5.0(6 Reviews)Rye, NH 10 Hour Private Bottom Fishing Trip
5.0(6 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top Rated
10-hour Atlantic Ocean bottom fishing targeting cod and haddockSmall group charter limited to 10 guests for optimal experienceEarly 6am departure with flexible scheduling options available
When you're looking for serious bottom fishing action off the New Hampshire coast, Captain Matt and the crew at Tontine Fishing Charters deliver the goods. This 10-hour private charter puts you right in the heart of Atlantic groundfish territory, where cod, haddock, and halibut cruise the rocky bottom structure just miles from Rye Harbor. With departure at 6 AM (we're flexible if you need to adjust), you'll have the entire day to work the productive waters that local anglers have been fishing for generations. Our boat handles up to 26 passengers but we cap it at 10 for this trip - trust me, you'll appreciate the extra elbow room when the fish are biting and everyone's got lines in the water.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you barely get warmed up before heading back to the dock. Ten hours gives us real time to hunt fish, move spots when needed, and put you on the kind of action that makes for fish stories worth telling. We'll steam out to proven bottom structure where these groundfish hang out - think rocky ledges, underwater humps, and drop-offs that hold baitfish. The Atlantic waters off Rye have been good to bottom fishermen for decades, and there's a reason guides keep coming back to these same general areas. The boat's got all the space you need to spread out, and with only 10 anglers max, you won't be fighting for rail space or tangling lines with strangers. Captain Matt knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about moving around to find where the fish are feeding that day.
Bottom fishing out here is all about getting your bait down to where these groundfish live and keeping it in the strike zone. We'll be using traditional bottom rigs - typically a high-low setup or fish finder rig depending on conditions and what we're targeting. The crew will get you set up with the right weight to hold bottom in the current, usually anywhere from 8 to 16 ounces depending on depth and drift. Bait selection matters big time for these species - fresh clams, sea worms, and cut bait like mackerel or herring all produce fish, and the crew knows what's been working best lately. You'll be fishing in depths ranging from 60 to 200+ feet, so there's no sight fishing here - it's all about feeling the bite through your rod tip and setting the hook when you get that telltale tap or steady pull. The key is staying connected to the bottom while not getting snagged in the rocks, which takes a bit of finesse but the crew will coach you through it.
"The Captain and mate worked very hard to ensure a safe, comfortable and productive day." - John. "Great trip great captain and mate." - Rick. "Exceeded our expectations! Pat and Matt were great! Very helpful and accommodating which made for a great day of fishing. Pretty much non-stop action. Would definitely recommend these guys!" - David
Atlantic Cod are the bread and butter of New England bottom fishing, and the waters off Rye hold some solid fish. These guys are opportunistic feeders that cruise along the bottom looking for crabs, worms, and small fish. Cod can range anywhere from keeper-sized fish around 22 inches up to genuine doormat cod pushing 20+ pounds. They're most active during cooler months, but summer fishing can still produce good numbers. What makes cod so popular with anglers is they fight hard on the way up and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table - firm white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or baked with some herbs.
Haddock are another staple species that really gets bottom fishermen excited. These fish have a distinctive black lateral line and a dark spot behind their gill cover, making them easy to identify. Haddock tend to school up more than cod, so when you find them, you can often catch several before they move off. They're typically found in slightly deeper water than cod and prefer sandy or muddy bottom areas adjacent to rocky structure. Size-wise, a good haddock runs 2-4 pounds, but bigger fish in the 5-8 pound range show up regularly. They're incredibly tasty - many anglers actually prefer haddock to cod for the dinner table.
Atlantic Halibut are the prize fish of any bottom fishing trip, and for good reason. These flatfish are the largest species you'll encounter on this trip, with fish over 50 pounds caught in these waters regularly. Halibut are ambush predators that lie flat on the bottom waiting for baitfish, squid, or crabs to swim by. They're most active during summer months and can be found anywhere from 80 feet to several hundred feet deep. When you hook into a good halibut, you'll know it immediately - they make long, powerful runs and use their flat body to fight you all the way to the boat. Landing a keeper halibut (36+ inches) is a real achievement and provides enough meat to feed a family.
Pollock are the speed demons of the bottom fishing world. While they're technically groundfish, pollock often suspend in the water column and are much more aggressive than their cod and haddock cousins. They hit baits hard and fight like fish twice their size, making long runs and putting a serious bend in your rod. Pollock are also the most likely species to hit artificial lures if you want to try some jigging. They're excellent eating when fresh, though they don't keep as well as cod or haddock. Most pollock you'll catch run 2-6 pounds, but double-digit fish are possible.
