5.0(2 Reviews)Private Groundfish Charter - Boston's Best
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Atlantic Cod, Haddock, and Pollock at Stone Ledge.Four-hour offshore charter accommodates up to six passengers comfortably.All fishing licenses, bait, and equipment provided by experts.
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that won't eat up your entire weekend? This private groundfish charter out of Boston hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality fishing without the marathon commitment. Captain and crew at Legit Fish Sportfishing know exactly where to find the fish at Stone Ledge, and they've got this 4-hour format dialed in perfectly. You'll be targeting some of Massachusetts Bay's most reliable species while enjoying personalized service that only comes with a private boat. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of offshore fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to bend some rods on proven grounds, this trip delivers consistent action in one of New England's most productive fishing zones.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience - you're getting the entire vessel to yourself and up to three other anglers. The trip launches from Boston and makes a straight shot to Stone Ledge, where the bottom structure and currents create perfect habitat for Atlantic Cod, Haddock, and Pollock. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, positioning the boat over the most productive spots while you focus on what you came for - catching fish. The 4-hour window gives you plenty of time to work different areas of the ledge without feeling rushed, and the crew keeps things moving efficiently between spots when the bite slows down. All your fishing licenses are handled, bait stays fresh throughout the trip, and the tackle provided is top-shelf gear that can handle whatever decides to grab your hook. Space is limited to four anglers maximum, which means everyone gets plenty of room to fish comfortably and personal attention from the crew.
Stone Ledge fishing is all about working the structure with heavy jigs and fresh bait rigs. The crew sets you up with the right weight for the current and depth, typically running 8-12 ounce sinkers to keep your bait pinned to the bottom where these groundfish feed. You'll be dropping down with whole squid, sea clams, and cut bait on circle hooks that give you the best shot at solid hooksets. The technique is straightforward but effective - let your rig hit bottom, reel up a few cranks, and stay connected to feel those subtle taps that turn into bent rods. When fish are marked on the sonar, the crew positions the boat to drift over the most productive areas, and you'll often see multiple hookups at once when you hit a school. The tackle provided handles everything from keeper-sized Haddock to larger Cod that can really test your drag system. GPS and fishfinder technology help locate the best structure, but reading the bottom and understanding how these fish relate to the ledge is what separates this crew from weekend warriors.
Atlantic Cod remain the prize catch on these Stone Ledge trips, with fish running from keeper size up to genuine bragging-rights specimens. These bottom dwellers love the rocky structure and strong currents around the ledge, where they ambush bait fish and crustaceans. Cod fishing peaks during cooler months when water temperatures drop and bait concentrations draw them into shallower areas. What makes catching Cod so satisfying is their aggressive strike and strong fight - when a good one grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately. The crew knows exactly where to position for the best Cod action based on tide, weather, and seasonal patterns that change throughout the year.
Haddock provide consistent action and make excellent table fare, often showing up in decent numbers when conditions align properly. These fish school tightly and feed actively on or near bottom, making them perfect targets for the bottom fishing techniques used on this charter. Haddock have a distinctive appearance with their dark lateral line and "thumbprint" marking, and they fight with quick, darting runs that keep things interesting. Peak Haddock fishing typically occurs during spring and fall migrations when large schools move through Massachusetts Bay, though resident fish provide action throughout much of the season.
Atlantic Pollock add variety to the mix and often surprise anglers with their aggressive strikes and strong fights. These fish suspend higher in the water column compared to Cod and Haddock, sometimes hitting baits on the drop before they reach bottom. Pollock can grow quite large and provide some of the most exciting action of the day when they're feeding actively. They're particularly fun on lighter tackle, and the crew can adjust techniques when Pollock are the primary target species.
Atlantic Halibut represent the ultimate prize fish for this type of charter - these flatfish can reach impressive sizes and provide fights that anglers remember for years. While less common than other groundfish species, when Halibut are hooked, they create memorable battles with their powerful runs and stubborn bottom-hugging behavior. The rocky areas around Stone Ledge provide perfect Halibut habitat, and experienced anglers know that any drop could connect with a doormat-sized fish.
