When bluefin are off Cape May
Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Cape May is a canyon-waters fishery, worked along the shelf edge off Cape May, New Jersey. Two nearshore pieces of structure also carry local names, and a short list of charters list the species. This guide covers this port only and is written for anglers running their own boat.
It covers when the fish are here, where boats run, the named grounds, how bluefin are fished locally, and who fishes for them. For biology and migration, see the species guide. It helps narrow where to look but doesn’t promise fish.
Two local sources describe the season differently, and both are reported here as stated:
- Spring and fall. Bluefin tuna fish here in spring and fall, per JP Charters.
- Peak months. Saltwater Pros gives the peak as August to October. Their Saltwater Pros Cape May breakdown is the place to check it.
The fall end of JP Charters’ window overlaps the Saltwater Pros peak. For timing beyond this port, see the Northeast regional guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast region guide).
Where boats run
Boats run to the canyon waters off Cape May. Depth is the first target, and distance follows from it.
The 100-fathom curve
Saltwater Pros points to the 100-fathom curve, about 600 ft of water. Set your plot on that line and work the edge from there. The Chart Contours layer in Breakpoint draws the 100-fathom line. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Run distance
Baltimore Canyon is about 65 miles out, per Saltwater Pros. Plan the run around that number and your own boat’s range.
Grounds and structure near Cape May
The canyons sit out on the shelf edge. Two named pieces of structure lie closer to the port. Neither is listed here as a bluefin spot; they are named grounds that show up on the chart.
Wilmington, Baltimore, Poorman’s and Spencer canyons
- Wilmington Canyon
- Baltimore Canyon: about 65 miles out, per Saltwater Pros
- Poorman’s Canyon
- Spencer Canyon
Cape May Artificial Reef
The Cape May Artificial Reef lies about 8.5 nautical miles off Cape May.
Cape May Rips
The Cape May Rips run in about 30 ft of water. They take in the Eph, Prissy Wicks, Somer, North, Gunmount, Round, Overfalls and Middle shoals.
How bluefin are fished out of Cape May
Chunking and trolling are the two methods used here. Our tuna fishing guides cover both in more depth.
Chunking
Chunking is one of the two methods used locally.
Trolling
JP Charters trolls fresh herring or mackerel and fishes its heaviest tackle for bluefin.
Who fishes for bluefin out of Cape May
These local operations list Atlantic bluefin tuna. The list is a short directory, not a ranking. If you are weighing a Cape May bluefin charter, start here.
JP Charters
JP Charters in Cape May runs a boat with twin 350 hp Mercury engines and a 6-guest capacity. It is the same operation that trolls herring or mackerel on its heaviest tackle.
Hook N Cook Sport Fishing
Hook N Cook Sport Fishing lists Atlantic bluefin tuna among its targets.
Captain Mark, Captain Experiences listing
Captain Mark’s canyon trip listing is a 16-hour canyons offshore trip. Captain Mark has 56 years of experience.
FAQ about Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Cape May
When are bluefin tuna off Cape May?
Spring and fall, per JP Charters. August to October is the peak, per Saltwater Pros.
How far out are the canyons from Cape May?
Baltimore Canyon is about 65 miles out, per Saltwater Pros. Wilmington, Poorman’s and Spencer are the other named canyons off Cape May.
What depth should I target for bluefin off Cape May?
The 100-fathom curve, about 600 ft, which Saltwater Pros points to.
How are bluefin fished out of Cape May?
Chunking and trolling. JP Charters trolls fresh herring or mackerel on its heaviest tackle.
Which Cape May charters list bluefin tuna?
JP Charters (twin 350 hp Mercury engines, 6 guests), Hook N Cook Sport Fishing, and Captain Mark’s Captain Experiences listing (56 years of experience).
