The 2026 offshore fishing season kicks off during the month of June with several big game fishing tournaments slated off the New Jersey coast.
First up is the 6th Annual Beach Haven Tuna Open from June 13-20th. Presented by the Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Club, participating tournament crews select tow of the six available fishing days, with eligible species including bigeye, bluefin, longfin and yellowfin.
The Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Club is located at 420 West Pennsylvania Avenue in Beach Haven, site of the captains meeting and tournament weigh-ins. For tournament details and information about the club go to bhmtc.com.
Another offshore tuna tournament kicking off around the same time is South Jersey Marina’s School’s Out Tuna Tournament running from June 18-22.
Captains meeting is Wednesday, June 17, with fish days from Thursday to Sunday. Boats may sail from any inlet between Cape May Inlet and Great Egg Inlet, with tournament boundaries set at125 nautical miles from the Cape May Sea Buoy. Get details at southjerseytournaments.com.
If you’re looking to do a little bit of tournament sharking this season, the Jersey Coast Shark Anglers put shark anglers back in the competition on June 20 with their 1st Annual Thresher Tournament. Thresher weigh-ins will be at Capt. Bill’s Landing on the Manasquan, with a mako release calcutta also in play.
The captains meeting will be held at club headquarters located at 385 Herbertsville Road in Brick. For details go to jcsa.org.
