5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Cod And Haddock Fishing Trip In Gloucester
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Five-hour offshore trip targeting cod and haddockAll bait, tackle, and fish cleaning services includedSmall group charter accommodating up to six guests
When you're looking for top-rated deep sea fishing action without burning a whole day, Captain Ira's half-day charter out of Gloucester hits the sweet spot. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – we're talking serious offshore action targeting two of New England's most prized bottom fish. At 6:00 a.m. sharp, you'll head out on the F/V Annie M for five solid hours of fishing the productive waters off Cape Ann, where the cod and haddock have been stacking up thick on the ledges and rocky bottom.
Captain Ira runs a tight ship that's built for serious fishing, not just sightseeing. The Annie M is a well-maintained charter boat that can handle up to six anglers comfortably, giving everyone plenty of room to work without tangling lines. You'll start the morning by catching your own bait – fresh mackerel and whiting make all the difference when you're trying to entice those big cod to bite. The captain provides all your tackle and bait, plus handles the fish cleaning and bagging so you go home with professional fillets ready for the pan. This is hands-on fishing where you're part of the crew, not just a passenger watching from the sidelines. The early departure time gets you on the fishing grounds when the bite is hot, and five hours gives you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques.
This charter focuses on bottom fishing techniques that have been proven effective in Gloucester's offshore waters for generations. You'll be using heavy sinkers to get your baited rigs down to the bottom structure where cod and haddock feed. Captain Ira knows exactly where to anchor up on the ledges, rocky outcrops, and underwater humps that hold these fish. The technique involves dropping your rig straight down, letting it settle on the bottom, then working it with subtle lifts and drops to attract attention. Fresh-caught bait like mackerel strips and whole whiting create the scent trail that draws cod and haddock in close. The boat carries quality circle hooks and conventional reels spooled with heavy mono that can handle the big fish and rough bottom. When a fish hits, you'll feel that distinctive thump-thump of a cod or the sharp pull of a feisty haddock.
"I booked a half day surprise birthday, father's day, anniversary trip for my husband, and in his words, "It was one of the best surprise gifts ever!" Hospitality and knowledge of the salt water fishing around Cape Ann was amazing! F/V Annie M was clean, comfortable and well maintained. Captain Ira and Erica let us be completely involved throughout the whole day. We caught all the bait fish, mackerel, whiting, etc. to use for the shark and tuna fishing. My husband is a very skilled fisherman, so they gave him free reign the entire trip. Baiting hooks, helping to rig the shark and tuna lines, keeping the live well stocked with fresh bait, and reeling in a big blue shark! We truly felt like we were part of a fishing crew. Thank you Captain Ira and Erica for such a wonderful day!" - Rachel
"Our adult family of 5 had a fabulous time fishing on the "Annie M" with Captain Ira & First Mate, Erica. Directions of where to meet and what to expect were easy to follow. Captain Ira responded quickly to any questions or concerns. My only recommendation to others woud be to stop for restrooms prior to getting to the meeting point, as there are no facilities on site there. Of course, there is a "head" on board but if arriving early to the meeting place you may be glad you stopped earlier.😁 I had made a prior request that we were looking for Haddock and was not disappointed! We came home with many pounds of Haddock and a few other fish. There were some Whiteys, a flaky white fish, I had not heard of and was not disappointed! We came home with many pounds of Haddock and a few other fish. There were some Whiteys, a flaky white fish, I had not heard of and look forward to trying. We had a great time, the weather and company were perfect! If you are thinking of reserving 10 Point Charters, don't wait as it books fast during the summer months. Just in case, there is a very generous cancellation policy. We highly recommend 10 Point Charters!! Thank you!" - Rebecca
Atlantic Cod are the crown jewel of New England groundfishing, and Gloucester's offshore waters hold some real slammers. These fish can range from keeper-sized 22-inchers up to true giants pushing 40 pounds or more. Cod are structure-oriented fish that love rocky ledges, underwater boulders, and drop-offs where they can ambush prey. They feed heavily on crabs, worms, and smaller fish, making fresh mackerel and clam baits irresistible. The best cod action typically happens in cooler months, but summer fishing can still produce quality fish, especially on deeper ledges. When you hook into a big cod, you'll know it – they fight with that heavy, bulldogging power that makes your arms burn. The meat is firm, white, and flaky, perfect for fish and chips or baked dinners.
Haddock might not grow as large as cod, but pound-for-pound they're scrappier fighters that anglers absolutely love to target. These fish typically run between 2-8 pounds, with anything over 5 pounds considered a real nice fish. Haddock have that distinctive black lateral line and dark spot behind the gill cover that makes them easy to identify. They're bottom feeders that cruise sandy and rocky areas looking for marine worms, small crabs, and shellfish. Haddock are known for their
Jump aboard this beautifully restored 1976 Harris 36-footer and get ready to chase some serious cod and haddock off the Gloucester coast! Captain Ira's boat packs twin 250HP Caterpillar engines that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at a smooth 18 knots. The spacious deck handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, while the fish finder helps locate those deep-water hotspots where the big ones hang out. When you need a break from hauling in fish, grab a cold drink from the fridge or take shelter in the enclosed cabin. The flybridge gives you killer views of the action below, and there's even a head and galley onboard for longer trips. With GPS and radar keeping you on course, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh, this classic sportfisher has everything you need for a productive day targeting groundfish in Massachusetts waters.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic cod are the holy grail of New England fishing - big, strong, and absolutely delicious. These bruisers average 8-15 pounds around Gloucester, but we regularly see 20-30 pounders that'll test your tackle. Look for that barbel under their chin and mottled brown coloring that changes with the bottom they're over. Cod love structure - wrecks, rocky ledges, and drop-offs in 80-300 feet are prime spots, especially Stellwagen Bank and the deeper waters east of Cape Ann. Early spring and late fall are peak times when they move in close to feed. What sets cod apart is their bulldogging fight and that perfect white, flaky meat. They're curious fish that'll often follow your bait up before committing. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - their mouths tear easily. A slow, steady retrieve with fresh squid or clams on a fish-finder rig works best.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are the perfect target for anglers wanting consistent action and great table fare. These bottom dwellers typically run 2-5 pounds around Gloucester, though we see plenty of "slammers" pushing 7+ pounds. You'll spot them by their dark lateral line and distinctive black "thumbprint" behind the pectoral fin. They love rocky and sandy bottoms in 60-200 feet of water, especially around Stellwagen Bank and Jeffrey's Ledge. Spring through fall offers the best fishing when they're actively feeding on crabs, worms, and sea urchins. What makes haddock special is their willingness to bite and their sweet, flaky meat that beats cod every time. They school up tight, so when you find one, get ready for steady action. Here's a local trick: use fresh clam on a simple two-hook rig and fish it right on bottom - haddock rarely chase baits up in the water column like cod will.
5.0 out of 5.0I booked a half day surprise birthday, father's day, anniversary trip for my husband, and in his words, "It was one of the best su...
Our adult family of 5 had a fabulous time fishing on the "Annie M" with Captain Ira & First Mate, Erica. Directions of where to me...
Gloucester