5.0(1 Reviews)10 Hours Offshore Groundfishing in Gloucester
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10-hour deep sea fishing targeting tuna, haddock, and pollockPrivate charter accommodates up to 6 guests with expert guidanceMultiple techniques including offshore, bottom, jigging, and drift fishing
Looking for a serious fishing adventure off the Massachusetts coast? This 10-hour offshore charter with Dead On Sportfishing puts you right in the heart of Gloucester's legendary fishing grounds. Captain Jay and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to get you hooked up with some quality groundfish. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having enough space to fish comfortably and keeping the group small enough for personalized attention. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet in offshore fishing, this charter delivers the real deal - no tourist trap nonsense, just solid fishing in some of the most productive waters on the East Coast.
Ten hours gives you plenty of time to work the offshore structure where the best groundfish hang out. You'll be targeting prime bottom spots anywhere from 20 to 100+ feet deep, depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. The boat leaves early - think 5 or 6 AM depending on the season - so you can maximize your time on the productive morning and midday bites. Captain Jay tailors each trip based on current conditions, recent reports, and what the crew is seeing on the fish finder. Some days you might spend time working rocky ledges and drop-offs, other days it's all about finding those sandy bottom areas where haddock love to feed. The beauty of a 10-hour trip is flexibility - if one spot isn't producing, you've got time to move around and find where they're feeding. Expect to cover some serious water and hit multiple productive zones throughout the day.
Dead On Sportfishing provides all the tackle you need, including modern rods, reels, and terminal gear that's perfectly dialed in for New England groundfishing. You'll be bottom fishing with circle hooks and fresh bait - typically squid, clams, and sea worms depending on what the fish are keyed in on. The crew sets up each angler with the right weight for the current and depth, usually running anywhere from 8 to 16 ounces depending on conditions. They provide everything from the sinkers to the leaders, all rigged and ready to go. The boat's equipped with quality fish finders and GPS, so Captain Jay can mark productive spots and return to areas that are holding fish. If you've got your own gear and prefer to use it, that's totally fine - just make sure you've got enough weight to stay on bottom and circle hooks are always recommended for groundfish to reduce gut hooking and improve survival rates on releases.
"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 consistent and fun fish you'll encounter on this trip. These aggressive feeders typically range from 2 to 8 pounds in these waters, with the occasional bigger fish pushing double digits. What makes pollock so exciting is their willingness to bite - they're not as finicky as some groundfish species, and when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. Peak pollock fishing runs from late spring through fall, with September and October often producing the most consistent action. They're schooling fish, so when Captain Jay finds them on the fish finder, everyone on board usually gets in on the action. Pollock hit both bait and jigs, and they fight harder than you'd expect for their size. They're also excellent table fare when handled properly - firm, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or baking.
Haddock are the crown jewel of New England groundfishing, and Gloucester's offshore waters consistently produce quality fish. These bottom dwellers typically run 2 to 6 pounds in these waters, with trophy fish reaching 8+ pounds not uncommon. What sets haddock apart is their excellent eating quality - sweet, flaky white meat that's considered some of the best you'll find in the Atlantic. Haddock are structure-oriented fish that love rocky bottom, ledges, and areas with good current flow. They can be a bit more selective than pollock, often preferring fresh sea worms or clams over other baits. The best haddock fishing typically occurs from May through October, with summer months offering the most consistent action. When you hook into a good haddock, you'll feel their characteristic head-shaking fight as they try to get back down to the bottom. These fish are highly regulated with size and bag limits, so Captain Jay makes sure everyone knows the rules and has the proper measuring tools on board.
A 10-hour offshore groundfishing trip represents serious value for dedicated anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water. With Captain Jay's local knowledge, quality equipment, and commitment to putting his clients on fish, you're getting the kind of authentic fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The 6-person limit ensures everyone has room to fish effectively without feeling crowded, and the extended time frame means you're not rushing back to the dock just when the bite picks up. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer with quality eating fish or just want to experience some of New England's best groundfishing, this charter delivers. Don't wait to book - the best dates fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Contact Dead On Sportfishing today and get ready for a day of fishing that'll remind you why Gloucester has been a premier fishing destination for generations.
Step aboard the T. Jason, a reliable 35-foot Downeast cabin cruiser that's been hauling in great catches since 2002. This solid fishing machine runs on a 270HP Cummins engine that'll get your crew of up to 6 anglers out to the productive offshore waters around Gloucester at a steady 14 knots. The boat's equipped with everything serious fishermen need - a top-notch fish finder to locate those holding spots, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and beverages cold during those long 10-hour trips. When someone needs a break from the action, there's a comfortable cabin with kitchen facilities and a head onboard. The multimedia system keeps spirits up between bites, while the boat's stable design handles the offshore conditions beautifully whether you're bottom fishing for haddock and pollock or working the deeper waters. Perfect setup for both seasoned anglers and newcomers looking to experience what these productive New England fishing grounds have to offer.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are prime table fare that run 14-30 inches and pack 2-7 pounds of great eating. You'll spot them by that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind their pectoral fin. These bottom huggers love cold water between 36-50°F over sandy or rocky bottoms, often schooling up in good numbers. Peak season runs January through June during their spawn, but they bite well into fall around Georges Bank and the Maine coast. What guests love most is the steady action and sweet, flaky meat that beats cod for many folks. They're not the strongest fighters, but when you find a school, the cooler fills up fast. Pro tip: skip the jigs and go with fresh clams or ragworms on a simple two-hook rig. Haddock have softer mouths than cod, so lighter tackle keeps more fish on the line.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are scrappy bottom dwellers that'll give you a real workout once hooked. These greenish-black fish run 40-47 inches and pack serious strength – don't let their slower swimming fool you. They hang around rocky structure in 100-400 feet of water, using their chin barbel like a whisker to hunt smaller fish and squid. Spring through fall offers the best action when they move up from the depths. What makes pollock special is that powerful fight – they'll try to drag you right into the rocks where they live. The meat's darker than cod but still tasty. Here's a local trick: bring sand eel or black minnow imitations and jig them near structure during tide changes. Make sure your boots have good grip because these fish will test your footing when they make their run for deep water.
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