Top-Rated Stellwagen Bank Groundfish Fishing Trip

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Boston
$450 - $1,275 price range
Updated Date: October 10, 2025

Summary

Ready for some serious groundfishing off Boston? Hop aboard with Legit Fish Sport Fishing for a 7-hour weekday trip to Stellwagen Bank. You'll be targeting Atlantic Cod, Haddock, and other bottom-dwellers. The early morning departure puts you right in prime fishing time. With a limit of 12 Haddock per person (17 inches or longer), you've got a good shot at filling your cooler. Captain Mark and his crew provide all the gear and know-how, so even if you're new to this, you're in good hands. They'll even clean and fillet your catch, so it's ready to hit the grill when you get home. The boat takes up to five anglers, with room for one extra passenger if you've got a tag-along. Just bring a cooler for your fish, and you're set for a solid day on the water chasing some of the best eating fish in the Atlantic.

Top-Rated Stellwagen Bank Groundfish Fishing Trip

Boston's Best Catches

Perfect sunset session with clear conditions all day. Multiple techniques keeping us busy!

Rods bent and fish on! Clear conditions made for an exciting day on the water.

Nice Atlantic Cod on a perfect day at Bulman Marine!

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Reel in Boston's Best: Groundfish Charter

Ready to haul in some serious bottom-dwellers off the coast of Boston? Legit Fish Sportfishing's groundfish charter is your ticket to a full day of rod-bending action on Stellwagen Bank. We're talking hefty haddock, chunky cod, and a whole crew of other tasty species just waiting to fill up your cooler. This ain't no leisurely cruise—it's a 7-hour weekday slugfest with some of the hungriest fish in the Northeast.

The Lowdown on Your Day Out

We hit the water early, folks. That's because the best bite happens when most people are still hitting the snooze button. Captain Mark and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're all about putting you on the fish. You've got room for up to five anglers, with space for a buddy to tag along and snap pics of your monster catches. Best part? Everything you need is on board—rods, reels, bait, the works. Just bring your A-game and a big cooler, 'cause you're heading home with fresh fillets ready for the grill.

Dropping Lines, Not Anchor

Ever heard of bottom fishing? It's pretty much what it sounds like—we're going deep where the big boys hang out. We'll be using heavy-duty gear to get our bait right in the strike zone. Think weighted lines, circle hooks, and enough muscle to haul up fish that feel like you've hooked a submarine. The crew will show you the ropes on jigging techniques that'll have haddock and cod fighting to get on your hook. And let's not forget about the ultimate souvenir—you can keep up to a dozen haddock per person, as long as they measure up to 17 inches or more.

Fish Tales from Stellwagen

Stellwagen Bank isn't just any old fishing spot—it's a marine sanctuary that's teeming with life. We're talking about a underwater plateau that's like an all-you-can-eat buffet for groundfish. The mix of currents and structure here creates a perfect storm for big catches. One minute you're reeling in a feisty pollock, the next you're locked in battle with a bulldogging cod. It's the kind of fishing that'll have you coming back for more, guaranteed.

The Catch of the Day Lineup

Let's break down the heavy hitters you'll be targeting on this trip. First up, we've got the Atlantic Cod—the granddaddy of groundfish. These guys can tip the scales at over 50 pounds and put up a fight that'll make your arms burn. They're crafty, too, often hugging the bottom and testing your skills as an angler.

Next, there's Haddock—the crowd-pleaser of the bunch. With their distinctive black "thumbprint" and delicate white flesh, haddock are prized for their flavor. They school up in big numbers, so when you find 'em, it's often fish-on for everyone on board. The best part? You can take home up to 12 of these beauties, as long as they meet the 17-inch mark.

Don't sleep on the Pollock, either. These torpedo-shaped predators are aggressive feeders and will hit your bait like a freight train. They're known for their hard runs and head-shaking fights that'll keep you on your toes. Plus, they make for some killer fish tacos.

While we're primarily after the groundfish, don't be surprised if you hook into a Southern Flounder. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and can grow to impressive sizes. They're not as common as our main targets, but landing one is always a treat.

And for a real wildcard, there's always a chance of tangling with a Snook. While not typical for these waters, the occasional snook does show up, offering an exciting surprise for anglers. Known for their hard strikes and acrobatic jumps, hooking a snook off Boston would be the fishing story of a lifetime.

