Top-Rated Deep Sea Fishing in New Hampshire

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

New Hampshire
$3 - $1,600 price range

Summary

Captain Jeff Foote offers deep sea fishing trips in Central New Hampshire that are timed with the tides for the best action. You'll head offshore for 8 or 10 hours, giving you plenty of time to target big fish and take in the scenery. The boat can handle up to 4 guests, making it perfect for small groups or families. Even if you've never fished before, the captain will show you the ropes and help you reel in some impressive catches. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like whales and seabirds as you cruise the waters. With Central New Hampshire Guides, you're in for a full day of fishing, fresh air, and fantastic views. It's a great way to experience New Hampshire's natural beauty while trying your luck at landing some trophy fish. Remember to bring a camera - you'll want to capture those prize catches and ocean vistas.

Top-Rated Deep Sea Fishing in New Hampshire

Reeling Them In

Deep sea fishing, trolling, heavy tackle, light tackle at 1 Ocean Blvd

Reeling in the best catch of the day under partly cloudy skies.

Deep sea jigging, trolling, heavy tackle, and light tackle fishing at 1 Ocean Blvd

Tackling the waves with an array of fishing techniques on a partly cloudy day.

Two anglers deep sea fishing in the cloudy Gulf of Maine

Chasing the big ones with heavy tackle in Maine's premier fishing grounds

A pair of anglers deep sea fishing, jiggling, trolling, using heavy tackle and light tackle in the cloudy, rainy weather of the Gulf of Maine.

An epic day of deep sea fishing, jiggling, trolling, and tackling the elements in the Gulf of Maine.

Deep Sea Fishing Adventures in New Hampshire

Ready to experience some of the best deep sea fishing New Hampshire has to offer? Captain Jeff Foote and the crew at Central New Hampshire Guides are here to make it happen. We're talking 8 or 10 hours of non-stop action on the water, chasing after some of the Atlantic's most prized catches. Whether you're looking to battle a bluefin tuna or reel in a mess of tasty haddock, we've got you covered. And trust me, there's nothing quite like being out on the open ocean, feeling that salt spray on your face as you wait for the next big bite.

What to Expect on the Water

First things first - we run our trips based on the tides, so every outing is a little different. That's part of the fun! We'll head out from our dock in central New Hampshire, motoring to some of the best fishing grounds the area has to offer. Our 4-person capacity means you'll get plenty of one-on-one time with Captain Jeff, who knows these waters like the back of his hand. He'll get you set up with the right gear and show you the ropes if you're new to deep sea fishing. And if you're an old pro? Well, he's always got a few tricks up his sleeve to help you land that trophy catch.

Rods, Reels, and Rigging

On our deep sea trips, we use heavy-duty gear that's up to the task of handling big ocean fish. We're talking stout rods, high-capacity reels, and strong line - usually 50-80 pound test, depending on what we're after. For bottom fishing species like haddock and pollock, we'll often use diamond jigs or bait rigs. When we're targeting the big boys like tuna or shark, we might switch to trolling with spreader bars or live bait. Don't worry if this all sounds like Greek to you - we'll walk you through everything on the boat. Just remember to bring a good grip and be ready for a workout!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Fishing trip was good. Captain and crew was very nice n very helpful I will recommend to anyone looking for a good day on the water." - Jose

Species You'll Want to Hook

Haddock: These tasty bottom-dwellers are a favorite among New England anglers. They typically run 2-5 pounds, but we occasionally hook into some real lunkers. Haddock love cooler waters, so spring and fall are prime times to target them. They put up a decent fight for their size, and there's nothing better than fresh haddock for dinner.

Shortfin Mako Shark: Hold onto your hats, folks - mako sharks are the speedsters of the shark world. These apex predators can hit speeds of up to 45 mph in short bursts. They're known for their acrobatic jumps when hooked, sometimes clearing the water by several feet. Makos are typically a summer catch in New Hampshire waters, and landing one is a true test of an angler's skill.

Pollock: Often overlooked but always fun to catch, pollock are hard-fighting fish that school up in big numbers. They're active year-round but tend to move closer to shore in the cooler months. Pollock hit lures and bait with gusto, and their white, flaky meat is excellent for fish and chips.

Bluefin Tuna: The heavyweight champion of our waters, bluefin tuna are the ultimate prize for many deep sea anglers. These massive fish can weigh over 1,000 pounds and put up epic fights that can last hours. We typically target them from late spring through fall. Landing a bluefin is a bucket-list experience for any serious fisherman.

Winter Flounder: Don't let the name fool you - we catch these flatfish year-round, though they're most active in cooler months. They might not be the biggest or flashiest fish in the sea, but they're fun to catch and delicious to eat. Look for them near sandy or muddy bottoms.

