5.0(1 Reviews)10 Hours Offshore Groundfishing in Gloucester
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore fishing charter targeting tuna, haddock, and pollockPrivate boat accommodates up to 6 guests with expert guidanceMultiple techniques including bottom fishing, jigging, and drift fishing
When you want to get serious about fishing the productive waters off Cape Ann, this 10-hour charter with Dead On Sportfishing puts you right where the fish are biting. Captain Jay knows these grounds like the back of his hand, and he's got the gear and know-how to put you on quality groundfish all day long. With space for up to six anglers, this trip gives your group plenty of room to spread out and work different spots without crowding each other. You'll be targeting prime species like Pollock and Haddock in some of the most consistent fishing waters on the East Coast.
Your day starts early at Gloucester Harbor, where Captain Jay will have everything rigged and ready to go. The boat heads out to proven offshore structures and ledges where groundfish congregate in good numbers. You're looking at a full day of fishing - 10 hours gives you time to work multiple spots and really dial in what the fish want. The captain adjusts tactics based on conditions and what's producing, whether that means moving to deeper water, switching up your presentation, or finding structure that's holding more active fish. Since meals aren't included, pack a cooler with lunch and plenty of water - you'll work up an appetite pulling fish up from 150+ feet. The modern electronics onboard help locate schools and mark bottom structure, taking the guesswork out of where to drop your lines.
This charter focuses on proven groundfishing methods that consistently produce results in these waters. You'll be dropping heavy jigs and bait rigs to the bottom, working depths anywhere from 120 to 300 feet depending on where the fish are holding. The boat carries quality rods and reels designed for this type of fishing - conventional gear that can handle the deep water and the pull of good-sized groundfish. Captain Jay provides all terminal tackle, including the heavy jigs and circle hooks that work best for Haddock and Pollock. The key is keeping your bait near the bottom while feeling for the subtle taps and pulls that signal fish. When conditions allow, you might also work some vertical jigging techniques that can really turn on aggressive Pollock. The captain reads the electronics and positions the boat over productive bottom, so you're always fishing where the marks show fish.
"Captain Jay was incredibly helpful throughout the entire experience. He communicated thoroughly before the trip and tailored the experience to meet our specific preferences. On the boat, he was very knowledgeable and provided top-notch, modern equipment that worked flawlessly. 5/5—definitely booking again for our next trip!" - Aria
Pollock are one of the most reliable targets on these offshore grounds, and they put up a solid fight that keeps things interesting all day. These fish typically run anywhere from 3 to 15 pounds in these waters, with bigger fish showing up more consistently in the cooler months from fall through early spring. Pollock are aggressive feeders that respond well to both jigs and bait, and they often travel in schools - so when you find them, you can usually catch several before they move on. What makes Pollock great is their willingness to bite throughout the day and their tendency to suspend just off the bottom, making them accessible with a variety of techniques. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or baked preparations.
Haddock are the crown jewel of New England groundfishing, prized for their sweet, delicate flavor and consistent size. In these waters, Haddock typically range from 2 to 8 pounds, with the occasional larger fish that really makes your day. They're more finicky than Pollock and often require a lighter touch - you need to feel for that subtle tap-tap-tap that signals a Haddock picking up your bait. Peak season runs from late fall through winter, when they move into shallower water to feed. Haddock prefer specific bottom types, usually gravel and rocky areas where they can find crabs, worms, and small baitfish. The challenge with Haddock is that they can be selective about bait and presentation, which makes landing a good catch that much more satisfying. Their flaky white meat is considered by many to be the best-eating fish you can catch in New England waters.
A 10-hour charter gives you the best shot at consistent action and a cooler full of quality fish to take home. Captain Jay's local knowledge and quality equipment take the guesswork out of groundfishing these productive waters. With only six spots available, this trip books up quickly during peak season. The combination of proven fishing spots, expert guidance, and a full day on the water makes this one of the top-rated groundfishing experiences available from Gloucester. Whether you're looking to introduce new anglers to offshore fishing or you want to target some of New England's best eating fish, this charter delivers the goods. Contact Dead On Sportfishing now to secure your dates and get ready for a day of serious groundfishing action.
Step aboard the 35ft T. Jason, a solid Downeast cabin cruiser that's been working these Gloucester waters since 2002. This boat handles offshore conditions with confidence, powered by a reliable 270HP Cummins that'll get you out to the fishing grounds and back with no drama. At 14 knots cruising speed, you'll have plenty of time to rig up and talk strategy with your crew of up to 6 anglers. The fish finder will help you locate schools of haddock and pollock, while the GPS and radar keep you on course even when the weather gets sketchy. Between bites, grab a cold drink from the icebox or use the onboard facilities - there's a full galley and head so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the cooler. Whether you're jigging structure or drifting for bottom fish, this boat gives you a stable platform to work from during your 10-hour adventure on the North Atlantic.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are one of our most sought-after bottom fish, running 14-30 inches and easily recognized by that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind their pectoral fins. These tasty members of the cod family love cold water over sandy and rocky bottoms, making our local waters perfect habitat. Spring spawning season from January through June offers some of the best action as they gather in large schools. What guests love about haddock is the steady bite and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers and flavor. Pro tip: stick with fresh clams on a simple two-hook rig rather than jigs. The clams stay on better and haddock prefer the natural presentation over flashy lures that often attract cod instead.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are strong, scrappy fish that'll give you a real workout once hooked. These silvery-sided fighters typically run 3-4 feet and love rocky bottom structure in 100-400 feet of water. You'll find them year-round off Gloucester, but they're most active during cooler months when they move up from the depths to feed. What makes pollock special is their incredible strength - they'll drag you around the boat if you're not ready for it. The meat is darker than cod but tastes great and is prized in many places. My tip: bring sturdy boots with good grip because these fish will test your balance. Use sand eel or black minnow imitations, and be ready for that initial run when they hit. Early morning and evening bites are your best bet for consistent action.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Jay was incredibly helpful throughout the entire experience. He communicated thoroughly before the trip and tailored the e...
Gloucester