5.0(2 Reviews)Haddock and Groundfish Charter Massachusetts
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
9hour private charter targeting haddock and Atlantic cod offshoreCaptain Justin Moore provides all gear, bait, and safety equipmentAccommodates up to 6 anglers aboard the Fishin' Impossible vessel
Captain Justin Moore knows where the fish are biting, and his 9-hour private offshore charter aboard the Fishin' Impossible puts you right in the middle of Massachusetts' most productive deep-water grounds. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a serious fishing adventure that takes you 60 minutes offshore to where the big haddock, cod, and cusk are waiting. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the water without bumping elbows, and Captain Moore's local knowledge means you're fishing the hotspots that weekend warriors never find.
Your day starts before sunrise, which is exactly when you want to be heading out for groundfish. The Fishin' Impossible is built for these long offshore runs – comfortable enough that you won't be counting the minutes until you get back to dock, but serious enough to handle whatever the Atlantic throws at you. Captain Moore has this boat dialed in with all the electronics you need to mark fish and structure, plus he's got years of logbook entries showing exactly where different species set up throughout the season. You'll spend most of your day working depths between 150 and 300 feet, where the bottom structure holds everything from dinner-plate haddock to chunky Atlantic cod. The bite can be steady all day when conditions line up right, and with 9 hours on the water, you've got time to hit multiple spots if the fish are being picky.
This is classic New England groundfish territory, which means you're dropping heavy jigs and bait rigs to the bottom and working them just right. Captain Moore provides all the tackle you'll need – we're talking about stout conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound braid, paired with rods that can handle the weight and depth. Your typical setup includes a 12-16 ounce sinker to get down through the current, with circle hooks above it rigged with fresh squid, clams, or whatever bait is working that week. The key technique here is feeling the bottom, then lifting your rig just a foot or two off the deck where these groundfish cruise looking for an easy meal. You'll learn to recognize the difference between a haddock's quick tap and a cod's more deliberate pull, plus how to work around the dogfish that sometimes move in thick. All safety gear is provided and Captain Moore runs a tight ship when it comes to offshore protocols.
"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 this fishery, and Massachusetts waters produce some of the best table fare you'll find anywhere. These fish typically run 2-5 pounds, with bigger ones pushing 8-10 pounds showing up regularly. Haddock have this distinctive black lateral line and a dark spot behind their gills, plus they're notorious for their light, almost delicate bite – you need to stay sharp or you'll miss them. They school up over rocky bottom and structured areas, often in huge numbers when you find them right. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, and these fish are absolutely primo eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or baking.
Atlantic Cod are the heavyweights of this charter, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 22-inchers up to true monsters pushing 30+ pounds. Cod are more aggressive feeders than haddock, and when they grab your bait, you'll know it immediately. They love structure and drop-offs, especially areas with current that brings food to them. These fish have made a strong comeback in Massachusetts waters, and catching a big one is still a genuine trophy experience. Cod season peaks in spring and fall when they're feeding heavily, and the meat is dense and flaky – perfect for everything from fish cakes to grilled fillets.
Cusk are the wild cards of this trip, and they're some of the weirdest-looking fish you'll pull up from the deep. These eel-like bottom dwellers can reach impressive sizes, with 15-20 pounders not uncommon in deeper water. They're excellent eating despite their odd appearance, with meat similar to lobster when cooked right. Cusk bite year-round but seem most active during cooler months, and they often surprise anglers who are targeting other species. They're strong fighters that use their body length to create leverage, making them fun to battle on appropriate tackle.
Pollock are the speed demons of the groundfish world, hitting baits aggressively and making strong runs toward the surface when hooked. They school in large numbers and can provide non-stop action when you locate them, typically over rocky bottom in 100-200 feet of water. Pollock are darker than cod with a more pronounced jaw, and they're excellent eating when bled and iced immediately. These fish are most active during spring and fall migrations, though resident populations provide action throughout the season.
