Full Day Guided Fishing Trip In Halifax
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore fishing adventure targeting trout and tuna speciesExpert Captain Dangelo Smith provides guidance and local fishing insightsToptier equipment included for groups up to eight guests
Captain Dangelo Smith knows these Halifax waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. This eight-hour guided fishing adventure takes you into the heart of Nova Scotia's prime Atlantic fishing grounds, where the action ranges from hard-fighting bluefin tuna to tasty Atlantic cod. Whether you're casting your first line or you've been working these waters for years, Captain Smith tailors each trip to match your crew's skill level and fishing goals. With room for up to eight anglers aboard, you'll have plenty of space to work without bumping elbows, plus access to top-notch tackle and local knowledge that only comes from a lifetime spent chasing fish in Halifax Harbor and beyond.
Your day starts early at the dock, where Captain Smith briefs the crew on safety, target species, and the game plan based on current conditions. The boat heads out into Halifax Harbor before pushing into deeper Atlantic waters where the big fish roam. Depending on the season and what's biting, you might find yourself trolling for bluefin tuna in the early morning hours, then switching tactics to bottom fish for halibut and cod as the day progresses. Captain Smith reads the water, weather, and fish activity to keep you moving toward the action. The scenic backdrop of Nova Scotia's coastline provides a stunning setting, but once the rods start bending, you'll be too focused on the fight to notice much else. Expect plenty of hands-on coaching, especially if you're new to saltwater fishing or trying techniques you haven't used before.
Captain Smith supplies all the essential tackle, from heavy trolling setups for tuna to lighter spinning gear for smaller species. The boat comes equipped with downriggers, outriggers, and fish finders to locate schools and get your baits where they need to be. Depending on what you're targeting, techniques shift throughout the day. Early morning might mean trolling with spoons and plugs for pelagic species, while afternoon fishing often involves bottom rigs with fresh bait for cod and halibut. If you're chasing trout in nearshore waters, expect lighter tackle and more finesse presentations. Captain Smith walks everyone through proper rod handling, fighting techniques, and how to work with the boat's equipment. He's got backup gear for every situation, so equipment failure won't cut your day short. The captain also handles all the messy work like baiting hooks and netting fish, letting you focus on the fun parts.
Bluefin tuna steal the show when they're around, typically from late summer through fall. These Atlantic giants can push well over 200 pounds and provide fights that'll test your endurance and the boat's tackle. Captain Smith positions the boat along tuna highways where these fish cruise while feeding, using fresh bait and proven lures to draw strikes. Atlantic halibut offer a different kind of challenge, with big flatfish holding in deeper water and requiring patient bottom fishing techniques. These doormat-sized fish can weigh 50 pounds or more and make excellent table fare. Atlantic cod remain a Halifax favorite year-round, schooling up in numbers that can make for fast action once you find them. The smaller species like green sunfish provide steady action and are perfect for anglers still learning the ropes. Apache trout, when present, offer beautiful coloration and spirited fights on lighter tackle. Each species requires different approaches, keeping the day interesting as Captain Smith adjusts tactics based on what's biting.
Bluefin tuna represent the ultimate prize for many Halifax anglers, and for good reason. These powerful fish migrate through Nova Scotia waters during their peak season from August through October, following bait schools and offering some of the most intense fishing battles you'll find anywhere. A hooked bluefin can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds, testing both angler skill and equipment limits. Their incredible strength and stamina make every hookup a memorable event, while their value as table fare adds extra excitement to each capture.
Atlantic halibut provide a completely different fishing experience, lurking on sandy bottoms in depths ranging from 60 to 300 feet. These flatfish ambush prey from their camouflaged positions, requiring anglers to present baits right on the bottom using heavy sinkers and strong hooks. Halibut season peaks during summer months when these fish move into shallower feeding areas. Landing a "barn door" halibut over 100 pounds requires teamwork and patience, but smaller "chicken" halibut in the 20-50 pound range provide excellent action and fantastic eating.
Atlantic cod schools form the backbone of Halifax's fishing heritage, and Captain Smith knows exactly where they hold throughout the year. These hardy fish bite aggressively on cut bait, jigs, and small lures, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Cod fishing really shines during winter months when fish congregate in deeper water, though productive fishing continues year-round. Their firm white meat makes cod one of the most sought-after table fish, and limit catches are common when you find an active school.
Green sunfish add variety to the day's catch, particularly when fishing closer to shore or in protected waters. Though smaller than the offshore species, these colorful fish provide consistent action and help keep rods busy during slower periods. They're especially popular with younger anglers who enjoy the frequent bites and easier fights.
