Full Day Haddock Fishing - Cape Cod Bay
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore haddock fishing on Stellwagen BankSpring season targeting prime April-May haddock runsPrivate charter with all bait and tackle provided
Spring on Cape Cod Bay means one thing to serious anglers - prime haddock season. When the water temps start climbing in April and May, these tasty bottom dwellers move into feeding mode on Stellwagen Bank and throughout Cape Cod Bay. This isn't your typical half-day charter - we're talking a dedicated full-day offshore adventure where you'll have the boat all to yourself. Captain and crew from Endeavor Sportfishing know exactly where to put you on fish, and with all tackle and bait provided, you just need to show up ready to fill the cooler.
We'll head out early to make the most of your private charter, targeting the productive grounds of Stellwagen Bank and the deeper sections of Cape Cod Bay. These waters come alive in spring as baitfish move in and the bottom feeders follow. You'll be fishing in depths ranging from 60 to 180 feet, working the structure and drop-offs that hold concentrations of haddock, redfish, pollock, and cusk. The beauty of a single-angler charter means we can move spots quickly if the bite slows down, maximizing your time on productive water. Dress in layers since April and May weather can change fast out there, and don't forget polarized sunglasses - they'll help you spot fish on the sounder and cut the glare off the water.
We'll be bottom fishing with heavy conventional tackle designed to handle the depths and current of these offshore grounds. The crew sets you up with tried-and-true haddock rigs - typically high-low setups with 8-12 oz sinkers depending on drift and current. Fresh sea clams, squid, and cut bait are the go-to offerings here, presented on circle hooks that help with solid hooksets and fish survival. The key technique is feeling the bottom and keeping your bait in the strike zone as the boat drifts. You'll learn to read the fish finder, watch for those telltale arches, and work the schools when we mark them thick. During peak spring feeding periods, it's not unusual to double up on haddock or mix in some hefty pollock on the same drift.
Haddock are the star of this show, and for good reason. These members of the cod family are fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or baking. Spring haddock in Cape Cod Bay typically run 2-5 pounds, with some larger specimens pushing 8-10 pounds. They feed heavily during this season as they prepare for spawning, making them aggressive and willing to hit fresh bait. You'll recognize them by their distinctive black lateral line and the dark spot behind their gill cover. What makes haddock fishing addictive is their fighting style - they use their broad sides to battle all the way to the surface.
Redfish, also called ocean perch, add consistent action to your day on the water. These bright orange-red fish school up in good numbers and rarely disappoint when you find them. They're typically smaller than haddock, averaging 1-2 pounds, but they make up for size with numbers. Redfish have excellent eating qualities and a sweet, delicate flavor that's perfect for whole fish preparations. They tend to suspend just off the bottom, so when you hook into a school, expect fast action with multiple fish per drop.
Pollock bring the power to your offshore mix. These green-backed fighters are more aggressive than their cod cousins and will readily smash both bait and jigs. Spring pollock in these waters range from small "harbor pollock" to impressive 15-20 pound specimens that will test your tackle and technique. They're excellent eating when bled and iced properly, with firm meat that's great grilled or in fish cakes. Pollock often travel in schools, so when you connect with one, be ready for multiple hookups.
Cusk round out your target species list as the wildcards of the deep. These eel-like members of the cod family inhabit the rockier bottom structure and are prized for their unique appearance and excellent eating qualities. They're not as common as the other species, but when you connect with a cusk, you'll remember it. Their snake-like fighting style and prehistoric look make them conversation starters, while their sweet, lobster-like meat makes them favorites among serious seafood lovers.
This world-class haddock fishing window is narrow but productive. April and May offer the best combination of active fish, decent weather, and manageable seas for this type of offshore bottom fishing. With just one angler per trip, you're getting the full attention of an experienced crew who knows these waters inside and out. All your tackle and bait needs are covered, so you can focus entirely on fishing and enjoying the experience. Whether you're a seasoned bottom fisherman or new to offshore angling, this trip delivers the goods. Book now to secure your spot during peak spring fishing season - these single-angler charters fill up fast when word gets out about the bite.
Capt. Joey's 25' Bluefin center console is built to handle the spring haddock runs on Stellwagen Bank and Cape Cod Bay. This stable fishing platform comfortably accommodates up to six anglers with plenty of room to work the rails when the fish are biting. The boat comes rigged with quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need to target those tasty bottom dwellers. An advanced fish finder helps locate schools while GPS and radar keep you on course even when fog rolls in from the Atlantic. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long April and May fishing days. A convenient head makes this perfect for family trips, and the VHF radio ensures safe communication with other vessels working the same productive waters. When live bait is running, Capt. Joey stocks it fresh to give you the best shot at filling the cooler with keeper haddock.
Brosme BrosmeCusk are the sleepers of our deeper water fishing, growing 36-42 inches and living along the bottom in 600+ feet. These eel-like cod relatives are slow swimmers with big mouths and a chin barbel for feeling around the bottom. Winter and spring are your best bet for connecting with them while targeting other species offshore. What's cool about cusk is they're often a surprise bonus fish - not flashy fighters, but their size makes up for it. The meat is actually excellent, a bit oilier than cod which makes it perfect for grilling or baking. They're caught mostly as bycatch, but that makes landing one special. Here's the thing about cusk: they're sluggish, so once you feel that heavy weight, keep steady pressure and don't rush the fight. Take your time bringing them up from those depths.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are the bread and butter of our spring offshore trips, typically running 14-30 inches and hanging tight to the bottom in 100-200 feet around Stellwagen Bank. You can spot them by that distinctive black "thumbprint" above their pectoral fin. April through May is prime time when they're most active in our waters, feeding heavily on crabs and worms along rocky, sandy bottoms. What guests love about haddock is the steady action - they school up thick and once you find them, it's often fish after fish. Plus, they're absolutely delicious with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish and chips. Pro tip: use fresh clams on a simple two-hook rig and keep your bait right on the bottom. Skip the jigs if you want to avoid mixing in too many cod with your haddock.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are the tough guys of the cod family, averaging 40-47 inches and known for their serious pulling power. You'll find them around rocky structure in 100-400 feet, and they're particular about water temperature. Spring and early summer give us the best shots at them when they move up from deeper water. What sets pollock apart is that bone-jarring initial run - they'll test your tackle and your footing on deck. The fight alone makes them worth targeting. Their darker meat might not win beauty contests, but it's actually quite good when prepared right. Here's something I always tell guests: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack. They love to head straight for the rocks, and once they get there, you're probably saying goodbye to your rig.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are built for shallow water fights, typically running 28-33 inches and sporting that signature black spot near their tail. Around Cape Cod, you'll find them cruising flats in 1-4 feet of water, often with their backs showing above the surface around oyster beds and grass lines. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that explosive topwater strike - nothing beats watching a big red crush a surface plug in skinny water. They're excellent table fare too, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling. Here's a local tip: when you spot tailing fish, cast well ahead of where they're moving and let your bait sit dead still. They spook easily but once hooked, they'll give you a memorable scrap.
Cape Cod