5.0(3 Reviews)Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Halifax
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing trip targeting cod, mackerel, and salmonSmall group experience with maximum 8 guests aboardProfessional guide service in scenic St. Margaret's Bay waters
St. Margaret's Bay is hands down one of Nova Scotia's best kept secrets for productive inshore fishing. Just a short ride from Halifax, this protected bay offers consistent action for cod, mackerel, and salmon without the long boat rides you'd face heading to the offshore banks. Our half-day trips with Island Service Rental put you right in the heart of some seriously good fishing water, where local knowledge makes all the difference between going home with a cooler full of fish versus just stories.
Your morning starts with a quick safety briefing before we head out into St. Margaret's Bay's prime fishing zones. The beauty of this location is we're fishing productive water within minutes, not hours, of leaving the dock. Our experienced guides Eric and Cody know exactly where the fish are holding based on tide, weather, and seasonal patterns. You'll be fishing in depths ranging from 40 to 120 feet, perfect for targeting multiple species without needing specialized deep-water gear. The boat comfortably handles up to 8 anglers, so there's plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. No need to worry about meals – this half-day format gets you back to shore by lunch time, and trust me, you'll have worked up an appetite from all the fish fighting.
We run a combination of bottom fishing and trolling depending on what's biting and where we find the best action. For cod, we're typically anchored up over structure using traditional bottom rigs with multiple hooks – don't be surprised when you hook into doubles or triples on a single drop. The mackerel fishing often involves light tackle and small jigs, which makes for fast-paced action when the schools move through. For salmon, we'll switch to trolling setups with downriggers or lead core lines to get your lure down to the right depth. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer. The guides will handle rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on what matters most – fighting fish and enjoying the day.
"Eric and Cody did an excellent job of getting us on some fish. We didn't catch anything huge but we sure had a good time. Their knowledge of the area was great and showed us a lot of neat things on our way to and from the fishing spots!" - Charlie
"Went out on 9/10 with my family of 5 and had an amazing day. The boat was very comfortable and we caught a lot of fish. Eric and Cody we very capable and great guides. Highly recommend this charter." - Rick
"Everything about our trip was handled professionally, with prompt communication, clear instructions and needless to say - WE CAUGHT FISH. 3 generations of avid fishermen enjoyed the brief ride out of the harbor, with excellent narration by the Captain. We fished a few miles, but within sight, offshore, and we quickly were pulling in pollock, mackerel and ultimately scores of COD. Some of the poles were rigged with three hooks and we often had 2 or 3 fish on at the same time. I can recommend this crew / boat for anyone looking to enjoy a day out at sea, and looking for non-stop action !" - JJ
Atlantic Cod are the bread and butter of St. Margaret's Bay fishing, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers love the rocky structure and ledges scattered throughout the bay. Cod here typically range from 2-8 pounds, with the occasional keeper pushing double digits. They're most active during slack tide periods and early morning hours, making our half-day timing perfect. What makes cod fishing so addictive is their aggressive take – when a cod grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately. They fight hard on the way up, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of landing a nice cod that's going straight into the fish box.
Atlantic Mackerel show up in impressive schools during their peak season from late spring through early fall. These silver rockets are pure adrenaline on light tackle, often hitting small jigs or cut bait with surprising force for their size. Mackerel typically run 1-2 pounds in these waters, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fight. When we locate a school, it's not unusual to hook multiple fish simultaneously. They're also fantastic table fare – fresh mackerel grilled the same day is about as good as it gets for eating fish.
Atlantic Salmon are the premium target species, and St. Margaret's Bay offers some of the most consistent salmon fishing on the Halifax area coast. These fish are typically in the 4-12 pound range, though larger specimens cruise these waters regularly. Salmon fishing requires more finesse and patience compared to cod or mackerel, but the payoff is worth it. These fish are notorious for their aerial displays and long runs, testing both your drag system and your nerves. The best salmon action usually happens when we're trolling the deeper channels and drop-offs where baitfish concentrate.
This half-day trip delivers everything you want from a fishing charter – consistent action, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to take home some quality fish for dinner. The combination of multiple target species means you're virtually guaranteed to bend some rods, whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a fishing rod for the first time. St. Margaret's Bay's sheltered waters and close proximity to Halifax make this the perfect choice when you want great fishing without committing to a full day on the water. With only 8 spots available per trip, these popular charters fill up quickly during peak season. Book now and get ready to experience why this bay has earned its reputation as one of Nova Scotia's top fishing destinations.
Your fishing adventures start aboard our freshly restored 28-foot Sea Fox center console, equipped with twin Yamaha 200HP engines that'll get you to the best fishing spots around St. Margaret's Bay in no time. This beauty cruises at 40 knots and comfortably handles up to 8 anglers, making it perfect for targeting cod, mackerel, and salmon in these productive Nova Scotia waters. The boat comes loaded with everything serious fishermen need - a reliable fish finder to locate schools, GPS navigation to hit those secret spots, VHF radio for safety, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Whether you're dropping lines for bottom fish or trolling for salmon, this vessel gives you the speed and stability to make the most of your half-day on the water. The center console design provides 360-degree fishing access, so everyone gets prime casting position as you work the inshore grounds where these fish love to feed.
Gadus MorhuaCod are the bread and butter of our deep water fishing here in St. Margaret's Bay. These bottom-dwellers typically run 2-4 feet and can weigh up to 20 pounds, with that distinctive barbel under their chin. They hang around rocky bottoms and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best shots, though they're around year-round. What guests love is the steady fight and that sweet, flaky white meat - there's a reason cod built the maritime economy here. They're not picky eaters, so fresh squid, clams, or even a simple jig works well. My tip: use a heavy sinker to stay on bottom and be patient - cod often mouth the bait before committing.
Scomber ScombrusThese fast, silvery fish with distinctive wavy bars are a blast to catch in our waters. They average about 12 inches and swim in massive schools that can stretch for miles. You'll find them in the upper water column during summer months when they move closer to shore. What makes them special is their speed - they're incredibly quick swimmers that put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. The meat is rich in omega-3s and tastes fantastic grilled fresh. They're aggressive feeders, so small shiny lures work great. Pro tip: once you hook into a school, work fast - they travel together, so you can often fill your cooler quickly if you stay with the action.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are the holy grail of our local fishing scene. These sleek, powerful fish average 8-12 pounds and 28-30 inches, with that classic silver body that turns bronze in fresh water. Unlike Pacific salmon, these can spawn multiple times, making each one precious. They're anadromous, spending time in both salt and fresh water throughout their lives. Late spring through early fall is prime time when they're feeding in our coastal waters. The fight is legendary - they'll leap clear out of the water and run hard. The meat is top-shelf eating with that rich, orange flesh. For best results, troll with spoons or flies that mimic their preferred baitfish like herring and smelt.
5.0 out of 5.0Eric and Cody did an excellent job of getting us on some fish. We didn’t catch anything huge but we sure had a good time. Their ...
Went out on 9/10 with my family of 5 and had an amazing day. The boat was very comfortable and we caught a lot of fish. Eric and C...
Everything about our trip was handled professionally, with prompt communication, clear instructions and needless to say - WE CAUGH...
Halifax, NS