Captain Moore's charter delivers exactly what serious groundfish anglers are looking for – access to proven offshore spots, quality gear, and the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. With 9 hours on the water, you're getting real value for a private charter experience that can accommodate your whole crew. The Fishin' Impossible is booking fast for peak groundfish seasons, especially those prime spring and fall windows when multiple species are feeding heavily. Whether you're after a cooler full of fillets for the freezer or just want to experience some of the best bottom fishing Massachusetts has to offer, this charter puts you in position to succeed. Captain Moore's commitment to going the extra mile for his anglers shows
The Bluefin Canyon Runner is built for serious offshore fishing action off the Massachusetts coast. This 33-foot workhorse with twin 440 Yanmar inboards cruises smoothly at 30 mph, getting you to the productive groundfish spots without wasting precious fishing time. The full walk-around design gives all six anglers plenty of elbow room to work their lines and fight fish without getting tangled up. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate those bottom-dwelling haddock and cod, while the VHF radio keeps you connected. Comfort features like air conditioning, onboard kitchen, toilet, and sleeping quarters make those long 9-hour trips manageable. The icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout the day. Captain Justin Moore knows these Massachusetts waters and where the fish are biting.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod are the prize of our groundfish trips - the classic New England fish that built these coastal communities. Most of our cod run 10-30 pounds, though bigger ones still swim these waters. You'll spot them by that distinctive barbel under the chin and mottled brownish coloring. They hug bottom structure around Georges Bank and the Gulf of Maine, feeding on everything from crabs to small fish. Winter and spring are prime time when they move shallow to spawn. What makes cod special is the firm, flaky white meat that's perfect for any recipe. These fish fight harder than haddock and live longer, making each one a real prize. Best tip: use fresh squid strips on a heavy sinker rig and fish right on bottom where they feed.
Brosme BrosmeCusk are the deep-water oddball that always surprises first-time guests. These eel-like members of the cod family grow 20-45 pounds and live in the deepest water we fish - typically 300-600 feet down. They're slow swimmers with big eyes adapted for deep water hunting, feeding on crabs, mollusks, and bottom fish. Winter and spring bring the best cusk fishing as they move into shallower feeding areas. The meat is slightly oily but excellent for grilling or baking - many say it's better than cod. They don't fight like other groundfish but their size makes up for it. Here's the key: cusk are weak swimmers, so once you hook one, keep steady pressure and bring it up slow. They often come up as bonus fish when we're targeting cod and haddock.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are one of our most reliable targets out on Georges Bank. These cod family members run 2-7 pounds typically, with that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind their pectoral fin and dark lateral line. They stick to sandy and rocky bottoms in 100-300 feet of water, traveling in schools which means steady action once we find them. Spring through fall offers the best fishing, especially when water temps hit that 40-50 degree sweet spot. What guests love most is the steady bite and fantastic table fare - haddock makes some of the best fish and chips you'll ever have. My tip: use fresh clams on a simple two-hook rig rather than jigs. The softer presentation gets more bites and causes less mouth damage, plus it keeps the cod from muscling in on the action.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod aren't actually found in Massachusetts waters - they're a Pacific Coast species ranging from Alaska to California. These aggressive predators with massive heads and sharp teeth live around rocky reefs and kelp beds, typically in 30-300 feet of water. They're ambush hunters that'll attack almost anything, including divers during spawning season. Females can reach 60+ inches and 80+ pounds, while males stay smaller. The gnarly appearance and fierce fight make them popular targets year-round on the West Coast. They're lazy swimmers that prefer to lie on bottom waiting for prey, making them easier to catch once hooked. Metal jigs work great since these cannibalistic fish will grab anything that fits in their huge mouths.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are the scrappy fighters of our groundfish fleet. These silver-sided cod relatives average 20-30 pounds and pack serious strength - they'll test your footing on deck when you hook one. You'll find them around the same rocky bottom structure as cod and haddock, but they're more willing to come up in the water column to feed. The darker flesh might not look as pretty as haddock, but it's got great flavor and holds up well to grilling. Spring and fall produce the best action when they're actively feeding. These fish school up tight, so once we locate them, everyone gets busy fast. Pro tip: when the action slows on bottom, try working a jig higher in the water column. Pollock will often suspend over structure to ambush baitfish.
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