Cape Cod Haddock & Cod Fishing with Captain Tom
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target haddock and cod in productive Nantucket watersCaptain Tom provides expert local knowledge and guidanceAccommodates up to six guests for offshore fishing
Get ready to drop lines in some of the most productive cod and haddock grounds along the New England coast. Captain Tom knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the local intel to put you on fish when others are coming back empty-handed. This offshore fishing charter takes you and up to five buddies to the proven honey holes where Atlantic cod and haddock stack up thick during prime season. You'll be fishing aboard a well-equipped charter boat designed for comfort and fish-fighting capability, with all the tackle and know-how provided to make this a day you'll be talking about for years.
Your day starts early at the dock where Captain Tom will brief you on the game plan and get everyone familiar with the boat layout. We're talking about a serious fishing machine here – outriggers, downriggers, fish finder electronics that can spot a school from way up top, and rod holders positioned perfectly for multiple lines in the water. The ride out to the fishing grounds gives you time to soak in those classic Cape Cod views while Captain Tom explains what we're targeting and how the bite has been running. Once we hit the productive water, it's game on. You'll be dropping jigs and bait rigs down to where these bottom dwellers like to hang out, usually anywhere from 60 to 200 feet depending on conditions and fish movement. The captain stays glued to his electronics, constantly reading the bottom structure and adjusting our position to stay on top of the schools.
This is classic New England bottom fishing at its finest. We're talking heavy jigs, circle hooks with fresh bait, and enough weight to get down fast in the current. Captain Tom provides all the terminal tackle – those proven rigs that consistently produce in these waters. You'll be using conventional reels spooled with braided line for maximum sensitivity and hook-setting power. The technique is straightforward but requires some finesse: drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a few cranks, and work that jig with subtle lifts and drops. When a cod or haddock grabs your offering, you'll feel that distinctive thump-thump on the rod tip. The key is staying in contact with the bottom while dealing with current and boat drift. Captain Tom positions the boat using GPS waypoints he's marked over years of fishing these grounds, and he's constantly making small adjustments to keep everyone in the strike zone.
The haddock fishing off Cape Cod has been absolutely lights-out this year, with fish averaging 2 to 4 pounds and plenty of keeper-sized cod mixed in. Captain Tom's guests have been consistently boxing limits when conditions line up right. The morning bite has been particularly strong, with fish coming up from 80 to 120 feet of water over rocky bottom and ledges. Recent trips have produced coolers full of prime eating fish, and Captain Tom knows exactly how to find the schools when they're moving with the bait. The cod have been running a bit bigger this season, with fish in the 5 to 8 pound range showing up regularly. Both species are excellent table fare, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of bringing home a cooler full of fresh-caught fish for the family dinner table.
Haddock are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These silvery bottom dwellers are notorious for their delicate, flaky white meat that's considered among the best eating in New England waters. Haddock typically run 1 to 5 pounds in these waters, though larger specimens pushing 6 to 8 pounds show up regularly. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, there are usually plenty more below. The best haddock action happens during cooler months when they move into shallower water to feed, making them perfect targets for bottom fishing techniques. What makes haddock fishing so addictive is their aggressive feeding behavior – they'll often hit jigs and baited rigs with authority, giving you that satisfying rod-bending action that keeps anglers coming back.
Atlantic cod are the heavyweight champions of this offshore adventure. These prehistoric-looking bottom dwellers can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 10 pounds not uncommon in Cape Cod waters. Cod are opportunistic feeders that will grab just about anything that moves near the bottom – crabs, worms, small fish, and the jigs and baits we'll be using. They're known for their distinctive chin barbel and mottled brown coloration that helps them blend into rocky bottom structure. The fight from a good cod is something special – they use their broad tail and hefty body to make powerful runs toward the bottom. Peak cod fishing typically occurs during spring and fall migrations when they move through Cape Cod waters in large schools, following bait fish and seeking optimal water temperatures.
Captain Tom's haddock and cod fishing trips book up fast, especially during prime season when these fish are feeding heavily in Cape Cod waters. This is your chance to fish with a captain who's put in the time to learn these waters inside and out, from the subtle bottom contours that hold fish to the tide and weather patterns that trigger the best feeding activity. Whether you're planning a guys' weekend, family fishing trip, or corporate outing, this charter delivers the authentic Cape Cod fishing experience you're looking for. The boat accommodates up to six anglers comfortably, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention and plenty of elbow room. Don't wait until the last minute – the best fishing dates fill up weeks in advance, and you don't want to miss out on what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime.
Meet the Gypsy Charters motorboat, your ticket to Cape Cod's best haddock and cod fishing grounds. This 1986 workhorse packs a serious 480HP Volvo engine that'll cruise you out to the productive waters off Nantucket at a steady 20 knots. Built tough for these Atlantic waters, she's equipped with everything you need for a successful fishing day - GPS and radar to navigate safely, VHF radio for communication, and a quality fish finder to locate those schools of cod and haddock lurking below. When nature calls or you need a break from the action, there's an onboard toilet and even a bed for relaxing between bites. Captain Tom knows these fishing grounds like the back of his hand, and with room for six anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the lines without getting tangled up. The boat's reliable design has been taking fishermen to Cape Cod's hottest spots for decades.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod are the holy grail around here - these chunky bottom-dwellers typically run 2-4 feet and can hit 20+ pounds in our waters. You'll recognize them by that distinctive barbel under their chin and mottled coloring that changes with their surroundings. They cruise rocky and sandy bottoms from 50-200 feet, sometimes coming shallower to feed. Winter through spring is when they're most active, especially January through April during spawning. Cod fight hard and their flaky white meat is restaurant-quality. They're curious fish that'll hit both bait and lures. Here's a local trick: when you're targeting cod specifically, use chrome diamond jigs bounced right off the bottom - the flash drives them crazy. Fresh clams and squid strips work great too, but those jigs really trigger aggressive strikes from the bigger fish.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are bottom-dwelling fish that love the cold waters around Cape Cod, typically running 14-30 inches and 2-7 pounds. You'll spot them by their distinctive black "thumbprint" mark above the pectoral fin and the dark lateral line running down their sides. They hang out over sandy and rocky bottoms in 36-50°F water, often traveling in schools. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavily on crabs, worms, and sea urchins. What makes haddock special is their sweet, delicate meat - some say it's even better than cod. They put up a decent fight but won't snap your line. Pro tip: use fresh clams on a simple two-hook rig and let it sit on the bottom. Skip the jigs if you want to avoid hooking cod instead.
Hyannis, MA