Half Day Cod And Haddock Fishing In Gloucester
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Early morning departure targeting cod and haddock offshoreSmall group capacity ensures personalized fishing attentionFishing license included with experienced crew guidance
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that puts you on productive bottom fish without breaking the bank? Voodoo Charters has you covered with their top-rated 4-hour cod and haddock adventure departing at 6:00 AM sharp from Gloucester Harbor. This isn't your crowded party boat scene – with just 6 anglers max, you'll get the personal attention and elbow room that makes all the difference when you're working the bottom for these tasty groundfish. Whether you've been dropping lines for decades or just picked up your first rod, our crew knows how to put everyone on fish while keeping things relaxed and fun on the water.
Your morning starts early but trust me, it's worth rolling out of bed for that 6 AM departure. Gloucester's prime cod and haddock grounds are best fished in the cooler morning hours, and getting out there before the crowds means you'll hit the most productive spots while the fish are actively feeding. The boat heads to proven bottom structures where these species love to hang out – rocky ledges, underwater humps, and drop-offs that hold baitfish and provide perfect ambush points. With only 6 guests aboard, you're not fighting for rail space or waiting forever for help with tangles. The atmosphere stays friendly and focused, with plenty of one-on-one coaching from the crew to help you dial in your technique. Don't worry about the paperwork either – your fishing license is included in the trip, so you can focus on what really matters: getting your lines wet and bringing dinner home.
We're talking classic New England bottom fishing here – the kind of tried-and-true techniques that local captains have been perfecting for generations. You'll be working with conventional tackle rigged for the specific depths and current conditions we encounter on Gloucester's offshore grounds. The crew sets you up with the right sinker weights to keep your bait tight to the bottom where cod and haddock do their hunting, typically anywhere from 60 to 150 feet depending on the day's fishing plan. Bait selection is key – fresh chunks of mackerel, herring, and sea clams are the go-to offerings that these bottom feeders can't resist. The technique involves dropping your rig straight down, letting it settle on the bottom, then working it with subtle lifts and drops to mimic wounded baitfish. When a cod or haddock picks up your offering, you'll feel that distinctive tap-tap-pull that gets your heart racing every single time.
Atlantic Cod are the heavyweight champions of New England groundfish, and Gloucester's waters consistently produce some beautiful fish. These chunky predators can range from keeper-sized 19-inchers up to genuine doormat cod pushing 20+ pounds when you get lucky. Cod are opportunistic feeders that patrol the bottom looking for crabs, worms, and small fish, making them perfect targets for our bottom fishing approach. They're most active during the cooler months from fall through early spring, with morning hours producing the best action. What makes cod so exciting to target isn't just their size – they fight with surprising power for a bottom fish, making strong runs toward structure when hooked. Plus, there's nothing quite like fresh cod fillets on the dinner table.
Haddock might be smaller than their cod cousins, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and incredible eating quality. These silvery bottom dwellers typically run 2-4 pounds in our local waters, with the occasional jumbo pushing 6+ pounds to keep things interesting. Haddock school up more than cod, so when you find them, you often find them in good numbers – those rapid-fire double-headers that keep everyone scrambling to rebait and get back down. They prefer slightly different bottom types than cod, often favoring sand and gravel areas near rocky structure. Haddock have a delicate mouth, so the fight is more about finesse than pure power, but their flaky white meat is considered by many locals to be the best eating fish in New England waters.
This half-day trip hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality fishing without committing to a full day on the water. At just 4 hours, it's perfect for introducing kids to offshore fishing, warming up your sea legs after the off-season, or squeezing in some fishing action when you're short on time. The small group size ensures everyone gets personal attention from the crew, and that 6 AM departure time puts you on the grounds during prime feeding hours when cod and haddock are most cooperative. With your license included and all tackle provided, you just need to show up ready to fish. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so check the weather and make sure you're committed before booking. Gloucester's cod and haddock aren't going to catch themselves – grab your spot on Voodoo Charters and get ready for some world-class bottom fishing action.
Set sail on our well-equipped 32-foot Phoenix fishing boat, built for serious cod and haddock fishing in Gloucester's rich waters. This 1998 vessel packs serious power with triple 350HP Caterpillar engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 21 knots. The boat's loaded with everything anglers need - GPS and fish finder to locate those bottom dwellers, plus radar and VHF radio for safe navigation. Stay comfortable between bites with A/C, grab cold drinks from the fridge, or catch up on the action with onboard TV. The flybridge gives you great visibility of the water, while the kitchen, shower, toilet, and bed mean you've got all the comforts covered during your 4-hour morning trip. With space for just 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work your lines without crowding. Our crew knows these waters and will help you target cod and haddock using time-tested techniques that work. Fishing license included, so just bring your enthusiasm for hooking into Gloucester's fantastic bottom fish.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic cod are the heavyweight champions around here, averaging 10-30 pounds with some real bruisers pushing 40+. They cruise the bottom in 50-300 feet over rocky ledges and sandy patches, though they'll roam mid-water when chasing bait. These fish have that classic cod look - big head, barbel under the chin, and mottled brown coloring that changes with their surroundings. Fall and winter are prime time when they move closer to shore. What makes cod special is their solid fight and that perfect flaky white meat that made New England famous. They're curious fish that'll investigate almost anything. The key trick I've learned over the years is to work your bait just off the bottom - maybe 6 inches up. Cod are opportunistic feeders, so fresh squid strips or whole clams on a fish finder rig usually does the job.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are solid fighters that typically run 2-7 pounds, though we see some pushing closer to 10. They stick to the bottom in 60-200 feet of water over rocky or sandy ground, which is perfect for our Gloucester waters. You'll recognize them by that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind their pectoral fin and the dark lateral line running down their sides. Spring through early summer gives us the best action when they're most active after spawning. What guests love about haddock is they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They also travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. My tip: use fresh clam strips on a simple two-hook bottom rig and fish it right on the deck. Haddock have smaller mouths than cod, so don't go too heavy on your hooks.
Gloucester, MA