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Expert-Guided Maine Groundfish Charter | 8 Hours
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Maine
- $850 price range
Summary
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Deep Sea Catches
Reel in the beauty of Maine's coastal fishing
Maine's deep blue: where fishing dreams come true
Cast your line into Maine's wild ocean depths
Sunrise fishing in Maine: the ultimate catch await
Sleek cobia on a sunny bite!
Measured and mighty cobia!
Youthful pride with a hefty cobia!
Solid cobia caught on calm seas!
Windy day, happy haddock catch!
Hooked on adventure in Maine's pristine waters
Reel in the beauty of Maine's coastal fishing
Maine's deep blue: where fishing dreams come true
Cast your line into Maine's wild ocean depths
Sunrise fishing in Maine: the ultimate catch await
Sleek cobia on a sunny bite!
Measured and mighty cobia!
Youthful pride with a hefty cobia!
Solid cobia caught on calm seas!
Windy day, happy haddock catch!
Hooked on adventure in Maine's pristine waters
Reel in the beauty of Maine's coastal fishing
Maine's deep blue: where fishing dreams come true
Cast your line into Maine's wild ocean depths
Sunrise fishing in Maine: the ultimate catch await
Reel in Maine's Groundfish: 8-Hour Private Charter
Trip Overview
Get ready for a full day of fishing action off the rugged Maine coast! Our 8-hour private charter kicks off at 7 AM, giving you prime time to target some of the Northeast's most sought-after groundfish. Whether you're new to deep sea fishing or looking for a laid-back day on the water, this trip's got you covered. We'll be dropping lines for haddock, pollock, cod, cusk, and even the odd spiny dogfish. Our experienced captain will be right there with you, sharing local knowledge and making sure everyone's having a blast. Don't sweat it if you can't make the early start – we can work with your schedule if you give us a heads up. Just remember, it's a private charter, so you and your crew (up to 6 folks) will have the whole boat to yourselves.
What to Expect on the Water
Once we leave the harbor, we'll cruise out to some of the best fishing grounds in the Gulf of Maine. The captain will get you set up with quality gear – we're talking sturdy rods, reels loaded with heavy line, and the right bait or lures for the day. We'll likely be doing a mix of bottom fishing and jigging, depending on what's biting. Don't worry if you're new to this – the crew will show you the ropes, from baiting your hook to reeling in the big ones. As we drift over prime spots, keep an eye on the fish finder – it's always a rush when you see it light up with marks. The action can be pretty steady out here, so be ready for some sore arms by the end of the day!
Top Catches This Season
Maine's waters are teeming with tasty groundfish, and we know just where to find them. Haddock are always a favorite – they put up a good fight and make for some fantastic fish and chips. Pollock are another common catch, often schooling up and giving you a chance at multiple hookups. If you're after something with a bit more heft, we might luck into some cod (remember, regulations can change, so we'll fill you in on the latest). And for those looking for a real deep-water challenge, cusk are like the bulldogs of the sea – they don't give up easy! Oh, and keep an eye out for those spiny dogfish. They're actually small sharks, and while they're not the main target, they can definitely spice up your day with a surprise catch.
Customer Stories
"It was so nice to spend the day on the water and the only request we had was to catch shark (my nephews one Maine wish). We did, despite the unexpected rough water, and it was an amazing experience! Our captain, Richard, answered all our questions, taught us some cool stuff we didn't know and we can't wait until next year for him to take us out again. Thank you! Highly recommend!" - Jennifer
Species You'll Want to Hook
Haddock: These silvery fish with the distinctive black "thumbprint" are a real crowd-pleaser. They typically run 2-5 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 10-pounder! Haddock love hanging out near the bottom, often in schools, so when you find them, it can be non-stop action. They're known for their flaky white meat and mild flavor – perfect for a classic New England fish fry.
Pollock: Often overshadowed by cod, pollock are actually a blast to catch. They're strong swimmers and can put up a great fight on light tackle. Look for them in the water column, often chasing bait fish. Pollock can grow pretty big, with 20-pounders not uncommon. Their meat is versatile in the kitchen, great for everything from fish tacos to chowder.
