5.0(5 Reviews)Full Day Striped Bass Fishing in Neptune City
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Early morning launch targeting striped bass along Jersey coastSmall group experience with maximum six guests aboardPremium tackle and fresh bait provided by experienced crew
Mad Hatter Charters knows how to put you on stripers when the fish are hungry and the conditions are right. This full-day inshore trip launches at 5:30 a.m. from Neptune City, giving you prime access to some of the most productive striped bass waters along the Jersey coast. With 7 to 8 hours on the water and only six anglers maximum, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great one. Captain and crew handle all the details—fresh bait, quality tackle, and ice for your catch—so you can focus on what you came for: steady rod action and hard-fighting fish.
Neptune City sits perfectly positioned to access multiple striped bass hot spots without burning half your fuel getting there. Mad Hatter's local crew knows exactly where fish stack up based on tide, temperature, and season. Your day starts early because that's when stripers feed most aggressively, especially during those magical first-light hours. The boat accommodates six anglers comfortably, creating an intimate setting where everyone gets plenty of room to fish and the captain can work closely with each angler. Whether you're a seasoned striper hunter or picking up a rod for the first time, the crew adjusts their approach to match your skill level. They'll put you on productive water, explain techniques as you fish, and make sure you understand what's happening below the surface. Launch times can shift based on tidal windows and your group's preferences—flexibility that many charter operations can't offer.
Mad Hatter provides all the essential gear, but the real value comes from learning proven techniques that work consistently in these waters. Live-lining is a staple method here, letting fresh bunker or eels swim naturally in the current while stripers cruise below. The crew will show you proper bait presentation, how to detect subtle pickups, and when to set the hook for solid connections. Jigging comes into play when fish are holding deep or relating to structure—vertical presentations with bucktails or metal jigs that trigger reaction strikes. Top-water action happens during those early morning hours when stripers push bait to the surface, creating explosive strikes that get your heart racing. The boat carries quality spinning and conventional tackle matched to local conditions, plus fresh bait that's proven effective in these waters. Ice keeps your catch fresh throughout the day, ensuring table-quality fish when you head home. Note that specialty baits like Gulp aren't included, but the crew will let you know if bringing specific lures would enhance your trip.
"Great captain and mate. Captain put us on fish all day great day on the water will be going back and recommending the boat." - Thomas. "Great captain, great mate, and awesome boat. True five star experience from start to finish." - Colin. "Awesome time knowledgeable guys 10/10" - Preston. "Another great day on the water. A little slow but we picked away and got our limit another fun trip." - Thomas kelsh.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Northeast inshore fishing, and Neptune City offers some of the most consistent action you'll find. These fish migrate seasonally along the coast, with spring and fall providing peak opportunities as they move between spawning grounds and wintering areas. Stripers in these waters typically range from schoolie size around 18 to 28 inches up to keeper-sized fish in the 30-plus-inch range, with occasional cows pushing 40 inches or more. What makes striped bass so appealing is their aggressive feeding behavior and willingness to hit various presentations. They're ambush predators that use structure, current breaks, and bait schools to their advantage. Early morning and late afternoon feeding windows produce the most consistent action, though these fish can be caught throughout the day when conditions align. Stripers fight hard with powerful runs and head-shaking battles that test your drag and technique. They're also excellent table fare when handled properly, making them perfect for anglers who want both sport and a quality meal. The Neptune City area benefits from the confluence of ocean currents and back-bay systems that create ideal striper habitat year-round.
Mad Hatter Charters has built a reputation for putting anglers on striped bass consistently, backed by local knowledge that only comes from years of fishing these waters daily. The six-angler limit ensures everyone gets personal attention and plenty of fishing time without feeling crowded. With all tackle, bait, and ice provided, you can focus entirely on fishing rather than logistics. The flexible departure schedule accommodates both early birds and those who prefer later starts, matching optimal tide windows for the best possible action. Customer feedback consistently highlights the crew's expertise and commitment to making every trip productive and enjoyable. Reserve your spot now and experience why Neptune City continues to be a top-rated striped bass destination. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, catch dinner, or simply enjoy a day of steady rod action, this full-day adventure delivers the complete inshore fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Meet your fishing platform for chasing stripers along the Jersey coast – a 40-foot BHM Downeast cabin cruiser that's built for serious anglers. This 2017 vessel cuts through Neptune City waters at 22 knots thanks to its 580HP Caterpillar engine, getting you to the fish fast and keeping you comfortable all day. The spacious layout handles six anglers without feeling cramped, whether you're live-lining bunker or working jigs in the current. GPS navigation and fish finder help locate those bass schools, while the onboard head and cabin bed mean you can focus on fishing instead of comfort concerns. Perfect for those pre-dawn launches when the stripers are feeding – this boat handles Jersey inshore conditions like it was made for them.
5.0 out of 5.0Great captain and mate. Captain put us on fish all day great day on the water will be going back and recommending the boat.
Great captain, great mate, and awesome boat. True five star experience from start to finish.
Awesome time knowledgeable guys 10/10
Lance Weinlein, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Another great day on the water. A little slow but we picked away and got our limit another fun trip.
New Jersey