When Bluefin Are Around Beach Haven
Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Beach Haven runs in two windows: the tuna program from June through October, and giant bluefin and striped bass combo trips from November to early December. Beach Haven sits on southern Long Beach Island (LBI), and boats reach the ocean through Little Egg Inlet.
This page covers the season, how far boats run, the named structure near the port, local methods, and who fishes here. Biology and general tactics are in our Atlantic bluefin tuna guide.
June to October
The tuna program runs June through October, according to the local charter’s trip descriptions. Canyon runs fall in this window, and the next section covers how far they go.
Giants and Stripers, November to Early December
Giant bluefin and striped bass combo trips run November to early December. Because the summer program and the late-fall combo are separate windows, a trailered boat fishes one or the other.
| Window | Months | What runs |
|---|---|---|
| Tuna program | June through October | Canyon and giant bluefin grounds |
| Giant and striped bass combo | November to early December | Giant bluefin and striped bass combo trips |
How Far Boats Run
Boats out of Beach Haven run two different distances: about 10 to 20 miles to the giant bluefin grounds, and out to the canyons from Hudson to Wilmington. Both runs go through Little Egg Inlet, and both belong to the June through October program.
Giant Grounds, 10 to 20 Miles
The giant bluefin grounds sit about 10 to 20 miles out, beyond the inshore reef structure covered in the next section.
Hudson to Wilmington Canyons
The canyon grounds run from Hudson Canyon to Wilmington Canyon, according to Captain Dave’s trip descriptions. For the wider picture, see bluefin across the Northeast (see also the Atlantic Northeast offshore fishing guide).
Check the NWS coastal waters forecast before any run.
Grounds and Structure Near Beach Haven
Named structure near Beach Haven centers on two reef sites, Little Egg Reef off Little Egg Inlet and Garden State South Reef off Spray Beach, plus the locally named Triple Wrecks and Mud Hole.
Garden State South Reef, at 5.1 nautical miles, lies inshore of the 10 to 20 mile giant band, so it is inshore structure and not part of the giant grounds. Treat these sites as named waypoints for planning rather than marked bluefin spots.
Positions here are not for navigation. Use official NOAA charts and the U.S. Coast Pilot.
Little Egg Reef
Little Egg Reef sits in 50 ft off Little Egg Inlet and is also listed as Little Egg Inlet Reef. The Jessie C, a crew boat, lies within it.
Garden State South Reef
Garden State South Reef lies 5.1 nautical miles off Spray Beach, in 55 to 65 feet. Three wrecks sit within it:
- Rhino (crew boat), 65 ft
- Ocean Wreck Divers I (USCG 44-foot patrol boat), 60 ft
- VHFC patrol boat, 80 ft
Triple Wrecks and Mud Hole
Triple Wrecks and Mud Hole are both named locally near Beach Haven.
| Structure | Parent site | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Egg Reef (Little Egg Inlet Reef) | None | 50 ft | Off Little Egg Inlet |
| Jessie C (crew boat) | Little Egg Reef | Within Little Egg Reef | |
| Garden State South Reef | None | 55 to 65 ft | 5.1 nautical miles off Spray Beach |
| Rhino (crew boat) | Garden State South Reef | 65 ft | Within the reef |
| Ocean Wreck Divers I (USCG 44-foot patrol boat) | Garden State South Reef | 60 ft | Within the reef |
| VHFC patrol boat | Garden State South Reef | 80 ft | Within the reef |
How Bluefin Are Fished Here and Who Fishes Them
Locally, bluefin are fished two ways, according to Captain Dave’s trip descriptions: trolling ballyhoo, and chunking butterfish or sardines on stand-up tackle.
Trolling Ballyhoo
Trolling ballyhoo is one of the two local methods.
Chunking Butterfish or Sardines
Chunking butterfish or sardines on stand-up tackle is the other. If you also fish other tunas, see our tuna fishing guides.
Captain Dave’s and the Benita J
Captain Dave’s Beach Haven charters operates as Captain Dave’s Beach Haven – LBI Fishing Charters. It lists Atlantic bluefin tuna and runs the Benita J, captained by Dave Wittenborn.
Beach Haven Tuna Open
The Beach Haven Tuna Open is a bluefin tournament out of the port, usually held in June, inside the June through October window.
FAQ: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Out of Beach Haven
What are the best months for bluefin out of Beach Haven?
Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Beach Haven runs June through October for the tuna program. Giant bluefin and striped bass combo trips run November to early December.
How far out are the giant bluefin grounds?
The giant bluefin grounds are about 10 to 20 miles out. Canyon runs reach from Hudson Canyon to Wilmington Canyon.
What structure is near Little Egg Inlet?
Little Egg Reef sits in 50 ft off the inlet. Garden State South Reef lies in 55 to 65 ft, 5.1 nautical miles off Spray Beach.
What methods are used locally?
Locals troll ballyhoo and chunk butterfish or sardines on stand-up tackle, according to Captain Dave’s trip descriptions.
When is the Beach Haven Tuna Open?
The Beach Haven Tuna Open is usually held in June.
