5.0(2 Reviews)Deep Sea Fishing Charter Central New Hampshire
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore charter targeting bluefin tuna and haddockCaptain Jeff Foote provides gear, bait and expert guidanceSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests aboard
Captain Jeff Foote knows these New Hampshire waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 8-hour deep-sea charter targets the big boys - bluefin tuna, haddock, sharks, and whatever else is running offshore. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, Jeff's got you covered with all the gear, bait, and know-how to make it happen. We time our departures with the tides because that's when the fish are most active, and trust me, you'll feel the difference. Plus, there's nothing quite like watching the New Hampshire coastline fade away as we head to the deep water where the real action lives.
This isn't your typical pond fishing trip. We're talking about a fully rigged offshore boat that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at us. Jeff keeps the group small at just 4 anglers, which means you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. The day starts early because that's when the fish are feeding, and we'll be out there for 8 solid hours chasing whatever's biting. You might find yourself fighting a bluefin that could feed your family for weeks, or maybe we'll hit a school of haddock that keeps your rod bent all morning. The scenery alone is worth the trip - New Hampshire's coastline from the water is something special, and don't be surprised if we spot some whales or seals cruising around. Jeff's been doing this long enough to read the water and put you where the fish are holding.
We run a mix of techniques depending on what we're after and what the conditions are telling us. For the big tuna, we're trolling spreader bars and cedar plugs at different depths, watching the fish finder for those telltale marks. When we're targeting bottom fish like haddock and pollock, we'll anchor up on productive structure and drop heavy jigs or bait rigs down to where they're feeding. The boat's equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with heavy braid - stuff that can handle a 200-pound bluefin without breaking a sweat. Jeff provides all the terminal tackle, fresh bait, and backup gear because offshore fishing can be tough on equipment. He'll teach you how to read the rod tip, when to set the hook, and most importantly, how to fight a fish without wearing yourself out. The key is letting the rod and reel do the work while you focus on technique.
"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 for good reason. These bottom dwellers average 2-4 pounds but can push 8-10 pounds when you find the right spots. They're most active during the cooler months, roughly October through April, when they move into shallower water to feed. Haddock have this distinctive black lateral line and put up a decent fight on medium tackle. What makes them special is they're fantastic eating - firm white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or a nice baked dinner. Jeff knows the rocky bottom and ledges where they congregate, and when we find a school, the action can be non-stop.
Bluefin tuna are the apex predators that every offshore angler dreams about. These fish can range from 40-pound "school" bluefin all the way up to giants pushing 300 pounds or more. Peak season runs from June through October when they're following baitfish along the continental shelf. A hooked bluefin will test every piece of your tackle and your endurance - they're incredibly strong and can make blistering runs that strip line off your reel in seconds. The meat is prized by sushi restaurants, and there's something primal about battling one of the ocean's fastest fish. When we hook into a good tuna, everything else stops and it becomes an all-hands situation.
Shortfin mako sharks bring a different kind of excitement to the boat. These are legitimate ocean predators that can hit 8 feet and 300 pounds, with a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. Makos are most active during summer months when water temperatures climb, and they're known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. They're also one of the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of hitting 40+ mph in short bursts. Fighting a mako is like being connected to a torpedo - they'll take you on runs you won't believe and put on an aerial show that'll have everyone scrambling for cameras. We practice catch and release with these magnificent predators.
Thresher sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for their distinctive elongated tail that can be as long as their body. They use that tail like a whip to stun schools of baitfish before feeding. Most threshers we encounter run 6-8 feet and 100-200 pounds, making them a manageable but exciting fight on heavy tackle. They're most common during late summer when baitfish are thick offshore. What's cool about threshers is watching them hunt - that tail creates a distinctive splash pattern that experienced captains can spot from a distance. They're also surprisingly acrobatic when hooked, often jumping completely clear of the water.
