5.0(2 Reviews)Premier Half Day Cod & Haddock Charters in Gloucester
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
5hour offshore charter targeting cod and haddock speciesEarly 6am departure with all tackle and bait providedFull fish cleaning service included with catch preparation
Looking for a solid fishing charter that delivers on its promise? Captain Ira's half-day cod and haddock trips out of Gloucester are exactly what you need. This isn't some tourist trap—it's serious fishing with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. You'll head out at 6 a.m. for five hours of deep sea action targeting two of New England's most prized bottom fish. With all bait and tackle provided plus full-service cleaning, you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the cooler.
Captain Ira runs a tight ship aboard the F/V Annie M, and you'll appreciate the attention to detail from the moment you step on deck. The early morning departure gets you to the productive grounds while the fish are still actively feeding. With just six anglers max, you're not fighting for rail space or waiting forever for help with your rig. The boat's clean, well-maintained, and equipped with everything you need for a successful day of bottom fishing. You'll be working the proven cod and haddock spots that locals have been hitting for generations—rocky bottom structure where these fish love to hang out and ambush baitfish. The captain and crew handle all the technical stuff like finding fish and positioning the boat, so even if you're new to saltwater fishing, you'll be in good hands.
This is classic New England bottom fishing at its finest. You'll be dropping heavy jigs and bait rigs down to depths where cod and haddock cruise the rocky bottom looking for an easy meal. The crew provides all the tackle, but they're using the right stuff—heavy enough to get down in the current but sensitive enough to feel those subtle taps when a haddock picks up your bait. Expect to work with circle hooks and fresh bait, and don't be surprised if the crew involves you in catching your own bait fish like mackerel. It's all part of the authentic fishing experience, and frankly, fresh-caught bait works better than anything you can buy. The technique is straightforward but effective: drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a few cranks, and stay alert for that telltale thump when a fish commits to your offering.
"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 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 fishing, and for good reason. These chunky, powerful fish can push 20-30 pounds when you connect with a good one, though most of what you'll catch runs in the keeper range of 22 inches and up. Cod are ambush predators that hug the rocky bottom, waiting to pounce on anything that looks like dinner. They're most active during cooler months, but summer fishing can still produce solid results, especially on those early morning trips when the water temperature is more to their liking. What makes cod so appealing isn't just their size—it's their fight. They'll use that broad tail and solid body to give you a real workout on the way up from 100+ feet of water. Plus, cod fillets are absolutely premium eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for everything from fish and chips to baked dinners.
Haddock are the other half of this dynamic duo, and many anglers actually prefer them to cod. These fish are a bit smaller on average, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and taste. Haddock have a distinctive black lateral line and a signature dark spot behind their gill cover that makes them easy to identify. They're school fish, so when you find them, you often find them in good numbers. Summer is actually prime time for haddock fishing off Gloucester, as they move into shallower waters to feed. They're aggressive biters once you locate a school, and they'll hit both jigs and bait with enthusiasm. The meat is incredibly sweet and fl
Step aboard our beautifully restored 1976 Harris, a classic 36-footer that's been completely refurbished to tackle the productive waters off Gloucester. This solid fishing platform runs on twin 250HP Caterpillar diesels that'll get you to the fishing grounds at a steady 18 knots, leaving more time with lines in the water chasing those hefty cod and haddock. The boat's equipped with everything serious anglers need - fish finder to locate the schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox and fridge to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. When you need a break from fighting fish, there's a comfortable flybridge with great visibility, onboard kitchen, and even sleeping quarters if someone needs a quick rest. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rails without getting tangled up. Captain Ira provides all the bait and tackle, handles the fish cleaning, and knows exactly where to find the big ones in these prolific New England waters.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic cod are the kings of our local waters, averaging 15-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ on a good day. These bottom dwellers cruise rocky ledges and sandy flats in 60-200 feet, using that barbel under their chin to hunt crabs, worms, and baitfish. Winter through spring offers the best action when they move inshore to feed. Cod fight hard with powerful head shakes and long runs - they'll test your drag and your arms. The white lateral line makes them easy to identify, plus their meat is legendary - firm, flaky, and perfect for any recipe. Here's a local secret: when you find one cod, there's usually more nearby. Work the area thoroughly with fresh clams or squid strips on heavy tackle. These fish have serious pulling power.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are fantastic bottom feeders that run 2-7 pounds on average, though we've seen some push closer to 10. They love cold water around 40-50°F and hang out over sandy, rocky bottoms where they school up tight. You'll spot them by that distinctive black "thumbprint" behind their pectoral fin and the dark lateral line. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're feeding heavy after spawn. What makes haddock special is their sweet, delicate meat - some say it's even better than cod. They don't fight as hard as cod but make up for it on the dinner table. Pro tip: use fresh clams on a simple two-hook rig and keep it right on bottom. They're picky eaters, so lighter tackle and natural baits work better than heavy jigs that spook the school.
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