Private Hampton Inshore & Offshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour private charter targets bluefin tuna and local speciesFully equipped boat accommodates up to six guests with gear includedExpert Captain JD Foote provides guidance for all skill levels
Captain JD Foote knows these New Hampshire waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish during this top-rated 6-hour charter departing from Hampton. This isn't your typical crowded head boat experience – with space for up to six anglers, you'll get personalized attention and the flexibility to chase whatever's biting best that day. Whether you're a complete beginner who's never held a rod or a seasoned angler looking to add some New England species to your list, JD tailors each trip to match your crew's skill level and interests.
Your day starts at Hampton Harbor, where you'll meet Captain JD and get the rundown on conditions and game plan. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility – when weather and sea conditions cooperate, you'll venture offshore to target the legendary bluefin tuna that migrate through these waters. When it's rough out there, no worries – the inshore bite around Hampton can be absolutely phenomenal, especially for striped bass and bluefish. JD comes prepared with everything you need: quality rods and reels, fresh bait, tackle, and even your fishing licenses are covered. Just bring yourself, some snacks, drinks, and maybe a cooler if you're planning to take your catch home. The boat is fully equipped with fish finders, GPS, and all the safety gear, so you can focus on what matters most – getting tight to some fish.
Depending on what's running and where we find the bait, Captain JD switches between several proven techniques to put fish in the boat. For the offshore bluefin action, we'll troll with spreader bars and cedar plugs, or set up for chunking when we find a good temperature break or bird activity. The inshore game is where things get really fun – we'll work the structure with live bait, throw topwater plugs during the dawn and dusk bite, and even break out the light tackle when the mackerel are thick. JD's got an eye for reading the water and knows exactly where to position the boat based on tide, wind, and what the fish finder is showing. He'll teach you how to feel the bite, set the hook properly, and fight fish without losing them at the boat. Don't worry about bringing your own gear – the boat's rigged with everything from heavy conventional reels for the big tuna down to spinning tackle for the smaller inshore species.
Striped Bass are the bread and butter of New Hampshire's inshore fishery, and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters show up in Hampton waters from late spring through fall, with the best action typically happening during the dawn and dusk hours. Schoolie bass in the 20-28 inch range are common, but don't be surprised when a 30+ inch keeper crashes your bait. They're aggressive feeders that will hit everything from live mackerel to soft plastic swimbaits, and they put up a scrappy fight that gets everyone on the boat fired up.
Atlantic Mackerel might be small, but they're absolutely essential to the ecosystem here – and they're a blast to catch on light tackle. These silvery speedsters travel in massive schools during their spring and fall migrations, and when you find them, it's game on. They're perfect for getting kids or nervous beginners comfortable with the action since they bite aggressively and are easy to handle. Plus, they make excellent bait for the bigger predators lurking nearby.
Bluefin Tuna are the crown jewel of New England fishing, and Hampton sits right in their migration corridor. These powerhouses can range from 40-pound school fish up to giants exceeding 200 pounds, and when one hits your spread, you'll know immediately. The fight is legendary – long, bulldogging runs that test both angler and equipment. Peak season runs from June through October, with the larger fish typically showing up during the summer months when the water temperature hits that sweet spot.
Winter Flounder are a local favorite that many visiting anglers overlook, but they shouldn't. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and fight with surprising tenacity for their size. The best action typically happens during the cooler months, and they're found around sandy bottoms and structure where they ambush small baitfish and crustaceans. They're also some of the best eating fish you'll find in these waters.
Bluefish earn their nickname "choppers" for good reason – they're aggressive predators with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. When a school of blues is in a feeding frenzy, the action can be absolutely wild with fish hitting anything you throw at them. They're common during the warmer months and provide non-stop action that's perfect for anglers who want to stay busy. Just watch your fingers when handling these feisty fighters.
Captain JD's private charters book up quickly, especially during peak season when the bluefin are running thick. This world-class fishing experience gives you the personalized attention and local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and a day you'll be talking about for years. Whether you're looking to introduce the family to saltwater fishing, celebrate a special occasion, or just get away from the crowds with your fishing buddies, this charter delivers. The combination of inshore and offshore options means you're virtually guaranteed action regardless of conditions, and JD's commitment to putting you on fish shows in every trip. Don't wait – the best dates fill up fast, and you don't want to miss your chance to experience some of New England's finest fishing right here in Hampton.
Scomber ScombrusThese silver speedsters show up in huge schools during summer months, usually running 12-16 inches and about a pound each. You'll find them in open water near the surface, chasing baitfish with incredible speed - they can hit 12 mph easily. Peak season is June through September when they come close to shore. What makes mackerel special is the non-stop action - once you find a school, everyone on board stays busy. They're also some of the best eating fish around, loaded with healthy omega-3s and perfect for grilling. The key trick is using small, shiny lures that mimic their favorite baitfish. Light tackle works best since they're aggressive but not huge.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the apex predators we target offshore - massive fish averaging 200-600 pounds with that classic torpedo shape and incredible power. We find them in deep water, usually 15+ miles out, where they hunt schools of herring and mackerel. Summer and early fall bring the best action when water temps are right. These fish are legendary for their strength - they'll make blistering runs and deep dives that test every piece of gear. The meat is world-class, especially for sashimi lovers. Fair warning: landing one is serious work that can take hours. My best advice is to stay hydrated and trust your drag system. When that rod bends over, you're in for the fight of your life.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that average 3-10 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They hunt in schools along beaches, around structure, and in open water - basically anywhere there's baitfish to chase. Summer brings the best action, especially during their famous feeding frenzies called "blitz" fishing. Anglers love them because they hit hard, fight dirty, and provide constant action when schools move through. Smaller "snappers" are perfect for beginners, while bigger blues challenge experienced fishermen. The meat is rich and oily - great smoked or grilled fresh. Pro tip: use wire leaders since those teeth will cut through regular line like butter, and keep your fingers clear when unhooking them.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of New England fishing, running 20-40 pounds on average with those distinctive dark stripes. They love structure - rocks, drop-offs, and moving water near shore. Spring through fall is prime time as they migrate up our coast, but we catch them year-round. These fish put up a solid fight and taste fantastic - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're perfect for beginners since they're forgiving, but big enough to get anyone's heart pumping. My go-to tip: watch for birds diving on baitfish. When you see that action, get your lines in the water fast because the stripers are usually right underneath feeding.
Pseudopleuronectes AmericanusWinter flounder are bottom-dwelling flatfish that most folks catch around 10-12 inches, though some reach 2 feet. They live on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow bays and estuaries, perfectly camouflaged against the seafloor. Despite the name, we catch them spring through fall in our waters. Kids love targeting these fish because they're reliable biters and great for learning basic techniques. They're also excellent table fare - sweet, delicate white meat that's perfect pan-fried. The secret is using a sensitive rod since they nibble before committing. Big sea worms or clam pieces work best, and patience pays off since they take their time deciding whether to bite.
New Hampshire