What the Offshore Open is and who runs it
The Manasquan River Marlin and Tuna Club Offshore Open is an annual fishing tournament held out of Manasquan Inlet in central New Jersey. The club, based in Wall Township, has run this event for decades as a way to bring together recreational and serious offshore anglers competing for marlin, tuna, and other big-game fish in the Atlantic. The tournament typically takes place in the fall, when water temperatures and fish migration patterns favor the species the club targets.
The Manasquan River Marlin and Tuna Club itself is a membership organization of local and regional anglers. The club maintains the tournament's rules, coordinates with the inlet's charter and private boat operators, and manages the weigh-in and prize distribution. If you are new to the event, the club's website and social media pages are the first place to check for the current year's dates, entry fees, and any changes to the format or rules.
Key Takeaways
- The Offshore Open is run by the Manasquan River Marlin and Tuna Club and launches from Manasquan Inlet, one of New Jersey's busiest fishing ports.
- Entry typically requires a boat captain's license or charter boat, and you can fish solo or as part of a team depending on the tournament format that year.
- Prize categories usually include marlin, tuna, wahoo, and other species, with separate divisions for different boat sizes or angler experience levels.
- Registration and entry fees vary by year; contact the club directly or check their website for current tournament details and deadlines.
- The weigh-in happens at Manasquan Inlet, and results are posted the same day or the following day depending on the tournament schedule.
How to enter and what you need to bring
Entry to the Offshore Open requires that you own or have access to a boat capable of offshore fishing, or that you book a charter through one of the operators working out of Manasquan Inlet. Most participants either captain their own vessel or hire a charter captain who knows the offshore grounds and can navigate to productive fishing areas. If you are chartering, book early in the season—popular captains fill their tournament slots months ahead.
When you register, you will need to provide your boat's name and registration number, the names of all crew members who will fish, and proof of any required licenses. New Jersey requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone over 16 who is actively fishing, so make sure everyone on your boat has one before the tournament. You will also need to pay the entry fee, which covers your boat's participation and access to the weigh-in facility.
Bring your fishing gear in good working order: rods rated for the species you are targeting, reels with adequate line capacity, and tackle appropriate for marlin and tuna fishing. Offshore conditions can be rough, so pack safety equipment including life jackets, a first aid kit, and communication devices. Bring food and water for the crew, and plan for a full day on the water—most offshore tournaments run from dawn until late afternoon.
Species, prize categories, and how scoring works
The Offshore Open typically awards prizes for blue marlin, white marlin, yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, and sometimes wahoo or other species depending on what is running that season. Prize categories are usually divided by species, and within each species there may be separate divisions for largest fish, most fish caught, or team totals. Some years the tournament also runs a calcutta pool, where anglers bid on boats or species categories for a chance to win a share of the pot.
Fish are weighed on certified scales at the inlet, and the weight is the official record. Most tournaments measure marlin by weight alone, though some track length as a tiebreaker. Tuna are also weighed, and a single large yellowfin or bigeye can place high in the standings. Dead fish and live fish are both weighed the same way, so you do not lose points for bringing in a fish that did not survive the fight.
Prize money is distributed after the weigh-in, usually the same day or within a few days. The club posts final standings and payouts on their website and at the inlet. If you are new to tournament fishing, ask the club about their specific scoring rules before you register—different tournaments weight the categories differently, and knowing how points are calculated helps you decide which species to target.
When the tournament runs and how to stay informed
The Offshore Open is typically held in September or October, when fall migrations bring marlin and tuna closer to the New Jersey coast. The exact dates change from year to year based on weather, water conditions, and the club's schedule. Some years the tournament runs over a single weekend; other years it spans two or three days. Check the Manasquan River Marlin and Tuna Club's website or call the club directly to confirm the current year's dates and any changes announced close to the event.
The club usually opens registration in late spring or early summer, and popular slots fill quickly. If you are interested in fishing the tournament, reach out to the club by June or July to ask about entry and to get on their mailing list. They send updates about the tournament schedule, rule changes, and any special events or seminars held before the competition.
