4.5(2 Reviews)Rye, NH 12 Hour Private Bottom Fishing Experience
4.5(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore expedition targeting haddock, pollock, cod, and cuskProfessional crew provides top equipment and access to prime fishing spotsSmall group charter accommodates maximum 10 guests for personalized service
Looking for serious bottom fishing action off the New Hampshire coast? This 12-hour private charter with Tontine Fishing Charters puts you right where the fish are biting. We're talking about a full day targeting haddock, pollock, cod, and cusk in some of the most productive waters off Rye. With a 5 AM departure and 5 PM return, you'll maximize your time on prime fishing grounds while the crew works to keep your lines tight and your cooler full.
This isn't your typical half-day trip - we're going all out for 12 solid hours of bottom fishing. Your group of up to 10 anglers gets the entire boat to yourselves, which means no fighting for rail space and no strangers cutting into your fishing time. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and they're not shy about moving spots if the bite slows down. You'll be fishing depths anywhere from 80 to 200+ feet, depending on where the fish are holding that day. The captain monitors fish finders constantly and talks to other boats to stay on top of the action. Expect to work hard - bottom fishing means dropping heavy rigs, feeling for bites, and cranking up fish from serious depths. But when you're pulling up keeper haddock and chunky cod, every bit of effort pays off. The boat comes equipped with all the tackle you'll need, from jigs to bait rigs, plus they'll have fresh bait ready to go.
Bottom fishing off Rye means working structure - rocky ledges, drop-offs, and underwater humps where groundfish love to hang out. The crew sets you up with appropriate tackle for the conditions, usually 6-8 oz sinkers to get your bait down and keep it in the strike zone. You'll be using circle hooks with fresh squid, clams, or sea worms depending on what the fish are hitting. The key is keeping contact with the bottom while feeling for those subtle taps that signal a fish picking up your bait. Don't expect explosive strikes - most bottom fish hit soft, so you need to stay alert. The crew teaches proper technique for setting the hook and fighting fish from deep water. When you hook into a good cod or haddock 150 feet down, you'll feel every head shake on the way up. Rod holders keep your gear secure between fish, and the crew helps with netting and gaffing bigger catches. They'll also clean your fish at the end of the day, so you go home with vacuum-sealed fillets ready for the freezer.
"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 tasty white-fleshed fish typically run 2-5 pounds, with some pushing into double digits during peak season. They're most active from late spring through fall, feeding heavily on sea worms, small crabs, and shellfish along the bottom. Haddock have a distinctive black lateral line and a dark spot behind their gills, making them easy to identify. What makes them so popular is their willingness to bite and their outstanding table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for fish and chips or baked dinners. They school up in good numbers, so when you find them, you can usually load the boat.
Atlantic cod are the prize catch that gets every angler's heart pumping. These powerful fish can range from keeper-sized schoolies around 22 inches up to true monsters pushing 20+ pounds. Cod are opportunistic feeders that will hit everything from jigs to bait rigs, and they put up a serious fight when hooked in deep water. They're most active during cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for big cod fishing. The meat is firm and mild, making cod one of the most versatile fish in the kitchen. Landing a keeper cod after a long battle from 180 feet down is what bottom fishing dreams are made of.
Pollock bring non-stop action to your bottom fishing trip, often hitting baits aggressively and fighting like fish twice their size. These silver-sided members of the cod family typically run 3-8 pounds and school in large numbers over rocky bottom and structure. Pollock are active year-round but really turn on during summer months when baitfish are abundant. They'll hit moving jigs as well as bottom rigs, giving you versatility in presentation. While not quite as prized as cod or haddock for eating, pollock make excellent fish cakes and chowder, plus they provide constant entertainment when the bite is hot.
Cusk are the night shift workers of the bottom fishing world, though you'll encounter them during day trips when fishing deep structure. These eel-like members of the cod family are bottom huggers that rarely venture far from rocky ledges and crevices. Cusk typically range from 2-10 pounds and have incredibly soft mouths, so gentle pressure is key when fighting them. They're excellent table fare with sweet, lobster-like meat that's perfect for special dinners. Finding cusk usually means you're fishing productive bottom where other species are likely to show up too.
A 12-hour private charter with Tontine Fishing Charters gives your group the complete bottom fishing experience without any compromises. You get exclusive access to the boat, experienced crew who know how to find and catch fish, and enough time
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