World-Class NJ Tuna Fishing | Mad Hatter Charters

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Ready for a real offshore adventure? Join Mad Hatter Fishing Charters for a 20-hour deep sea trip that'll test your angling skills. We leave at midnight and cruise 90-100 miles into the Atlantic, putting you right where the big fish are. You're in for a shot at some serious catches - Yellowfin, Bigeye, and Longfin Tuna, plus Mahi Mahi, Tilefish, Wahoo, and even White and Blue Marlin. Don't worry about gear; we've got you covered with all the tackle, bait, and lures you'll need. Our boat takes up to 6 guests, so you'll have plenty of elbow room to reel in those trophy fish. It's a long day on the water, but trust us, when you're battling a big tuna, time flies. We'll have you back the same evening, probably with some great fish stories to tell. If you're after a genuine offshore fishing experience in New Jersey waters, this is the trip for you.

World-Class NJ Tuna Fishing | Mad Hatter Charters

Offshore Tuna Action

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!

NJ's Ultimate Offshore Tuna Adventure

Ready to test your mettle against some of the Atlantic's toughest fighters? Our 20-hour offshore tuna trip with Mad Hatter Charters is the real deal. We're talking serious deep sea action, 90-100 miles out where the big boys play. This ain't your average day on the water – it's a full-on offshore assault that'll have you telling stories for years to come. Whether you're after yellowfin, bigeye, or longfin tuna, or hoping to tangle with a marlin, we've got you covered. So grab your sea legs and let's hit the canyons!

Trip Overview

Here's the lowdown: We cast off at midnight, giving us a jump on the prime fishing grounds come daybreak. You'll want to catch some z's on the ride out because once we hit the sweet spots, it's game on. We're talking a solid 12+ hours of fishing time in some of the most productive waters off the Jersey coast. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're all about putting you on the fish. We provide all the heavy-duty gear you'll need, from rods and reels to fresh bait and proven lures. Just bring your A-game and maybe a rabbit's foot for luck – the rest is on us.

Techniques on the High Seas

Out here, we play by the ocean's rules. We'll be employing a mix of trolling and chunking techniques, depending on what the fish are feeling that day. When we're on the move, we'll drag a spread of ballyhoo and artificial lures, searching for those telltale signs of life – birds working, bait balls, or those sweet temp breaks where the big boys like to hang. If we mark a good chunk of fish, we'll set up shop and start chumming, getting a nice slick going to bring them to the boat. It's all hands on deck when a fish hits – these ain't no backyard bass, folks. Be ready for some serious battles that'll test your stamina and maybe teach you a few new words!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Yellowfin Tuna: The bread and butter of our offshore trips, yellowfin are the perfect mix of fight and flavor. These torpedoes can hit 100+ pounds and will make you earn every inch of line. They school up nicely in the warmer months, and there's nothing like seeing a bunch of 'yellers' crashing bait on the surface. Best of all, they make for some killer sushi or steaks on the grill.

Bluefin Tuna: The heavyweight champs of the tuna world, bluefin are the ultimate trophy. These beast can top 1,000 pounds, though we usually tangle with the 100-300 pounders out here. They're fewer and farther between than their yellowfin cousins, but hooking into one of these giants is the stuff of fishing legend. Just be prepared for a fight that might leave you sleeping for a week!

White Marlin: The acrobats of the deep, white marlin are all about the show. They're not the biggest billfish out there, usually in the 50-80 pound range, but what they lack in size they make up for in aerial displays. Watching a white marlin tail-walk across the surface is a sight you won't soon forget. These guys are catch-and-release only, so bring your camera for the money shot.

Blue Marlin: The holy grail for many offshore anglers, blue marlin are the stuff dreams are made of. They're rare catches in our waters, but when they show up, it's an all-out war. Blues can easily top 500 pounds and will test every bit of your tackle and skill. Landing one of these monsters is a lifelong achievement for any angler.

Wahoo: Speed demons of the sea, wahoo are like the cheetahs of the ocean. They'll hit a lure at 60 mph and peel off line faster than you can blink. While not as common as tuna, hooking into a wahoo is always a thrilling surprise. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean – firm, white meat that's hard to beat.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let's be real – offshore fishing isn't for the faint of heart. It's long days, big swells, and fish that'll make your arms feel like noodles. But that's exactly why our regulars can't get enough. There's something about being way out there, where the water turns that deep cobalt blue, that gets in your blood. Maybe it's the anticipation of not knowing what'll hit next – a school of yellowfin or that once-in-a-lifetime blue marlin. Or maybe it's the camaraderie that comes from battling the elements and celebrating each other's catches. Whatever it is, once you've had a taste of the offshore life, you'll be hooked for good.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you're still reading, you know this trip is calling your name. We've got the boat, we've got the know-how, and the fish are out there waiting. All that's missing is you. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak tuna season, so don't sleep on this. Give us a shout, lock in your date, and get ready for some of the best fishing of your life. Whether you're a seasoned salt or looking to pop your offshore cherry, Mad Hatter Charters has got you covered. Let's make some memories and maybe break a few personal bests while we're at it. The clock's ticking, the fish are biting – what are you waiting for?