Pollock might not get the glamour of tuna or sharks, but they're scrappy fighters that'll keep your rod busy. These
Thunnus ThynnusThe ultimate offshore prize - these torpedo-shaped giants average 6.5 feet and 550 pounds, but monsters can hit 12 feet and over 1,000 pounds. Bluefin are warm-blooded, so they handle our cold New England waters just fine, cruising from surface down to 3,300 feet. Peak season runs May through October when they follow baitfish migrations. What makes bluefin legendary? The fight of a lifetime - lightning-fast surface runs followed by deep, powerful dives that'll test the heaviest tackle. Plus, the meat is world-class sashimi grade. These fish are federally managed, so permits and reporting are required. Trolling covers water to locate schools, but once you find them, live herring or mackerel on heavy circle hooks is deadly. Early morning and evening bites are most aggressive when they're actively feeding on the surface.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusBottom-dwelling members of the cod family, haddock typically run 2-7 pounds and 14-30 inches, though we see some pushing three feet. They love cold water between 36-50°F over sandy or rocky bottoms, usually in 100-400 feet. You'll spot them by that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind their pectoral fin and the dark lateral line. Spring through early summer gives us the best action when they're most active after spawning. What makes haddock special is their firm, sweet white meat - some of the best eating you'll find offshore. They're also great for beginners since they fight steady without going crazy. Pro tip: use fresh clams or sea worms on a simple two-hook rig, and keep your bait right on the bottom - they rarely chase anything up in the water column.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are the strong, silent type - they won't win any speed contests, but they'll sure test your footing once hooked. These cod family members typically run 40-47 inches and pack serious muscle. You'll find them around rocky structure in 100-400 feet, though juveniles hang shallow in kelp and algae. They're picky about temperature and tide, so timing matters. Early morning and evening fish best when they're actively feeding on smaller baitfish. What guests love about pollock is the sheer power - they'll drag you around the boat if you're not ready. The meat's darker than cod but still tasty, especially smoked. Bring good boots with ankle support because these fish will pull hard straight down to the rocks. Sand eel or black minnow imitations work great, and weedless rigs help when fishing the structure they call home.
Isurus OxyrinchusThese are the speed demons of our waters - fastest shark species out there, hitting 30+ mph and capable of leaping 20 feet clear of the surface. Makos average around 13 feet and 130-300 pounds, but the big ones can push 1,000+ pounds. They cruise open water near the surface but will dive deep when hunting. Summer and early fall are prime time when water temps warm up. What draws people to target makos? Pure adrenaline. These sharks are smart, aggressive fighters that'll test every piece of your gear and your skills. They're also excellent eating - some of the best shark meat you'll find. Fair warning though: they're known to jump right into the boat when hooked, so stay alert. My go-to setup is heavy wire leaders with circle hooks and fresh bluefish for bait. Chumming with ground mackerel really gets their attention.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the acrobats of the shark world, famous for that massive tail that's as long as their body and their spectacular jumps. These blue-grey sharks average 16 feet and 500 pounds, using that whip-like tail to stun schools of baitfish at incredible speed. They roam open water 40-50 miles offshore in depths up to 2,000 feet, preferring 60-70°F water temps. Late spring through fall gives us the best shots. What draws anglers is watching them hunt - they'll leap completely clear when hooked and put up a bulldogging fight that's pure power. The meat's excellent too, similar to swordfish. Despite their size, they have small mouths, so 8/0 circle hooks with heavy wire leaders work best. Trolling fresh mackerel or sardines around bait schools is productive, and patience pays off since they're not as common as other sharks.
Pseudopleuronectes AmericanusAlso called blackbacks, these flatfish are perfect for anglers wanting steady action and great table fare. Winter flounder typically run 10-12 inches, though some reach 25 inches and 8 pounds. They're right-eyed flounders that change color to match bottom structure - sandy areas, rocky patches, anywhere they can ambush prey. As the name suggests, cooler months from late fall through early spring are prime time. What makes them appealing is the sweet, delicate white meat and their willingness to bite. They're also great for kids since the fight's manageable. These fish are sneaky though - they'll nibble before committing, so use a sensitive rod to feel those light taps. Big sea worms or fresh clams work best, and here's the key: let them take it. Don't set the hook on the first tap - wait for that solid pull.
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