Haddock & Pollock Fishing with Blue Bandit Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target haddock and pollock on offshore groundfish adventureEarly morning departure ensures fresh catch for lunchProfessional crew provides complimentary fish cleaning service
Nothing beats the satisfaction of pulling up fresh groundfish from deep waters, and that's exactly what you'll get on this top-rated morning fishing trip. Blue Bandit Charters runs a tight ship with experienced crew who know these waters like the back of their hand. You'll be targeting two of the most reliable and tasty bottom dwellers - haddock and pollock - on a trip designed to get you into fish early and back to shore with a cooler full of fresh fillets by lunch time. With just 4 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room at the rail.
We're talking early morning departure here - the kind of start time that separates serious anglers from weekend warriors. The boat heads out to productive groundfish spots where haddock and pollock congregate around structure and drop-offs. This isn't lazy trolling or waiting around for luck to strike. You'll be actively working the bottom, feeling every bump and tap through your rod as these fish investigate your bait. The crew knows exactly where to position the boat and will get you rigged up with the right tackle from the moment you step aboard. Expect a working atmosphere where everyone's focused on putting fish in the boat, but don't worry if you're new to bottom fishing - the crew will walk you through everything from reading your electronics to setting the hook properly.
Groundfish like haddock and pollock require a different approach than surface species. You'll be using heavy sinkers to get your rigs down to where these fish live, often in 100+ feet of water. The standard setup involves multiple hooks on dropper loops above a bank sinker, baited with fresh squid, clams, or cut bait. Reading the bottom through your rod tip becomes crucial - you need to feel the difference between a snag, a crab picking at your bait, and that distinctive tap-tap-pull of a haddock mouthing your offering. The crew will show you how to work your rig up and down off the bottom, creating movement that triggers strikes. When fish are located, everyone drops down together and the action can be fast and furious with multiple hookups at once.
Pollock are the scrappier of your two main targets and often the first to show up on the lines. These silvery fighters typically run 2-4 pounds but can surprise you with bigger specimens pushing 8-10 pounds. They're aggressive feeders that hit hard and make decent runs, especially the larger ones. Pollock are active year-round but fishing peaks during spring and fall when they move shallow to feed. What makes them a customer favorite is their willingness to bite and their excellent table quality - firm, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or baking.
Haddock are the prize catch on these trips and for good reason. They're pickier eaters than pollock, requiring more finesse and patience, but they make up for it in size and taste. A good haddock runs 3-5 pounds with trophy fish hitting 8+ pounds. These bottom huggers have a distinctive black lateral line and are known for their delicate, flaky white meat that's considered among the best eating fish in northern waters. Peak haddock fishing typically runs from late spring through fall, and they tend to school up over specific bottom types. When you find them, you often find them in numbers, making for fast action and heavy coolers.
This morning groundfish trip delivers exactly what serious anglers want - consistent action on quality eating fish with professional guidance and fish cleaning included. The 4-person limit means you're not fighting crowds at the rail, and the early schedule gets you back to shore with fresh fillets ready for lunch. Blue Bandit Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish, not just taking them for boat rides. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer or introduce someone to the satisfaction of catching their own dinner, this haddock and pollock trip covers all the bases. The crew handles the technical side while you focus on the fun part - fighting fish and making memories on the water.
This well-equipped motorboat gets you out to the productive offshore waters where haddock and pollock are biting. Built for serious fishing, she's rigged with a fish finder to locate schools and GPS to mark your hot spots. The ice box keeps your catch fresh from hook to dock, while the onboard toilet means you can stay out longer chasing fish. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without getting tangled up. The crew knows these waters and will have you into fish early, then clean your catch so it's ready for the table. Perfect setup for bringing home dinner and some great fishing stories.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are bottom-hugging members of the cod family, easily spotted by their distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind each pectoral fin. These tasty fish average 14-30 inches and prefer cold water over sandy or rocky bottoms. Spring fishing is prime time when they're spawning and more active. What guests love about haddock is the combination - they're great table fare and put up a decent scrap when hooked. They school up, so when you find one, there's usually more around. The white, flaky meat is perfect for fish and chips. Here's a key tip: skip the jigs and go with fresh bait like clams or worms on a simple two-hook rig - haddock are picky eaters and prefer the real thing.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are powerful bottom dwellers that'll test your gear and your footing. These silvery-green fighters typically run 40-47 inches and pack serious strength - they're known for making sudden dives toward rocky structure. You'll find them in 100-400 feet over rocky bottoms where they hunt smaller fish and squid. Early morning trips work best when they move up from the depths. What makes pollock special is their fight - speed isn't their game, raw power is. Once hooked, they'll drag hard toward cover. The meat's darker than cod but tastes great and makes excellent fish cakes. Pro tip: use sand eel or black minnow imitations and keep your rod tip up when they make their first run toward the rocks.
Harwich Port, MA