5.0(1 Reviews)Ultimate Full Day Cod And Haddock Fishing Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore charter targeting giant cod and haddockAll bait, tackle, and fish cleaning services includedSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests
Picture this: you're 6 a.m. sharp at the dock in Gloucester, coffee in hand, ready to head offshore with Captain Ira for what's about to become your new favorite fishing story. This isn't your typical half-day harbor cruise – we're talking a serious 10-hour commitment to chasing some of the North Atlantic's most prized bottom fish. Captain Ira knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with 10 Point Charters, you're getting access to prime fishing grounds that consistently produce trophy cod and keeper haddock. The boat's rigged and ready, bait's fresh, and the only thing left is for you to show up ready to fish.
When you step aboard Captain Ira's vessel, you'll immediately notice this isn't some bare-bones operation. The boat's clean, spacious enough for six anglers to fish comfortably, and loaded with quality gear that can handle whatever the deep water throws at you. You'll be heading to productive offshore grounds where cod and haddock congregate – we're talking depths that require serious tackle and real fishing knowledge to work effectively. Captain Ira provides all your bait and tackle, which means you're fishing with gear that's proven on these specific grounds. No guessing games, no mismatched setups. The day wraps with full-service fish cleaning and bagging, so you're walking off the dock with restaurant-quality fillets ready for your freezer. At 10 hours on the water, this trip gives you multiple shots at different spots, tide changes, and feeding windows that shorter trips simply can't offer.
Bottom fishing for cod and haddock is all about precision – you're not just dropping a line and hoping for the best. Captain Ira runs a tight ship when it comes to technique, setting you up with the right sinker weights to hold bottom in current, sharp hooks that penetrate those bony cod mouths, and fresh bait that gets fish attention fast. We're talking traditional bottom rigs, sometimes hi-lo setups when the fish are stacked, and occasionally jigs when the bite calls for it. The key is reading the fish finder, understanding how these species relate to structure, and being ready to adjust when conditions change. Gloucester's offshore grounds feature rocky bottom, ledges, and drop-offs where cod love to hunt, while haddock often school up over sandy patches nearby. Captain Ira knows exactly where to set up based on tide, weather, and what's been producing recently. You'll learn to feel the difference between a cod's aggressive thump and a haddock's more subtle take – skills that'll make you a better angler long after this trip ends.
"I had the pleasure of hosting customers from Salt Lake City and decided to charter a deep-sea fishing trip with Captain Ira and his wife—and it couldn't have been a better choice. From the moment we stepped aboard, their hospitality and expertise set the tone for an unforgettable day. The boat itself clean, spacious, and clearly outfitted for serious fishing. But what truly made the experience stand out were the conversations. Captain Ira and his wife shared incredible insights into local fishing, stories from past trips, and a genuine passion for the ocean that made the day feel personal and authentic. The fishing was excellent—everyone in our group caught plenty, and the excitement never let up. My customers were thoroughly impressed, and we returned with a generous haul of fish, all expertly cleaned by the captain before we left. If you're looking to combine great fishing, great company, and a truly professional charter experience, Captain Ira is the one to call. We'll be talking about this trip for a long time." - Scott
Atlantic cod are the heavyweight champions of New England bottom fishing, and Gloucester's offshore waters consistently produce fish that'll test your tackle and your arm strength. These fish are aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight dirty, using their bulk and the current to their advantage. Cod can range from keeper-sized fish around 22 inches up to genuine slammer cod pushing 30-plus pounds. They're most active during cooler months, but skilled captains like Ira know the deeper offshore spots where quality cod hang out year-round. What makes cod so popular with serious anglers is their combination of fight, size, and table fare – there's a reason cod has been the foundation of New England's fishing industry for centuries. When a big cod grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately. They don't run like a striper or jump like a tuna, but they'll use every ounce of their weight to try and find structure to break you off.
Haddock bring a different kind of excitement to the mix – they're typically smaller than cod but make up for it with sheer numbers and incredible eating quality. These fish school heavily over specific bottom types, and when you find them, it's often game on with multiple hookups and steady action that keeps everyone on the boat busy. Haddock have a more subtle bite than cod, requiring attention to your rod tip and quick hook sets when you feel that telltale tap-tap. They're phenomenal table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or baking. Spring through fall tends to be prime time for haddock fishing, though experienced captains know winter spots where these fish congregate in deeper water. What's really satisfying about haddock fishing is the numbers game – while you might remember your biggest cod for years, a hot haddock bite where you're pulling doubles and triples creates the kind of action that keeps you coming back to Gloucester's waters.
Here's the reality: prime dates with top-rated captains like Ira fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when conditions are prime and fish are cooperating. This isn't a trip you want to book last minute and end up disappointed. The combination of Captain Ira's local
Meet your offshore fishing machine - a completely restored 1976 Harris 36-footer that'll get you to the prime Cod and Haddock grounds off Gloucester. Twin 250HP Caterpillar engines push this beauty up to 18 knots, cutting through New England waters with serious power. The boat handles 6 anglers comfortably with a spacious flybridge for optimal fish spotting and plenty of deck space for battling those deep-water giants. Modern fish finder and radar keep you on the fish even when conditions get sketchy. Full galley with fridge keeps your catch fresh and beverages cold during those long 10-hour runs. Private head and sleeping quarters mean comfort between fishing sessions. Everything's set up for serious offshore action - GPS navigation gets you to the hotspots, icebox storage for bait, and multimedia system for downtime. This isn't some weekend warrior boat - it's built for real fishing where the big Cod and Haddock live.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod are the bread and butter of Gloucester fishing. These fighters typically range 10-30 pounds, though we see some real tanks pushing 40+ pounds on good days. They hang around rocky bottom structure and wrecks in 80-200 feet of water, with Stellwagen Bank and Jeffries Ledge being hot spots. Fall through early spring is peak season when they move closer to shore. Cod are aggressive feeders and put up a solid fight - they'll test your drag and make long runs toward the bottom. The meat is firm, flaky, and perfect for the table. You can't beat fresh cod for fish and chips. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first tap, give them a second before setting the hook. Cod like to mouth the bait first, and patience pays off with better hookups.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are the perfect complement to cod fishing here in Gloucester waters. These bottom-dwellers typically run 2-7 pounds and 14-30 inches, with that signature black "thumbprint" mark above their pectoral fin making them easy to spot. You'll find them over sandy and rocky bottoms in 100-300 feet of water, especially around Stellwagen Bank. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most active after spawning. What makes haddock special is their sweet, delicate meat - many folks actually prefer it over cod. They fight decent for their size but won't bend your rod like a striper. Pro tip: use fresh clams on a simple two-hook bottom rig and keep your bait right on the deck. These fish are picky eaters and won't chase anything floating above them.
5.0 out of 5.0I had the pleasure of hosting customers from Salt Lake City and decided to charter a deep-sea fishing trip with Captain Ira and hi...
Gloucester