Time to Get Your Fish On

Look, if you're after a day of serious fishing with a crew that knows their stuff, this is your ticket. Legit Fish Sportfishing isn't about fancy frills—it's about putting you on fish, plain and simple. You'll be working those rods, feeling the burn, and heading home with a cooler full of the freshest fish you've ever tasted. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat, and let's go show those groundfish who's boss. Trust me, once you feel that first haddock hit your line, you'll be hooked for life. Book now and get ready for a Boston fishing experience that'll have you dreaming of Stellwagen Bank for years to come.

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Cod

Atlantic cod are the classic New England groundfish, averaging 2-3 feet long and 10-20 pounds. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms and wrecks on Stellwagen Bank, usually in 100-300 feet of water. These fish have a distinctive barbel under their chin and are typically olive or brown with spots. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but we catch them year-round. Cod are popular for their firm, white flesh and the strong fight they put up. To land a big one, try jigging a diamond jig tipped with clams or squid near the bottom. Work it with sharp lifts and drops to trigger strikes. Just keep in mind there are strict regulations on cod these days to help rebuild stocks. We'll make sure you know the current rules before dropping a line.

Haddock

Haddock are a prized catch on our groundfish trips, typically running 2-7 pounds and 14-30 inches. You'll find them near the bottom over sandy or gravelly areas on Stellwagen Bank. These guys have a distinctive black "thumbprint" above their pectoral fin and a dark lateral line. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn, but we target them year-round. Anglers love haddock for their delicate, flaky white meat - arguably tastier than cod. They put up a good fight on light tackle too. To improve your odds, try drifting fresh clams or sea worms on a simple two-hook bottom rig. Keep your bait near the seafloor and you'll be reeling them in before you know it. Just remember the 17-inch minimum size limit when you're deciding what to keep for dinner.

Pollock

Pollock are hard-fighting fish that'll test your gear and your stamina. These sleek, greenish-black battlers average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. Look for them schooling near rocky structures in 100-400 feet of water. They're most active in cooler months, especially fall. Pollock hit fast and fight hard, making long runs that'll have your drag screaming. Their white, flaky meat is great eating too. To hook into a big one, try jigging metal lures or soft plastics near the bottom, then hang on tight! A local tip: Pollock often chase bait to the surface, so keep an eye out for birds working the water - that's a good sign they're feeding up top. Just make sure you've got sturdy tackle and good footwear, because these fish don't give up easily.

Snook

Snook are hard-fighting, acrobatic fish that'll test your skills. They average 5-15 pounds but can top 40. Look for them around mangroves, docks, and other structure in coastal waters and estuaries. Spring and summer are prime, especially around the new and full moons when they spawn. Snook are prized for their bulldogging runs and spectacular leaps. They're also excellent eating, though highly regulated. To hook one, try casting live bait or lures like swimbaits near structure. Work it with erratic retrieves to trigger strikes. Here's a local tip: snook often orient to current, so focus on points and cuts where water is moving. And watch that lower jaw when you're handling them - it's like sandpaper and can tear you up if you're not careful.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are ambush predators that lie flat on the bottom, blending in perfectly with sand or mud. They typically run 15-18 inches and 2-5 pounds, but can reach over 20 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, often near structure. Fall is prime time as they move offshore to spawn. Flounder are prized for their mild, delicate flavor and the challenge of hooking them. They have both eyes on one side of their head - a weird but cool adaptation. To catch one, try drifting or still fishing with live bait like bull minnows or mullet. Work your bait slowly along the bottom, feeling for that telltale thump. Here's a pro tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to turn the bait in its mouth first.

About the Legit Fish

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 50

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 260

Ready for some serious groundfishing action off the coast of Boston? Captain Mark and his crew at Legit Fish Sport Fishing have you covered with this 7-hour weekday charter. You'll be targeting Atlantic Cod, Haddock, and other bottom-dwelling species on the renowned Stellwagen Bank. The early morning departure means you'll hit prime fishing time when the bite is hot. With a limit of 12 Haddock per angler (17 inches or longer), you could be in for a serious haul. Don't worry about gear - all rods, reels, and bait are provided, along with expert guidance to help you land the big ones. This trip is perfect for up to five anglers, with room for an extra passenger if you want to bring a spectator. At the end of the day, the crew will clean and fillet your catch, so all you need is a cooler to take home your fresh fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to groundfishing, this Boston charter promises a productive day on the water.

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