4.5(2 Reviews)12-Hour Bottom Fishing Adventure in Rye, NH
4.5(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore charter targets haddock, cod, and pollock speciesTwelve-hour bottom fishing trip accommodates up to ten guests maximumProfessional crew provides equipment and guides to productive fishing locations
Looking for a serious fishing day that'll have you bragging for months? This 12-hour bottom fishing charter out of Rye puts you right on top of New Hampshire's most productive offshore grounds. We're talking about the kind of fishing where coolers get heavy fast and everyone goes home with dinner for a week. Captain and crew know exactly where the fish are holding, and they're not shy about moving spots until the action heats up. With a 5 AM departure and 5 PM return, you'll maximize prime fishing hours when haddock, pollock, cod, and cusk are most active. This isn't your typical half-day trip – it's a full commitment to putting fish in the boat.
Your day starts early at the Rye Harbor dock where you'll meet the crew and get the rundown on tackle and techniques. The boat heads out to proven bottom structure where groundfish congregate – rocky ledges, drop-offs, and underwater humps that hold baitfish and attract predators. You'll be fishing in 80 to 200 feet of water, depending on conditions and what's biting best. The crew provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, though experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own setups. Expect a mix of steady action and hot bites throughout the day as we work different spots. The captain stays in constant contact with other boats and uses fish finder technology to locate schools, but the real magic happens when local knowledge meets perfect timing. With up to 10 anglers aboard, there's plenty of room to spread out along the rails without feeling crowded.
Bottom fishing is all about getting your bait down to where the fish live and keeping it there. We'll be using high-low rigs with circle hooks loaded with fresh squid, clams, or sea worms – whatever the fish are hitting that day. The key is feeling the bottom, then cranking up a turn or two to keep your bait just off the rocks where fish feed. You'll learn to read your rod tip for subtle bites and distinguish between current, crabs, and actual fish. The crew will show you proper jigging techniques for when fish are suspended, and how to work different depths until you find the sweet spot. Bank sinkers ranging from 8 to 16 ounces keep your rig in the zone despite current and boat drift. When fish are aggressive, you might double or triple up on catches. The captain will coach you through fighting bigger fish and using the boat's momentum to your advantage when battling stubborn cod or cusk in deep water.
"Thanks Captain, we all had a great time." - ANDY "Another great trip on the Tontini. They always put you on the fish and aren't afraid to move to keep the fish coming in the boat. Everyone in my party went home with heavy bag of fillets. Love these guys and worth every penny. My buddies and I can't wait to go again in October. See you soon" - Kevin
Haddock are the bread and butter of New Hampshire bottom fishing, and for good reason. These silvery fighters typically run 2 to 5 pounds with occasional jumbos pushing 8 pounds or more. They're most active during cooler months from fall through early spring, feeding heavily on bottom invertebrates along rocky ledges. Haddock have a distinctive black lateral line and thumb print marking behind the gill plate. They bite aggressively on fresh bait and put up a scrappy fight that gets your heart pumping. What makes them special is the sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or baked dinners. Local haddock populations have been strong in recent years, making them a reliable target species.
Pollock bring serious action to bottom fishing trips with their aggressive feeding behavior and strong runs. These green-backed predators can range from schoolie size up to 15-pound brutes that'll test your drag system. They're active year-round but peak during spring and fall migrations when they school up in massive numbers. Pollock are opportunistic feeders that hit everything from sea worms to cut bait with enthusiasm. They fight harder than their size suggests, making long runs and head-shaking dives that keep you honest. The meat is darker than cod or haddock but excellent when fresh, with a slightly stronger flavor that works great for fish cakes or grilled preparations.
Cod represent the holy grail of New England bottom fishing – powerful predators that can grow to impressive sizes in these waters. While not as numerous as they once were, the cod that are caught tend to be quality fish in the 5 to 20-pound range. They're most active during colder months and prefer deeper water around structured bottom. Cod are ambush predators with huge mouths that can engulf large baits, and they're known for their bulldogging fights close to the boat. Landing a keeper cod is always a highlight of any bottom fishing trip, both for the fight and the premium table fare. Their thick white fillets are prized by chefs and home cooks alike for their versatility and mild flavor.
Cusk might be the most underrated fish swimming in New Hampshire waters. These eel-like bottom dwellers are primarily nocturnal but can be caught during daylight hours in deep water. They're ugly as sin but absolutely delicious – sweet, firm white meat that rivals any fish in the ocean. Cusk prefer rocky bottom and caves where they ambush prey, making them a bonus catch when targeting other species. They don't fight particularly hard but their rarity makes them special. Most anglers who try cusk become instant fans of the eating quality. They're more common in fall and winter when they move into shallower feeding areas.
This 12-hour bottom fishing adventure represents serious value for dedicated anglers who want to maximize their time on productive waters.
4.5 out of 5.0Thanks Captain, we all had a great time.
Another great trip on the Tontini. They always put you on the fish and aren’t afraid to move to keep the fish coming in the boat. ...
Rye, NH