Thresher Shark: With their distinctive long, scythe-like tails, threshers are one of the most unique-looking sharks you'll ever see. They use that tail like a whip to stun their prey, and boy, can they put up a fight when hooked. We typically encounter them in the warmer months. Landing a thresher is always a thrill, and they make for some great photo ops.

Time to Book Your Spot

So there you have it, folks - a full day of world-class deep sea fishing right here in New Hampshire. From tasty bottom fish to high-flying sharks, we've got it all. Remember, we're limited to 4 guests per trip, so spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you're a seasoned salt or a first-timer, Captain Jeff and the team at Central New Hampshire Guides are ready to give you a fishing adventure you'll be talking about for years to come. Don't let the big one get away - book your trip today and let's get out on the water!

Customer Review

Hooked on Kindness

Fishing trip was good. Captain and crew was very nice n very helpful I will recommend to anyone looking for a good day on the water.

Jose M

August 17, 2024

Learn more about the species

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin tuna are the heavyweight champs of our waters. These powerful fish average 6-8 feet and 500 pounds, but giants over 1,000 pounds show up too. We find them offshore from late spring through fall, often near bait schools or temperature breaks. Bluefin fishing is the ultimate test of skill and strength - these fish can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds and fight for hours. They're prized for their rich, fatty meat, especially for sushi. To target them, we'll troll with live bait like mackerel or use chunking techniques. One tip: when a bluefin hits, don't set the hook right away. Let it run with the bait for a few seconds to make sure it's got it good. Then hang on tight and get ready for the fight of your life!

Haddock

Haddock are a favorite catch here in New Hampshire waters. These bottom-dwellers typically run 2-7 pounds and 14-30 inches long. You'll find them over rocky or sandy bottoms, usually 100-300 feet deep. Spring and early summer are prime haddock seasons as they move inshore to spawn. Anglers love targeting haddock for their firm, flaky white meat - some of the tastiest in the ocean. They put up a decent fight too, especially the bigger ones. To increase your chances, I recommend using fresh clams or sea worms on a simple two-hook rig. Drop it right to the bottom and give it a little jig now and then. Haddock have small mouths, so keep your hooks on the smaller side. With a bit of patience, you'll be reeling in these silvery beauties in no time.

Pollock

Pollock are hard-fighting fish that'll give your arms a workout. They average 40-47 inches and 15-30 pounds, but can get much bigger. You'll find them near rocky areas and underwater structures, usually in 100-400 feet of water. They're most active in cooler months when they move closer to shore. Pollock are popular for their strong runs and tasty white meat. To catch 'em, try jigging with sand eel or black minnow imitations near the bottom. Early morning or evening is prime time. One local trick: use sturdy boots with good ankle support. These fish are known for their strength and can really pull. When you hook a big one, be ready for a fight - they'll try to drag you straight to the bottom!

Shortfin Mako Shark

Shortfin makos are the speed demons of the shark world. These sleek predators can hit 30 mph and leap 20 feet out of the water. Most run 6-8 feet long and 200-400 pounds, but monsters over 1,000 pounds aren't unheard of. We usually find them 20-30 miles offshore in the warmer months, cruising near the surface in search of tuna and other fish. Mako fishing is all about the thrill - they're known for spectacular aerial displays and blistering runs that'll test your gear and skills. To hook one, we'll set up a chum slick and drift live baits like mackerel or bluefish. Once hooked, hang on tight and be ready for anything. These sharks are smart and will use every trick to shake the hook. Makos are also prized for their meat, but we practice catch and release to help conserve the population.

Thresher Shark

Thresher sharks are one of the most unique catches you can hope for. They're famous for that long, whip-like tail that can be as long as their body. Most run 8-14 feet total length and 200-400 pounds, but giants over 1,000 pounds are out there. We find them 30-50 miles offshore in summer and fall, often near bait schools. Threshers are prized for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs. They use that tail like a weapon to stun fish before eating them. To catch one, we'll troll with large lures or live bait like mackerel. One tip: when you see the bite, don't set the hook right away. Let the shark run with it for a bit to make sure it's got the bait good. Once hooked, be ready for some spectacular aerial shows as these sharks try to shake free.

Winter Flounder

Winter flounder are bottom-dwelling flatfish that offer some fun light tackle action. They typically run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds, with bigger ones pushing 5 pounds. You'll find them in estuaries and along the coast, often hiding among rocks or vegetation in 10-60 feet of water. Spring is prime time as they move inshore to spawn. Flounder are popular for their mild, sweet-tasting fillets. To catch 'em, use a sensitive rod and light line to detect their subtle bites. Bait up with sea worms or clams on a small hook. One local trick: use a brightly colored float or spinner blade above your hook to attract attention. These fish have both eyes on one side of their head, so they're always on the lookout for an easy meal skittering by.

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