Full Day Offshore Bottom Fishing with Blueline
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore targeting cod, haddock, and redfish in Atlantic watersAll fishing equipment, tackle, and bait provided with first mate assistanceFlexible scheduling with Boston pickup available for additional fee
Want to experience some of the best bottom fishing Boston waters have to offer? Captain Horte's offshore trips put you right where the action is, targeting prime Atlantic grounds where cod, tautog, haddock, and redfish call home. This isn't your typical harbor fishing—we're talking deep water structure fishing where the bigger fish live and feed. Perfect for both seasoned anglers looking to fill the cooler and newcomers ready to learn what real offshore fishing feels like.
Your day starts with Captain Horte's flexible scheduling—no need to squeeze into a rigid timeline when you're planning the perfect fishing trip. We'll head offshore into Atlantic waters where rocky bottom structure and drop-offs hold some of Massachusetts' most sought-after groundfish species. The trip accommodates up to four anglers, keeping things personal and giving everyone plenty of elbow room at the rail. All your tackle needs are covered—rods, reels, terminal tackle, and fresh bait come standard, so you can focus on putting fish in the boat rather than rigging up. Our experienced first mate stays busy throughout the trip, helping with everything from baiting hooks to netting fish and keeping the deck organized. Captain Horte knows these waters like his own backyard, and he'll put you on productive spots based on current conditions, tides, and what's been biting recently. Boston pickup and drop-off service is available for an extra $150 if you need transportation, and if the bite is hot, you can extend your fishing time for $150 per hour.
Bottom fishing off Boston means working structure—rocky ledges, drop-offs, and hard bottom areas where groundfish gather to feed on crabs, worms, and baitfish. We'll be using conventional tackle with enough weight to reach the bottom in deeper water and hold position in current. Circle hooks are standard for most setups, paired with fresh bait like sea worms, clams, and cut bait depending on what we're targeting. The technique is straightforward but effective: drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a turn or two, and feel for that telltale thump of a fish picking up your bait. Cod and haddock often hit with authority, while tautog require a bit more finesse—they're notorious bait thieves who can clean your hook without you feeling much. Our first mate will show you the ropes if you're new to this style of fishing, including how to read your rod tip for subtle bites and when to set the hook. The key to success is staying in contact with the bottom while being ready to react when fish move in to feed.
Atlantic cod remain the backbone of Boston's offshore bottom fishing scene, and for good reason. These chunky predators can range from keeper-sized fish around 22 inches up to genuine doormat cod pushing 30-plus pounds. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with cod moving into shallower water to feed heavily before winter. What makes cod fishing so addictive is their aggressive feeding behavior—when you find a school, the action can be fast and furious with multiple hookups. They're excellent table fare too, with firm white fillets that taste even better when you've caught them yourself.
Tautog, or "blackfish" as locals call them, present a completely different challenge that keeps experienced anglers coming back. These hard-fighting bottom dwellers live around rocky structure and have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish. A good tautog will test your drag and try every trick in the book to wrap your line around rocks. They're most active during cooler months, particularly fall when they're feeding heavily before winter. Trophy tautog can exceed 10 pounds, and their dense, sweet meat makes them a prized catch for the dinner table.
Haddock bring their own excitement to offshore trips, often traveling in schools and providing steady action when you locate them. These silvery groundfish typically run smaller than cod but make up for it with numbers—it's not uncommon to boat multiple haddock in quick succession when conditions are right. They prefer slightly deeper water than cod and can be finicky about bait presentation, but their delicate, flaky meat is worth the effort.
Redfish round out the target species list with their distinctive copper-red coloration and impressive size potential. Also known as ocean perch, these deep-water fish can provide surprise catches throughout the trip. While they may not fight as hard as tautog, redfish often come in good numbers and add variety to your catch. Their mild flavor makes them a welcome addition to any fish fry.
Captain Horte's offshore bottom fishing trips offer everything serious anglers want—productive fishing grounds, quality equipment, knowledgeable guidance, and the flexibility to make the most of your time on the water. Whether you're after a cooler full of fillets or just want to experience what offshore fishing in Boston waters is all about, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of multiple target species, all-inclusive tackle, and expert local knowledge makes this a top-rated choice for anyone looking to fish beyond the harbor. Remember to bring cash for your first mate's tip—20% is standard and shows appreciation for the hard work that makes your trip successful. Ready to see what's biting offshore? Contact Captain Horte to plan your fishing adventure and secure your spot on one of Boston's premier bottom fishing charters.
The Nauti Dog is built for serious offshore bottom fishing in Boston's Atlantic waters. This motorboat features a spacious open cockpit where up to 4 anglers can work the lines 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 other bottom dwellers - including a fish finder to mark the hotspots, GPS navigation, and radar for those foggy New England mornings. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking the fish. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the full day on the water. VHF radio keeps you connected, and there's even a head onboard for convenience. With all tackle, bait, and gear provided, plus a first mate to help with everything from rigging to netting fish, the Nauti Dog is your ticket to productive bottom fishing beyond Boston Harbor.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod are the kings of our offshore bottom fishing scene, typically running 5-15 pounds with some bruisers hitting 20-30 pounds. These thick-bodied fish with their distinctive chin barbel love rocky structure and hard bottom in 80-200 feet of water. Prime season runs from late spring through early fall when they're most active and feeding heavily. Cod are what most folks dream about - they fight hard with deep, powerful runs and the meat is absolutely top-shelf. That firm, white flesh is perfect for any cooking method. The spawning season from January to April can produce some real monsters, but regulations are strict to help the population recover. My go-to trick is using fresh squid strips on a heavy jig - drop it right to the bottom and work it slow. Cod will often grab it on the initial drop, so stay alert and keep that drag tight.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are one of our bread-and-butter bottom fish out here, running 1-4 pounds on average with that telltale black "thumbprint" mark behind their pectoral fin. They stick to sandy and rocky bottom in 100-300 feet of water, often schooling up in good numbers during spring and early summer. These fish love cold water between 36-50 degrees, making late spring through early fall prime time. What guests really appreciate is how cooperative they are - when you find a school, you can usually fill the cooler pretty quick. Plus, haddock are fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish and chips. The key trick I share is using fresh clam bait on a simple two-hook rig. Skip the jigs and stick with natural bait - haddock can be picky, and that fresh clam scent triggers bites when nothing else works.
Sciaenops OcellatusAround Boston, redfish are a bit different from their southern cousins. These copper-colored fish with their signature black eyespots near the tail run 14-30 inches here and put up a solid fight on medium tackle. You'll find them around structure in 30-80 feet of water - wrecks, rocky bottom, and ledges where they hunt for crabs and baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps climb above 50 degrees. What makes them special is that distinctive spot pattern and how they pull when hooked - steady, determined runs that test your drag. The meat is excellent too, with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Pro tip: when you feel that first tap, count to three before setting the hook. They like to mouth the bait before committing, and patience pays off with better hooksets.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, or "blackfish" as the old-timers call them, are some of the scrappiest fighters you'll tangle with. These chunky, mottled fish average 2-5 pounds but can push 10-15 pounds around our local wrecks and rocky structure. They're homebodies that stick tight to boulders, jetties, and artificial reefs in 20-60 feet of water. Spring and fall are peak times when they're most active and feeding hard before winter. What makes tog special is their bulldog fight - they'll dive straight back into the rocks and test every inch of your tackle. The meat is sweet and firm, prized by anyone who knows good fish. My secret weapon is green crabs with the legs removed - crush up some crab pieces and drop them around your spot first to get them feeding. Then drop your bait right in the mix and hold on tight.
Boston, MA