Premier NJ Offshore Tuna Charters | Mad Hatter

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

New Jersey
$1,200 - $4,500 price range
Updated Date: August 6, 2025

Summary

Ready for some serious offshore action? Join Mad Hatter Fishing Charters for a 16-18 hour tuna and wreck fishing trip off the New Jersey coast. We'll take you 20-60 miles out to where the big ones bite. You might hook into bluefin or yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, or even a wahoo. Our boat leaves early, usually around 3 AM, so we can maximize our time on the fishing grounds. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work those rods. No need to bring gear - we provide all the tackle, lures, and bait you'll need. We'll even ice down your catch and fillet it for you at the end of the day. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying offshore fishing for the first time, our crew will make sure you have a great day on the water. Just bring your food, drinks, and get ready to battle some hard-fighting fish!

Premier NJ Offshore Tuna Charters | Mad Hatter

Offshore Tuna Takedown

Hooked a massive striped bass while exploring the best fishing spots in Neptune City!

A striped bass caught on a day of excellent fishing in Neptune City, New Jersey.

Landed a big striped bass while deep sea fishing in Neptune City, NJ!

Reeled in a tasty striped bass while working the waters off Neptune City, NJ!

16-Hour Tuna Chase: NJ's Epic Mid-Shore Adventure

Get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime with Mad Hatter Charters! We're talking serious offshore action, 20 to 60 miles out in the Atlantic. This ain't your average day on the water - we're chasing big game fish like tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. Our 16-18 hour trips are the real deal, giving you plenty of time to land that monster catch you've been dreaming about. We'll get you geared up with everything you need, from top-notch tackle to fresh bait. And when you bring in that lunker, we'll even fillet it for you. It's time to make some waves and create stories you'll be telling for years to come!

What to Expect on the Water

Alright, here's the lowdown on our mid-shore tuna charters. We typically cast off at 3 AM - yeah, it's early, but trust me, it's worth it to beat the sun and get to the hot spots. You and five of your buddies will hop aboard our fully-equipped vessel, and we'll point her nose towards the fishing grounds. As we cruise out, you might catch a killer sunrise over the Atlantic - it's a view that never gets old. Once we hit our target area, it's all hands on deck. We'll be trolling, chunking, and jigging for those big pelagics. The action can be fast and furious, so be ready! Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing; our experienced crew will show you the ropes. And when you hook into a yellowfin or bluefin, get ready for the fight of your life!

Techniques That Land the Big Ones

On our mid-shore tuna trips, we pull out all the stops to put you on the fish. We use a mix of techniques depending on what's working that day. Trolling is our bread and butter - we'll set out a spread of lures and teasers to entice those tuna to strike. When we mark a school on the fish finder, we might switch to chunking. We'll toss out cut bait to create a chum slick and get the tuna feeding in a frenzy. For the more adventurous anglers, we might break out the jigging rods. Dropping metal jigs down and working them back up can trigger some explosive hits from big tuna. Our arsenal includes everything from lightweight spinning gear for mahi to heavy-duty stand-up rods for wrestling those 100+ pound tuna. And remember, in the offshore game, you never know what might show up - so always be ready for that line to start screaming!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Yellowfin Tuna: These torpedo-shaped speedsters are the stars of our mid-shore trips. Yellowfins in our waters typically range from 30 to 100 pounds, but bigger ones aren't uncommon. They're known for their blistering runs and deep dives that'll test your stamina. The meat is prized for its rich flavor, perfect for sashimi or grilled steaks. Summer and early fall are prime time for yellowfin action off the Jersey coast.

Bluefin Tuna: The heavyweight champions of the tuna world, bluefins are the ultimate trophy for many anglers. These giants can top 1,000 pounds, though most we encounter are in the 100-300 pound range. Bluefins are powerful fighters that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. They show up in our waters from late spring through fall, with the best fishing often in June and July. Landing a bluefin is an experience you'll never forget!

Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these acrobatic beauties are a favorite among our clients. With their vibrant colors and high-flying antics, mahi mahi put on a great show when hooked. They typically range from 10 to 30 pounds in our area, with some pushing 50+. Mahi love to hang around floating debris, so we always keep an eye out for weed lines or floating logs. They're most abundant in the warmer months, from July through September.

Wahoo: Speed demons of the ocean, wahoo are like underwater rockets. These sleek predators can hit speeds over 60 mph and strike lures with incredible force. While not as common as tuna or mahi, hooking a wahoo is always a thrilling surprise on our trips. They average 30 to 50 pounds but can get much larger. Late summer and early fall are the best times to cross paths with these toothy missiles.