Atlantic Wolffish occasionally show up as bonus catches and always generate excitement due to their unique appearance and rarity. These prehistoric-looking fish inhabit deeper, colder waters around rocky bottom areas, making Stone Ledge prime habitat during certain times of year. Wolffish have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish and crustaceans, and their distinctive appearance makes them memorable catches even for seasoned anglers who have seen it all.
This private groundfish charter delivers everything serious anglers want from a Boston fishing trip - productive waters, experienced crew, quality equipment, and the flexibility that comes with having the boat to yourself. The 4-hour format works perfectly for families, visiting anglers, or locals who want to squeeze in some quality fishing without burning an entire day. Stone Ledge consistently produces fish throughout the season, and Legit Fish Sportfishing has built their reputation on putting clients on productive water with professional service. All licenses, bait, and tackle are included, so you just need to show up ready to fish.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod are the classic New England groundfish that built our fishing heritage. These chunky bottom dwellers typically run 2-4 feet and can push 80+ pounds, though most we see are smaller. You'll recognize them by that distinctive barbel under their chin and the white lateral line along their sides. They stick to rocky and sandy bottoms offshore, anywhere from 50-600 feet deep. Fall through spring offers the best action when they're more active in cooler water. What anglers love is their strong fight and incredible table fare - firm, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They'll eat almost anything: clams, crabs, squid, and smaller fish. My favorite setup is heavy tackle with 16-ounce sinkers to stay on bottom. Local tip: fresh clams and squid strips work better than artificials, and don't be afraid to use big baits - cod have large mouths and appetites to match.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusAtlantic Halibut are the giants of our local waters - these flatfish can reach massive sizes, with the average running around 30 pounds but some getting well over 100. They're strong swimmers despite being flatfish, which makes for a serious fight once hooked. You'll find them on sandy and rocky bottoms anywhere from 150-500 feet deep, though they sometimes move shallower after spawning in spring. The meat is top-shelf - firm, white, and perfect for the dinner table. They're ambush predators that'll eat cod, haddock, and squid, so big baits work well. Best action is spring through fall when they're in our depths. My advice: use the drift method with heavy tackle and don't rush the fight - these fish have been known to break bones if you're not careful bringing them aboard.
Scomber ScombrusAtlantic Mackerel are speed demons that'll keep your rod bent when they're around. These sleek fish rarely get over a foot long but make up for size with numbers - when you find a school, you can catch dozens. They've got beautiful metallic blue-green backs with wavy black bars that fade to silver sides. Look for them in surface to mid-water during summer months when they move close to shore. They're constantly moving, so timing is key. What makes them popular is the fast action and their rich, oily meat that's loaded with omega-3s. They'll hit small shiny lures aggressively, feeding on krill and small baitfish. My go-to setup is light spinning gear with 15-pound line and small chrome jigs or spoons. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your line in the water - where there's one mackerel, there's usually a whole school underneath.
Anarhichas LupusAtlantic Wolffish are one of those fish that look scarier than they act - these bottom dwellers have massive teeth for crushing shellfish but are actually pretty shy. You'll find them around 250-1000 feet deep near rock formations and caves where they live solo most of the year. They typically run 2-4 feet and 10-40 pounds, with that distinctive bluish-gray color and dark vertical stripes. Best fishing is during colder months when they're more active. What makes them fun to target is their unique appearance and surprisingly good eating - plus they're not something you catch every day. Since they don't eat other fish, skip the fish-shaped lures and go with clams on a heavy sinker. My tip: use a 15-20 ounce weight to get your bait right down where they're hiding, and be patient - these guys take their time deciding whether to bite.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are a favorite around here for good reason - they're plentiful, fight well, and taste fantastic on the table. These bottom dwellers typically run 14-30 inches and 2-7 pounds, with that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind their pectoral fins. You'll spot them by their purplish-gray backs that fade to white bellies. They stick to sandy, gravelly bottoms in 36-50 degree water, often schooling up in good numbers. Peak season runs January through June when they're spawning, but we catch them year-round. What guests love is the steady action and excellent eating quality. They're aggressive feeders on crabs, worms, and sea urchins. My tip: use fresh clams on a two-hook rig rather than jigs - causes less mouth damage and helps avoid unwanted cod. Keep your bait right on bottom where they're feeding.
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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