Manasquan Inlet and what to expect on tournament day
Manasquan Inlet is located in Wall Township and is one of New Jersey's primary offshore fishing ports. The inlet is well-developed, with fuel docks, tackle shops, restaurants, and parking for trailers and vehicles. On tournament day, the inlet is busy—dozens of boats may launch in a short window, so arrive early to secure your spot in the launch order. The inlet's channel is well-marked and regularly dredged, but conditions can be rough if there is a strong swell or nor'easter, so check the marine forecast the night before and the morning of the tournament.
The weigh-in facility at the inlet can handle multiple boats at once, but there is usually a queue, especially if the bite has been good and many boats are bringing in fish. Plan to be at the inlet by mid-afternoon for the weigh-in, and bring your catch in a cooler or on ice to keep it fresh. The club's staff will guide you through the weigh-in process, record your fish, and post results as they come in.
Fishing the offshore grounds near Manasquan
The waters off Manasquan Inlet extend from the shallow inshore reefs and wrecks out to the continental shelf and beyond. Marlin and tuna are typically found 40 to 80 miles offshore, depending on the season and water temperature. In fall, the Gulf Stream pushes warm water closer to shore, which can bring fish within reach of boats launching from Manasquan. Experienced captains know the productive grounds and the seasonal patterns, so if you are chartering, ask your captain about his tournament experience and where he plans to fish.
Trolling is the primary technique for marlin and tuna tournaments. You will run lures or live bait behind the boat, covering ground until you hook a fish. Chunking—throwing cut bait overboard to attract fish—is also used, especially for tuna. The offshore environment is different from inshore fishing: the water is deeper, the weather can change quickly, and you may spend hours without a bite. Patience and preparation are essential, and listening to your captain's experience makes the difference between a productive day and a long ride home.
Costs and what to budget
Entry fees for the Offshore Open vary by year and by boat size or category. Fees typically range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the tournament format. If you are chartering a boat, expect to pay the charter captain a separate fee, which can range from $1,500 to $3,000 or more for a full day, depending on the boat and captain. Fuel, food, and tackle are additional costs you should budget for.
Some tournaments offer optional side bets or calcutta pools, where anglers can bid on boats or species categories for additional prize money. These are separate from the entry fee and are optional—you do not have to participate to fish the main tournament. Ask the club about all costs upfront so you can plan your budget and avoid surprises on tournament day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to fish the Offshore Open?
No. You can charter a boat through one of the captains working out of Manasquan Inlet. Many charter captains fish the tournament regularly and know the offshore grounds well. Book early in the season, as popular captains fill their slots quickly. If you own a boat, you can enter as a private vessel and fish with your own crew.
What if I have never fished offshore before?
Charter a boat with an experienced captain who has fished the tournament before. The captain will handle navigation, boat handling, and most of the fishing strategy. Your job is to be ready to fight a fish when one bites and to follow the captain's instructions. Bring seasickness medication if you are prone to it, and wear layers—it is cooler on the water than on shore.
When do I need to register, and how do I sign up?
Registration typically opens in late spring or early summer. Contact the Manasquan River Marlin and Tuna Club directly through their website or phone number to ask about entry deadlines and to register your boat. Popular slots fill quickly, so do not wait until late summer to sign up.
What happens if the weather is bad on tournament day?
The club monitors the forecast and may postpone the tournament if conditions are unsafe. Check your email and the club's website the morning of the event for any announcements. If the tournament is postponed, it usually runs the following day or weekend, so stay flexible with your schedule.
Are there rules about how fish must be caught or handled?
Yes. The club has specific rules about tackle, bait, and fish handling. Most tournaments require that fish be caught on rod and reel, not by hand or net. Fish must be brought to the weigh-in alive or dead, and they are weighed as-is on certified scales. Ask the club for a full copy of the rules before you register so you know what is allowed.