Pacific Cod: While we're on the Atlantic, we still get some fantastic cod fishing. These guys are the heavy hitters of the groundfish world, often topping 20 pounds. Cod love structure, so we'll target rocky bottoms and underwater ledges. There's nothing quite like the solid thump of a big cod taking your bait. And of course, they're world-famous for their flaky, mild meat – perfect for classic dishes like fish and chips.
Spiny Dogfish: Don't let the name fool you – these are actually small sharks! Usually running 2-3 feet long, spiny dogfish are feisty fighters and add some variety to your day. They're curious creatures and often travel in schools, so when you hook one, be ready for more. While not as prized for eating as some other catches, they're still an important part of the ecosystem and always fun to see up close.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to experience the best of Maine's offshore fishing? This 8-hour private charter is your ticket to a day full of rod-bending action and memories that'll last a lifetime. Whether you're aiming to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or just want to enjoy a day on the water with friends and family, we've got you covered. Our experienced captain and top-notch gear mean you'll have the best shot at landing some impressive groundfish. Don't wait – prime fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak season. Give us a call or book online to lock in your adventure. And remember, while we can't control the fish, we can guarantee a great day out on the beautiful Maine coast. See you on the water!
Customer Review
Shark Quest Success
Jennifer M
July 16, 2024
Learn more about the species
Haddock
Haddock are one of our most popular catches, and for good reason. These silver-grey fish with a distinctive black "thumbprint" usually run 2-3 feet long and 2-7 pounds. You'll find them hanging out near the bottom in 150-450 foot depths, often over rocky or gravelly areas. Spring is prime haddock season as they move inshore to spawn. They're not the biggest fighters, but they make up for it with their delicious, flaky white meat. Seriously, fresh haddock is hard to beat. When targeting haddock, I like to use fresh clams or sea worms on a simple two-hook bottom rig. Keep your bait close to the seafloor and be ready for subtle bites. Once you hook one, steady pressure is key – their soft mouths can tear easily if you horse them in too quickly.
Pacific Cod
Pacific Cod are the all-stars of our groundfish trips. These spotted, brownish fish usually run 2-3 feet long and 10-20 pounds. You'll find them hanging out near the bottom in 60-300 foot depths, often over sandy or muddy areas. Cod fishing is good year-round, but it really heats up in winter when they move inshore to spawn. They're not known for lightning runs, but cod have some serious pulling power that'll test your arms. Folks love targeting cod for their mild, flaky white meat – it's hard to beat fresh cod for fish and chips. When fishing for them, I like to use squid or mackerel chunks on a simple bottom rig. Let it sit on the seafloor, then give it a little jig every now and then. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook and hang on!
Picked Dogfish
Picked Dogfish are small sharks with a feisty attitude. Usually 2-3 feet long, these bottom-dwellers hang out in cooler waters 50-500 feet deep. You'll find them over sandy or rocky areas, often in schools. They're not picky eaters, so just about any bait works. Peak season is October, but we catch 'em year-round. Folks love targeting dogfish for their surprising fight. Don't let their size fool you – they'll give your arms a workout! They've got small spines by their dorsal fins, so watch your hands when unhooking. Here's a local trick: use a wire leader. Dogfish have sharp teeth that can slice through mono. A 10-20 pound line with a Carolina rig works great. Drop your bait to the bottom, then reel up a few cranks. When you feel that telltale tug, get ready for some fun!
Pollock
Pollock are the speedsters of the groundfish world. These sleek, greenish-black fish can grow up to 3-4 feet long and put up a great fight. Look for them near rocky structures in 100-400 foot depths, often swimming in schools. Early mornings and evenings are prime pollock time. They're aggressive feeders, so jigging with sand eel or black minnow imitations works well. Be ready for a strong initial run when you hook up – pollock are known for their powerful dives. Anglers love targeting pollock for their hard-fighting nature and tasty fillets. Here's a tip: when you spot a school on the fish finder, drop your jig just above them and work it erratically. Pollock can't resist chasing down a fleeing baitfish!
About the 27 ft Trophy
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 150
It was so nice to spend the day on the water and the only request we had was to catch shark (my nephews one Maine wish). We did, despite the unexpected rough water, and it was an amazing experience! Our captain, Richard, answered all our questions, taught us some cool stuff we didn’t know and we can’t wait until next year for him to take us out again. Thank you! Highly recommend!