When yellowfin are off Barnegat Light
This briefing is for anglers running their own boat for yellowfin tuna out of Barnegat Inlet, at the north end of Long Beach Island. The Barnegat Light port page covers the inlet, ramps and conditions. For biology and the general picture, see the yellowfin tuna species guide.
Season window
Reel Altercation puts the yellowfin season off Barnegat Light at June through October.
Peak months
August and September are the peak, per Reel Altercation, and most trips are planned around them.
How far boats run
Reel Altercation runs 30 to 60 miles out for yellowfin and also runs canyon trips. For the wider offshore picture beyond this port, see the Atlantic Northeast yellowfin guide (see also the wider Atlantic Northeast guide). Before committing to the run, check the NWS marine forecast for ANZ451 and the Barnegat NDBC waverider buoy.
The two trip types compare as follows:
| Trip | Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Day trip | 30 to 60 miles out | Reel Altercation |
| Canyon trip | Longer range | Reel Altercation |
The 30 to 60 mile day
Reel Altercation’s day-trip grounds are 30 to 60 miles out, well past the near-shore reef about 3 miles off the lighthouse.
Canyon trips
Reel Altercation also runs canyon trips from this port. They are the longer-range option, and the operator can give specifics.
Grounds and structure near Barnegat Light
The port’s named local structure is the Barnegat Light Reef complex, in 45 to 60 ft about 3 miles due east of the lighthouse. Every run passes it on the way to the 30 to 60 mile grounds. It is a landmark and local structure; we are not saying yellowfin hold there.
The structure around the port:
- Barnegat Light Reef, locally "The Tires"
- Four named wrecks on the reef
- Garden State North and South reefs
- Atlantic Princess
- The Barnegat Inlet jetty and rocks
Barnegat Light Reef (The Tires)
Locals call it "The Tires." It sits in 45 to 60 ft, about 3 miles due east of the Barnegat Light lighthouse, and is the first named structure on any run out.
Wrecks on the reef
Four named vessels sit on the reef in the 50 to 60 ft range.
| Name | Type and year | Depth | Coordinates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tibor | 45 ft tug, sunk 2023 | 50 to 60 ft (reef range) | 39 45.792 N / 74 01.191 W |
| Tuna Sub | Barge sponsored by the Forked River Tuna Club, 2002 | 50 to 60 ft (reef range) | 39 45.973 N / 74 01.459 W |
| Towboat #9 | Former USCG patrol boat, 1995 | 50 to 60 ft (reef range) | 39 45.127 N / 74 01.297 W |
| Antares | 41 ft sailboat, 1996 | 50 to 60 ft (reef range) | 39 45.067 N / 74 01.892 W |
These coordinates plot directly on a chart. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Garden State North and South reefs
The Garden State North and South reefs are nearby named reef sites, and boats reference them alongside Barnegat Light Reef.
Atlantic Princess
The Atlantic Princess is named local structure off the port, known locally by that name.
Barnegat Inlet jetty
The jetty and rocks at Barnegat Light State Park are the inlet structure every run passes. The port page has the inlet details.
How yellowfin are fished here
Reel Altercation jigs at first light, then trolls as the day heats up, with chunking and bait fishing as conditions dictate. For rigging and technique, see our tuna fishing guides.
The local sequence runs like this:
- First light: jig.
- As the day heats up: switch to trolling.
- As conditions dictate: chunk or fish bait.
Jigging at first light
Per Reel Altercation, jigging opens the day and is the first method on the water.
Trolling as the day heats up
The switch to the troll comes as the day warms, per Reel Altercation. Trolling is one of the methods listed locally for yellowfin out of this port.
Chunking and bait
Chunking and bait fishing are used as conditions dictate, alongside trolling and jigging in the local mix.
Who fishes for yellowfin from this port
These operators list yellowfin tuna out of Barnegat Light:
- Miss Barnegat Light charter boat: The site lists an About page for Captain John Larson.
- Reel Altercation Sport Fishing: Captain Rob Alter, the source of the season, distance and method sequence above.
- LBI Sportfishing in Barnegat Light: Lists yellowfin tuna out of this port.
- Captain Dave’s Charters: The boat is the Benita J.
- Hi Flier Sportfishing: Reports are signed by Dave DeGennaro.
- Branarchy Sportfishing: Capt. Frank, as named in a customer review on the listing.
FAQ: yellowfin tuna out of Barnegat Light
When is yellowfin season out of Barnegat Light?
June through October, per Reel Altercation.
What are the peak months?
August and September, per Reel Altercation.
How far do boats run for yellowfin?
For yellowfin tuna fishing out of Barnegat Light, Reel Altercation runs 30 to 60 miles out.
Are there canyon trips from Barnegat Light?
Yes. Reel Altercation also runs canyon trips from this port.
How are yellowfin fished here?
Jigging at first light, then trolling as the day heats up. Chunking and bait fishing are used as conditions dictate.
Where is "The Tires"?
It is the local name for Barnegat Light Reef, in 45 to 60 ft about 3 miles due east of the lighthouse.
