Seasoned Angler Groundfish Charter Maine
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour private charter targeting Northeast groundfish species offshoreExperienced anglers fish for haddock, cod, pollock, and cuskCaptain Richard provides expert guidance with all gear included
Captain Richard knows that serious anglers want more than just a quick trip around the harbor. This 8-hour private groundfish charter out of Maine waters is built for experienced fishermen who understand that the best action happens when you're willing to make the run offshore and put in the time. We're talking deep water fishing where the Northeast's premier groundfish species live, feed, and fight. With just six spots available, you'll have plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows, and Captain Richard's decades of local knowledge means you'll be fishing the most productive grounds while others are still looking at their fish finders.
The 7:00 AM departure isn't just about beating the crowds – it's about hitting the prime feeding windows when haddock, cod, pollock, cusk, and spiny dogfish are most active. This isn't a leisurely cruise; we're heading straight to the deep water structure where these species congregate. Captain Richard runs a tight operation with top-rated gear already rigged and ready, so you can focus on technique and reading the bottom rather than fumbling with tackle. The boat handles Maine's offshore conditions with confidence, and with eight full hours on the water, you'll have time to work multiple spots and adjust tactics based on what the fish are telling you. Weather permitting, we'll hit the rocky ledges and drop-offs that hold the biggest concentrations of groundfish.
Groundfishing in Maine waters requires specific approaches that Captain Richard has refined over years of chasing these species. We're primarily working with heavy conventional tackle, dropping high-low rigs and jigs down to structure in 100-200 feet of water. The key is reading your rod tip and feeling for that subtle tap that signals a haddock or cod picking up your bait. Circle hooks are standard for most setups to ensure clean releases when needed, and we'll adjust weight based on current and depth. For pollock, we often switch to more aggressive jigging techniques when they're suspended off the bottom. Spiny dogfish require their own approach – lighter drag settings and quick hook sets before they can twist off. All tackle is provided, but experienced anglers who prefer their own rods are welcome to bring them.
Haddock are the bread and butter of Maine groundfishing, and for good reason. These members of the cod family are abundant on the rocky bottom structures we fish, typically running 2-5 pounds with occasional larger specimens pushing 8-10 pounds. They're most active during the cooler months and early morning hours, making our departure time perfect. Haddock have a distinctive dark lateral line and thumb print marking behind their gills, and they fight with surprising strength for their size. What makes them special is their willingness to bite when other species are finicky – they're reliable producers that keep rods bent throughout the day.
Pollock bring a different energy to the mix, often found suspended in the water column around structure rather than tight to the bottom like haddock. These fish are built for speed and will test your drag system with powerful runs, especially the larger specimens that can reach 15-20 pounds in these waters. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, and their silver flanks and forked tails make them easy to identify. Pollock respond well to both bait and jigs, making them a favorite among anglers who like to vary their techniques throughout the day.
Pacific Cod – though less common than their Atlantic cousins in these waters – provide exciting opportunities for experienced anglers. When we do connect with cod, they're typically in the 5-15 pound range, with occasional larger fish that can really bend a rod. These bottom-dwellers prefer rocky areas and are most active during colder water periods. Their mottled brown coloration helps them blend with the rocky bottom they call home.
Picked Dogfish, while smaller than the other target species, are scrappy fighters that provide consistent action when larger fish are being selective. Don't let their size fool you – these shark family members have sharp spines and plenty of attitude. They're excellent for keeping lines tight between bites from larger species, and their abundance means you'll rarely have a slow period on the water.
Captain Richard's seasoned angler charters fill up quickly, especially during prime groundfish season. With only six spots available and a focus on quality over quantity, this isn't the trip for everyone – and that's exactly the point. If you're ready to fish serious water with serious tackle and want a captain who understands that experienced anglers prefer action over hand-holding, this charter delivers. The non-refundable deposit policy ensures committed anglers only, and flexible start times can accommodate your schedule with advance notice. Don't wait until the last minute – the best groundfish action happens when you plan ahead and book with Maine's most experienced captains.
Get ready to work Maine's productive offshore groundfish waters aboard this reliable 27-foot Trophy Walkaround. Built in 2001 and powered by twin 150HP Mercury engines, she'll cruise comfortably at 35 knots to reach those deep water fishing grounds where haddock, cod, and pollock are waiting. The cabin provides shelter when conditions get rough, while the fish finder keeps you on target throughout your 8-hour charter. With radar for safe navigation and an icebox to keep your catch fresh, this boat handles Maine's offshore fishing grounds with ease. The walkaround design gives all 6 anglers plenty of room to work multiple lines without getting tangled up. Captain Richard knows exactly where to find the fish, and with a full day ahead of you, there's time to really dial in your technique on these Northeast groundfish species.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusPrime table fare that runs 2-7 pounds with that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind the pectoral fin. These bottom huggers love rocky, gravelly areas in 100-300 feet of cold water. Spring through early summer is money time when they're spawning and feeding heavy. What guests love about haddock is the steady action - they school up and once you find them, it's fish after fish. The meat is sweet, firm, and perfect for fish and chips. They're not rocket ships but put up a decent scrap on lighter tackle. Pro tip: use fresh clams or sea worms on a simple two-hook rig, and keep your bait right on bottom. If you're marking fish but not hooking up, drop down a size on your hooks.
Gadus MacrocephalusWait, we're fishing Maine waters here, so you'll actually be targeting Atlantic cod - close relatives but different species. Our Atlantic cod run bigger, often 10-30 pounds, with that classic barbel under the chin. They hug bottom in 60-200 feet over rocky, hard structure during cooler months. Fall through spring is prime time when they move inshore to feed. Cod are prized for their flaky white meat - doesn't get much better for the dinner table. They're not speed demons but their weight makes for solid pulls. Best baits are fresh mackerel, clams, or sea worms fished right on bottom. Here's my go-to trick: if they're being picky, tip your jig with a strip of fresh bait and work it slow along the bottom.
Squalus AcanthiasThese small sharks run 2-4 feet and pack a punch with venomous spines behind their dorsal fins - handle with care. They're bottom dwellers found in 160-490 feet, preferring cooler water around 54-59°F. October's peak season when they school up and feed aggressively on anything you drop down. What makes them fun is they'll hit almost any bait - squid, herring, even worms work great. They fight harder than their size suggests, so bring at least 15-20 pound test. Fair warning: when you boat one, it'll arch its back trying to stick you with those spines. My trick? Use a towel to grab behind the head and avoid the business end. They make decent eating if you know how to clean them properly.
Pollachius pollachiusStrong fighters that'll surprise you - these dark-backed bruisers can bend a 9-foot rod when they get their head down. Most run 3-8 pounds but can push 15+ pounds in deeper water. They love rocky structure in 100-400 feet, especially around ledges and drop-offs. Early morning and evening bites are best, particularly during moving tides. What makes pollock special is their fight - they use that broad tail and head straight for the rocks. The meat's darker than cod but still good eating. Sand eel patterns and small jigs work great, but here's the key: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure. Wear good boots with ankle support - these fish will test your balance on deck.
Maine