Apache trout represent one of the more unique opportunities in Halifax waters, offering brilliant colors and acrobatic fights when hooked. These fish prefer specific habitat conditions and require careful presentation to trigger strikes. When present, they provide some of the most visually stunning catches of the day, with their distinctive markings making for great photos and conversation pieces.
Captain Dangelo Smith's full-day fishing trips offer exactly what serious anglers want: local expertise, quality equipment, and access to Halifax's best fishing grounds. With
Our restored 2022 Sea Fox 28-footer is built for serious Atlantic fishing around Halifax waters. Twin Yamaha 200HP engines push this center console to 40 knots, getting you to the best trout and tuna grounds fast. The spacious deck comfortably handles 8 anglers with plenty of room to work your lines. Essential gear includes GPS navigation to mark productive spots, VHF radio for safety, and fish finder technology to locate schools below. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long offshore runs. This boat's designed for Nova Scotia's waters - stable enough for blue water tuna runs, nimble enough for inshore trout fishing.
Oncorhynchus ApacheApache Trout would be quite the rare find in Halifax waters, as they're actually native to Arizona's mountain streams - a world away from our Atlantic coast. These beautiful yellowish-gold trout with dark spots typically run 12-23 inches and 3-6 pounds. They're built for cold, high-oxygen mountain waters with rocky structure and overhanging cover. In their native range, spring spawning season offers the best action as they become more active. What makes them special is their rarity - they're Arizona's state fish and a conservation success story after nearly going extinct. Their fight is classic trout: quick runs and jumps that test your drag. The meat is excellent table fare too. Since they're not found in our waters, I'd recommend focusing on our local brook trout or Atlantic salmon for a similar experience with lighter tackle and small flies.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod are Nova Scotia classics - thick-bodied fish with that distinctive chin barbel and white lateral line running down their olive-green sides. Most run 2-4 feet and up to 40 pounds, though the occasional giant still shows up. They stick close to rocky bottoms and structure in 50-200 feet of water, feeding on anything from crabs to small fish. Fall through winter is prime time when they move inshore to feed before spawning. Cod are perfect for families - they bite readily, fight well for their size, and taste fantastic. That flaky white meat made them famous worldwide for good reason. They're curious fish that respond well to movement, so bouncing your bait off bottom works great. I like using 16oz sinkers with strip baits - squid, mackerel, or clams all work. The key is keeping your bait moving near structure where they hunt.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusAtlantic Halibut are the kings of our bottom - massive flatfish that can stretch over 8 feet and top 700 pounds, though most we see run 4-5 feet and 30-50 pounds. These diamond-shaped predators live on sandy and muddy bottoms from 150-500 feet deep, hunting cod, haddock, and anything else that swims by. Summer into fall is our prime season when they move into shallower feeding areas. What draws anglers? The sheer size and power - landing a "barn door" halibut is a bucket-list fish that'll test your tackle and endurance. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. The fight is all about endurance rather than speed. My go-to technique is drifting with heavy jigs or cut mackerel rigs, letting the boat's movement work the bait naturally. Once hooked, take your time - rush a big halibut and it'll straighten your hooks.
Thunnus ThynnusThese giants are the ultimate prize in Halifax waters. Atlantic Bluefin average 6.5 feet and 550 pounds, though we've seen monsters twice that size. They're built like torpedoes - metallic blue on top, silver below - and they move like bullets at 43 mph. You'll find them in deeper offshore waters, usually around temperature breaks and baitfish schools. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when they follow mackerel and herring migrations. What makes them special? Pure power. These fish will test every ounce of your gear and give you a fight you'll never forget. The meat is world-class too - that's why sushi chefs pay top dollar. My tip: when trolling, watch for diving birds. That surface activity often means bluefin are feeding below, pushing bait up.
Lepomis CyanellusNow, Green Sunfish aren't what you'd typically expect in Halifax's salt waters - they're freshwater fish more common in North American lakes and streams. These scrappy little fighters run 3-7 inches and pack attitude in a small package. They're blue-green with yellow flecks and have that distinctive large mouth for their size. In freshwater ponds and slow streams, they love hiding in weed beds and around debris where they ambush insects and small prey. Spring through summer is prime time when they're most active and aggressive. What guests love about them is their feisty nature - they'll hit live bait hard and fight way above their weight class. They're also great for kids learning to fish. Pro tip: if you're targeting them in freshwater spots, use the lightest tackle possible with live worms or small jigs around structure.
Halifax, NS