5.0(1 Reviews)Ultimate Full Day Cod And Haddock Fishing Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Ten-hour offshore charter targeting cod and haddock near GloucesterCaptain Ira provides all tackle, bait, and fish cleaning servicesSmall group experience with maximum six guests per trip
When you're talking serious offshore fishing in Gloucester, Captain Ira and 10 Point Charters deliver the real deal. This isn't some half-day tourist run – we're talking a full 10-hour commitment to chasing the biggest cod and fattest haddock swimming these waters. You'll be up before dawn for a 6 AM departure, but trust me, when you're hauling in slammer haddock and keeper cod all day long, those early morning blues disappear fast. The boat's rigged for business, your tackle box stays at home, and Captain Ira handles everything from bait to cleaning your catch. Six anglers max means plenty of elbow room and personalized attention when the bite gets hot.
Captain Ira doesn't mess around when it comes to finding fish. You'll steam out to his proven offshore spots where the bottom structure holds schools of hungry cod and haddock. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle – nothing cheap that'll cost you a trophy fish. We're talking heavy action rods that can handle 20-pound cod without breaking a sweat, and circle hooks that'll keep those fish pinned. The captain reads the electronics like a book, marking bait schools and bottom structure that screams "fish here." Ten hours gives you time to work multiple spots, adjust tactics when the bite slows, and really dial in what's working. Plus, with full cleaning service included, you'll walk away with perfectly filleted fish ready for the freezer or dinner table.
This charter focuses on bottom fishing techniques that consistently produce in Gloucester's offshore waters. You'll be drift fishing over rocky bottom and structure where cod and haddock love to feed. Captain Ira sets you up with the right sinker weight to stay in contact with bottom as the boat drifts, usually running 8 to 16-ounce leads depending on current and depth. The magic happens with fresh bait – we're talking sea clams, sea worms, and whatever's working that day. Circle hooks do most of the work once a fish picks up your offering, but you'll learn to feel the subtle taps of a feeding haddock versus the aggressive grab of a big cod. When the current's running strong, we'll anchor up on productive spots and let the fish come to us. The captain adjusts tactics throughout the day based on what the fish are telling us.
"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 remain the crown jewel of New England bottom fishing, and Gloucester's offshore waters consistently produce quality fish. These aggressive predators can push 30 pounds or more in local waters, with most keeper cod running 5 to 15 pounds of pure muscle. Cod feed actively throughout the day on clams, crabs, and smaller fish, making them perfect targets for all-day fishing trips. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving into shallower water to feed as temperatures rise. When a big cod grabs your bait, you'll know it – they fight hard on the way up, making powerful runs that test your drag system. The meat quality is outstanding, with firm white fillets that work perfectly for fish and chips or baked cod dinners.
Haddock might be smaller than their cod cousins, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and table quality. These silvery bottom dwellers typically run 2 to 5 pounds, though trophy haddock can hit 8 pounds or better in deeper offshore waters. Haddock have smaller mouths than cod, so they pick at bait more delicately – you'll feel light taps and nibbles before they commit to taking the hook. They school heavily over rocky bottom and structure, meaning when you find one, there's usually a dozen more nearby. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures bring baitfish inshore. Haddock fillets are sweet and flaky, considered by many anglers to be the best eating fish in New England waters.
Ten hours of top-rated offshore fishing with all gear, bait, and cleaning included – that's serious value for serious anglers. Captain Ira's proven track record and local knowledge put you on fish consistently, whether you're a seasoned saltwater angler or trying offshore fishing for the first time. The six-person limit keeps things comfortable and gives everyone room to fish properly when the action heats up. Spring and summer dates fill up fast with repeat customers who know what this charter delivers. Don't wait until the last minute – the best fishing days book weeks in advance, especially during peak cod and haddock season.
Your charter vessel is a restored 1976 Harris 36-footer that's been completely rebuilt for serious offshore fishing. Twin 250HP Caterpillar diesels push her through Atlantic swells at 18 knots, getting you to the cod and haddock grounds fast. The flybridge gives Captain Ira clear sightlines for navigation and fish spotting, while radar keeps you safe in fog. Down below, you'll find a full galley, head, and bunk for longer runs. Modern fish finder technology helps locate schools, and there's plenty of ice storage for your catch. With room for six anglers, the boat handles Gloucester's offshore waters like a champ. GPS navigation ensures precise positioning over productive bottom structure where big cod hang out.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod are the holy grail of New England fishing - these bottom-huggers can reach impressive sizes, with 20-40 pounders not uncommon in our deep waters. You'll find them around rocky structure and hard bottom in 80-200 feet, especially near Georges Bank. They've got that distinctive barbel under their chin and change color based on where they're living. Winter through spring is prime time when they move shallow to spawn. Cod fight hard with powerful head shakes and long runs - that's what gets anglers hooked. Plus, there's nothing better on the dinner table. The meat is firm, white, and flaky. My go-to trick for big cod? Fresh sea clams on a fish-finder rig with just enough weight to hold bottom in the current. Let them take it and run before setting the hook.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are bottom-dwellers that love cold water and rocky, sandy bottoms around 100-300 feet deep. These silver-grey fish with the distinctive black "thumbprint" behind their pectoral fin typically run 2-7 pounds, though we see some pushing double digits. They school up tight, so when you find one, you'll usually find plenty. Spring through early fall gives us the best action when they're actively feeding on crabs, worms, and sea urchins. What makes haddock special is their sweet, delicate meat - some say it's even better than cod for the table. They don't fight as hard as cod but make up for it in numbers and taste. Here's a local trick: use fresh clams on a two-hook rig and keep your bait right on bottom. Haddock have small mouths, so don't go too big with your hooks.
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