Platts Bank Adventure - Offshore Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target big Pollock, Haddock and Cod 20 miles offshoreOpportunity for Shark, Tuna and elusive Halibut encountersSmall group charter accommodates maximum 6 guests
Picture this: you've hit Jeffery's Ledge a dozen times, pulled in some decent fish, but you're itching for something bigger. That's where Platts Bank comes into play. Located 20 miles east of Jeffery's Ledge, this offshore hotspot is where the real monsters live. When Captain Adventure and Catch says "When in doubt, Platts," he's not kidding around. This is where pollock, haddock, and cod grow to trophy sizes, and where you might just find yourself locked in battle with a bluefin tuna or that legendary halibut that'll have you talking for years.
Platts Bank isn't your typical nearshore fishing trip. We're talking about a serious offshore adventure that takes you into deeper, more productive waters where the big fish roam. With space for just six anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines. The ride out gives you time to rig up, talk strategy with the crew, and watch the fish finder come alive as we approach the bank. The bottom structure here is what dreams are made of - rocky ledges, drop-offs, and underwater peaks that hold baitfish and attract the predators we're after. Don't expect a leisurely day of casting from shore; this is serious offshore fishing where every drop could be the fish of a lifetime.
At Platts Bank, we fish the structure hard using a mix of bottom fishing and mid-water techniques. Heavy jigs and cut bait work magic on the bottom for cod, haddock, and that prize halibut. We'll have you dropping 12-16 ounce sinkers to get down fast in the current, using circle hooks and fresh bait to entice the big ones. For pollock, we often work the mid-water column with metal jigs or live bait rigs. When tuna are around, we'll switch gears entirely - live lining pogies or working the topwater action with heavy tackle. The crew provides all the gear you need, from heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test to the terminal tackle that can handle these bruisers. Expect to feel the burn in your arms; these fish don't come easy, but that's what makes landing them so sweet.
Atlantic Halibut are the holy grail of Platts Bank fishing. These flatfish can grow massive - we're talking 100+ pound doormat-sized fish that'll test every muscle in your body. They're ambush predators that lie flat on the bottom, waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. Spring through fall offers the best shot at hooking one, though they're never a guarantee. What makes halibut so special isn't just their size, but their fight - they're pure dead weight that just won't quit.
Haddock at Platts Bank run significantly larger than their inshore cousins. These bottom dwellers love the rocky structure and are particularly active during cooler months. A 5-pound haddock is considered solid inshore, but out here, 8-12 pounders are common. They're scrappy fighters with excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for good reason.
Atlantic Cod are the backbone of New England fishing, and Platts Bank produces some real slobs. Winter months typically offer the best cod fishing, when these predators move into deeper water to feed. A 20-pound cod is a fish to celebrate, and the bank has produced much larger specimens. They're aggressive biters once you find them, and their white, flaky meat is hard to beat.
Pollock are the speedsters of the group, often found suspended in the water column around structure. They hit jigs hard and fight with surprising strength for their size. Summer and early fall typically produce the best pollock action, and they're perfect for anglers who want consistent action while waiting for the bigger prizes.
Bluefin Tuna are the wildcards that can turn any trip into a legendary adventure. These pelagic powerhouses migrate through the area during summer and fall, and hooking one means you're in for the fight of your life. A bluefin will test your tackle, your technique, and your endurance. They're the fish that separate the weekend warriors from serious offshore anglers.
Platts Bank Adventure delivers the kind of offshore fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season. This isn't about filling a cooler with keeper-sized fish - though you might do that too. It's about the chance to hook into something truly special, the kind of fish that gets mounted on the wall or at least gets bigger every time you tell the story. With Adventure and Catch Charters, you're fishing with a crew that knows these waters inside and out, using proven techniques on some of the most productive bottom in New England. Six-person trips book up fast, especially during prime season, so don't wait around thinking about it. The fish are out there, the crew is ready, and your spot on Platts Bank is just a phone call away.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic cod at Platts Bank are what legends are made of - these aren't your typical inshore fish. We're talking about thick-bodied cod running 10-30 pounds with that classic barbel under the chin and mottled olive coloring. They cruise rocky bottom and structure in 100-400 feet, feeding heavily on crabs, squid, and baitfish. Winter through spring brings the biggest fish as they move in to feed before spawning. Cod are prized for their fighting ability and world-class eating quality - firm, white fillets that are perfect for any recipe. The bigger ones will test your gear with strong runs toward bottom structure. Here's the key: use fresh squid or chunk bait on a fish-finder rig, and don't be afraid to use heavy sinkers to stay in contact with bottom. When they hit, they often feel like you snagged bottom until that head shake gives them away.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusThe world's largest flatfish, Atlantic halibut are the holy grail out here at Platts Bank. These diamond-shaped giants typically run 30-50 pounds, but we've seen monsters pushing 200+ pounds in these deep waters. They stick to the bottom in 150-500 feet, especially around rocky structure and sand patches. Spring through fall offers the best action when they move into shallower feeding areas. What makes them special? That bulldogging fight and the incredible table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Plus, there's nothing quite like the thrill of hooking into one of these rare fish. My tip: drift your bait slowly and keep it right on bottom. Once you feel that telltale thump, give them time to fully take it before setting the hook. These fish have massive mouths but they're surprisingly finicky eaters.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the apex predator experience at Platts Bank - these torpedo-shaped fish are built for speed and power. We see fish from school-size 40-pounders up to giants over 200 pounds with that brilliant blue-black back and silver sides. They roam open water and along temperature breaks, often near the surface feeding on mackerel and herring. Summer through early fall is prime time when bait concentrations draw them in. Nothing compares to a bluefin bite - the screaming runs, deep dives, and sheer power will test every piece of your gear. Plus, the meat quality is off the charts for sashimi. These fish require serious tackle and patience. My go-to setup is trolling with cedar plugs or chunking with fresh mackerel. When you hook up, tighten that drag gradually - too much too fast and they'll snap you off on the first run.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are one of our most reliable species at Platts Bank, and the ones out here run noticeably bigger than closer inshore spots. These bottom-dwellers average 2-4 pounds but we regularly see 6-8 pounders with that distinctive black "thumbprint" marking. They love rocky bottom mixed with sand in 100-300 feet of water where the current moves well. Peak season runs spring through early fall when they school up tight. What guests love about haddock fishing is the steady action - they travel in groups, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. They can be picky though, so I always tell folks to use fresh clam or sea worm on smaller hooks. Keep your bait moving just slightly off bottom - dead-still bait often gets ignored while a little movement triggers strikes.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are the scrappy fighters of Platts Bank - smaller than cod but pound-for-pound some of the toughest fish you'll tangle with. These silvery-sided fish typically run 3-8 pounds and love structure, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 100-300 feet. They're most active late spring through early fall when baitfish are thick. What makes pollock special is that raw power - they'll dive hard for bottom and fight like fish twice their size. The meat is darker than cod but still makes excellent fish cakes and chowder. They can be aggressive feeders, especially around dawn and dusk. My secret weapon for pollock is small jigs worked fast near bottom - they seem to love that erratic action. Once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack, or they'll wrap you up in structure faster than you can blink. Good boots help too - they really can pull!
Newington, NH