Cod and Haddock Charter from Scituate
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6-hour offshore charter targeting cod and haddock from ScituateAll gear, bait, and licenses included for up to 6 anglersPeak season fishing from June 15 through September 15
Captain Anthony's 6-hour cod and haddock charter puts you right where these bottom dwellers are feeding best—the productive offshore waters around Scituate. Running from mid-June through mid-September, this Massachusetts fishing trip gets you away from the crowds and onto fish that are actively feeding during their peak season. With gear, bait, and fishing licenses all covered, you just need to show up ready to fish. The boat handles up to six anglers comfortably, making it perfect for families, buddy trips, or anyone wanting a quality day on the water without the hassle of organizing tackle and permits.
You'll meet Captain Anthony at Scituate Harbor bright and early, where he'll get you rigged up and brief everyone on the day's game plan. The ride out to the fishing grounds gives you time to settle in and watch the Massachusetts coastline fade behind you. Once we reach the productive bottom structure where cod and haddock congregate, it's all about getting your baits down to where these fish are holding. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand—he's been working the same ledges, humps, and drop-offs for years, so you're fishing with someone who understands exactly where these species hang out during different tides and conditions. Expect a relaxed but focused atmosphere where beginners get plenty of help with technique while experienced anglers can dial in their own approach. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle the fight these fish put up, plus all the terminal tackle you'll need for effective bottom fishing.
This charter focuses on traditional bottom fishing methods that have been proven effective for cod and haddock in Massachusetts waters. You'll be using circle hooks rigged above sinkers heavy enough to reach the bottom in 60 to 120 feet of water, depending on where the fish are staging. Captain Anthony provides fresh bait—usually clams, worms, or cut bait—that these species can't resist when presented properly. The key is feeling your weight hit bottom, then reeling up just enough to keep your bait in the strike zone without getting snagged on rocks or structure. These fish often hit subtly, so learning to distinguish between a bite and bottom contact is part of the experience. The captain will coach you through reading your rod tip and setting hooks at the right moment. Once you're hooked up, cod and haddock both fight hard on the way up, using their broad sides to pull drag and test your technique. The gear provided can handle fish in the 2 to 8 pound range easily, with the occasional larger cod pushing into double digits during peak season.
Atlantic Cod are the marquee species on this charter, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers can reach impressive sizes in Massachusetts waters, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 2-pounders up to trophy specimens exceeding 10 pounds during the best bite periods. Cod are ambush predators that hold tight to bottom structure, waiting for baitfish, crabs, and worms to drift within striking distance. They hit baits aggressively once they decide to feed, often inhaling hooks completely before you even realize you have a bite. Peak season runs from June through September when water temperatures and bait concentrations create ideal conditions. What makes cod so exciting to target is their unpredictability—you might catch steady 3 to 5 pound fish all morning, then hook into a genuine doormat that tests every ounce of your tackle and technique. Their firm white meat makes them one of the most sought-after table fare species in New England waters.
Haddock complement cod perfectly as a target species because they occupy similar bottom habitat but feed slightly differently. These fish typically run smaller than cod, averaging 2 to 4 pounds, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. Haddock are more active feeders than cod, often traveling in schools that move along bottom contours following bait concentrations. When you find a good school of haddock, fast action is almost guaranteed as multiple anglers hook up simultaneously. They fight surprisingly hard for their size, using quick runs and head shakes that keep light tackle singing. Haddock have excellent table quality with sweet, flaky meat that's prized by both commercial and recreational fishermen. The Massachusetts waters around Scituate provide ideal haddock habitat during summer months, with consistent temperatures and abundant food sources keeping these fish actively feeding throughout the charter season. Their distinctive black lateral line and dark spot behind the gill cover make them easy to identify once you bring them to the boat.
Captain Anthony's cod and haddock charter delivers exactly what Massachusetts anglers want—consistent action on quality bottom fish during prime season. At $1,200 per group, you're getting professional guidance, all necessary equipment, and access to productive fishing grounds that would take years to locate on your own. The 6-hour trip length gives you enough time to work different areas and adapt to changing conditions without feeling rushed. Remember to pack food, drinks, sunscreen, and layers since offshore conditions can change quickly. Polarized sunglasses help cut glare when watching your rod tips, and a hat keeps sun off your face during long stretches of fishing. This charter consistently produces fish for anglers of all skill levels, making it a smart choice whether you're introducing kids to bottom fishing or looking to put some quality cod and haddock in the cooler. Book early since peak season dates fill up fast with both locals and visiting anglers who know this is prime time for Massachusetts groundfish.
The First Pic is built for serious fishing in Massachusetts waters. This 35-foot 2008 Contender cuts through the waves with twin Yamaha F300 engines, getting you to the cod and haddock grounds fast and smooth. Her deep-V hull handles rough seas like a champ, while the spacious cockpit gives all six anglers room to work the bottom without bumping elbows. Top-shelf Simrad electronics help us find the fish, and the USCG safety gear keeps everyone covered. Whether you're dropping lines for your first keeper cod or you've been fishing these waters for years, this boat's got the power and stability to make your day on the water count. She's designed for the real deal – no fancy extras, just a solid fishing platform that gets the job done.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod are the classic New England groundfish, running 2-4 feet long with that distinctive barbel under their chin and mottled coloring that changes with their surroundings. These heavyweights can push 20+ pounds in our waters, hanging around rocky bottoms and structure in 60-300 feet. Our summer season from mid-June through September finds them feeding aggressively on the offshore banks. Cod are prized for their flaky white meat and solid fight - they'll use their weight to stay deep. What guests love most is the combination of steady action and table fare that's hard to beat. The key with cod is fishing right on bottom with heavy enough tackle to pull them up from structure. My go-to trick is using fresh squid strips on a dropper rig - the scent draws them in and the movement seals the deal.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are bottom-dwellers that love the cold waters off our coast, typically running 14-30 inches and weighing 2-7 pounds. You'll spot them by their signature black "thumbprint" mark behind the pectoral fin and the dark lateral line. These fish stick to sandy or rocky bottoms in 50-200 feet of water, often schooling up which makes for steady action when you find them. Our June through September season hits them perfectly when they're actively feeding on crabs, worms, and sea urchins. What makes haddock special is their firm, sweet meat - some say it's even better than cod. They're also great for beginners since they fight hard but aren't too aggressive. Pro tip: use fresh clams on a simple two-hook rig and keep your bait right on bottom - haddock rarely come up to chase anything.
Scituate, MA