Full Day Cod And Haddock Fishing In Gloucester
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour cod and haddock fishing trip departing 6:00 AMSmall group experience with maximum six guests aboardFishing license included with experienced crew guidance
Ready to get your lines wet in some of the most productive cod and haddock waters on the East Coast? This top-rated 8-hour fishing adventure with Voodoo Charters puts you right in the sweet spot where these bottom-dwelling favorites love to feed. We're talking about a proper full day on the water – departing at 6 AM sharp when the fish are most active and the competition is still hitting the snooze button. With just 6 anglers max, you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a legendary haul. Our crew knows these Gloucester waters like the back of their hand, and they're eager to put you on fish using time-tested techniques that consistently produce results.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience – we keep things intimate with only 6 guests so everyone gets prime rail space and plenty of one-on-one coaching from our experienced crew. The morning departure means we'll be setup on productive structure while the fish are still feeding heavily from their overnight activity. Gloucester's offshore grounds are legendary for holding solid populations of cod and haddock, and we'll position you over rocky bottom, ledges, and drop-offs where these species concentrate. The 8-hour timeframe gives us flexibility to move between hotspots as conditions change throughout the day. Your fishing license is included in the trip cost, so you can focus on what matters most – getting your bait down and feeling that satisfying thump on the rod tip. The crew will handle all the details like rigging tackle, netting fish, and cleaning your catch so you can maximize your time with a line in the water.
We're targeting cod and haddock using proven bottom fishing techniques that have been perfected in these waters over decades. You'll be dropping heavy jigs and bait rigs down to depths ranging from 60 to 200+ feet, depending on where the fish are holding. The crew will set you up with appropriate tackle – typically medium-heavy rods paired with conventional reels loaded with enough line to reach the bottom with room to spare. Sinkers range from 8 to 16 ounces depending on current and depth, with circle hooks that improve hookup ratios and fish survival. Fresh bait like sea clams, squid, and sea worms are the go-to offerings, though bucktail jigs tipped with bait can be deadly when fish are aggressive. The key is getting your offering right on the bottom where these species feed, then maintaining contact as the boat drifts over structure. Our crew will coach you through reading your rod tip, detecting bites, and setting the hook properly to land more fish.
Atlantic Cod are the crown jewel of New England bottom fishing, and Gloucester's offshore waters consistently produce quality fish ranging from keeper-sized "scrod" around 19 inches up to genuine "market cod" pushing 10+ pounds. These chunky fighters are most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round when you know where to look. Cod are aggressive feeders that will hammer fresh clam baits and jigs, providing solid hookups and respectable fights on appropriate tackle. What makes cod so sought-after isn't just the fight – these fish are phenomenal table fare with firm, white, flaky meat that's perfect for fish and chips or any recipe calling for quality whitefish.
Haddock are equally prized by Gloucester anglers, known for their finicky feeding habits that reward skilled presentation and quality bait. These silver-sided beauties typically run smaller than cod but make up for size with incredible eating quality – many consider haddock the finest-tasting fish in New England waters. They're structure-oriented fish that hold tight to rocky bottom and ledges, often schooling in good numbers when you find them. Haddock have a distinctive black lateral line and "thumbprint" mark behind their gills, making them easy to identify. Spring through fall offers the most consistent haddock action, though winter fishing can produce some of the largest specimens of the year when weather permits offshore trips.
This world-class cod and haddock fishing experience fills up fast, especially during peak season when these species are most active. With room for only 6 anglers, spots disappear quickly once word gets out about recent catches. The 8-hour format gives you maximum opportunity to put fish in the cooler while the included fishing license eliminates hassle and keeps costs predictable. Whether you're a seasoned bottom fishing veteran or new to offshore angling, our crew's expertise and Gloucester's renowned fishing grounds create the perfect combination for a memorable day on the water. The early 6 AM departure means you'll beat the crowds and fish during prime feeding periods when your chances of success are highest. Don't wait – secure your spot on this customer favorite fishing trip and experience why anglers keep coming back to fish Gloucester's productive waters with Voodoo Charters.
Step aboard our well-equipped 32-foot Phoenix and get ready to chase cod and haddock in Gloucester's productive waters. This 1998 vessel packs serious power with triple 350HP Caterpillar engines that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at 21 knots, getting you to where the fish are biting without wasting precious angling time. Built for serious fishing, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The fish finder will help locate those bottom-dwelling cod and haddock, while GPS and radar keep you on target even when visibility drops. Below deck, you'll find a full kitchen, comfortable sleeping quarters, shower, and head – perfect for those early 6 AM departures when you want to freshen up. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting birds working over schools of baitfish, and with AC keeping things comfortable between fishing action, you can focus on what matters most – landing your limit. An icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout the 8-hour trip. With space for just 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to work your lines without crowding. Our crew knows these waters inside and out, and they'll put you on the productive bottom structure where cod and haddock feed. All fishing licenses included, so just bring your appetite for some great New England fishing action.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod are the classic New England groundfish, running anywhere from 5-20 pounds in our waters, with some real tanks pushing 30+. They patrol rocky bottom structure and ledges in 80-300 feet, often mixed with haddock but usually holding deeper. Winter and early spring fishing can be outstanding when they move inshore to spawn. Cod fight hard with strong head shakes and make multiple runs. The meat is firm and flaky - perfect for fish and chips. They're curious fish with that barbel under their chin, always investigating baits. My go-to setup is fresh sea clams or chunks of herring on a fish finder rig. Pro tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away - let them take it and run a bit first.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are solid fighters that typically run 2-7 pounds, though we see some pushing 10+ pounds on our trips. They hug the bottom in 60-200 feet of water over sandy and rocky areas. You can spot them by that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind their pectoral fin. Spring through fall gives us the best action, especially when water temps hit that sweet spot between 40-50°F. What makes haddock special is their clean, sweet meat - many folks say it beats cod for the table. They school up tight, so when you find one, there's usually more below. Here's a local trick: use fresh clams on a simple two-hook rig and keep your bait right on bottom. Don't jig it much - let the scent do the work.
Gloucester, MA