Ready for a serious offshore adventure? Mad Hatter Charters is serving up a full-day midshore fishing trip that'll test your mettle and fill your cooler. We're talking 20 to 60 miles off the Jersey coast, where the big boys play. This 16-hour marathon kicks off at the crack of dawn (well, 3 AM to be exact) and doesn't wrap until you've had your fill of battling monster black sea bass. If you've got the stamina and the passion for deep-water action, this is the trip you've been dreaming about.
Let's break it down, folks. You'll meet us at the dock in Neptune City while most of Jersey's still snoring. We'll load up, push off, and point the bow towards the honey holes where the sea bass grow to gargantuan proportions. This ain't no leisurely cruise - we're on a mission. The captain's got the spots dialed in, and we'll be dropping lines as soon as we hit the sweet spot. Expect a solid 8-10 hours of actual fishing time, giving you plenty of chances to land that personal best.
We've got you covered with all the gear you need - rods, reels, tackle, bait, and lures. Just bring your A-game and maybe a lucky hat. Oh, and don't sweat the cleanup - we'll handle the fish cleaning so you can focus on the catching. This trip's perfect for seasoned anglers looking to up their game, but we welcome eager newbies too. Just be ready for a workout - these deep-water beasts don't come easy.
Alright, let's talk tactics. We're targeting structure - wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms where the sea bass congregate. You'll be working heavy bottom rigs with multiple hooks, typically baited with clams or squid. It's all about feeling the bite and setting the hook hard. These fish fight like demons, so be ready for some serious forearm burn.
The key is staying on the fish. Our crew's always on the move, reading the fish finder and adjusting our drift to keep you over the action. We might anchor up if we find a hot spot, but often it's a game of cat and mouse. Don't be surprised if we make several moves throughout the day - that's how you fill the box in the offshore game.
Look, there's a reason why our 16-hour trips book up fast. It's not just about the quantity of fish (though that's pretty sweet), it's about the quality. We're talking genuine trophy-sized sea bass that'll make your buddies back home green with envy. Plus, there's something special about being way offshore, where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and you can't see land in any direction. It's just you, your fellow anglers, and the vast Atlantic. That's the kind of experience that keeps fishermen coming back year after year.
Let's chat about our target species - the mighty black sea bass. These bruisers are the kings of the reef, and for good reason. They're aggressive feeders with a mean streak a mile wide. You'll find them hanging around structure, ready to ambush anything that looks tasty.
In the spring and fall, when we run these trips, the sea bass are at their peak. We're talking fish in the 3-5 pound range, with some real monsters pushing 8 pounds or more. They school up in these deeper waters, which means when you find 'em, it can be non-stop action.
What makes sea bass so popular? For one, they're absolute bulldogs on the line. They'll try to dive back into their rocky lairs, so you've got to muscle them up quick. And let's not forget - they're downright delicious. Firm, white flesh that's perfect for just about any recipe you can dream up.
The best part? Sea bass are managed well in our waters, so you can feel good about bringing home a limit. It's sustainable fishing at its finest, and trust me, your family will thank you when you serve up those fillets.
Listen, if you're still reading this, you know you want in on the action. This isn't your average day trip - it's a full-on fishing marathon that'll test your skills and reward you with coolers full of prime eating fish. Mad Hatter Charters has been running these trips for years, and we've got it dialed in to maximize your time on the fish.
Remember, we're limited to 6 anglers per trip, so spots fill up fast. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking for a challenge or an ambitious newcomer ready to step up your game, this is the trip that'll scratch that deep-sea itch. Don't wait - get in touch and lock in your spot on one of New Jersey's premier offshore fishing experiences. The sea bass are waiting, and trust me, they're hungry.
Black sea bass are a prized catch off our New Jersey coast. These chunky, dark-colored fish typically run 2-4 pounds, but can reach over 8 pounds in deeper waters. You'll find them hanging around structure like wrecks, reefs and rocky bottoms from late spring through fall. These fish put up a feisty fight, especially the big males that develop blue coloration and a hump on their heads during spawning season. Interestingly, all black sea bass are born female and some later transition to male. We target them in 60-120 foot depths using medium tackle and bottom rigs baited with squid or fish strips. They're excellent eating with firm, white flesh. For best results, I like to fish the tide changes when sea bass are most active. One local trick: if you find a good spot, mark it on your GPS. Black sea bass tend to return to the same structures year after year, so you can revisit productive areas on future trips.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Caterpillar
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 580