5.0(2 Reviews)Private Groundfish Charter in Boston Waters
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Atlantic Cod, Haddock, and Pollock offshore near BostonFourhour charter includes licenses, bait, and quality fishing gearExpert local guidance at productive Stone Ledge fishing grounds
There's something special about pulling up cod and haddock from the productive waters around Stone Ledge, and that's exactly what you'll experience with Legit Fish Sportfishing's private groundfish charter. This top-rated 4-hour trip takes you to one of Massachusetts Bay's most consistent fishing spots, where the bottom structure holds plenty of fish and the bite stays steady throughout the season. Whether you're teaching the kids their first lesson in saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking for a half-day getaway, this charter delivers the goods without eating up your whole weekend.
Your day starts at Boston Harbor, where Captain and crew get you rigged up with quality rods, fresh bait, and everything you need to put fish in the cooler. The boat heads out to Stone Ledge, a well-known piece of bottom structure that consistently holds Atlantic cod, haddock, and pollock. This isn't a long steam - you'll be fishing within 30 minutes of leaving the dock, which means more time with lines in the water. The crew knows these grounds like the back of their hand, positioning the boat over productive spots where the fish stack up. With space for up to four anglers, everyone gets plenty of elbow room at the rail, and there's no crowding or fighting for the best spots like you'd find on larger party boats.
This is classic New England bottom fishing at its finest. You'll be dropping heavy jigs and bait rigs down to depths between 60 and 120 feet, targeting fish that hold tight to the rocky bottom structure. The crew provides high-low rigs baited with clams, squid, and sea worms - the tried-and-true baits that these groundfish can't resist. They'll show beginners how to feel the bottom, work the bait, and recognize when a fish is mouthing the hook. Experienced anglers can bring their own tackle if they prefer, but the boat's gear is top-notch and perfectly suited for the conditions. The key to success here is keeping your bait near the bottom while staying connected to the structure, and the crew makes sure everyone understands the technique before the first drop.
Atlantic cod remain the bread and butter of this fishery, with most fish running between 2 and 8 pounds - perfect eating size that won't break your back hauling them up from the depths. These fish are aggressive feeders around Stone Ledge, especially during the cooler months when they move inshore to feed on the abundant baitfish. Haddock provide consistent action throughout the trip, typically running smaller than the cod but making up for it in numbers and fight. They're curious fish that often hit the bait as soon as it touches bottom, giving anglers that instant gratification that keeps the day exciting. Atlantic pollock add some variety to the mix, with their stronger runs and tendency to school up in large numbers when conditions are right.
The real prizes come in the form of Atlantic halibut and the occasional Atlantic wolffish. Halibut in these waters can range from keeper-sized "chickens" around 20 pounds to true doormat flatfish pushing 40 pounds or more. They're ambush predators that lie flat on the sandy patches between the rocks, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately. The fight is all power and stubbornness as they try to hug the bottom. Atlantic wolffish are the oddball catch that always creates excitement on deck - these prehistoric-looking fish with their massive jaws and dog-like teeth are surprisingly good eating despite their intimidating appearance. They're not common, but when one comes over the rail, everyone stops to take a look.
Atlantic mackerel provide bonus action, especially during summer months when schools move through the area. They're excellent bait fish for targeting larger species, and the crew often recommends keeping a few for the dinner table - fresh mackerel grilled with some lemon and herbs is hard to beat. These fish hit fast and fight hard for their size, making them perfect for kids and novice anglers who want to experience that classic saltwater tug.
