5.0(2 Reviews)Deep Sea Fishing Charter Central New Hampshire
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8-hour offshore charter targeting bluefin tuna and haddockCaptain Jeff Foote provides gear and expert guidanceAccommodates 4 guests with all experience levels welcome
Captain Jeff Foote knows these New Hampshire waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish that'll make your arms ache in the best way possible. This 8-hour offshore charter targets some of the most sought-after species in the North Atlantic – bluefin tuna, haddock, sharks, and more. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, Jeff's got the patience and know-how to make sure you're hooking up. We time our departures around the tides because that's when the fish are most active, and with only 4 anglers max, you get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between stories and just another day on the water.
You'll meet Captain Jeff at the dock before sunrise – that's prime time for getting to the productive grounds while the fish are still feeding. The boat's fully rigged with everything you need: rods, reels, tackle, bait, and all the gear that's been tested in these exact conditions. No need to stress about what to bring beyond your fishing license, some snacks, and plenty of water. Jeff runs a tight ship but keeps the atmosphere relaxed – he wants you catching fish, not worrying about technique. The 8-hour window gives us real flexibility to chase schools, move spots if the action slows down, or stick around when we find a honey hole. New Hampshire's offshore waters can surprise you – one minute you're pulling up bottom fish, the next you've got a pelagic screaming drag off your reel.
We'll be running a mix of trolling spreads for the pelagics and dropping bottom rigs when we're targeting structure fish like haddock and flounder. Jeff sets up the trolling pattern based on water temperature, bait activity, and what the fish finder is showing us. When we're trolling for tuna or sharks, you'll see umbrella rigs, spreader bars, and single lures working different depths – it's like running a mini commercial operation designed to trigger strikes from aggressive predators. For bottom fishing, we use traditional rigs with circle hooks and fresh bait. Jeff handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you focus on feeling the bite and setting the hook. The electronics on board include GPS, fish finder, and chart plotter – modern tools that help us locate structure, mark schools, and navigate safely back to port.
"Fishing trip was good. Captain and crew was very nice n very helpful I will recommend to anyone looking for a good day on the water." - Jose
"Very organized, very helpful, good storyteller, knows how to fish. We had a chance to enjoy fishing, friends, and a whale show. The Captain was handling our group of 6 solo, and did an amazing job. We had some elders in our group, despite some rough seas the Captain kept everyone comfortable. I can not wait until next year!" - anthony
Haddock are the bread and butter of New Hampshire offshore fishing, and they're what put consistent action on your line. These bottom dwellers love structure – wrecks, rocky bottom, and drop-offs where they can ambush smaller fish. Haddock typically run 2-5 pounds in these waters, with occasional doormat-sized fish pushing 8-10 pounds. They're most active during the cooler months, from late fall through early spring, when they move into shallower waters to feed. What makes haddock special is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – they're one of the best eating fish in the North Atlantic.
Bluefin tuna are the holy grail of offshore fishing here, and when one hits your line, everything changes. These powerful predators can range from school-sized fish around 40-60 pounds up to giants exceeding 200 pounds. Bluefin show up in our waters during their migration patterns, typically from late spring through fall when water temperatures are right and baitfish are abundant. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your endurance and the boat's tackle. Landing a bluefin is a team effort – Captain Jeff knows exactly how to position the boat and coach you through the fight to maximize your chances of boating these prized fish.
Shortfin mako sharks bring serious adrenaline to any fishing trip, combining speed, power, and aerial acrobatics that few fish can match. These ocean rockets can hit 40+ mph and are known for spectacular jumps when hooked. Makos in New Hampshire waters typically range from 100-300 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing even bigger numbers. They're warm-water sharks that show up here during summer months when temperatures rise and prey fish are plentiful. What makes mako fishing addictive is their unpredictability – they might grab a trolled lure meant for tuna or crush a bait you're fishing for something else entirely.
Thresher sharks offer a different kind of challenge with their distinctive whip-like tails that can equal their body length. These unique predators use their tails to stun schools of baitfish, making them easier to catch. Threshers are strong, steady fighters that prefer deeper water and are often caught while targeting other species. They're most active during low-light periods – early morning, late evening, or overcast days. While not as explosive as makos, threshers provide sustained battles that test your patience and technique.
