Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing out of Ocean City, New Jersey runs from early June to October. Boats work three ranges: inshore reefs, midshore and offshore water out to about 50 miles from the inlet, and the canyons at 75 to 95 miles.
When bluefin are off Ocean City
Moover Fishing Adventures lists the local bluefin season as early June to October. Its offshore tuna trips, which run up to about 50 miles from the inlet, are listed for June and July, and that window sets how far boats run early in the season.
For biology and migration, see the guide to Atlantic bluefin tuna. For the broader regional pattern, see the wider Northeast bluefin picture (see also the Atlantic Northeast fishing guide).
- Season: early June to October
- Offshore window to about 50 miles: June and July
- Canyon runs: 75 to 95 miles
How far boats run
Boats from this port fish three ranges. Inshore structure sits inside 10 nautical miles. Offshore trips reach about 50 miles from the inlet in June and July. Canyon trips run 75 to 95 miles, nearly double that offshore range.
Inshore
Mod Squad Charters runs an 8-hour inshore tuna trip. The nearest named structure is Ocean City Reef, 4.5 nautical miles off Ocean City.
MidShore and offshore to 50 miles
Mod Squad lists bluefin under its "MidShore" trips. Moover runs offshore tuna trips up to about 50 miles from the inlet in June and July. The named midshore structure is the 28 Mile Wreck.
Canyons
Moover’s canyon trips run 75 to 95 miles from the inlet.
Grounds and structure
Named structure here runs from the nearest reef to the farthest canyons.
| Name | Type | Depth | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean City Reef | reef | 55 to 70 ft | 4.5 nm off Ocean City |
| Libra | hopper scow on Ocean City Reef | ||
| Sulzer, Ohio, AC Wescoat 2, Shamrock | barges on Ocean City Reef | ||
| Great Egg Reef | reef | 50 to 70 ft | 7.2 nm off Atlantic City |
| 28 Mile Wreck (The Varanger) | wreck | named for roughly its distance from Ocean City | |
| Offshore canyons | canyons | 75 to 95 mile run |
Ocean City Reef
The reef sits 4.5 nautical miles off Ocean City in 55 to 70 ft. The Libra, a hopper scow, is on the reef, and Njscuba lists the Sulzer, Ohio, AC Wescoat 2 and Shamrock as barges there. The state publishes New Jersey’s artificial reef guide for its reef sites.
Great Egg Reef
Great Egg Reef lies in 50 to 70 ft. Njscuba places it 7.2 nautical miles off Atlantic City, so measure that distance from Atlantic City, not from Ocean City.
28 Mile Wreck
The Varanger is the 28 Mile Wreck, named for roughly its distance from Ocean City. It is the named structure in the midshore tier.
The canyons
The canyons are a 75 to 95 mile run on Moover’s canyon trips.
How bluefin are fished here
Moover lists four methods for bluefin: trolling, jigging, poppers and chunking. For technique in more depth, see the tuna fishing guides.
Pre-dawn starts
Mod Squad’s tuna trips start before dawn, with departures at 3 or 4 AM, so plan on running out in the dark.
Who fishes for them
Two charters list Atlantic bluefin tuna out of this port, and one tournament targets them.
Moover Fishing Adventures
Moover Fishing Adventures in Longport runs The Moover, a 42-foot boat docked at Seaview Harbor Marina in Longport. It runs offshore tuna trips to about 50 miles in June and July and canyon trips of 75 to 95 miles, using trolling, jigging, poppers and chunking.
Mod Squad Charters
Captain Syd Unsworth runs Mod Squad Charters from a 29-foot Triton center console. Bluefin are listed under its MidShore trips, and it also runs an 8-hour inshore tuna trip with 3 or 4 AM departures. A 29-foot center console is close in size to many private boats on this coast.
OCMTC Shark/Bluefin Tournament
The OCMTC Shark/Bluefin Tournament is usually held in June.
FAQ about bluefin out of Ocean City
When is bluefin season out of Ocean City?
Early June to October, per Moover. The offshore window to about 50 miles is June and July.
How far is Ocean City Reef?
It sits 4.5 nautical miles off Ocean City, in 55 to 70 ft.
What is the 28 Mile Wreck?
It is The Varanger, a wreck named for roughly its distance from Ocean City. It is the named midshore structure.
How far are the canyons from the inlet?
Moover’s canyon trips run 75 to 95 miles.
What methods do local boats use?
Trolling, jigging, poppers and chunking.
What time do tuna trips leave?
Before dawn. Mod Squad’s tuna trips depart at 3 or 4 AM.
When is the OCMTC Shark/Bluefin Tournament?
Usually in June.