This world-class groundfish charter gives you everything you need for a successful day on Massachusetts Bay without the commitment of an all-day trip. The 4-hour window is perfect for families with young kids, anglers who want to fish in the morning and still have afternoon plans, or anyone looking to get their saltwater fix without spending the entire day on the water. All licenses, bait, and tackle are included in the price, so you just need to bring yourself, some snacks, and a cooler for your catch. The crew handles everything else, from rigging hooks to cleaning your fish at the end of the day. Book early during peak season - this customer favorite fills up fast, especially on weekends when everyone wants to get out and bend some rods over Massachusetts' most productive groundfish spots.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod are the classic New England groundfish - thick-bodied fighters that average 10-25 pounds with that unmistakable barbel under their chin and white lateral line running down each side. These bottom-huggers love rocky structure and sandy areas in 50-200 feet of water, feeding on everything from crabs to smaller fish like herring and sand eels. Winter and spring offer the most consistent cod fishing around here. What makes cod special is they're both great fighters and excellent eating - their flaky white meat has fed New England for centuries. They're smart fish with good eyesight, so they can be picky some days. You'll find them around structure during the day, often moving up in the water column to feed at dawn and dusk. My best advice: use fresh bait like clams or squid on the bottom, and don't be afraid to move if the bite slows - cod roam these ledges constantly looking for food.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusAtlantic Halibut are the giants of our flatfish - we're talking about fish that average 30 pounds but can hit monster sizes up to several hundred pounds. These diamond-shaped bruisers live on sandy and rocky bottoms in 150-500 feet of water, making them perfect targets during our deeper drifts. Spring through fall offers the best action when they move into shallower feeding areas. What sets halibut apart is the fight - they're incredibly strong swimmers that'll test your gear and endurance. The meat quality is outstanding too, considered a delicacy with sweet, firm white fillets. They'll eat just about anything: squid, mackerel, herring, even crabs. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, don't horse it up right away. Let the boat drift and tire the fish out first - these powerful fish have been known to break rods and even bones if you're not careful during the final moments.
Scomber ScombrusAtlantic Mackerel are speed demons that show up in massive schools during summer months, making for fast-paced action when they move through our area. These 1-2 foot fish are built for speed with their streamlined bodies and metallic blue-green backs marked by wavy black stripes. They're pelagic fish, meaning they roam the open water rather than hugging bottom like our usual groundfish targets. Best fishing happens late spring through early fall when schools move close to shore. What guests love about mackerel fishing is the non-stop action - when you find a school, everyone on board stays busy. They're also packed with healthy omega-3s and make great bait for bigger fish. These aggressive feeders will hit small shiny lures, but here's my go-to method: use light tackle with small spinners or jigs and work them fast through the water column. The key is matching their speed and energy.
Anarhichas LupusAtlantic Wolffish are one of the most unique catches you'll encounter in our waters. These bottom-dwellers can reach 3-4 feet and pack some serious teeth - they use those chompers to crush sea urchins, crabs, and mussels down in 200-1000 foot depths around rocky ledges. While they look intimidating with that bulldog face, they're actually shy fish that won't bother you unless provoked. Fall through early winter gives you the best shot at hooking one since they're more active in cooler water. What makes them special is their antifreeze blood that lets them thrive in cold depths where other fish can't survive. They make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: skip the fish baits and go with fresh clams on a heavy rig - wolffish won't touch other fish, but they'll crush shellfish every time.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are bread-and-butter fish around Stone Ledge, running 2-5 pounds on average with that distinctive black "thumbprint" behind their gill cover. These bottom-dwellers love cold water between 36-50°F, sticking close to sandy and gravelly bottoms where they feed on crabs, worms, and sea urchins. Spring spawning season from January through June gives us the most consistent action. What makes haddock so popular is they're perfect for families - steady biters that don't require heavy tackle, plus they're absolutely delicious with sweet, flaky white meat. They school up tight, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. Unlike cod, they've got smaller mouths, so I always tell guests to use smaller hooks and fresh clam baits. Here's the key: use a baited hook instead of jigs to avoid damaging their soft mouths, and you'll land more fish while keeping them in better shape for the table.
5.0 out of 5.0Outstanding Captian, Outstanding Crew and very comfortable boat. Fished despite the weather and fished well. Most certainly will...
Thanks so much for coming out, Brent! We can't wait to see you again soon!
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