Expert Guided Offshore Fishing Charter Central New Hampshire
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore charter targeting bluefin tuna and haddockCaptain Jeff provides all gear and expert instructionSmall group experience accommodates up to 4 guests
Captain Jeff Foote knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 10-hour deep-sea charter isn't your typical weekend bobber fishing – we're talking about heading offshore where the big boys swim. Whether you've been chasing tuna for years or you're picking up a rod for the first time, Jeff's got the patience and know-how to make sure you have a shot at landing something worth bragging about. The boat's fully rigged with everything you need, so all you have to do is show up ready to fish.
We're not messing around with departure times – Jeff plans each trip around the tides because that's when the fish are most active. You'll be looking at a full day on the water, which means plenty of opportunities to get your line wet and learn the ropes if you're new to offshore fishing. The scenic ride out is just a bonus; once we hit the fishing grounds, it's all business. With a maximum of four anglers, you're not fighting for space or attention. Jeff keeps his gear in top condition and knows exactly where to find the fish based on current conditions, water temperature, and what's been biting lately. The boat's equipped with all the safety gear you'd expect, plus fish finders and GPS to put us right where we need to be.
Most of our fishing happens while trolling, which means we're covering water and presenting lures at different depths to see what's hungry. Jeff runs a mix of spreader bars, cedar plugs, and fresh bait depending on what we're targeting that day. The rods are heavy-duty offshore setups – usually 50 to 80-pound class tackle that can handle anything from a scrappy haddock to a freight train bluefin. Don't worry if you've never used gear this heavy; Jeff will walk you through the proper technique for fighting fish without wearing yourself out. We'll also do some bottom fishing when conditions are right, especially for haddock and pollock. The key is staying flexible and reading what the water's telling us. Some days the fish want fast-moving lures, other days they prefer a more subtle presentation.
Haddock are the bread and butter of New Hampshire offshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are excellent table fare and put up a decent fight on lighter tackle. You'll typically find them in 100 to 300 feet of water over rocky bottom, and they're most active during the cooler months from late fall through early spring. What makes haddock special is their willingness to bite – they're not as finicky as some species, which makes them perfect for newer anglers. Plus, there's nothing better than fresh haddock fillets after a day on the water.
Bluefin tuna are the holy grail of New Hampshire offshore fishing. These fish are absolute powerhouses that can exceed 200 pounds and will test every ounce of your fishing skill and endurance. The best bluefin action typically happens from June through October when the fish follow baitfish into our waters. What gets anglers hooked on tuna fishing is the sheer power – when a bluefin takes your lure, there's no mistaking it. The initial run can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds, and the fight can last over an hour. Landing one is a team effort that you'll remember for the rest of your life.
Shortfin mako sharks bring a whole different kind of excitement to the boat. These are arguably the fastest sharks in the ocean, capable of jumping completely out of the water when hooked. Makos are most active during the warmer months when water temperatures climb above 60 degrees. They're typically found in deeper water, often following the same bait schools that attract tuna. What makes mako fishing so addictive is their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights – they'll jump, run, and do everything possible to throw the hook.
Pollock might not get the same respect as tuna, but they're scrappy fighters that provide consistent action throughout much of the year. These fish school up in large numbers and can be caught on everything from jigs to cut bait. They're most active during the spring and fall months when they move inshore to feed. Pollock are great for keeping the action going between shots at larger species, and they make excellent bait for sharks when cut up fresh.
Thresher sharks are probably the most unique species you might encounter on this charter. These sharks are known for their incredibly long tail fin, which can be as long as their body. They use this tail like a whip to stun schools of baitfish before feeding. Threshers are typically found in deeper water during the summer months and provide a completely different fight than makos – more of a bulldogging, deep fight rather than surface action. Landing a thresher is special because they're not as common as other shark species in our waters.
