Full Day Haddock Fishing - Stellwagen Bank
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore haddock fishing on Stellwagen BankSpring season targeting prime AprilMay haddock runsAll bait and tackle provided for single guest trips
When spring hits Cape Cod waters, there's nothing quite like heading out to Stellwagen Bank for some serious haddock action. This full-day offshore adventure puts you right in the heart of some of New England's most productive fishing grounds, where the bottom structure and seasonal migrations create perfect conditions for landing quality fish. Captain and crew from Endeavor Sportfishing know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish using proven techniques and local knowledge that only comes from years of working these depths.
Your day starts early with departure from the harbor, heading out to either Stellwagen Bank or Cape Cod Bay depending on where the fish are biting best. These aren't your typical inshore spots - we're talking about serious offshore fishing where the water depth and structure hold different species throughout the season. The boat ride out gives you time to get your gear sorted and chat with the crew about what's been working lately. Don't worry about bringing tackle - everything you need is provided, from rods and reels to fresh bait and terminal gear. The crew will set you up with the right setup for the conditions and help you dial in your technique. This is a private charter experience for just one angler, so you get personalized attention and can fish at your own pace without worrying about other guests crowding your space.
Haddock fishing is all about precision bottom fishing, and the crew will rig you up with the right setup to get your bait down to where these fish are feeding. We're typically fishing in 100 to 200 feet of water, using traditional New England bottom rigs with multiple hooks and enough weight to hold bottom in the current. Fresh bait makes all the difference out here - think clams, worms, and cut bait that haddock can't resist. The key is keeping your offering right on or just off the bottom where these fish cruise looking for food. You'll learn to feel the difference between a bite, the current, and your sinker bouncing on the rocks below. The captain uses electronics to mark fish and find the productive spots, but reading the water, understanding the tide, and knowing when to move are what separate a good day from a great one.
Haddock are the main event on this trip, and for good reason. These fish are absolute fighters when hooked, with a tendency to make strong runs toward the bottom before coming up. Most haddock in these waters run between 2 and 5 pounds, with the occasional keeper pushing 8 pounds or more. They're primarily a spring species here, showing up in April and May when water temperatures are just right and baitfish are moving through the area. What makes haddock so popular is their incredible table fare - firm, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or baking. The daily limit and size restrictions mean you're fishing for quality, not quantity.
Redfish, also known as ocean perch, are another common catch in these deeper waters. These bright orange-red fish typically run smaller than haddock but make up for it in numbers when you find a school. They're excellent eating and fight harder than their size suggests. Redfish often travel in groups, so when you hook one, there's usually more below.
Pollock are the wildcards of this fishery - they can show up anywhere from mid-water to near the bottom, and they're absolute bulldogs when hooked. These fish can get big, with 10-pounders not uncommon, and they'll test your drag and technique. Pollock are great on the table when fresh and provide some of the most exciting fights you'll get on this type of trip.
Cusk are the deep-water specialists, typically found in the rockiest, deepest spots we fish. They're not the prettiest fish, but they're prized by those who know how to cook them. Cusk have a unique appearance with their long dorsal fin and barbel under the chin, and they're perfectly adapted to life on the rocky bottom. They don't fight as hard as other species, but landing a good-sized cusk is always satisfying.
Spring haddock season is short but sweet, running primarily through April and May when conditions align perfectly. This isn't the kind of trip you can do year-round - the fish move with the seasons, and the weather window for comfortable offshore fishing is limited. With space for just one angler, these trips fill up quickly among serious fishermen who want the personalized experience and freedom to fish without the crowd. The crew provides all the tackle and bait, so you just need to show up ready to fish. Whether you're looking to put some quality fish in the cooler or just want to experience some of New England's best offshore fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Book your spot now for the upcoming season - the haddock won't wait, and neither should you.
Captain Joey's 25-foot Bluefin center console is your ticket to prime haddock waters off Stellwagen Bank and Cape Cod Bay. This sturdy boat handles offshore conditions with ease while keeping you comfortable during those long April and May fishing days. With room for up to six anglers, she's loaded with everything you need - quality rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait are all included. The fish finder will help locate those haddock schools, while GPS and radar keep you on course and safe. An onboard head makes those full-day trips more comfortable, and the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to work the rails when the bite is hot.
Brosme BrosmeCusk are the oddball of our deepwater catches - they look like a cross between cod and eel with their long, slimy bodies and single continuous fin. These bottom huggers live in 600+ feet around the deeper parts of Stellwagen, growing to 36-42 inches and up to 45 pounds. Winter and spring are your best shots when they're most active. They're sluggish swimmers, which makes them easier targets once you locate them. What guests find interesting is their unique appearance - that barbel on the chin and those big eyes adapted for deep water hunting. The meat is oilier than cod, perfect for grilling or baking, and many consider it a hidden gem for eating. They feed on crabs, mollusks, and bottom fish, so cut bait works well. Since they're weak swimmers and often just bycatch, don't expect a crazy fight, but they're a cool species to add to your box. Key tip: fish right on the bottom with fresh bait - they won't chase anything very far.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are the bread and butter of our spring offshore trips out to Stellwagen Bank. These bottom-dwelling members of the cod family run 14-30 inches typically, with that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark above their pectoral fins and dark lateral line. They school up in 100-200 feet of water over sandy and rocky bottom, preferring those cold 36-50 degree temps we get in April and May. What guests love about haddock is they're steady biters when you find them, and the meat is absolutely top-notch - firm, white, and mild. They feed on crabs, worms, and sea urchins down there, so fresh clams and ragworms work best for bait. The fight isn't flashy, but it's honest work hauling them up from depth. Here's the key: use a simple two-hook rig with just enough weight to hold bottom in the current. Too heavy and you'll spook them; too light and you'll drift off the school.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are the sleeper hit of our offshore trips - don't let their reputation fool you, these fish will give you a workout. They're part of the cod family but built for speed and power, running 40-47 inches when mature. You'll find them suspended over rocky structure and drop-offs around Stellwagen, usually in 100-400 feet. Spring is prime time when they move up to feed on smaller fish like smelt and squid. What surprises guests is how hard they fight - once hooked, they'll make powerful runs toward the bottom using that brute strength. The meat is darker than cod but still tasty, especially grilled. They're not picky eaters, hitting both bait and lures, but they can be temperature sensitive. Early morning and evening tend to be most productive. My tip: bring good boots with ankle support because when you hook into a big one, they'll test your footing on deck. Use sand eel or black minnow imitations and be ready for that initial surge.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are tough fighters that love shallow water - we're talking 1-4 feet deep where you can sometimes see their backs breaking the surface. These copper-colored beauties are easy to spot with their signature black eyespots near the tail, which fool predators into attacking the wrong end. They run 28-33 inches on average but can push 45+ inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them around oyster bars, grass flats, and muddy bottoms in our bays and coves. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding heavy on shrimp, crabs, and baitfish. What makes them special is that explosive topwater bite - nothing beats watching a big red crush a surface plug. They're also excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: when sight fishing, cast past them and work your lure back through their path - spook them with a direct hit and they're gone.
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