Learn more about the species

Blue Marlin

Blue marlin are the true giants of the billfish world, averaging 200-400 pounds but capable of topping 1,000. They're dark blue on top, fading to silvery-white below, with that iconic long, pointed bill. We find them in the warmest offshore waters, usually over deep structure or near strong currents. Late summer is prime time off NJ, but they're a rare catch this far north. Anglers dream of hooking a blue for the epic battle - they're incredibly strong and will fight for hours, making long runs and spectacular jumps. It's strictly catch-and-release, all about the experience. When targeting blues, we troll big lures or rigged baits like horse ballyhoo. One tip: if you see a fish in the spread, don't slow down - blues like a fast-moving bait and will lose interest if it slows.

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin tuna are the giants of the tuna world, averaging 6-7 feet long and 550 pounds, but can get much bigger. These powerful fish are built for speed and endurance, with a streamlined body that can hit 40+ mph. We find them offshore in both cold and warm waters, often near structure or bait schools. Prime season off NJ is typically July through October. Anglers love targeting bluefin for their incredible strength and hard-fighting nature - expect fast runs and deep dives that'll test your gear and stamina. They're also prized for their rich, buttery meat that's considered the best for sushi. When targeting bluefin, I like to troll with spreader bars or daisy chains to mimic a school of baitfish. Just be ready for explosive strikes and make sure your drag is set right, or they'll smoke your reel!

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are like the cheetahs of the ocean - streamlined, beautiful, and incredibly fast. They average 4-5 feet long and 30-50 pounds, with a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. We find them in the warm offshore waters, often near drop-offs or floating debris. Late summer through fall is usually best off NJ. Anglers love wahoo for their blistering speed - they can hit 60 mph and will make your reel scream. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat perfect for grilling. When targeting wahoo, I like to troll fast - 12-15 knots - with wire leaders and lures like jets or bullet-heads. A good trick is to use a planer to get your lure deeper, since wahoo often hang out a bit below the surface. Hold on tight when they strike - it's like hooking a freight train!

White Marlin

White marlin are one of the most acrobatic fish you'll ever hook. They average 60-80 pounds and are known for their spectacular aerial displays. We find them in the warmer offshore waters, often near the edges of underwater structure. Late summer through early fall is prime time off NJ. Anglers prize white marlin for the challenge - they're fast, agile, and put on an incredible show when hooked. It's mostly catch-and-release, focused on the thrill of the fight. When targeting whites, I like to troll a spread of small ballyhoo or lures. The key is to watch your baits closely - white marlin often just gently tap the bait before striking. When you see that, free-spool for a few seconds to let them fully take it before setting the hook. Get ready for some fireworks once they realize they're hooked!

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin tuna are sleek, torpedo-shaped fish with bright yellow fins that give them their name. Most we catch run 60-100 pounds, though they can get over 400. You'll find them in the warmer offshore waters, often near floating debris or following dolphin pods. They're visual hunters, so they tend to feed near the surface. Summer and early fall are prime time for yellowfin off NJ. Anglers love targeting them for their acrobatic fights - they'll make blistering runs and go airborne. The meat is also excellent for sushi or grilling. When yellowfin are around, I like to run a spread of cedar plugs and skirted ballyhoo. A good tip is to watch for birds working the surface - that often means there's a school of yellowfin below pushing bait to the top. Be ready to move fast when you spot that action!

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 some serious offshore action? Join Mad Hatter Fishing Charters for an epic 20-hour tuna trip that'll test your angling skills and potentially land you some monster catches. We're talking yellowfin, bigeye, and longfin tuna, plus the chance to hook mahi mahi, tilefish, wahoo, and even white or blue marlin. Leaving at midnight, we'll cruise 90-100 miles into the Atlantic, putting you right where the big fish play. Don't sweat the gear – we've got you covered with top-notch tackle, bait, lures, and ice. This trip is perfect for dedicated anglers looking to push their limits and come home with bragging rights. Whether you're a seasoned pro or looking to step up your game, our experienced crew will make sure you're in the right spots to maximize your chances. Book your spot now and get ready for an offshore adventure you'll be talking about for years to come.

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