Gloucester fishing charters will take you out for some world-class fishing whenever you stop by. These fisheries are brilliant and vibrant, and are home to fish of all sizes and colors, ranging from Bluefin Tuna to Cod and Haddock. Featured in the popular ‘Wicked Tuna’ TV show, Gloucester is where you come to land a massive fish.

The scenic landscape has inspired scores of painters and sculptors. For decades, this port has been one of the most important ones across the entire US and has largely helped the rise of other nearby settlements. Gloucester’s shipbuilding industry is strong and boasts long tradition. Many of the waterfront houses have been turned into well-equipped museums and each summer the town lights up as the annual St. Peter Fiesta celebrations take place.

Here you will find much to admire, from eclectic architecture to culture, from the town’s fleet to the sight of the fish caught as charter boats come back from their voyages.

Gloucester fishing spots

We understand it’s hard not to jump straight onboard and follow in the footsteps of fishermen whose magnificent captures of Tuna have been recorded on camera. But remember that Gloucester inshore waters have a solid offer for you as well.

Gloucester freshwater fishing

It’s difficult to single out the hot spot for Gloucester freshwater fishing. It could be the Annisquam River, Essex River, Ipswich River, Brace Cove, or other numerous creeks and ponds. As you drive down the Yankee Division Hwy, you will see a network of points and islands, connected by water. The scenery is far from being just a sight for sore eyes. Here you will find worthy adversaries for your tackle. Striped Bass are the main prize and put up an incredible fight.

Check out the holes in these rivers and ponds--the Striped Bass can grow super big around here. Explore fishing opportunities around the Brace Cove, just outside the marina, or have a go at the Norman’s Woe or Halibut Point. Please remember that waters that flow over these boulders can be treacherous, so you will need to join an experienced local guide to help you fish.

June to mid July are the best time to get Bass. The rocky shoreline and inshore ledges will prove a real treat in summer time.

Gloucester saltwater fishing

Once you’ve reached catch limits - and it shouldn’t be hard given the richness of Striped Bass fisheries around Gloucester - the road will take you further out. Once you depart from Cape Ann and head towards the Gulf of Maine you will find yourself amidst some of the most impressive fisheries of this side of the US coast. Let’s have a look at these impeccable fisheries.

Stellwagen Bank

A sanctuary for a variety of marine life, the Stellwagen Bank has diverse fishing to offer. Blue Shark, Cod, Black Sea Bass, Bluefin Tuna, Cusk, Haddock, Halibut, Pollock, Mako Shark, and more are available for fishing. No permit is required, but you’re asked to follow the guidelines on limits and size. As you’re waiting for the boat to arrive there - and it won’t take long as the northwest border of the sanctuary lies only three miles from Gloucester - enjoy the sight of whales passing by.

Jeffreys Ledge

Here you will find outstanding fishing for Haddock, Cod, and Pollock. The ledge sits about 30 miles offshore and stretches from the Maine/New Hampshire border down to Cape Ann. These waters are up to 200 ft deep on the ridge surface but plummet even further around the edges. This means fishing is far more than just promising. You will find impressive Haddock, Pollock, Cod, and Flatfish here, as well as a variety of Sharks that range from Mako to Tresher.

Tillies

Tillies Bank fishes nicely for Haddock and Cod during spring and fall. Hake are abundant throughout the year save for winter months, while Pollock are numerous in spring time and fall. The bank is a rocky spot with superb fishing, and the waters are 150 ft deep, dropping suddenly all the way down to 250 ft. It’s a 10 mile stretch of land, but every bit as rewarding as the water which lies 20 miles from the mainland.

Fippennies Ledge

If you want to land Halibut, anglers claim this ledge is where you should go fishing. If you have the stamina to brave some 60 miles to reach productive fishing grounds, go for it. The ledge also fishes incredibly well for Haddock and Cod. Find a captain who offers full day or extended trips to have enough time to properly explore the fishing opportunities.

Cashes Ledge

The farthest away from the terra firma, the Cashes Ledge offers stellar fishing for anglers willing to endure an 80-mile journey from the Gloucester harbour. It produces great Cod, Haddock, as well as some solid Halibut.

How much does it cost?

Distance plays a major role here. On some trips it will take you about 40 minutes to reach the fishing grounds. Hardcore anglers may want to head far, far out to the Georges Bank which will take them up to 10 hours. So, it’s best to decide what you want to catch and then head out.

The standard trips when fishing offshore include full day trips, marathons, and multiday trips. On a full day trip, the captain will take you out to get some Bluefin Tuna, Cod, Haddock, Halibut, or Shark. These trips run about 8 hours and can cost around $1400.

Marathons usually run for 12 hours and give you more time to explore the fisheries. As a rule of a thumb, Tuna trips last 11 hours and more. Marathons cost about $1500+.

Multiday trips give you the most time - if you’re a seasoned angler you will want to have plenty of time to properly explore all the options Gloucester deep sea fishing has to offer.

Most of the charters take up to six people and let you have the boat to yourself. The crew will be fully focused on making your trip worthwhile and will generally supply all the fishing gear you need to land these predators or bottom dwellers.

If want to be fishing on a party boat, you’d need to pay about $90 or more for a half day trip. It can get a bit crowded, but if you want to meet new anglers, thia might be a good choice.

Fishing techniques

If you decide to stay around the town and explore its coves and rivers, chunking bait around the holes is a good way to entice the fish to come closer to the surface. You can go jigging, casting, or trolling for Striped Bass and Bluefish. These trips are a good choice for newbie anglers who want to experience fishing but still get some bite around these rocky fisheries. The best time is summer.

If you’re looking for some hot action, fishing for Blue, Mako, and Thresher Shark is a great way to spend the day. Use live bait or trolling to get these predators excited and then try to outwrestle them and pull them onboard. Make sure to stay abreast with the latest regulations on Shark size and limits.

Now, if you’re coming to Gloucester for a good bite, Haddock, Pollock, Halibut, and Cod should be the top of your list. You will usually be drift fishing using some quality tackle. Most captains choose jigs, but occasionally bait is also used. If you want sore arms but a tasty meal, then a short chase after Haddock is well worth the trip.

Obviously, Bluefin Tuna are the rockstars of these fisheries. Fast and merciless, they will easily crush your line if you’re not accompanied by a pro who’s landed these beauties before. Trolling with live bait is a supreme technique for these fellas. Chunking—tossing bait into the water— and kite fishing are also quite popular. They can grow anywhere between 50 lbs and 1,000 lbs, so it’s no easy fight, but is purely rewarding.

Need to know

Before you pack your cameras, food, and beverages, there are couple of things to remember. You should dress in layers and bring clothes warm enough for the weather. Also, make sure to bring plenty of water to avoid dehydration. If you’re heading far out, you might want to bring some rubber boots in case of foul weather.

If you want to get some Bass and explore freshwater fisheries, you will need to purchase a fishing license online which you must have with you when you go out.

Saltwater anglers fishing on permitted for-hire charters don’t need a recreational fishing license.