Haddock and Cod Challenge - Gloucester Coast
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore wreck and ledge fishing targeting multiple speciesSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests aboardFullday charter departing from historic Gloucester Coast
Picture this: you're cruising out to the legendary wrecks and ledges that make Gloucester's offshore waters a magnet for serious bottom fishermen. With Tuna Tail Charters, you're not just casting lines – you're tapping into some of New England's most productive fishing grounds where haddock, cod, and a whole crew of other species hang out year-round. This isn't your typical harbor cruise; we're talking about a proper day of ground fishing that'll have you coming back for more.
Your morning starts early at Gloucester Harbor, where Captain and crew will have the boat prepped and ready for a full day of bottom fishing. We keep our groups small – just 6 anglers max – so everyone gets plenty of elbow room and personal attention from the crew. The ride out to our fishing spots gives you time to rig up and get your sea legs while soaking in those classic New England coastal views. Once we hit the grounds, it's game on. We're targeting structure – shipwrecks, rocky ledges, and drop-offs where the fish stack up like they're waiting for dinner service. The captain knows these spots like the back of his hand, using fish finders and GPS to put you right on top of the action. Don't worry about bringing lunch; this is a bring-your-own-fuel kind of trip, so pack whatever keeps you going through a day of steady fishing.
We're talking classic New England bottom fishing here – heavy jigs, bait rigs, and enough weight to get down to where the fish live. The crew will set you up with the right tackle for the conditions, whether that's bouncing jigs off the bottom or dropping down fresh bait on circle hook rigs. Most of our fishing happens in 60 to 120 feet of water, so you'll need some muscle to work these depths, but that's where the big fish hang out. We'll be drifting over structure, letting the current and boat movement work the baits naturally. When the bite is on, it's fast and furious – double and triple headers aren't uncommon when you hit a school of hungry haddock or find cod stacked up on a good wreck. The crew knows exactly how to read the bottom and adjust tactics based on what the fish are telling us through the day.
Haddock are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These fish are absolutely delicious – firm, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or however you like to cook your catch. Haddock love hanging around wrecks and rocky bottom, typically in that 80 to 150-foot range. They're most active during the day, which makes them perfect targets for our trips. What makes them exciting is their fight – they're scrappy fish that'll give you a good battle on the way up, and when you find a school, you can load the boat fast. Spring through fall are prime time, but we see good numbers year-round on the right spots.
Atlantic Cod are the holy grail of New England bottom fishing. These bruisers can grow massive – we're talking fish that can top 30 pounds on a good day. Cod are structure lovers just like haddock, but they tend to be a bit more finicky about when they feed. Early morning and late afternoon usually produce the best action. What gets anglers fired up about cod is their size and the way they fight – a big cod will use every bit of that deep water to try to shake your hook. Plus, there's nothing quite like filleting a hefty cod and knowing you've got dinner sorted for the next week. They're most active in cooler months, but the offshore grounds produce year-round.
Atlantic Mackerel might seem like the smaller cousin in this lineup, but don't sleep on these speedsters. When the mackerel are running, it's some of the most fun you'll have with a rod in your hand. They travel in huge schools and hit anything that moves – small jigs, spoons, even bare hooks will draw strikes when they're feeding. Mackerel season typically runs spring through early fall, and they're often mixed in with the bottom fish when we're working the edges of structure. They're also fantastic bait for bigger fish, and there's no better eating than fresh mackerel grilled up right off the boat.
The Gloucester Coast offers some of the most consistent offshore fishing you'll find anywhere along the New England coast. With Tuna Tail Charters, you're getting local knowledge, quality equipment, and access to productive waters that many anglers never see. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with eating fish or chase that trophy cod, this trip delivers the goods. The small group size means you get personal attention, and the captain's commitment to finding fish shows in every trip. Don't wait around – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during prime season. Book your spot and get ready to see why Gloucester's offshore waters have been drawing serious fishermen for generations.
This 35-foot custom Duffy cuts through Gloucester waters with serious authority, powered by a 420HP Caterpillar that'll push you to prime fishing grounds at 25 knots. Built in 2007 with that classic Downeast profile, she's designed for serious anglers who want comfort while chasing haddock and cod on the offshore wrecks and ledges. The fish finder will help you locate schools hiding in the structure below, while GPS and radar keep you on target even when visibility drops. Between bites, you'll appreciate the air conditioning, full galley, and onboard head during those long days targeting everything from pollock to stripers. The icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, while the multimedia system provides entertainment during the steam back to port. With space for six anglers and all the electronics you need to find fish in these productive waters, this boat puts you right where the action is along one of New England's most legendary fishing coasts.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic cod are the classic New England groundfish - chunky, powerful bottom dwellers with that distinctive barbel under their chin and white lateral line. They typically run 2-4 feet and can push 20-30 pounds around here, though the big ones over 40 pounds still swim our deeper waters. You'll find them on rocky bottom, ledges, and around wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Fall and winter fishing tends to be most consistent when they're feeding heavily. Cod are prized for their thick, flaky white fillets - some of the best eating fish in the ocean. They fight hard on the way up from deep water, making long, powerful runs. Fresh clams, crabs, or squid strips work great on a basic bottom rig with enough weight to stay down. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure - they love to wrap you around structure.
Scomber ScombrusAtlantic mackerel are fast-moving pelagic fish with metallic blue-green backs and distinctive wavy vertical bars across their bodies. They typically run 12-14 inches and weigh around a pound, but their speed and schooling behavior make them a blast to catch. You'll find them in huge schools near the surface during summer months when they move close to shore. They're aggressive feeders that hit small shiny lures hard, making light tackle fishing really fun. The meat is rich in omega-3s with a distinctive flavor that many guests love. When you locate a school, the action can be non-stop with everyone on the boat hooking up at once. My go-to setup is a light spinning rod with small chrome jigs or sabiki rigs - when they're feeding, almost anything shiny will work.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are bottom dwellers that love the cold waters around our wrecks and rocky ledges, typically running 14-30 inches and 2-7 pounds. You'll spot them by their distinctive black "thumbprint" mark above the pectoral fin and dark lateral line. They prefer depths with sandy or rocky bottoms in 36-50°F water. Spring through early summer gives you the best action when they're most active after spawning. What makes haddock special is their excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. My tip: use fresh clams on a simple two-hook rig and fish it right on bottom. Skip the jigs if you want to avoid cod mixing in with your haddock catch.
Gloucester, MA