Private 9 Hour Haddock & Groundfish Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
9hour offshore fishing adventure targeting haddock and groundfishAll equipment provided, accommodates up to 6 guests maximumConstant action on productive offshore banks with fresh catch
When you're looking for a serious day of fishing that delivers both quantity and quality, this 9-hour private charter with Savage Charters is exactly what you need. We're talking about a full day targeting some of the most consistent and delicious groundfish species on the offshore banks. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to spread out and work the water without feeling crowded. The best part? Everything's provided except your drinks and snacks, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Nine hours gives us the time to really work the productive areas and adapt to what the fish are doing. We'll be running out to the offshore banks where haddock and other groundfish congregate in numbers that'll keep your arms tired from reeling. The action tends to be steady once we find the right spots, and with multiple species in the mix, you never know what's coming up next. The boat comes fully rigged with quality gear, so whether you're a seasoned angler or getting back into fishing after some time away, you'll have everything needed to be successful. Plan on getting your hands dirty – when the bite is on, it stays on, and we'll be dropping lines back down as fast as we can get fish in the cooler.
We're primarily bottom fishing on this trip, using tried-and-true methods that consistently produce results on the offshore banks. The setup is straightforward but effective – heavy sinkers to get down quickly in the deeper water, with rigs designed to present bait naturally near the bottom where these fish feed. Circle hooks are standard, which makes for easier releases and better hookups overall. The key to success out here is reading the bottom structure and understanding how different species relate to it. Haddock love certain types of hard bottom mixed with mud, while other groundfish species have their own preferences. We'll move around to hit multiple spots throughout the day, adjusting our approach based on what we're marking on the fish finder and what's coming up on the hooks. The bite can change throughout the day as tides shift and fish move, so staying flexible with our tactics keeps the action going strong.
Haddock are the bread and butter of this trip, and for good reason. These fish are absolutely fantastic eating – sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for everything from fish and chips to baking whole. Haddock typically run anywhere from 2 to 8 pounds out here, with the occasional bigger fish mixed in to keep things interesting. They're aggressive feeders when conditions are right, and it's not uncommon to have multiple rods bent at once when you find a good school. The best part about targeting haddock is their consistency – they're not as finicky as some other species and will usually cooperate if you put your bait in the right spot.
Pollock add serious action to the mix and are notorious for their fighting ability. These fish pull hard and don't give up easily, making them a favorite among anglers who love the battle. Pollock can get quite large – we see fish in the 10 to 20-pound range regularly, with some real bruisers pushing even bigger numbers. They're excellent table fare when handled properly, with firm white meat that holds up well to grilling or frying. Pollock are often the first species to turn on in the morning, so don't be surprised if we start the day with some serious rod-bending action from these fighters.
Redfish are perhaps the most visually striking catch you'll encounter on this trip. Their bright orange-red coloration makes them stand out in the cooler, and they're prized by both recreational and commercial fishermen. Also known as ocean perch, redfish have a mild, sweet flavor and firm texture that makes them incredibly versatile in the kitchen. These fish can live for decades and grow quite large, so when we hit a good redfish spot, you might find yourself pulling up fish of various sizes and ages. They tend to school tightly, so when one comes up, get ready for more.
Atlantic Wolffish are definitely the most unique species you might encounter on this trip. These fish look prehistoric with their large heads and prominent teeth, earning them the nickname "sea wolves." Don't let their appearance fool you – wolffish are considered a delicacy by those in the know. Their meat is firm, white, and has a slightly sweet flavor that's often compared to lobster. Wolffish can get quite large, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. They're not as abundant as the other species, but when one comes up, it's always a highlight of the day. These fish are also incredibly hardy and can survive in deeper, colder waters than many other species.
A 9-hour private charter targeting some of the most consistent and delicious groundfish species available is exactly what serious anglers are looking for. With Savage Charters providing all the gear and expertise, and you bringing the enthusiasm and cooler space, this trip delivers the kind of fishing memories that keep you planning the next one before you even get back to the dock. The offshore banks produce year-round, but weather windows for comfortable 9-hour trips can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Whether you're putting together a group of regular fishing buddies or introducing someone new to the sport, this trip offers the perfect combination of action, variety, and table fare that makes for an outstanding day on the water.
Hit the offshore banks aboard this rugged 36-foot Wayne Beal Downeast cruiser, built for serious groundfish action. The 715HP Caterpillar engine pushes you out to productive waters at 20 knots, while the fish finder helps locate schools of haddock and other bottom dwellers. This 2001 cabin cruiser handles rough seas with ease and keeps up to 6 anglers comfortable during long fishing days. The onboard radar cuts through fog and weather, GPS keeps you on the productive spots, and there's an icebox to keep your catch fresh. When you need a break from rod-bending action, grab some shade in the cabin or use the head. The boat's wide beam provides stable fishing platform for battling those hard-fighting groundfish. Perfect setup for putting meat in the cooler during your 9-hour adventure on the water.
Anarhichas LupusAtlantic Wolffish are one of the more unique catches you'll encounter on these offshore trips. These bottom-dwellers typically run 2-4 feet long and weigh 10-40 pounds, with those intimidating rows of large teeth that earn them their fearsome reputation. You'll find them hugging rocky structure and caves in 250+ feet of water, where they crush shellfish and crabs with those powerful jaws. They're not aggressive toward people, just shy and reclusive. What makes them special is their unusual breeding - males actually guard their nests for months. The meat is surprisingly good eating too. Here's a tip: skip the fish baits entirely since they don't eat other fish. Fresh clams work best, and you'll need a heavy 15-20 ounce sinker to get down to them properly.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are the bread and butter of our offshore groundfish trips, and for good reason. These cod relatives typically run 14-30 inches and 2-7 pounds, easily spotted by that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark above their pectoral fin and the dark lateral line. They're bottom-huggers that love cold water over sandy, rocky, or shell bottom in deeper offshore areas. Peak season runs January through June when they're spawning and feeding heavily. What guests love is the steady action - these fish school up and when you find them, you really find them. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll get from the ocean. Here's my go-to tip: use fresh clams on a simple two-hook rig instead of jigs - causes less mouth damage and keeps the cod away from your haddock spots.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are the bruisers of the groundfish world, and they'll remind you why good footwear matters on deck. These greenish-silver fighters typically reach 40-47 inches and are built more for power than speed. You'll find them around rocky structure in 100-400 feet, often suspended mid-water but relating to bottom structure. They've got that distinctive underbite and straight pectoral fins that set them apart from their cod cousins. What makes them fun is that pure strength - once hooked, they'll try to drag you down with them. Early morning and evening fishing produces best results. The darker meat doesn't look as pretty as other groundfish, but it's solid eating. My tip: bring sand eel or black minnow imitations and be ready to jig aggressively - these fish respond to movement and will test your tackle.
Sciaenops OcellatusWhile we primarily target offshore species, Redfish are worth knowing about for their shallow water appeal. These copper-colored fighters typically run 28-33 inches and are famous for that distinctive black eyespot near their tail - nature's clever trick to confuse predators. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water, sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. What makes them special is their explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fights in skinny water. The meat has a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. Pro tip: if you're targeting them, upsize your lures to 5-6 inches to pick out the biggest fish on the flats and avoid the smaller schoolies.
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