Platts Bank Adventure: Deep Water Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target big Pollock, Haddock and Cod at Platts BankIncreased chances for Shark, Tuna and elusive HalibutSmall group offshore adventure for six guests maximum
When Jeffery's Ledge just isn't cutting it, that's when you know it's time to head 20 miles further east to Platts Bank. This is where Adventure and Catch Charters takes serious anglers when they want to tangle with the big fish. We're talking trophy-sized Pollock, Haddock, and Cod that'll have your drag screaming. But here's where it gets really exciting – your chances of hooking into a shark, Bluefin Tuna, or that legendary Atlantic Halibut shoot way up out here. As our captain likes to say, "When in doubt, Platts." There's a reason this spot has become the go-to destination for anglers who want to test their skills against some serious fish.
This isn't your typical nearshore fishing trip. We're heading into deep water territory where the fish run big and the action can be absolutely wild. With just 6 anglers max on board, you'll have plenty of room to work and won't be elbow-to-elbow with other fishermen when the bite gets hot. The ride out to Platts Bank gives you time to rig up, talk strategy with the crew, and get mentally prepared for what could be the fish of a lifetime. Once we're on the bank, we're in prime habitat for some of the North Atlantic's most sought-after species. The underwater structure here creates perfect conditions for baitfish, which means the predators aren't far behind. You'll want to bring your A-game because these fish have seen plenty of lures and they're not easy to fool.
Fishing Platts Bank requires a different approach than inshore fishing. We're typically working with heavier tackle to handle the bigger fish and deeper water. Jigging is incredibly effective here, especially when the Cod and Pollock are holding tight to the bottom structure. We'll also run live bait and chunk bait when targeting the larger predators like Bluefin Tuna and sharks. The crew will help you adjust your technique based on what's biting and where the fish are positioned in the water column. Don't be surprised if we're switching between vertical jigging in the morning and trolling spreader bars in the afternoon – versatility is key out here. The depth changes and current can be challenging, but that's exactly what makes Platts Bank such a productive fishing ground. Make sure your reels have fresh line and solid drags because when these fish hit, they hit hard and they don't give up easy.
Atlantic Halibut are the holy grail of Platts Bank fishing. These flatfish can grow massive – we're talking 100+ pounds – and they're notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. Halibut are ambush predators that lie in wait on the bottom, so patience is key. When you hook one, you'll know it immediately. The initial head shake and that heavy weight pulling back is unmistakable. They're most active during moving tides, and the bigger fish tend to bite better in deeper water, which is exactly what Platts Bank offers.
Haddock out here are nothing like their smaller cousins closer to shore. These deep-water Haddock are thick-bodied fish that put up a solid scrap. They school up over the bank's structure and can provide steady action when you locate them. Look for the telltale black lateral line and that distinctive dark spot behind their gill cover. They're excellent table fare and a customer favorite for good reason.
Atlantic Cod at Platts Bank are the stuff of legends. These aren't the smaller inshore fish – we're talking about cod that can easily hit 20-30 pounds or more. They're aggressive predators that will hit both jigs and bait, and their fight is surprisingly strong for a bottom fish. Cod fishing is best during the cooler months, and the deeper water at Platts Bank holds fish year-round when other areas go quiet.
Pollock are the speed demons of the bank. These fish are built for the open ocean and they fight like it. They'll test your tackle with long runs and aerial displays. Pollock are often the first species to show up when you're jigging, and they can provide non-stop action. The bigger fish out at Platts Bank can easily reach double digits in weight.
Bluefin Tuna are the ultimate prize fish at Platts Bank. These ocean athletes can show up at any time and completely change your day. When the tuna are around, everything else takes a back seat. They're incredibly powerful fish that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. The deep water and abundant baitfish make Platts Bank prime tuna habitat during their seasonal migrations.
Platts Bank isn't a trip for everyone – it's for anglers who want to step up their game and target trophy fish in their natural habitat. The extra distance means longer travel time, but the payoff is access to some of the best deep-water fishing on the East Coast. With only 6 spots available, this top-rated charter fills up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons. Whether you're after that once-in-a-lifetime Halibut, want to battle a world-class Bluefin Tuna, or just need to get into some serious fish after Jeffery's Ledge lets you down, Platts Bank delivers. Book your adventure with Adventure and Catch Charters and find out why experienced anglers keep coming back to this renowned fishing ground.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod at Platts Bank are what legends are made of - we're talking about fish that can push 30-50 pounds out here. You'll spot them by that barbel under the chin and the white lateral line running down each side. They stick near the bottom around rocky structure and sandy areas, usually in 100-300 feet of water. January through April is peak season when they're spawning and most aggressive. Guests love targeting cod because they fight hard and the meat is absolutely primo - firm, white, and perfect for any recipe. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit everything from clams to jigs. My go-to trick: use a chrome diamond jig tipped with fresh squid strips. The flash gets their attention, but that scent seals the deal. Work it just off the bottom with short hops, and be ready for that solid thump when they grab it.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusAtlantic Halibut are the biggest flatfish you'll encounter out here, and they're what makes Platts Bank special. These diamond-shaped giants average 30-50 pounds, but the big ones can push 200+ pounds. They hang near the bottom in 150-500 feet, feeding on cod, haddock, and squid. Spring through fall gives you the best shot when they move into shallower water after spawning. What makes them so popular? That fight - they're incredibly strong swimmers that'll test your gear and stamina. Plus, the meat is absolutely top-notch eating. My tip: use the drift method with heavy tackle and fresh squid or mackerel. Let the boat's movement work your bait naturally, and when one hits, make sure it's tired before you try bringing it up. They're known to break bones if you're not careful.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin Tuna are the ultimate trophy fish - powerful, fast, and absolutely beautiful with that metallic blue top and silver sides. Out at Platts Bank, we see fish from school-size 20-40 pounders up to giants over 200 pounds. They're highly migratory and cruise the open water, often following bait schools near temperature breaks and offshore structure. Summer into fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily before their southern migration. The fight is what hooks people - these fish can hit 40+ mph and dive deep, making long screaming runs that'll test every inch of your tackle. The meat quality is world-class, especially for sashimi. My advice: when trolling, use fresh herring or mackerel and keep your drag settings conservative. Once hooked, stay calm and let the fish tire itself out. Fighting them too hard early will either break you off or exhaust the angler before the fish.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are one of the most reliable fish at Platts Bank, especially the big ones we're after out here. You'll recognize them by that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind the pectoral fin and their purplish-grey color. Most run 2-7 pounds, but Platts Bank produces some real doormat haddock pushing double digits. They stick to the bottom over sandy and rocky areas, preferring those cold 36-50°F waters. Spring is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavily. What guests love about haddock fishing is the steady action and fantastic eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more. Here's a local trick: use fresh clams on a two-hook rig and fish it just off the bottom. Braided line helps you feel those subtle bites better than mono.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are scrappy fighters that'll surprise you with their strength once hooked. These silver-sided fish with the greenish backs typically run 15-30 pounds at Platts Bank, but the bigger ones can hit 40+ pounds. They cruise around rocky structure and drop-offs in 100-400 feet, often moving up in the water column to chase baitfish. Early morning and evening are your best bets when they're actively feeding. What makes pollock popular is that raw power - they'll drag you around the boat if you're not ready. The meat's darker than cod but still good eating, especially smoked. They're temperature sensitive and respond well to jigging action. My local secret: bring sturdy boots with good ankle support because these fish will try to pull you overboard. Use sand eel or black minnow imitations and work them with aggressive jigs near the bottom, then be ready for that freight train run.
Newington, NH