8 Hour Haddock and Cod Fishing Boston
Private Trip
Fullday haddock and cod fishing charter in Boston Harbor watersEighthour offshore trip accommodates up to four experienced anglersEarly morning departure with licenses included and expert guidance provided
When you're serious about getting into some quality groundfish, this full-day charter out of Boston Harbor delivers exactly what local anglers have been raving about. Captain and crew at Waverly Grace Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on productive spots where haddock and cod are actively feeding. Starting at first light from Legal Seafoods Dock, you'll spend eight solid hours working the deeper offshore structure that holds Boston's best bottom fish during peak season.
This top-rated charter runs from June through September when haddock and cod fishing really fires up around Boston. You'll meet at Legal Seafoods Dock on Northern Avenue between 5:00 and 5:30 AM – yeah, it's early, but that's when the fish bite best. The boat handles up to four anglers comfortably, so you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with crowded conditions. Your captain will run you out to deeper offshore structure where these groundfish stack up, usually anywhere from 15 to 40 miles depending on where the fish are holding that day. Fishing licenses come included, so you don't need to worry about paperwork – just show up ready to fish. The crew keeps things relaxed but focused, and they'll adjust tactics throughout the day based on what's working. Plan to bring your own lunch and plenty of water since you'll be out there for the long haul.
The beauty of this charter is how they mix up techniques to stay on fish all day long. You'll start with live bait rigs when conditions are right – nothing beats a fresh sea worm or chunk of mackerel for getting haddock and cod fired up. When the bite slows, the crew switches to artificial lures and jigs that can cover more water and trigger reaction strikes. They'll also run trolling spreads when fish are scattered or suspended off the bottom. The captain reads the electronics constantly, marking fish and adjusting depth and presentation to match what's showing on the sounder. You'll fish everything from 80 to 200 feet of water depending on tides, weather, and where the bait is concentrated. The boat carries quality rods and reels, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. Most fishing happens straight up and down with conventional tackle, though spinning gear works fine for smaller fish or when the current isn't too strong.
Haddock are the bread and butter of this fishery, and Boston waters produce some of the most consistent haddock fishing on the East Coast. These fish typically run 2 to 5 pounds, with plenty of keepers in the 18 to 22-inch range. Haddock are bottom huggers that love structure – rocky ledges, gravel patches, and drop-offs where they can ambush prey. They're most active during moving water, especially the last two hours of incoming tide and first hour of the drop. What makes haddock so popular is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – firm, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips or baked dinners. You'll know when you hook one because they fight hard initially, then come up with a distinctive head-shaking that telegraphs right up the line.
Atlantic cod are the prize catch that every angler hopes to connect with on these trips. Boston cod typically range from 5 to 15 pounds, though bigger fish over 20 pounds show up regularly during peak season. These are opportunistic feeders that will hit everything from sea worms to large jigs, and they're notorious for their powerful runs once hooked. Cod prefer slightly deeper water than haddock and often hold tight to hard bottom structure during daylight hours. The best cod fishing usually happens during dawn and dusk periods when these fish move up to feed more aggressively. Landing a quality cod is always memorable – they're strong fighters that test your tackle, and the meat is absolutely world-class eating. Local restaurants pay top dollar for fresh Boston cod, which tells you everything about the quality of fish swimming in these waters.
At $900 for up to four anglers, this charter delivers serious value for a full day of productive fishing in some of New England's best groundfish waters. The combination of experienced crew, quality boat, and proven fishing grounds makes this a customer favorite among local and visiting anglers alike. With a seven-day cancellation policy, you can book with confidence knowing you have flexibility if weather doesn't cooperate. June through September represents the absolute peak season for this fishery, and prime dates fill up fast once word gets out about good fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to get into some quality fish or newer to the sport and want professional guidance, this trip offers the perfect mix of productivity and instruction to make your day on Boston Harbor a success.
Your fishing platform is a 25-foot Gulfstream walkaround that's built for serious angling in Boston Harbor waters. The 300 HP Suzuki gets you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at 30 mph so you spend more time with lines in the water than traveling. The walk-around design gives all four anglers room to move around and fight fish without getting tangled up with each other. What really sets this boat apart is the full cabin enclosure – perfect for those early morning departures when it's still chilly, or if weather rolls in during your 8-hour trip. You'll stay comfortable whether you're targeting haddock in deeper water or working cod spots closer to shore. The cabin setup makes this an ideal choice for families or groups who want protection from wind and spray while still having easy access to all fishing areas around the boat.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic cod are the big bruisers of our offshore waters, ranging from 5-20 pounds with some pushing 40+. They've got that classic big head, barbel under the chin, and mottled coloring that changes with the bottom. These fish stick close to structure - rocky ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 80-200 feet. Summer months bring them in closer where we can reach them reliably. Cod fight strong and steady all the way to the boat, plus they're fantastic table fare with that flaky white meat. The population is rebuilding nicely thanks to good management. Pro tip: when fishing for cod, use heavier tackle than you think - a 30-pound fish on light gear means a long fight that stresses the fish. Chrome jigs and fresh bait both work great.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are one of my favorite targets out here - they're bottom dwellers that love cold water around 40-50°F, hanging over sandy and rocky areas in 100-300 feet. These silver-grey fish average 2-5 pounds with that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind their pectoral fin. June through September is prime time when they school up tight, making for steady action. What makes haddock special is their delicate, sweet meat - arguably better eating than cod. They fight hard initially but tire quickly on the way up. My local trick: use fresh clams on a simple two-hook rig and fish it just off bottom. When you feel that first tap, don't set the hook hard - haddock have soft mouths. Let them take it and reel steady.
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