Premium Atlantic Bottom Fishing for Cod & Tautog
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target cod, haddock, redfish in Atlantic offshore watersAll fishing gear provided with expert captain and crewFlexible timing with Boston pickup available for convenience
If you're looking for some serious bottom fishing action off the Boston coast, Captain Horte and his crew know exactly where to find the fish. This isn't your typical harbor tour - we're talking about a legitimate offshore fishing experience where you'll drop lines in some of the Atlantic's most productive waters. The boat's rigged with quality gear, the captain's got decades of local knowledge, and you're targeting species that actually put up a fight. Whether you've been fishing these waters for years or you're ready to graduate from pier fishing, this trip delivers the real deal.
Captain Horte runs a tight ship with a professional crew that knows these offshore grounds like the back of their hands. You'll head out with up to three other anglers, which keeps the boat from getting crowded and gives everyone plenty of room to work their lines. The boat's equipped with all the tackle you'll need - no need to worry about bringing your own rigs or sinkers. Start times are flexible, so if you're the type who likes to get out early when the fish are biting, just give the captain a call to set it up. The crew provides all the gear, but bring your own cooler if you want to take your catch home. Fair warning - the first mate works hard to keep your lines in the water and the boat running smooth, and a 20% cash tip is expected. These guys earn it, trust me.
This is classic New England bottom fishing at its finest. You'll be dropping heavy rigs down to structure where these fish like to hang out - rocky bottom, ledges, and drop-offs that hold cod, tautog, and everything else that feeds near the seafloor. The crew will set you up with the right sinker weights for the depth and current, usually running anywhere from 6 to 16 ounces depending on conditions. Circle hooks are the standard here, and you'll be using everything from sea worms to squid strips for bait. The key is keeping your line tight to the bottom and feeling for those subtle taps that tell you a fish is checking out your offering. Don't expect fast action like you'd get trolling for blues - bottom fishing is about patience, but when these fish hit, you'll know it.
Atlantic Cod are the bread and butter of New England bottom fishing, and for good reason. These fish can run anywhere from keeper size around 21 inches up to real slabs pushing 30-plus pounds. Cod are most active in cooler water, so your best shots are typically spring through fall. They're bottom feeders that love structure, and once you hook into a decent cod, you'll feel why anglers have been targeting them for centuries. They fight with that deep, bulldogging pull that makes your arms burn, and the meat is about as good as it gets.
Tautog, or "blackfish" if you're old school, are the bulldogs of the bottom fishing world. These fish are built like tanks and fight twice as hard as their size suggests. They rarely get huge - a five-pounder is a nice fish and anything over eight pounds is a real trophy - but they'll test your drag and make you work for every inch. Tautog are structure junkies that live around rocks, wrecks, and hard bottom. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Haddock are another classic New England species that you'll encounter on these offshore trips. They're typically smaller than cod but make up for it with better eating quality - many anglers actually prefer haddock fillets over cod. These fish travel in schools, so when you find them, you can often load up. They hit soft baits like sea worms and are generally easier to hook than some of the other bottom species.
Redfish round out the target species list, and while they're not always the most exciting fighters, they're solid eating and fairly reliable when conditions are right. You'll also encounter plenty of other species depending on the season - whiting, dogfish, and whatever else is moving through the area. The variety is part of what makes bottom fishing so interesting - you never know what's going to come up on the other end of your line.
This is the type of fishing trip that fills up quick, especially during prime season when the bite is hot. Captain Horte's got a reputation for putting people on fish, and word gets around fast in the Boston fishing community. The boat only takes four anglers, which means you're not fighting crowds but also means spots go fast. If you want to extend your trip for more time on productive water, you can add hours for $150 each. Boston pickup and drop-off service is available for an extra $150 if you don't want to deal with driving to the marina. Bottom line - if you're serious about getting into some quality bottom fishing off the Boston coast, this is your chance to fish with a captain who knows these waters and puts in the work to find fish. Give Captain Horte a call and get your spot locked in before someone else does.
The Nauti Dog is built for serious offshore action in Boston's Atlantic waters. This fishing machine features a spacious open cockpit where you and up to 3 other anglers can work the rails comfortably, plus a pilot house to duck into when the weather gets rough. Captain Horte has equipped her with everything you need to locate and land cod, tautog, haddock, and whatever else is biting out there. The fish finder will help you mark schools while the GPS keeps you on productive bottom structure. When visibility drops, the radar keeps you safe heading back to port. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over finicky fish without spooking them. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long days on the water. The onboard head means no cutting trips short, and VHF radio keeps you connected. Whether you're dropping jigs on cod or working the rocks for tautog, this boat puts you in the best position to fill the cooler.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic cod are the kings of our offshore bottom fishing scene, typically ranging 2-4 feet and weighing 10-25 pounds in local waters. You'll know one by that barbel under the chin and mottled coloring that changes based on bottom type. They stick close to structure - rocky ledges, wrecks, and boulder fields in 60-150 feet of water. Best fishing runs from late fall through early spring when they're most active in our cold waters. Cod are prized because they fight hard, grow large, and provide some of the finest eating you'll find - that flaky white meat is legendary. They're opportunistic feeders, hitting everything from clams to jigs. My best local tip: when cod fishing, use heavy tackle with 16oz sinkers and keep your bait right on bottom near structure - they rarely feed up in the water column.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are one of our most reliable offshore targets, typically running 14-24 inches and 2-5 pounds in these waters. You'll recognize them by that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark above the pectoral fin and the dark lateral line. They're strict bottom dwellers, preferring sandy and gravelly areas in 80-200 feet of water where the temperature stays cool. Spring through fall offers the best fishing, especially when water temps are in that sweet 40-50 degree range. Anglers love them because they're abundant, fight well for their size, and make outstanding table fare - some say better than cod. They travel in schools, so once you find one, there's usually more. Here's a local tip: use fresh clams on a simple two-hook rig and fish it right on bottom - haddock rarely chase baits up in the water column.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish around Boston waters are a bit different from their southern cousins - up here they're typically smaller, running 18-24 inches and pulling with surprising power for their size. You'll spot them by that distinctive black eyespot near the tail and reddish coloring that fades to white on the belly. They hang around rocky structure and ledges in 20-60 feet of water, especially near wrecks and boulder fields. Fall is prime time when they're feeding heavy before winter. What makes them special is that aggressive strike and stubborn fight - they'll test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. My go-to trick is using fresh clam or squid on a fish finder rig, but keep your bait moving slightly off the bottom - they like that natural drift.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, or blackfish as locals call them, are tough customers that average 1-3 pounds but can reach impressive sizes up to 10+ pounds in our waters. These chunky fish have powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish and thick, rubbery skin covered in protective slime. They live tight to structure - rocky ledges, jetties, and boulder piles where they hunt crabs and mussels. Best fishing runs from late April through October, especially during their spring and fall feeding periods. What makes them special is that bulldogging fight and their challenge - they're notoriously tackle-busters around rocks. They're also fantastic eating with sweet, firm white meat. Here's the key: use green crabs for bait, crush up some shells for chum, and fish as close to structure as you dare. Change baits every 5 minutes - fresh bait is everything with tog.
Boston, MA