Deep Sea Fishing Adventure in Neptune City
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target bluefin tuna, yellowfin, mahi mahi on 1618 hour tripsDepart 3am, travel 2060 miles offshore with 6 passengers maximumAll tackle, bait, ice and filet service included
Looking for the ultimate offshore fishing experience? Mad Hatter Charters delivers world-class deep sea fishing right from Neptune City, targeting some of the most sought-after pelagic species on the East Coast. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking about serious 16-18 hour adventures that take you 20-60 miles offshore where the big fish live. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish that'll have you talking for years.
This top-rated charter kicks off early – and I mean early. Most trips depart around 3 AM, which might sound brutal, but trust me, it's worth every lost hour of sleep. The early start gets you to the fishing grounds right when the bite turns on, plus you'll beat the afternoon crowds. With only 6 anglers max per trip, you're not fighting for rail space or competing with a dozen other lines in the water. The boat heads out anywhere from 20 to 60 miles depending on where the fish are showing up, and the captain's constantly watching the fish finder and talking to other boats to dial in the hottest action. You'll be back at the dock the same evening, tired but grinning from ear to ear with a cooler full of premium table fare.
Mad Hatter runs a clean operation with all the tackle, lures, and bait included in your trip cost. No need to stress about bringing the right gear – these guys have everything from heavy trolling rods rigged for tuna to lighter setups for mahi and wahoo. The boat typically runs a spread of outriggers with ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and various lures designed to mimic the baitfish these pelagics are feeding on. When targeting tuna, expect to see chunking operations where the crew sets up a slick with fresh bait to draw fish up from the depths. The deck hands know their stuff and will help you fight fish properly, adjust drag settings, and coach you through landing that fish of a lifetime. They also provide professional filet service, so your catch goes from hook to cooler in perfect condition.
The waters off Neptune City offer some of the most diverse offshore fishing on the East Coast, and Mad Hatter targets five premier species that keep anglers coming back season after season. Each species offers its own unique challenge and reward, making every trip an adventure.
Bluefin Tuna are the crown jewel of offshore fishing here, and for good reason. These powerful fish can exceed 200 pounds and provide fights that'll test your endurance and technique. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they're feeding heavily before their spawning migration. Bluefin are notorious for their stamina – expect battles lasting 30 minutes to over an hour. What makes them special is their intelligence; they'll sound deep, make blistering runs, and use every trick in the book to throw your hooks. Landing a quality bluefin is a badge of honor among serious offshore anglers.
Yellowfin Tuna offer non-stop action during summer and early fall months. These fish typically range from 20-80 pounds in local waters and are absolute speed demons. Unlike their bluefin cousins, yellowfins fight with pure speed and power, making screaming runs that'll have your reel smoking. They school up in large numbers, so when you find them, you're often looking at multiple hookups and steady action throughout the day. Yellowfins also make outstanding table fare with their deep red meat that's perfect for sashimi or grilling.
Mahi Mahi, also called dolphinfish, are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter out there. These brilliant gold and green fish are most active from late spring through early fall, and they put on an absolute show when hooked. Mahi are known for their aerial displays, jumping repeatedly and shaking their heads trying to throw hooks. They typically range from 10-30 pounds locally, though larger bulls over 40 pounds show up regularly. What anglers love about mahi is their willingness to bite – they're aggressive feeders that'll hit both lures and live bait with enthusiasm.
Wahoo are the speed merchants of the deep, capable of hitting 60+ mph and making runs that'll leave you wondering what just happened. These torpedo-shaped fish are most common in late summer and fall, and they're absolute tackle busters with their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes. Wahoo typically range from 20-60 pounds in these waters, and their fight is all about speed and endurance. They make long, sustained runs that test your drag system and technique. Plus, wahoo are fantastic eating with white, flaky meat that's excellent grilled or blackened.
Black Sea Bass round out the target species list and are the perfect fish for anglers who enjoy bottom fishing mixed with their trolling action. These fish are most active from late spring through fall and typically range from 3-8 pounds, with larger specimens over 10 pounds providing excellent fights on lighter tackle. Bass are structure-oriented, so when the boat works wrecks and reefs, expect steady action and full coolers. They're also among the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, white meat that's perfect for any preparation.
Mad Hatter Charters delivers the kind of offshore fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. With their intimate boat size, expert crew, and access to prime fishing grounds, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. The early morning departure might be tough, but the payoff is worth every lost hour of sleep when you're fighting trophy fish in crystal blue water. All tackle, bait, ice, and cleaning services are included, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat. Don't wait too long to book your spot –
Ready to chase down some serious fish? Our 40-foot BHM Downeast cabin cruiser is built for those long offshore runs where the big tuna live. This 2017 beauty packs a 580HP Caterpillar engine that'll get you cruising at 22 knots to those prime fishing grounds 20-60 miles out. With room for 6 anglers, she's got everything you need for those marathon 16-18 hour trips - GPS to find the hotspots, fish finder to locate the schools, plus a bed and head so you can stay comfortable during those pre-dawn departures and late evening returns. Whether you're targeting bluefin, yellowfin, mahi, or wahoo, this boat handles the open water like a champ and gets you back to the dock with coolers full of fish.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are solid, reliable fish that make great targets on our wreck fishing trips. They typically run 1-4 pounds with a chunky build and can live over 20 years. You'll find them around structure - wrecks, rocks, and hard bottom in 60-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. Guests appreciate them because they fight well for their size and they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. They're also easier to catch than some of our pelagic species, making them great for families. Key tip: use a high-low rig with squid strips and keep it tight to the bottom. These fish are structure-oriented, so get your bait right in their neighborhood.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail of tuna fishing - massive, powerful fish that can reach 200-400 pounds in our waters. They're built like submarines with that dark blue back and silver belly, and they fight harder than anything else out there. We find them in cooler water from spring through fall, often around temperature breaks and structure 40+ miles offshore. What sets them apart is the combination of size, fight, and incredible meat quality - this is sushi-grade fish that commands top dollar. The battle can last hours with these giants making deep runs and bulldogging near the bottom. Best advice: when chunking for bluefin, use whatever bait they're feeding on - herring, mackerel, or squid. Match the hatch and be patient.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out there, with brilliant golden sides and electric blues that put on a real light show when they come out of the water. They typically run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen them push 50+ on good days. These fish love floating debris and weed lines in the upper water column, usually in that 20-60 mile range where we do our longer runs. Summer through fall gives us the best action when water temps are up. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps - plus they're fantastic eating with that firm, sweet white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your spread in the water. Mahi travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more waiting.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, hitting 60 mph with that torpedo-shaped body and distinctive blue stripes. Most run 3-5 feet and 30-60 pounds, but the big ones can push 100+. We find them in open water around 20-80 feet deep, often near floating debris or temperature breaks. They're most active during cooler months when they move closer to shore. Guests love them for that blistering initial run and the fact that they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white, and mild like premium swordfish. Here's the key: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. Their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat, so that wire is non-negotiable if you want to land one.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of our offshore trips, typically running 40-80 pounds with that classic torpedo shape and bright yellow fins. They cruise the top 100 feet of water in warm blue water, usually 30+ miles out. Spring through fall brings the best fishing when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. These fish are pure muscle - they'll make long, powerful runs that'll test your endurance and tackle. Plus, the meat quality is outstanding for sushi or steaks. When we're marking fish deep but nothing's hitting the trolling spread, it's time to break out the jigs and work them vertically. Sometimes they just want something moving fast through the water column, and a well-worked jig can turn a slow day around.
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