5.0(2 Reviews)Haddock and Groundfish Fishing Charter Massachusetts
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
9-hour private offshore charter targeting haddock and groundfishCaptain Justin Moore provides gear, bait, and safety equipmentAccommodates 6 anglers with fresh fillet opportunities
When you're looking for serious groundfish action off the Massachusetts coast, this 9-hour deep-sea charter with Captain Justin Moore delivers the goods. We're talking about a proper offshore grind aboard the Fishin' Impossible, where you'll spend quality time on productive bottom structure targeting haddock, Atlantic cod, cusk, and other tasty groundfish species. This isn't some quick nearshore run – we head out to the real deal fishing grounds where the big fish live, and you'll have all day to work them over with top-notch gear and fresh bait.
Your day starts early because the best fishing grounds are about an hour offshore, and Captain Justin knows exactly where to find the fish. The Fishin' Impossible is built for these long days, with plenty of room for up to 6 anglers to spread out and fish comfortably. You won't be shoulder-to-shoulder like on some party boats – this is your private charter, so you set the pace and style. The boat comes loaded with quality rods, reels, terminal tackle, and all the bait you'll need. Safety gear is standard, because when you're this far offshore, being prepared isn't optional. Once we reach the grounds, it's game on for steady bottom fishing action that'll keep your arms burning and the fish box filling up.
We're talking classic New England bottom fishing here – heavy jigs, circle hooks, and fresh bait worked right on the deck where these groundfish feed. You'll be using conventional reels spooled with braided line to feel every bump and tap in 100+ feet of water. The captain reads the fish finder and GPS to keep you positioned over productive structure like rocky outcrops, ledges, and drop-offs where haddock and cod stack up. Technique is straightforward but effective: drop your rig to the bottom, lift it a few feet, and work it with a steady jigging motion. When a fish grabs on, you'll know it – these groundfish don't mess around when they bite. The boat's setup lets everyone fish different spots simultaneously, so you're maximizing your time over productive water.
"Super Nice crew. 100% would go again. Put us on huge fish and even went 2 hrs overtime to help all of us land big stripers" - Ara
"Great crew, great day, caught over 100 fish" - Brandon
Haddock are the bread and butter of Massachusetts groundfishing, and for good reason. These fish average 2-5 pounds but can push 8-10 pounds when you find the right school. They're most active from late spring through fall, feeding heavily on the bottom in 80-200 feet of water. What makes haddock special is their firm, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or baking. They fight harder than you'd expect for their size, and when you hook into a school, you can catch them steadily for hours. The key is finding fresh bottom where they're actively feeding on crabs, worms, and small baitfish.
Atlantic Cod are the prize fish of New England groundfishing, and Massachusetts waters still hold some beautiful specimens. These fish can range from 5-pound "scrod" to hefty 20+ pounders that'll test your tackle and technique. Cod are structure-oriented, hanging around rocky bottom, ledges, and wrecks where they ambush prey. They're most cooperative during cooler months but can be caught year-round by anglers who know where to look. The bigger cod are smart – they've seen plenty of hooks – so fresh bait and proper presentation are crucial. When you hook a good cod, it's a straight-up tug of war that'll have you working for every inch of line.
Cusk might be the most underrated fish in Massachusetts waters. These eel-like members of the cod family live in deeper water and are incredibly strong fighters. Most cusk run 3-8 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size, using their powerful bodies to dive for bottom structure. They're excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for chowder or grilling. Cusk are most active at night and during low-light periods, making early morning and late evening the prime times. They prefer rocky, irregular bottom in 100+ feet of water, often holding in the same areas as cod and haddock.
Pollock are the speedsters of the groundfish world, often feeding higher in the water column than their bottom-dwelling cousins. These silver rockets can reach 10-15 pounds and are known for long, powerful runs when hooked. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, when schools pass through Massachusetts waters in impressive numbers. Pollock have darker meat than cod or haddock, but it's rich and flavorful when prepared properly. They're aggressive feeders, often competing with each other when you find a school, leading to fast-paced action that'll keep multiple rods bent at once.