Cusk are the mystery fish of New England waters - they look almost eel-like with their elongated body and single barbel under their chin. These fish prefer deeper, rock
Your fishing platform for this 10-hour Atlantic bottom fishing trip is a well-equipped motorboat designed to handle the offshore waters around Rye. Built to accommodate up to 10 anglers comfortably, this vessel gives everyone plenty of room to work their lines without crowding. The boat comes loaded with essential fishing electronics including a fish finder to locate those productive bottom structures where cod, haddock, and halibut like to hang out. GPS navigation keeps you on the productive spots, while radar helps navigate safely in any weather conditions that might roll in during your day on the water. VHF radio ensures constant communication with the coast and other vessels. The boat features wheelchair accessibility and includes a toilet for convenience during the long day offshore. With a 6 AM departure, you'll have the whole day to work the prime Atlantic fishing grounds and target those prized bottom species that make New Hampshire waters so productive for serious anglers.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic cod are the bread and butter of New England bottom fishing. These guys average 10-20 pounds in our waters, with that unmistakable barbel under their chin and mottled olive-brown coloring. They're bottom dwellers that love rocky areas and structure in 50-200 feet of water. Cod are opportunistic feeders, so they'll hit everything from clams and crabs to squid and baitfish. Winter and spring are peak seasons here, especially January through April when they're most active. What makes them special is the fight—they're strong and stubborn—plus the meat is legendary. Flaky, mild, and perfect for any recipe. These fish built New England's fishing industry for good reason. My go-to tip: use a chrome diamond jig tipped with clam or squid. Work it just off the bottom with short hops. Cod can't resist that flash and smell combination.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusAtlantic halibut are the giants of our bottom fishing—we're talking about the world's largest flatfish that can reach over 400 pounds, though most we see are 30-80 pounders. These diamond-shaped fighters live on sandy and rocky bottoms in 150-500 feet of water, which is perfect for our area. They're incredibly strong swimmers, so once hooked, expect a serious battle that'll test your gear and stamina. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they move into shallower feeding areas. What makes them special isn't just the fight—the meat is absolutely premium, white and flaky. My tip: use the drift method with heavy tackle and let the boat's movement work your bait naturally. Don't rush the fight; these fish have broken many an angler's day by snapping lines when people get impatient.
Brosme BrosmeCusk are the deep-water oddball that many anglers have never seen—long, eel-like fish that live in 600+ feet of water on hard bottom. They're slow-growing and can reach 40+ inches, but most we catch are 24-36 inches. These bottom huggers feed on crabs, starfish, and mollusks, so they're not fast swimmers but they're persistent fighters. Winter and spring are prime time when we're fishing the deeper offshore structure. What makes cusk interesting is their unique look—they're the only fish in their genus with that elongated body and rounded tail. The meat is oily and excellent for grilling or baking, with a richer flavor than cod. Since they're often bycatch, many guests are thrilled to see something different. My tip: when you feel that steady, heavy pull without much head-shaking, you've likely got a cusk. Don't horse them up—steady pressure works better than aggressive pumping.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are one of our most reliable catches and great table fare. You'll recognize them by that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind their gill and the dark lateral line. Most run 2-7 pounds and 14-30 inches, making them perfect for families since they're not too tough to handle but still fun to catch. They hang out on sandy and rocky bottoms in cold water, usually traveling in schools, so when you find one, there's likely more nearby. Spring is prime time when they're spawning in our area, but we catch them year-round. What guests love is the consistent action—they're aggressive feeders on clams, worms, and small crabs. The meat is excellent eating, mild and flaky. Pro tip: use fresh clams on a simple two-hook rig rather than jigs. Haddock have tender mouths, and baited hooks cause less damage while keeping cod away from your bait.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are the sleeper hit of our trips—strong fighters that'll surprise you with their power. These silver-sided fish with the pronounced underbite typically run 15-25 pounds and love rocky structure and ledges. Unlike their cod cousins, pollock are more active swimmers and will chase bait up in the water column. They prefer depths of 100-400 feet and are less picky about temperature than other groundfish. Summer and fall are best when they're feeding heavily. What guests love is the unexpected fight—pollock are incredibly strong for their size and will test your footing on deck. The darker meat has great flavor when cooked right, though it's often overlooked. They're aggressive hunters that'll hit jigs and live bait with authority. Local secret: bring good boots with ankle support. Once you hook a big pollock, you're in for a tugof-war that'll have you braced against the rail.
5.0 out of 5.0The Captain and mate worked very hard to ensure a safe, comfortable and productive day.
Great trip great captain and mate.
Great trip great captain and mate.
Exceeded our expectations! Pat and Matt were great! Very helpful and accommodating which made for a great day of fishing. Pretty m...
Great trip, made possible by Capt Matt! Has put us on fish every time. Expect to book again in the future.
Rye, NH