Black Sea Bass: While we're primarily targeting pelagics on these trips, we might make a stop on some deep water wrecks for black sea bass. These structure-loving fish are excellent eating and can provide steady action when the offshore bite is slow. They typically run 1 to 5 pounds, but trophy-sized "humpbacks" over 8 pounds are possible. Sea bass season in federal waters is open year-round, making them a reliable target on our longer trips.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the rush of battling a big tuna or the satisfaction of filling the fish box with tasty mahi. Our clients rave about the non-stop action and the thrill of never knowing what might bite next. Many folks tell us these trips are the highlight of their summer. It's not just about the fishing, though - it's the whole experience. Watching the sun rise over the open ocean, feeling the salt spray on your face, and sharing laughs and high-fives with your crew... it's what offshore fishing is all about. And let's not forget the bragging rights that come with landing a trophy tuna or wahoo!

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, anglers - you've heard what our mid-shore tuna trips are all about. Now it's time to get in on the action yourself! These 16-18 hour adventures are the real deal, giving you the best shot at tangling with some serious offshore gamefish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer looking to test your skills, we've got you covered. Remember, we provide all the gear, bait, and know-how - you just need to bring your A-game and maybe some snacks for the long day ahead. Spots on these trips fill up fast, especially during peak tuna season. So don't wait around - give Mad Hatter Charters a call and let's get you out there where the big boys play. Trust me, once you feel that first tuna run, you'll be hooked for life!

Learn more about the species

Black Sea Bass

Black sea bass are tough little fighters that'll give you a real workout. Most run 2-4 pounds, but they can get up to 8 pounds if you're lucky. You'll find them hanging around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time, when they move inshore to spawn. These fish put up a good scrap until they break the surface. Folks love targeting them for their tasty white meat. To increase your odds, use squid or cut bait on a two-hook bottom rig. A medium-weight rod with 20-30 pound line will do the trick. Here's a local tip - if you find a big male, there's usually a bunch of smaller fish nearby. The biggest ones tend to be in deeper water over rougher bottom.

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin tuna are the kings of the Atlantic. These massive fish average 6-7 feet long and 550 pounds, but the biggest can top 1,400 pounds. You'll find them from the Gulf of Mexico up to Newfoundland, following bait schools. Spring and early summer are prime in the Mid-Atlantic when they're migrating. Bluefin put up an epic battle - screaming runs and deep dives that'll test your gear and stamina. Anglers love the thrill of the fight and the top-grade sushi meat. To land one, you need heavy tackle and a sturdy fighting belt. Try trolling with rigged ballyhoo or chunking at dawn and dusk when they feed aggressively. Pro tip: locate the bait balls and you'll find the tuna. Just remember, there are strict regulations on bluefin, so know the rules before you go after these bucket-list fish.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi mahi are the acrobats of the offshore world. These colorful fish average 15-30 pounds, but can top 60. You'll find them in warm offshore waters, often near weed lines or floating debris. Summer and early fall are prime here when the water's warmest. Mahi are known for their aerial displays - leaping and tail-walking across the surface. Anglers love the fast-paced action and the delicious white meat. To catch them, try trolling with rigged ballyhoo or small lures. When you spot a school, casting light jigs or live bait can be deadly. Local tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water. The rest of the school will often stick around, letting you catch multiple fish from the same spot.

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are the drag-burners of the offshore world. These sleek predators average 3-5 feet long and 30-50 pounds, with some topping 100. You'll find them in the warmer offshore waters, often near drop-offs or floating debris. Late summer and fall are prime times here as water temps peak. Wahoo are famous for blistering runs that can smoke a reel. Anglers love the challenge and the excellent table fare. To target them, try high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their razor teeth will slice through mono. Skirted ballyhoo and diving plugs work well. Pro tip: when you hook up, don't hesitate to chase the fish. Getting on top of them quickly can prevent long runs that attract sharks.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna are speed demons, hitting 50 mph as they chase bait. Most weigh 30-100 pounds, but they can top 400. You'll find them in the warmer offshore waters, often around floating debris or temperature breaks. Summer and fall are prime seasons here. Yellowfin are prized for their fight - long, fast runs that'll make your reel scream. Plus, the meat is excellent for sushi or grilling. To catch them, try trolling with skirted lures or cedar plugs. When you mark fish deep, switch to jigging or chunking. For a real thrill, nothing beats seeing one crush a topwater lure. Here's a local trick: if the bite is slow, try downsizing your lures and leader. Sometimes matching the smaller bait they're keyed in on makes all the difference.

About the Cabin Cruisers

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Caterpillar

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 580

Ready for a serious fishing adventure? Mad Hatter Fishing Charters has you covered with our 16-18 hour offshore trips. We'll take you 20-60 miles out into the deep blue, where the big fish play. We're talking Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo - the kind of catches that'll have you bragging for weeks. Our trips typically start at 3 am, but we're flexible to work with your schedule. We can take up to 6 passengers, so bring your crew along. No need to worry about gear - we've got all the tackle, lures, and bait you'll need. We'll even keep your catch fresh with ice and fillet it for you when we get back. Whether you're after tuna or want to try your luck at some wreck fishing, we've got the know-how to put you on the fish. Don't let another season go by without getting out there. Book your trip with Mad Hatter Fishing Charters and get ready for some serious offshore action!

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