Full Day Blackfish Fishing Trip In Neptune City
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour tautog charter targeting structurerich fishing spots offshore.All equipment, bait, and expert guidance provided aboard charter.Small group experience with maximum six guests per trip.
When the water cools and most fish head to deeper water, tautog season fires up along the New Jersey coast. Mad Hatter Charters runs serious blackfish trips out of Neptune City, putting you right on the structure where these bottom dwellers love to hang out. This isn't your typical party boat scene – we keep it small at 6 anglers max, so everyone gets personal attention and plenty of room to work. Our captains know every rock pile, wreck, and reef from Manasquan to Point Pleasant, and they'll put you on fish that'll test your drag and fill your cooler.
This 8-hour charter gives you a full day to work the prime tautog spots along the Jersey shore. We leave early to beat the crowds and hit the best structures when the fish are most active. Your captain will set you up with quality rods and reels that can handle these bulldogs, plus all the green crabs, fiddler crabs, and other baits that blackfish can't resist. Don't worry if you're new to tog fishing – our crew will show you how to feel the subtle bites, set the hook hard, and muscle these fish away from the rocks. The boat rides smooth in most conditions, and we've got plenty of deck space so you won't be bumping elbows with other anglers. From October through April, the tautog bite stays consistent, making this one of the most reliable fisheries on the East Coast.
Tautog fishing is all about precision and patience. We anchor up on structure – wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom where these fish live year-round. You'll be using conventional tackle with enough backbone to turn a fish before it cuts you off in the rocks. The key is getting your bait right to the bottom and keeping it there while feeling for that distinctive tautog bite. These fish don't slam the bait like a striper or fluke – they pick it up, move it around, and you need to know when to set the hook. Our crew will teach you to read the subtle taps and pulls that signal a blackfish is mouthing your crab. We use circle hooks to improve hookup ratios and help with conservation, plus sinkers heavy enough to hold bottom in the current. The boat carries backup tackle if you break off, which happens to everyone when fishing around structure.
Tautog are the ultimate structure fish, and once you hook into one, you'll understand why Jersey anglers get fired up for blackfish season. These fish average 2-4 pounds but can push double digits, with 6-8 pounders being solid keeper-sized fish. They're built like tanks with powerful jaws designed to crush shellfish, which makes them incredible fighters in tight quarters around rocks and wrecks. Tautog are most active when water temperatures drop below 60 degrees, typically from late October through March, with the best fishing happening on overcast days or when there's some current moving. What makes them special isn't just the fight – blackfish are some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Their firm, white meat rivals any restaurant fish, and they're perfect for everything from fish tacos to pan-seared fillets. These fish live their entire lives around the same structures, so finding productive spots takes years of local knowledge. That's where our captains shine – they've been fishing these waters for decades and know exactly where the big schools hold up during different tides and weather conditions.
Mad Hatter Charters runs top-rated blackfish trips that consistently put anglers on quality tautog throughout the season. With our small group size, experienced crew, and access to the best fishing grounds off Neptune City, this charter delivers the kind of fishing experience that keeps customers coming back every season. The tautog bite is heating up, and spots fill fast during prime season. Whether you're a seasoned tog angler or want to try your hand at one of New Jersey's most popular fisheries, this full-day trip gives you the best shot at bringing home a cooler full of these prized bottom dwellers. Book your spot today and get ready for some serious arm-burning action on the hard bottom off the Jersey coast.
This 40-foot BHM Downeast cruiser is built for serious tautog fishing off the Jersey coast. The 2017 vessel runs smooth with 580HP Caterpillar power, getting you to productive blackfish structure at 22 knots. Six anglers fish comfortably with plenty of deck space to work green crabs around rocky bottom where these hard-fighting fish hang out. GPS navigation and fish finder help locate the best tautog spots, while the enclosed cabin keeps you warm during those chilly fall and winter trips when blackfish bite best. Built-in head and sleeping berth handle longer days on the water. The stable platform handles Jersey's coastal conditions while you drop baits to structure-rich areas that hold quality keeper tautog. Perfect setup for targeting these tasty bottom dwellers that put up a serious fight once hooked.
New Jersey