This is the kind of fishing trip that fills up your freezer and leaves you planning the next one before you even reach the dock. Nine hours of private charter fishing with a captain who knows these waters inside and out, quality gear included, and the chance to load up on some of New England's finest eating fish. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to put some serious hurt on the groundfish population or a newcomer wanting to learn proper bottom fishing techniques, this charter delivers the goods. The Fishin' Impossible has the range to reach the productive offshore grounds and the comfort to keep you fishing hard all day. Book your dates early – the best fishing windows fill up fast, especially during peak groundfish season.
The Bluefin Canyon Runner is built for serious offshore fishing in Massachusetts waters. This 33-foot speedster cuts through swells at 30 mph thanks to twin 440 Yanmar inboards, getting you to the productive haddock and groundfish grounds fast. The 12.5-foot beam and full walk-around design gives all six anglers plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up. When you hook into something big, there's space to move and fight the fish properly. The boat comes loaded with everything you need - fish finder to locate the schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus VHF radio for safety. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the long day. Air conditioning, refrigerator, bed, toilet, and galley mean you can stay comfortable during those marathon fishing sessions. Whether you're dropping jigs for cod or working the bottom for haddock, this boat handles the offshore conditions while keeping everyone comfortable and fishing effectively.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic cod are the prize fish that built New England's fishing legacy. These hefty bottom dwellers average 2-4 feet but can push 20+ pounds when we find the right spots. You'll spot them by that distinctive barbel under their chin and mottled olive-brown coloring. We target them in 60-200 feet over rocky structure and sandy bottoms, especially around Georges Bank. Winter and spring produce our best cod fishing when they move shallow to spawn. What makes cod special is that aggressive take and strong fight, plus you're bringing home some of the finest eating fish in the ocean - firm, white fillets perfect for any recipe. The key to consistent cod fishing is using heavy jigs tipped with fresh bait. Drop a 12-16 ounce jig with squid or clam strips right to bottom, then work it slow with short hops. Cod want that bait moving but not racing around.
Brosme BrosmeCusk are the deep-water oddball that many anglers haven't heard of, but they're worth targeting. These eel-like cod relatives grow 3-4 feet and can hit 20+ pounds, with a single long dorsal fin and slimy skin that makes them unique. We find them in our deepest spots - 300-600 feet over hard bottom where they hunt crabs, mollusks, and bottom fish. Winter and spring offer the most consistent action when they're feeding heavily. What's great about cusk is they're excellent eating with slightly oily, firm meat that grills beautifully, plus they don't fight too hard so anyone can land one. Being slow swimmers, they're usually a welcome break from the harder-fighting species. The trick with cusk is patience - they're deliberate feeders, so give them time with the bait. Use a simple bottom rig with fresh clam or squid and let it sit. When you feel that slow, steady pull, that's your cusk.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are one of our most reliable targets on these deep-water trips. You'll recognize them by that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind their pectoral fin and the dark lateral line running down their silvery sides. Most run 2-7 pounds and 14-30 inches, though we see some bigger ones. They hang out on sandy and rocky bottoms in 100-300 feet of water, often schooling up in good numbers. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're actively feeding on crabs, worms, and small fish. What guests love about haddock is the steady bite and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Here's a local trick: use fresh clams on a simple two-hook rig and keep your bait right on bottom. They're not shy about hitting a still bait, and that's often more effective than jigging when the bite gets tough.
Ophiodon ElongatusNote: Lingcod are not native to Massachusetts waters - they're a Pacific Coast species found from California to Alaska. This appears to be an error in the charter description as lingcod are not found in Atlantic waters off Massachusetts.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are the scrappy fighters of our groundfish trips. These silver-sided cod relatives average 3-8 pounds and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. Look for that pronounced underbite and darker coloring compared to cod. We find them around rocky structure and drop-offs in 100-400 feet, often suspended off bottom chasing baitfish. They're active year-round but spring and fall bring the best action. Guests love pollock because they bite aggressively and fight hard - they'll test your footing on deck with those powerful runs to deep water. The meat's a bit darker than cod but still makes good eating, especially smoked or in fish cakes. Pro tip: when pollock are around, switch to smaller jigs and work them fast through the water column. These fish like movement, so keep that lure dancing. A 6-8 ounce bucktail or small metal jig often outfishes heavier bottom rigs.
5.0 out of 5.0Super Nice crew. 100% would go again. Put us on huge fish and even went 2 hrs overtime to help all of us land big stripers
Great crew, great day, caught over 100 fish
Massachusetts