll.
Where Belmar boats run
Boats from this port fish five destinations for bluefin, from the inshore ridge out to the far edge of the canyon run:
- Klondike: the underwater ridge beneath the Sea Girt Reef.
- Mud Hole: the fall trolling ground.
- Glory Hole
- Resor Wreck
- Chicken Canyon: roughly 56 miles out of Manasquan Inlet, and the July and August ground.
The Klondike is covered along with the reefs in the next section.
Grounds and structure off Belmar
The structure runs from the inshore reefs out to the Mud Hole wrecks. Depths and positions are below.
| Name | Depth (ft) | Location note |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Girt Reef | 60 to 75 | 3.6 nautical miles off Sea Girt, on top of the Klondike |
| Klondike | – | Underwater ridge under the Sea Girt Reef |
| Shark River Reef | 125 | 15.6 nautical miles off Manasquan |
| Stolt Dagali | 130 | Near Shark River Reef, close to the Mud Hole edge |
| Mud Hole | 240 (bottom) | – |
| Arundo | 90 to 150 | Eastern end of the Mud Hole |
| Oil Wreck (Ayuruoca) | 170 | In the Mud Hole |
| IP Goulandris | 190 | Midway through the Mud Hole |
Mark these wrecks and reefs as waypoints, then read the edges around them with Chart Contours. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Sea Girt Reef and the Klondike
Sea Girt Reef lies in 60 to 75 ft, 3.6 nautical miles off Sea Girt. It is built on top of the Klondike, an underwater ridge, which is what makes this bottom worth attention.
Shark River Reef and the Stolt Dagali
Shark River Reef holds 125 ft, 15.6 nautical miles off Manasquan. The Stolt Dagali sits in 130 ft near the reef, close to the Mud Hole edge, which links the reef to the Mud Hole.
Mud Hole wrecks: Arundo, Oil Wreck (Ayuruoca), IP Goulandris
The Mud Hole bottoms at 240 ft. Three wrecks mark it, listed here from east to middle:
- Arundo: eastern end, 90 to 150 ft.
- Oil Wreck (Ayuruoca): 170 ft.
- IP Goulandris: midway through, 190 ft.
How bluefin are fished here
Local boats use four approaches. For tackle and technique beyond this port, see our tuna fishing guides.
Trolling
The local spread is cedar plugs, jets and spreader bars. Fall fishing in the Mud Hole is done by trolling.
Run and gun
Boats also run and gun with Hogy Pro Tails and NLBNs.
Butterfly jigs
Butterfly jigs are part of the local kit.
Scallop baits at Chicken Canyon
Some anglers have bartered with scallop draggers for scallops to use as hook baits at Chicken Canyon.
Who fishes for bluefin out of Belmar
These local charters list Atlantic bluefin tuna.
Golden Eagle
Golden Eagle operates from Belmar Marina.
XTC Sportfishing
XTC Sportfishing out of Belmar is run by Captain Scott Kulaszewski.
Fin-ominal Charters
Fin-ominal Charters, with Capt. Jared, runs a 55 foot Custom Carman and a 101 foot Custom Sport Yacht.
Canyon Eagle Fishing Charters
Canyon Eagle Fishing Charters operates Canyon Eagle I, a 42 foot Bertram that takes six guests.
Way Overboard Sport Fishing
Way Overboard Sport Fishing runs a USCG-certified offshore vessel.
FAQ: Atlantic bluefin tuna out of Belmar
How far is Chicken Canyon from Manasquan Inlet?
Roughly 56 miles out of Manasquan Inlet. The bluefin tuna fishing out of Belmar at the canyon runs in July and August.
When is the Chicken Canyon bite?
July and August. Some anglers use scallops bartered from scallop draggers as hook baits there.
What depths are the Mud Hole wrecks in?
- Arundo: 90 to 150 ft, at the eastern end.
- Oil Wreck (Ayuruoca): 170 ft.
- IP Goulandris: 190 ft, midway through.
- The Mud Hole bottoms at 240 ft.
What do locals troll for bluefin?
Cedar plugs, jets and spreader bars. Fall fishing in the Mud Hole is done by trolling.
Which Belmar charters target bluefin?
Golden Eagle, XTC Sportfishing, Fin-ominal Charters, Canyon Eagle Fishing Charters and Way Overboard Sport Fishing.
