When Atlantic bluefin tuna are off Sea Isle City
Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Sea Isle City runs May through November, according to Avalon Fishing Charters (Over Under). Sea Isle City is in Cape May County, and Avalon is the neighboring port that the season and canyon information comes from. For biology and general technique, see the Atlantic bluefin tuna guide.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Season | May through November |
| Source | Avalon Fishing Charters (Over Under) |
| Trip format | 12-hour standard bluefin charter |
Where and how far boats run
Moving out from Townsends Inlet, the grounds fall into three bands: the nearshore reef complex, the deep-water grounds, and the canyons.
Nearshore reef complex
The Townsends Inlet Artificial Reef lies about 3.8 nm southeast of Townsends Inlet, with Ocean City Reef adjoining it on the north side. The reef’s named wrecks are covered in the next section.
Deep-water grounds, 20 to 35 miles
Miss Avalon’s deep-water grounds are 20 to 35 miles offshore, in 100 to 175 ft of water.
The canyons
Over Under names the NJ canyons it reaches from Avalon, including Spencer Canyon and Lindenkohl Canyon. For the wider picture, see bluefin across the Atlantic Northeast (see also the Atlantic Northeast offshore fishing guide).
The run plan, in order outward:
- Townsends Inlet Artificial Reef at about 3.8 nm.
- Miss Avalon’s deep-water grounds at 20 to 35 miles.
- Spencer Canyon and Lindenkohl Canyon.
Named structure off Townsends Inlet
Three named wrecks lie on the Townsends Inlet Reef, each at 60 ft.
Fisherman’s Dream
A trawler on the Townsends Inlet Reef, at 60 ft.
Jill Adventure
A trawler on the Townsends Inlet Reef, at 60 ft.
Bay Jack
A tugboat on the Townsends Inlet Reef, at 60 ft.
| Name | Type | Depth/Distance | Relationship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Townsends Inlet Artificial Reef | Artificial reef | About 3.8 nm SE of Townsends Inlet | Holds the 3 wrecks below |
| Fisherman’s Dream | Trawler | 60 ft | On Townsends Inlet Reef |
| Jill Adventure | Trawler | 60 ft | On Townsends Inlet Reef |
| Bay Jack | Tugboat | 60 ft | On Townsends Inlet Reef |
| Ocean City Reef | Reef | Adjoins Townsends Inlet Reef on its north side | |
| Miss Avalon deep-water grounds | Reef and wreck grounds | 20 to 35 miles; 100 to 175 ft | Offshore of the reef complex |
| Spencer Canyon | Canyon | NJ canyon reached from Avalon | |
| Lindenkohl Canyon | Canyon | NJ canyon reached from Avalon |
Breakpoint chart layers are not for navigation. Use official charts when running.
How bluefin are fished locally
Over Under sells canyon bluefin trips as 12-hour standard bluefin charters. For technique, see our tuna fishing guides.
Who runs bluefin trips here
Two operators list Atlantic bluefin tuna:
- Philly Hooker Fishing Charter: Captain Mark Guldin runs a 29.5 ft Worldcat center console.
- Avalon Fishing Charters (Over Under): Sells canyon bluefin as 12-hour standard charters during its May through November season.
FAQ: Atlantic bluefin tuna out of Sea Isle City
When is bluefin season out of Sea Isle City?
May through November, according to Avalon Fishing Charters (Over Under).
How far is the Townsends Inlet Reef?
About 3.8 nm southeast of Townsends Inlet. The Fisherman’s Dream, Jill Adventure and Bay Jack wrecks lie on it at 60 ft.
How deep are the deep-water grounds?
Miss Avalon’s deep-water reef and wreck grounds are 20 to 35 miles offshore, in 100 to 175 ft of water.
Which canyons do boats reach?
Spencer Canyon and Lindenkohl Canyon, both among the NJ canyons Over Under reaches from Avalon.
Who runs bluefin charters here?
Philly Hooker Fishing Charter (Captain Mark Guldin, 29.5 ft Worldcat center console) and Avalon Fishing Charters (Over Under), which sells 12-hour standard bluefin charters.
