Guided Fishing Trip In Neptune City - Bass, Tuna And More
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
16-18 hour offshore trips targeting Bluefin and Yellowfin TunaAll tackle, bait, ice and filet service included onboardAccommodates up to 6 passengers with 3am departure times
Ready to test your skills against some of the Atlantic's most prized gamefish? Mad Hatter Charters runs serious offshore trips out of Neptune City, targeting everything from monster bluefin tuna to lightning-fast wahoo. These aren't your typical half-day harbor trips – we're talking 16-18 hour adventures that'll take you 20-60 miles into blue water where the real action happens. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not messing around when it comes to putting you on fish. With all tackle, bait, and even filleting service included, you just need to show up ready to fish hard and hang on tight.
Your day starts early – we're talking 3 AM departure times when most folks are still dreaming about their morning coffee. But trust me, there's nothing like watching the sunrise from 40 miles offshore with lines in the water and the anticipation of what might be lurking below. The boat handles up to 6 anglers, so you're not fighting crowds for rail space or dealing with a cattle boat situation. Captain runs a tight ship and knows exactly where to position for the best shots at pelagic species. You'll be trolling the deep water columns, working structure, and hitting productive areas that consistently produce trophy-class fish. The crew provides all the heavy tackle you'll need – we're talking serious gear built for serious fish. Ice is on board to keep your catch fresh, and the filleting service means you're walking away with restaurant-quality fillets ready for the grill.
This is pure offshore trolling at its finest. We're running multiple lines with a spread of lures designed to trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics. The boat's rigged with outriggers and quality rod holders, letting us cover maximum water while maintaining proper lure presentation. Ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and high-speed trolling lures make up the arsenal – each one proven to produce on these grounds. When fish are located, we'll switch up tactics based on what we're seeing. Sometimes that means slowing down and chunking, other times it's staying on the troll and working the edges of temperature breaks. The captain reads the water constantly – watching for bird activity, temperature changes, and bait schools that signal feeding fish below. Heavy conventional reels spooled with quality line handle the initial runs, while fighting belts and harnesses help you battle the bigger specimens that can peel off hundreds of yards of drag.
The Mahi Mahi action has been absolutely lights-out this year. These bull dolphins are showing up in solid numbers, and when you hook into a good one, you're in for a aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. They're running anywhere from 15-40 pounds, with the occasional cow pushing 50. Best part about mahi? They're curious fish, so where you catch one, there's usually more. Wahoo fishing has been producing some real rockets – fish that'll smoke 200 yards of line before you even realize what hit you. These speed demons are averaging 30-50 pounds, with a few monsters pushing the 60-pound mark. The yellowfin tuna bite has been consistent, with fish in the 40-80 pound class providing serious battles on heavy tackle. Bluefin tuna are the real prize though – when conditions align and we locate schools of giants, you're looking at fish that can go 200+ pounds. Black sea bass round out the mix when we're working wrecks and structure, providing excellent table fare and steady action when the pelagics are being finicky.
Mahi Mahi are pure dynamite on the end of a line. These colorful fighters love warm water and current edges, typically showing up from late spring through fall. Bulls can reach impressive sizes and they're known for their acrobatic fights – expect multiple jumps and long runs. They school up around floating debris and weed lines, making them perfect targets for our trolling spread. What makes them special? They're beautiful fish that photograph well, fight hard, and taste even better on the dinner table.
Wahoo are the speed freaks of the offshore world. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph and they'll test your reflexes and equipment. Peak season runs from fall into winter, when water temperatures start dropping and baitfish concentrate. A wahoo strike feels like getting hit by lightning – one second you're trolling peacefully, the next you're watching line disappear at an alarming rate. Their razor-sharp teeth and incredible speed make them one of the most respected gamefish in these waters.
Yellowfin Tuna are the workhorses of offshore fishing. These powerful swimmers show up year-round but peak during warmer months. They're built for endurance – thick shoulders, deep bodies, and the stamina to fight for hours if you let them. Yellowfin respond well to chunking and live bait presentations, especially around temperature breaks and underwater structure. They're also fantastic table fare, making them a favorite among serious anglers.
Bluefin Tuna represent the ultimate offshore challenge. These giants migrate through our waters during specific windows, typically in cooler months. A large bluefin will test every piece of equipment on the boat and push your endurance to the limit. They're incredibly valuable fish, both for their fighting ability and their worth at the dock. When bluefin are around, everything else takes a backseat.
Black Sea Bass might not have the glamour of the pelagic species, but they're reliable producers and excellent eating. These structure-oriented fish live around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom areas. They're perfect for mixed bag trips when we're working inshore structures before heading to the deep water. Sea bass are curious and aggressive, making them ideal for anglers of all skill levels.
Jump aboard our reliable 40-foot BHM Downeast cruiser and get ready to chase tuna and bass in Neptune City waters! This 2017 beauty packs a 580HP Caterpillar engine that'll get you to the fishing grounds at a steady 22 knots. With room for 6 anglers, she's got everything you need for those long offshore runs - GPS to find the hotspots, fish finder to locate the schools, plus a comfortable bed and head for the extended trips. Whether you're targeting bluefin tuna 60 miles out or hitting the local wrecks for bass, this solid fishing platform handles the offshore swells with ease. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up, and with Mad Hatter's tackle and bait included, you just need to show up ready to fish. Perfect for those early morning departures when the tuna are biting!
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting members of the grouper family that typically run 1-4 pounds, though bigger males can push 8+ pounds. You'll find them around wrecks, rocky bottom, and structure in depths under 120 feet during summer months. Season runs May through December, with peak action in late spring and summer when they move inshore. What people love about sea bass is the solid fight they put up and excellent table fare - firm, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're mostly bottom feeders, so get your bait down to them. Here's the key: use a two-hook rig with squid or fish strips, and fish right on the structure where they live.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the holy grail - massive fish averaging 550 pounds that can reach 12 feet and over 1,000 pounds. These warm-blooded giants roam deep water and can dive over 3,000 feet. Best fishing runs April through June during spawning season. What makes bluefin legendary is the raw power - they'll make screaming runs and deep dives that'll test the heaviest tackle. The meat is world-class, especially prized for sushi. Be ready for long fights with these fish. Pro tip: they bite most aggressively during dawn and dusk hours, so time your trolling runs accordingly. Heavy tackle and a fighting belt are absolute musts for these bruisers.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll see out there - brilliant blues and golds that put on a light show when they come up. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen them push 50+. They love hanging around floating debris and weedlines in the warm water, usually in the top 60 feet. Best action happens late spring through fall when water temps climb. What makes them special is the fight - they'll jump, run, and keep you busy the whole time. Plus, the meat is fantastic - firm, white, and mild. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep an eye out for others nearby since they often travel in small groups.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and average 3-5 feet long. You'll find them in open water, usually within the top 60 feet, often around floating objects or structure. They're most active during cooler months here, with peak action from fall through early spring. What draws people to wahoo is that lightning-fast strike and the blistering runs they make. The meat is excellent too - white, flaky, and mild like a premium fish should be. My advice: run your lures fast when targeting these guys, around 12-15 knots, and always use wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through anything else.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are powerhouse fighters that typically run 60 pounds but can push 400+. These warm-blooded fish cruise the open ocean in the top 330 feet, constantly on the move. We see them year-round, but summer months often produce the best action when bait is thick. What makes yellowfin special is their incredible stamina - they'll make long, deep runs that test your gear and your patience. The meat quality is outstanding, perfect for sushi or searing. They're feeding machines, so when you mark them deep but nothing's biting on the surface, switch to jigging. That vertical presentation often triggers strikes when trolling won't.
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