Deep Sea Fishing Charter Central New Hampshire
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10-hour offshore charter targeting bluefin tuna and haddockCaptain Jeff Foote provides all gear and expert instructionSmall group experience accommodates up to 4 anglers
Get ready for a serious offshore fishing adventure with Captain Jeff Foote and Central New Hampshire Guides. This 10-hour deep-sea charter puts you right in the action, targeting some of the most sought-after species in New Hampshire waters. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a seasoned angler, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps you talking for months. We're talking bluefin tuna, haddock, sharks, and whatever else decides to bite. With only 4 spots available, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Captain Jeff knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's timed your departure to work with the tides – not against them. That's the difference between amateur hour and a professional operation. You'll head out on a fully rigged boat loaded with everything you need: rods, reels, tackle, bait, and all the gear that costs a fortune if you're buying it yourself. The 10-hour window gives us plenty of time to hit multiple spots, adjust our strategy based on what's biting, and really dial in on the productive water. Don't worry if you've never fished offshore before – Jeff's been doing this long enough to get beginners hooked up while keeping experienced anglers challenged. The small group size means everyone gets hands-on coaching and plenty of opportunities to fight fish.
We're running a mix of trolling and bottom fishing depending on what's showing up on the fish finder and what the conditions look like. For the pelagics like tuna and sharks, we'll be pulling spreads with ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and other proven producers. The boat's rigged with outriggers and all the hardware you need to cover water efficiently. When we're working the bottom for haddock and pollock, we'll drop down with jigs and bait rigs to where these fish like to hang out. Captain Jeff switches up techniques based on the bite, water temperature, and what he's been seeing in recent trips. The tackle is sized right for the target species – heavy enough to handle a big bluefin but not so heavy that a nice haddock feels like you're pulling up a boot. You'll learn proper fighting techniques, how to work a fish to the boat, and the right way to handle these species whether you're keeping them or letting them go.
Haddock are the bread and butter of New Hampshire offshore fishing, and for good reason. These bottom dwellers typically run 2-5 pounds with some bigger fish mixed in, and they're absolutely fantastic on the table. Haddock bite best during the cooler months and early spring, holding near structure and rocky bottom in 100-200 feet of water. They fight harder than you'd expect for their size, and Captain Jeff knows the specific spots where they congregate. What makes haddock special is their willingness to bite when other species are being finicky – they're reliable producers that keep the action going.
Bluefin tuna represent the holy grail of New Hampshire offshore fishing. These powerful fish can range from school-sized 30-pounders to giants over 200 pounds, and every single one will test your tackle and your endurance. Bluefin typically show up in our waters from late spring through fall, following bait schools and temperature breaks. The fight is absolutely electric – long runs, deep dives, and enough power to make your arms burn. Landing a bluefin tuna is a bucket-list experience that combines skill, luck, and determination. Captain Jeff positions the boat to intercept these fish as they move through their feeding areas.
Shortfin mako sharks bring serious excitement to any offshore trip. These are some of the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of speeds over 40 mph and spectacular jumps when hooked. Makos in New Hampshire waters typically range from 50 to 200 pounds, with the occasional monster showing up to make your day. They prefer warmer water and are most active during summer months. Fighting a mako is like being connected to a freight train with an attitude – they run hard, jump high, and never give up. The acrobatic displays alone are worth the price of admission.
Pollock are underrated gamefish that provide steady action and excellent eating. These silver torpedoes school up in good numbers and fight with surprising strength for their size. Most pollock run 3-8 pounds, but the bigger ones can push 15 pounds and really bend a rod. They're active feeders that respond well to jigs and cut bait, making them perfect for anglers who want to feel that satisfying thump on the line. Pollock bite year-round but are especially productive during the fall months when they're feeding heavily.
Thresher sharks add an element of mystery to every trip. These unique sharks with their incredibly long tails are powerful fighters that can reach impressive sizes. Threshers use their tails to stun baitfish, making them effective hunters and exciting targets for offshore anglers. When you hook a thresher, you're in for a battle that combines strength with unpredictable tactics. They're less common than other species, which makes landing one even more special. Captain Jeff targets threshers in specific areas where they're known to hunt.
This isn't your typical party boat experience – it's a top-rated charter designed for serious anglers who want to fish the right way. With Captain Jeff's local knowledge, professional equipment, and commitment to putting you on fish, you're getting the kind of offshore experience that creates lifelong fishing memories. The 4-person limit ensures everyone gets quality time on the water without the chaos of overcrowded boats. Whether you're looking to check bluefin tuna off your bucket list, load up on haddock for the freezer, or tangle with sharks that will test your tackle, this charter
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the ultimate offshore prize - massive, fast, and built like torpedoes. These fish average 6.5 feet and 550 pounds but can double that size. They cruise both surface waters and dive over 3,000 feet deep, following baitfish along temperature breaks and current edges. Peak season runs spring through fall when they migrate through our waters chasing herring and mackerel. What makes them special is the fight - they'll make blazing surface runs at 43 mph then sound deep to test your tackle and stamina. Plus, the meat is world-class sushi grade. You need heavy tackle and patience for these giants. My go-to technique is chunking with fresh herring during dawn and dusk when they feed most aggressively. Stay ready - when they bite, it's game on.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are solid fish that run 2-7 pounds and stretch 14-30 inches on average. You'll spot them by that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind their pectoral fin and the dark lateral line running down their silver sides. These bottom dwellers love cold water between 36-50°F over sandy, rocky, or shell bottoms. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most active after spawning. What makes them fun to target is their willingness to bite fresh clams, squid, or small jigs, plus they make excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My tip: use a simple two-hook rig with fresh clam bait and fish it right on the bottom. They're not flashy fighters, but they're reliable and tasty.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are scrappy fighters that'll surprise you with their strength once hooked. These greenish-silver fish with the strong underbite typically run 40-47 inches and love rocky structure in 100-400 foot depths. They're temperature sensitive, so cooler water months tend to be more productive. What guests love about pollock fishing is the solid fight they put up - they'll use their power to head straight for the rocks and test your drag. The meat's darker than cod but still good eating, especially smoked. Early morning and evening bites are best when they move up from the depths. Here's a tip I always share: bring good boots with ankle support because these fish will pull hard and try to drag you around the deck. Use sand eel imitations or bucktails near structure.
Isurus OxyrinchusMako sharks are the fastest sharks in the ocean, hitting 30+ mph and averaging 13 feet with bursts that'll test any angler. These blue-grey torpedoes cruise open water near the surface but dive deep when hunting. They're found year-round in our offshore waters, especially during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What draws people to target them is the raw power and those famous jumps - they can leap 20 feet out of the water when hooked. Fair warning though, these are serious predators that demand respect and heavy tackle. My advice: use 50lb+ gear with wire leaders and circle hooks, and keep your distance when they're boatside. They're known for jumping right into boats, so stay alert. The fight alone makes it worth the trip.
Alopias VulpinusThresher sharks are unmistakable with that massive tail that's as long as their body - they use it like a whip to stun baitfish at 50 mph. These blue-grey sharks average 16 feet and 510 pounds, cruising continental shelf waters 40-50 miles offshore in depths up to 2,100 feet. Late spring through fall gives you the best shot at them when water temps hit that 60-70°F sweet spot. What makes them a bucket-list fish is watching them hunt and occasionally breach completely out of the water. They're powerful fighters that'll test heavy tackle. Despite their size, they have small mouths, so don't go overboard on hook size. My trick is trolling fresh mackerel or sardines around bait balls at 25-50 feet deep. Use 8/0 hooks with a long wire leader - that tail can wrap your line in a heartbeat.
New Hampshire