Pollock are the scrappy underdogs that often surprise anglers with their fight and numbers. These schooling fish can provide non-stop action when you locate a good group, and they're excellent for keeping kids and new anglers engaged. Pollock hit both bottom rigs and trolled lures, making them versatile targets throughout the day. They're present year-round but are most active during spring and fall migrations when they're feeding heavily.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the ultimate offshore prize - torpedo-shaped powerhouses averaging 6-7 feet and 400-600 pounds, though giants can hit 12 feet and over 1,000 pounds. These warm-blooded speedsters cruise at 40+ mph through open ocean, diving to 3,000+ feet while hunting. Peak season runs June through October when they follow baitfish into our waters. What makes bluefin special is the combination of incredible fights and world-class sashimi-grade meat - there's a reason they're so highly prized. They're federally managed, requiring permits and careful handling. You'll find them around temperature breaks, bait schools, and offshore structure in 100-300 feet. Trolling cedar plugs or live herring works best, but be ready for chunking when you mark fish. Here's what I've learned: morning and evening bites are strongest, and once hooked, these fish make blistering runs that'll test your tackle and technique.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are bottom-dwelling members of the cod family that run 14-30 inches and typically weigh 2-7 pounds. You'll spot them by their distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind the pectoral fin and dark lateral line. They prefer cold water between 36-50°F over sandy or rocky bottoms, usually in 100-200 feet. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding on crabs, worms, and small fish. What makes haddock special is their excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They travel in schools, so once you find one, there's usually more around. My tip: use fresh clams on a simple bottom rig and fish the tide changes. They're cautious biters, so keep your drag light and let them take the bait before setting the hook.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are the strong, silent cousins of cod that'll test your footing once hooked. These silver-sided fish with greenish backs typically run 3-4 feet and live around rocky structure in 100-400 feet of water. They're temperature sensitive and prefer cooler water, making spring and fall your best bets. Early morning and evening tend to produce the most action. While their darker flesh doesn't look as impressive as other groundfish, pollock are scrappy fighters that'll surprise you with their strength rather than speed. They feed on smaller fish like herring and squid around rocky ledges and drop-offs. Juveniles stick to shallower rocky areas while adults head deeper. My advice: bring good boots with ankle support because these fish will try to drag you around. Use sand eel or black minnow imitations, and fish the high tide when they move up to feed.
Isurus OxyrinchusMako sharks are the ocean's speed demons, hitting 30+ mph and averaging 8-13 feet with some pushing 1,000+ pounds. These torpedo-shaped predators cruise open water from the surface down to 400 feet, preferring warmer offshore waters. Summer and early fall are prime time when baitfish concentrate near the surface. What draws anglers is the raw power and aerial displays - makos can leap 20 feet out of the water when hooked. They're also excellent table fare with firm, almost steak-like meat. You'll find them following schools of tuna and bluefish in blue water. These fish are smart and aggressive, so use heavy tackle - 50lb class minimum with wire leaders and circle hooks. Here's the key: when chumming, use fresh mackerel or bluefish chunks, and be ready for anything. Once hooked, they'll use every trick including your own boat to break free.
Alopias VulpinusThresher sharks are instantly recognizable by their scythe-like tail that's as long as their body - they use it like a whip to stun schools of baitfish at 50+ mph. These blue-grey predators average 16 feet and 500 pounds, reaching depths of 2,000+ feet but often hunt near the surface. Late spring through fall offers the best opportunities when water temps hit 60-70°F. What makes threshers special is their spectacular leaping ability and the unique hunting behavior you might witness. They're strong fighters that burst to 30 mph and provide excellent table fare. Look for them 40-50 miles offshore around continental shelf edges, often following bait schools. Despite their size, threshers have relatively small mouths and teeth. My go-to approach: troll mackerel or sardines 25-50 feet down using heavy tackle - 50-80lb braid minimum. The key is using strong 8/0 circle hooks since their small mouths make hooksets tricky.
Pseudopleuronectes AmericanusWinter flounder are the chameleons of the seafloor, changing color to match sandy and muddy bottoms where they lie flat hunting for clams and marine worms. These oval-shaped flatfish typically run 10-12 inches but can reach 25 inches and 8 pounds. They're right-eyed flounders, meaning both eyes migrate to the right side as they mature. Late fall through early spring is prime time, hence the name. What makes them popular is their sweet, delicate white meat - some of the best eating you'll find. They prefer shallow estuaries and continental shelf areas, often hiding among vegetation or rocks. Winter flounder are visual feeders that hunt mainly in the morning using their keen eyesight. The trick with these fish is patience - they're notorious for nibbling before committing. Use a sensitive rod to feel the subtle bites, and go with large sea worms or clams. Don't rush the hookset; let them take it fully.
5.0 out of 5.0Fishing trip was good. Captain and crew was very nice n very helpful I will recommend to anyone looking for a good day on the wate...
Very organized, very helpful, good storyteller, knows how to fish. We had a chance to enjoy fishing, friends, and a whale show. ...
anthony plante, Thank you!Very kind words I hope the fish gods are kind to us next year. You guys wo...
New Hampshire