Full Day Adventure and Catch Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing at Jeffery's Ledge for multiple speciesTarget cod, haddock, tuna, halibut and eight other fish varietiesSmall group charter accommodates up to six guests maximum
Captain Andy knows Jeffery's Ledge like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This isn't your average half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. We're talking a full day of ground fishing on one of New England's most productive fishing grounds, where the bottom structure and current create the perfect storm for holding big fish. You'll have plenty of time to work different spots, adjust tactics, and really dial in on what's biting. With space for just six anglers, you get the personal attention that makes all the difference between going home with stories and going home with dinner.
Jeffery's Ledge is a underwater ridge system that runs northeast from Cape Ann, and it's absolutely loaded with structure that attracts baitfish and the predators that feed on them. We'll be working depths anywhere from 150 to 300 feet, depending on where the fish are setting up. Captain Andy reads the bottom like a book, and he's constantly adjusting based on what the fish finder is telling him and what he's learned from years of fishing these waters. The beauty of a full day charter is flexibility – if one spot isn't producing, we've got time to move and find the action. You'll be fishing with quality tackle suited for the depths we're working, and the crew will help you dial in your technique whether you're a seasoned bottom fisherman or still learning the ropes.
Bottom fishing on Jeffery's Ledge requires some specific gear and know-how to be effective. We're typically using 8-12 ounce sinkers to get down and stay down in the current, paired with circle hooks in sizes 6/0 to 8/0 depending on target species. The boat provides all the tackle you'll need, but if you've got your own heavy conventional setup with 50-80 pound braid, feel free to bring it along. We'll be using a variety of baits throughout the day – fresh squid, sea clams, and herring are the go-to choices, but Captain Andy always has a few tricks up his sleeve based on what's working. The key to success out here is keeping your bait on or just off the bottom, reading your rod tip for bites, and being ready to set the hook when you feel that telltale thump. Don't worry if you're not familiar with the techniques – the crew will get you squared away quickly.
Atlantic Cod are the bread and butter of Jeffery's Ledge fishing, and for good reason. These chunky, hard-fighting fish love the rocky bottom structure and cooler waters found along the ledge. Most cod you'll encounter run 3-10 pounds, but don't be surprised if you tie into a 20-pounder that'll test your drag and your back muscles. Fall and winter are prime time for cod, when they're actively feeding and building up for spawning. The fight isn't flashy, but it's steady and powerful, and there's nothing quite like the solid weight of a good cod coming up from the depths.
Haddock are another favorite target, and they're often found schooled up in good numbers when you locate them. These fish are slightly smaller than cod on average, typically running 2-6 pounds, but they make up for size with attitude. Haddock have a distinctive black lateral line and put up a scrappy fight that's different from their cod cousins. They're particularly active in spring and fall, and when you find a school, you can often catch them steadily until something spooks them or they move on.
Atlantic Halibut are the holy grail of bottom fishing in these waters. These flatfish can grow massive – we're talking potential for fish over 100 pounds, though most catches run 20-50 pounds. Halibut are ambush predators that lie flat on the bottom waiting for baitfish to pass overhead. When you hook into a good halibut, you'll know it immediately. The initial run is powerful, and the fight is a marathon of steady, bulldogging pressure. Summer months offer the best shot at halibut, when they're most active in the warmer water.
Pollock might not get the respect they deserve, but they're fantastic fish to target on Jeffery's Ledge. These fish are more active in the water column than cod or haddock, often feeding mid-water or even near the surface. Pollock are excellent eating when handled properly, and they fight harder than most bottom fish their size. You'll typically find them in the 3-8 pound range, and they're most active during spring and fall migrations when they're feeding heavily.
Cusk are the night shift workers of the ledge, though you can catch them during the day if you know where to look. These eel-like fish prefer deeper water and rocky structure, making Jeffery's Ledge perfect habitat. Cusk don't get much press, but they're excellent eating and provide a different kind of fishing challenge. They typically run 2-8 pounds and have a unique appearance with their elongated dorsal and anal fins. Late fall through winter is prime time for cusk fishing.
A full day charter with Captain Andy gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Jeffery's Ledge has to offer. You're not just buying a fishing trip – you're investing in a day with a captain who knows these waters inside and out and genuinely wants to put you on fish. The small group size means everyone gets attention, and the full day format means you have time to really fish, not just wet a line. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler, try some new techniques, or just spend a quality day on the water, this charter delivers. Spots fill up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons, so don't wait too long to lock in your date. Contact Captain Andy directly
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic cod are what built New England fishing - thick-bodied fighters with that signature barbel under the chin. Most of our cod run 5-15 pounds and 18-30 inches, though bigger ones still cruise these waters. They hang around rocky ledges and structure in 50-300 feet, especially where the bottom changes. Late fall through early spring tends to be prime time when they're feeding heavy before spawning. What draws folks to cod fishing? They fight hard, they're smart (you'll lose some), and the meat is legendary - firm, white, and perfect for chowder or the grill. My go-to technique: bounce a chrome jig with a strip of squid or mackerel near bottom structure. Cod are curious but cautious, so vary your jigging rhythm until you find what they want.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusAtlantic halibut are the kings of flatfish - these diamond-shaped giants can reach over 8 feet and 700 pounds, though most we see run 30-50 pounds. They're strong fighters that'll test your gear and endurance. We find them in 150-500 feet over rocky bottom and sand patches. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they move up from the deep to feed on cod, haddock, and squid. What makes them special? That powerful fight and some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white, flaky meat that's worth every minute of battle. Pro tip: let your boat drift naturally and keep your bait near bottom - these fish are smart and spook easily if you work the lure too much.
Brosme BrosmeCusk are deep-water dwellers that look like a cross between cod and eel - long, slimy body with a big mouth and chin barbel. They typically run 3-10 pounds and grow slowly in the cold depths. We find them in 200-600+ feet over hard bottom, usually as bonus fish while targeting other groundfish. Winter and spring produce the best cusk action when they're more active. Guests appreciate them for two reasons: they're unique-looking fish that always start conversations, and they're excellent eating - slightly oilier than cod, perfect for grilling or baking. Since they're sluggish swimmers, the fight's not much, but landing one is always satisfying. Pro tip: cusk are opportunistic bottom feeders, so any fresh bait fished right on the seafloor will work. They've got big eyes and find food by smell.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are one of our most reliable catches here on Jeffery's Ledge. These cod cousins average 2-4 pounds and 14-24 inches, with that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind each gill. They stick to sandy and rocky bottoms in 60-200 feet, often schooling up in good numbers. Spring spawning season through early summer produces hot action, but they bite consistently most of the year in cold water. Guests love them because they're scrappy fighters for their size and make outstanding table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Here's a local trick: use fresh clams on a simple two-hook rig and fish it just off bottom. Haddock are picky eaters, so fresh bait makes all the difference.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are scrappy fighters that'll surprise you with their strength. These greenish-silver fish typically run 3-8 pounds but can push 20+ pounds on a good day. They love rocky structure and kelp beds, usually found in 60-250 feet around ledges and drop-offs. Summer and fall are peak seasons when they're actively feeding in shallower water. What makes pollock fishing fun? They hit hard, fight dirty by diving for cover, and once hooked, they don't quit easily. The meat's darker than cod but still tasty when fresh. They're also great for beginners since they're aggressive biters. Local secret: fish early morning or late evening with sand eel jigs worked fast through the water column. Pollock are visual feeders, so keep that lure moving and be ready - they'll slam it without warning.
Newington, NH