Hey there, fish fans! Ready to hit the waters off Gloucester for some serious cod and haddock action? Whether you're looking to squeeze in a quick 4-hour trip or go all-out with a full 8-hour day on the water, we've got you covered. Our private charters are perfect for groups up to 6, so grab your buddies and let's get fishing!
We kick things off bright and early at 6 AM sharp. Trust me, those early morning bites are worth dragging yourself out of bed for. Our trips are designed for everyone from total newbies to seasoned pros. The crew's always on hand to show you the ropes or swap fishing stories if you've been at this for years. We'll cruise out to some of Gloucester's prime fishing grounds where the cod and haddock are practically begging to jump in the boat. And don't sweat the paperwork - your fishing license is included, so all you need to focus on is landing the big one.
When it comes to cod and haddock, we're all about bottom fishing. We'll set you up with sturdy rods and reels, loaded with braided line to feel those subtle nibbles. Jigs and bait are the name of the game here. We'll teach you how to work that jig just right to entice those bottom-dwellers. It's all about feeling the weight hit bottom, then giving it a little action. When you feel that telltale thump, it's game on! Set the hook and start reeling - but be ready for a fight. These fish know how to throw their weight around.
Atlantic Cod are the rockstars of New England fishing. These powerful fish can grow up to 51 inches and put up one heck of a fight. They're most active in the cooler months, so spring and fall are prime time. Cod love hanging around rocky bottoms and wrecks, using their chin barbel to sense food. When you hook one, be ready for some serious pulling - these guys don't give up easy!
Haddock are the slightly smaller cousins of cod, but what they lack in size they make up for in flavor. These tasty fish typically run 1-3 pounds but can get up to 7 pounds or more. They're known for their distinctive black "thumbprint" marking and prefer sandy or gravel bottoms. Haddock fishing really heats up in the spring when they move inshore to spawn. Their flaky white meat is a local delicacy, so be sure to keep a few for dinner!
There's something special about fishing the waters off Gloucester. Maybe it's the salty sea air, the cry of the gulls, or the thrill of wondering what's on the end of your line. Our trips aren't just about filling the cooler (though we do our best to make that happen). It's about the experience - swapping stories with new friends, learning tricks from the crew, and soaking in that classic New England maritime vibe. Plus, let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of serving up a fish you caught yourself for dinner.
So, what do you say? Ready to join us for some world-class cod and haddock fishing right here in Gloucester? Whether you're looking for a quick morning trip or want to make a full day of it, we've got the perfect charter for you. Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. And while we hate to be party poopers, that deposit is non-refundable - so make sure you're good to go before you book. Give us a call or hop online to reserve your spot. We can't wait to see you out on the water and help you land the catch of a lifetime!
Atlantic cod are a classic Gloucester catch, typically 2-4 feet long and up to 80 pounds. You'll find them near the bottom in cool waters, often around rocky structures. They're year-round targets, but fishing heats up in winter and early spring during spawning. Cod are prized for their delicious, flaky white meat, and they put up a good fight on the line. We usually fish for them in 100-600 foot depths using fresh squid strips, clams, or artificial jigs. Here's a pro tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Let the cod take the bait and turn - then reel steady to set. Their big heads and blunt noses make for great photos, and that barbel under the chin is a cool feature to point out. Just keep in mind there are some regulations to help the population recover, so we'll fill you in on current limits when we head out.
Haddock are a popular target around Gloucester, typically running 2-7 pounds and 14-30 inches long. You'll find them hanging out near the bottom in cooler waters, usually 36-50°F. They love rocky or sandy areas. Spring is prime time for haddock fishing as they spawn from January through June. Anglers enjoy going after haddock for their tasty, flaky white meat. They put up a decent fight too, able to swim in quick bursts to escape predators. When targeting haddock, we often use fresh clams or sea worms on a simple two-hook rig. A local trick is to use braided line when drift fishing - it gives you better feel for those subtle bites. Just remember, haddock have softer mouths than cod, so go easy on the hookset. Their distinctive black "thumbprint" marking makes for a cool photo op when you land one.