This isn't your run-of-the-mill fishing trip – it's a legitimate offshore adventure with one of Central New Hampshire's most experienced captains. Jeff's been putting anglers on fish for years, and his track record speaks for itself. The 10-hour format gives you the best shot at multiple species and teaches you techniques you can use for a lifetime. With only four spots available, you're getting personalized attention that's hard to find on larger boats. Whether you're looking to check bluefin tuna off your bucket list or just want to experience what real offshore fishing is all about, this charter delivers. The combination of Jeff's expertise, top-notch equipment, and New Hampshire's productive offshore waters makes this a trip worth taking.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the ultimate offshore prize, running 6+ feet and 400-600 pounds with that classic torpedo shape built for speed. These warm-blooded fish cruise the open ocean but come within range during summer and fall migrations. They'll hit surface lures at 40+ mph or dive deep when the mood strikes. What makes bluefin special is everything - the heart-stopping runs, aerial displays, and hour-long battles that test your stamina. Plus, the meat is world-class sashimi grade. They're highly regulated, so we follow all permit requirements and catch reporting. Early morning and evening hours produce the best bites when they're actively feeding on baitfish schools. My go-to technique: start with live herring or mackerel and be patient. When you get a bite, tighten that drag gradually - too much pressure too fast and they'll snap your line on the first run.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are classic bottom dwellers that run 14-30 inches and 2-7 pounds on average. You'll spot them by their distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind the pectoral fin and dark lateral line. These cod relatives prefer cold water around 36-50°F over sandy or rocky bottoms, usually in 100-400 feet of water. Spring through early summer gives you the best action when they're most active after spawning. What makes haddock special is their excellent table fare - clean, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for beginners since they fight steady without going crazy. My tip: use fresh clams or ragworms on a simple two-hook rig and keep your bait right on the bottom. They're picky eaters, so fresh bait makes all the difference.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are the scrappy cousins of cod, running 3-4 feet and known more for raw strength than speed. These greenish-black fish love rocky structure and drop-offs in 100-400 feet of water where they school up tight. They're most active during moving tides, especially early morning and evening hours. What guests love about pollock is the pure pulling power - once hooked, they'll drag you around and test your footing on deck. The fight is all about endurance rather than flashy runs. While the meat's darker than cod, it's still solid eating when prepared right. These fish are sensitive to water temperature and pressure changes, so timing matters. My advice: bring good boots with ankle support because pollock will try to pull you overboard. Use sand eel or black minnow imitations and be ready for that sudden, heavy pull when they hit.
Isurus OxyrinchusMako sharks are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 30+ mph and averaging 8-13 feet with some pushing 300+ pounds. These blue-grey torpedoes cruise near the surface in open water but will dive past 400 feet when hunting. Summer through early fall brings the best opportunities when water temps warm up and baitfish are thick. What draws anglers back is the raw power and acrobatics - makos can leap 20 feet out of the water and will test every inch of your gear. They're smart, aggressive fighters that'll use the boat against you if they can. The meat's actually quite good too, similar to swordfish. Key tip: use circle hooks with heavy wire leaders and be ready for anything once you hook up. Keep that drag smooth because these fish can snap lines in a heartbeat when they make their initial run.
Alopias VulpinusThresher sharks are unmistakable with that whip-like tail that's as long as their body - they use it to stun baitfish at 50 mph. These blue-grey sharks average 12-16 feet and can top 500 pounds, cruising 25-50 feet down in open water. Late spring through fall gives you the best shot when water temps hit that 60-70°F sweet spot they prefer. What makes threshers special is watching them work - they'll leap clear out of the water and put on a show unlike any other shark. The fight combines power with acrobatics, and despite their size, they have surprisingly small mouths. Summer evenings around bait balls are prime time when they're actively hunting. Key tip: use smaller 8/0 circle hooks since their mouths are modest for their size, and keep your bait in that 25-50 foot zone where they like to hunt. Fresh mackerel or sardines work best.
New Hampshire