Cod and Haddock Fishing Charter in Scituate
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore charter targeting cod and haddock near ScituateAll fishing equipment and licenses included for up to six guestsPeak season fishing from June through midSeptember with Captain Anthony
Captain Anthony's got you covered for a solid day chasing cod and haddock off the Massachusetts coast. This 6-hour charter runs from mid-June through mid-September when these bottom dwellers are feeding heavy in our local waters. You'll head out from Scituate Harbor with up to five other anglers, hitting proven spots where the fish stack up during peak season. Everything's provided – rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait – so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the cooler. At $1,200 for your group of six, it's a fair deal for a full day on productive water with a captain who knows where to find them.
You'll meet Captain Anthony at Scituate Harbor bright and early, ready to motor out to his honey holes. This isn't a rushed trip – six hours gives you plenty of time to work different spots and adjust tactics as conditions change. The boat's set up for bottom fishing, with quality gear that can handle the fight these fish put up. Don't worry about bringing tackle; everything from sinkers to hooks is sorted. The captain reads the water and moves around based on what the fish finder shows and how the bite's developing. Some days they're stacked tight in 60 feet, other days you might work deeper water. That's fishing, and Captain Anthony adapts to give you the best shot at a solid catch. Pack your own food and drinks since meals aren't included, and don't forget sunscreen – you'll be out there all day under the summer sun.
This charter focuses on traditional bottom fishing techniques that work consistently for cod and haddock in Massachusetts waters. You'll be dropping baited rigs to the seafloor, targeting structure and drop-offs where these species congregate. The boat carries a variety of sinker weights to match current conditions, from 8-ounce pyramid sinkers in calm water to heavier bank sinkers when the tide's running strong. Fresh bait makes the difference – clams, sea worms, and squid are the go-to options that these fish can't resist. Captain Anthony will show you how to feel the bottom, detect strikes, and work your bait effectively. The key is keeping contact with the bottom while staying ready for that telltale tap-tap-pull of a fish picking up your offering. Circle hooks help with hook-up ratios and make releasing smaller fish easier when needed.
Atlantic cod remain the crown jewel of New England bottom fishing, and Massachusetts waters during summer offer some of the most consistent action on the East Coast. These fish typically run 3 to 15 pounds in our area, with the occasional keeper pushing 20-plus pounds. Cod are aggressive feeders during the summer months, moving into shallower water to chase baitfish and crustaceans. They're smart fish that require patience – sometimes they'll hammer your bait immediately, other times they'll pick at it cautiously before committing. The fight is steady and strong, with powerful head shakes as they try to reach bottom structure. What makes cod special is their excellent table fare and the satisfaction of landing a fish that's been the backbone of New England fishing for centuries.
Haddock provide consistent action and are often more cooperative than their cod cousins. These fish typically range from 2 to 8 pounds, with their distinctive black lateral line and "thumbprint" marking behind the gills making them easy to identify. Haddock school up heavily during summer, so when you find them, you can often catch several before they move on. They're curious fish that will often investigate bait quickly, leading to steady action when you're on a good school. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them a favorite for fish and chips. Haddock are also more abundant than cod in many areas, giving you better odds of steady action throughout the day. They fight with quick bursts and rapid direction changes that keep things interesting on lighter tackle.
Captain Anthony's charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want: access to productive water, quality gear, and the local knowledge that comes from years fishing these waters. The June through September season is prime time for both cod and haddock, with fish feeding actively before fall migration patterns kick in. At $1,200 for your group, you're getting a full day with everything provided except food and drinks. No fishing license hassles, no gear worries, just solid fishing with a captain who puts you on fish. Whether you're new to bottom fishing or an experienced angler looking for consistent action, this charter delivers the goods. Book now to secure your dates during peak season – the best fishing windows fill up fast when word gets out about good catches.
The First Pic is a serious fishing machine built for chasing cod and haddock in Massachusetts waters. This 35-foot 2008 Contender cuts through the waves with twin Yamaha F300s, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and keeping you comfortable all day. Captain Anthony has her rigged with top-notch Simrad electronics to find the fish and all the safety gear you need for peace of mind. The boat handles six anglers comfortably with plenty of deck space to work your lines. Everything's provided - rods, reels, bait, and tackle - so you can focus on landing dinner. The twin engines mean a smooth, stable ride whether you're running out to the spots or fighting a keeper haddock back to the boat. Built tough for New England waters, she's your ticket to some of the best bottom fishing on the South Shore.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic cod are the classic New England groundfish - thick bodied with that signature barbel under their chin and mottled coloring that changes with the bottom. Most run 5-15 pounds, but we get some real doormat 20+ pounders that'll test your arms. They hug structure in 60-300 feet - rocky ledges, wrecks, and drop-offs where baitfish gather. Summer brings them into shallower water to feed, making our June-September season perfect. What draws people back is the combination of solid fights and table fare that's tough to beat. Cod are curious and will investigate anything that looks like food. Here's something most don't know: when you're fishing a productive spot, try bouncing your sinker off the bottom every few minutes. That thumping sound calls them in from a distance. Fresh sea clams or chunk mackerel work best.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are solid bottom feeders that run 2-7 pounds on average, though we see some pushing into double digits. They stick to sandy and rocky bottoms in 80-200 feet of water where the temps stay cool. What makes them special is that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind their gill - you'll know one when you see it. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, there's usually more around. June through September is prime time when they move into our local waters. Guests love targeting haddock because they're great eating - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for fish and chips. Plus they fight harder than you'd expect for their size. My tip: use fresh clams on a simple two-hook bottom rig and keep your bait right on the deck. Haddock won't chase food up in the water column like cod will.
Scituate, MA