Bottom Fishing Trips | Mass Bay Guides Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Whether you are a seasoned angler looking to fill the freezer or a parent wanting to introduce your children to the wonders of the Atlantic, now is the time to start planning your deep sea fishing trip. As we look ahead to the bottom fishing trip season, the calendar is already beginning to fill for the prime spring and summer slots at Mass Bay Guides. Prime dates are May 15th- end of June but you can catch bottom fish throughout our entire season (May 15 – Oct 31).
The Perfect Family Fishing Adventure
If you have a younger family that is new to fishing (12+ year old), bottom fishing is our #1 recommendation. Unlike tuna fishing, which could require hours of patiently waiting, bottom fishing is better for “bending the rod”.
We typically fish in depths ranging from 70 to 300 feet. Using light but strong Penn Fishing gear with 65lb braid, even younger anglers can feel the “thump” of a Haddock or the heavy pull of a Pollock. It’s an engaging, hands-on experience that keeps kids (and adults!) excited throughout the day.
What to Expect: 8-Hour vs. 10-Hour Trips
We offer two primary durations for our deep sea fishing bottom adventures:
- The 10-Hour Full Day: We leave the dock in the dark, usually before dawn, to be over the fishing grounds by first light. This trip allows us to travel further (20+ miles) and hit multiple spots. We generally are targeting haddock and or pollock, but depending on the time of year may target cod if the government has it as an open fishery.
- The 8-Hour 3/4 Day: This is our most popular option for families with younger kids. We travel about 10-20 miles out, which maximizes your fishing time while still getting you back to the dock by early afternoon—just in time for a late lunch in Scituate.
Targeting “The Big Three”: Haddock, Cod, and Pollock
While we catch a variety of species—including Red Fish, Cusk, and Whiting—the stars of the show are the “Big Three”:
- Haddock: Known for their distinct black “thumbprint,” these are the gold standard for fish and chips. They are plentiful, and our goal is always to get you your limit.
- Pollock: The hardest fighters of the bunch. When a 15-pound Pollock hits your jig, you’ll know it! They are aggressive, strong, and provide great sport.
- Cod: The icon of New England. While regulations change annually, we always stay up-to-date to ensure we are fishing ethically and legally. Even if we have to release them, catching a 30-inch Cod is a highlight of any trip.
Planning for Success: Booking Trips Early!
We “book well in advance” because our repeat clients know that the prime window—mid-May through the end of June—is when the bottom fishing is most productive. This is when the fish are concentrated and hungry after the winter. We can catch bottom fish all season.
What to Bring:
- Layered Clothing: It can be 10-15 degrees cooler offshore than it is at the dock.
- Coolers: Leave a large cooler in your vehicle. We provide the ice and the expertise to fillet your catch right on the boat, so you go home with clean, ready-to-cook fillets.
- Sunscreen and Snacks: We provide all the top-tier fishing tackle, bait (clams and artificial jigs), and safety gear. You just bring the enthusiasm!
Join the Mass Bay Guides Family
Mass Bay Guides is more than just a business; it’s a family-run operation. We treat every guest like a member of our crew. Whether you are coming from local towns like Marshfield, Duxbury, Gloucester, Plymouth, or traveling from across the country, we are committed to putting you in the best position to catch the fish of a lifetime.
Don’t wait until the season is fully underway! Although we will always have availability, the prime dates are taken early season.
Secure your dates today and give your family something incredible to look forward to.
Ready to hit the water? Click here to view our 2026 pricing and availability or call us at 781-545-6516 to book your family fishing adventure!
