If you’re interested in experiencing deep-sea fishing, Gloucester, Massachusetts, needs to be on your shortlist of places to go. This charming town sits on Cape Anne and is part of the state’s North Shore. That means it has prime access to the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Gloucester has an extensive fishing and shipbuilding history, offering a clue to its potential as a base for your next saltwater adventure.
Its location on the Gulf of Maine makes it one of the top fishing ports in the US. A combination of cold water, tidal mixing, and diverse substrate make the Gulf one of the most productive fisheries in the North Atlantic. This region has supported commercial and recreational fishing for centuries, and it’s time for you to experience why – first-hand!
When you arrive, you’ll see plenty of anglers trying to land various species of fish along public shorelines. You’ll also see small watercraft carrying people and gear into the open waters near the coast. Deep-sea fishing, however, can take you miles out from shore, where you’ll be fishing in waters deeper than 100 feet.
Saltwater fish species get big and put up fantastic fights. In this guide, we’ll look at some common species you can catch around Gloucester. We’ll also run through how you can improve your chances once you are away from shore, and other considerations. Who knows, once you get started deep sea fishing, it might just become your favorite form of angling!
Gloucester, MA, Deep Sea Fish Species
Venturing into the Atlantic off the coast of Gloucester, you’ll find an abundant array of hard-fighting deep-sea fish that are thrilling to hook and get in the boat! The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries lists 24 species of finfish commonly found in nearby waters. Start planning your trip by selecting the species you want to target as this can help guide your charter, tackle, and timing decisions for a more successful experience.
Here’s a closer look at the most sought-after species…
Bluefin Tuna
Renowned as the “ultimate” big game fish, the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is revered for its unparalleled fight and delicate flavor. With specimens reaching 13 feet and weighing up to 1,500 pounds, these oceanic titans provide a formidable challenge.
Once a Bluefin takes your bait, prepare for an adrenaline-filled tussle. Their initial runs are fast and powerful, requiring robust gear and strength. Trolling with rigged baits such as herring, mackerel, or squid can entice a strike. Remember, Bluefin prefer areas with high concentrations of their prey, often near underwater structures or thermal fronts.
Blue Marlin
The Blue Marlin’s iconic status is well-deserved. These mighty Billfish can reach over 1,000 pounds and 12 feet in length, offering a test of skill to even the most seasoned angler. When hooked, they’re known for their spectacular leaps and relentless fight, which is quite a sight a take in!
Fishing for Blue Marlin demands patience. They usually swim near the surface, so trolling with large, colorful artificial lures or a combination of artificial lures and skirted natural baits is often effective. Pay attention to water temperatures, however. Marlin favor warmer waters, typically above 70°F.
Porbeagle Shark
One of the more common species caught in the Gulf of Maine, Porbeagle Sharks provide a unique thrill. Reaching up to 10 feet and weighing 500 pounds, these deep-sea dwellers make for an unforgettable fishing experience.
When hooked, Porbeagle Sharks put up a strenuous fight, often taking long, powerful runs. Chunk bait like mackerel, herring, or squid set at varying depths can attract these sharks. They are pelagic, typically found in deep, offshore waters, so be ready for a decent boat ride before you start fishing.
Halibut
The Atlantic Halibut is known for its substantial size and delicious taste. As the world’s largest Flatfish, they can reach well over 8 feet in length and weigh over 150 pounds, offering a challenging but rewarding catch.
Halibuts are bottom-dwellers, so heavy-weighted baits are required to reach the depths they inhabit. Live or fresh bait such as herring, mackerel, or octopus typically work best. When hooked, Halibut often resist with vigorous head shakes and multiple attempts to return to the seafloor. If you’re looking to reel in what may feel like an energetic sea monster on the end of your line, Halibut might be just what you’re after!
Cod
Although Cod populations have declined in recent years, the thrill of reeling in an Atlantic Cod remains. These fish can grow up to 51 inches and weigh a whopping 77 pounds, often putting up a stubborn fight.
You can usually find Cod around underwater structures or on the seafloor. Using baited jigs or rigs with fresh bait such as clams, squid, or cut fish can attract Cod. These fish are known for their initial resistance when hooked – so be ready for that! – followed by a steady, weighty pull as you reel them in.
Gloucester Deep Sea Fishing Bait, Gear, and Techniques
When setting sail into the deep waters off Gloucester, the tackle and techniques you use are essential. For a successful fishing excursion, it’s critical to match your gear, bait, and approach to the species you’re targeting.
Gear and Techniques
Rod and reel. When targeting deep sea species off the coast of Gloucester, a medium-heavy or heavy rod, preferably 6–7 feet long, is advisable. A conventional reel capable of holding 300–400 yards of 30–50 lb test line can manage most species in these waters.
For large species like Tuna and Marlin, you’ll need a heavy-duty setup. A 50–130 lb class rod and a high-capacity conventional reel loaded with an 80–130 lb test line will do the trick. It’s also worth investing in a sturdy fighting belt and rod holder to manage these powerful fish.
Deep dropping. This technique involves dropping bait straight to the bottom in depths of 200–1000 feet, targeting species like Halibut. Patience is key as you wait for the strike of these hard-fighting fish. Use a stout rod, a strong multi-speed reel capable of holding large amounts of heavy line, and large circle hooks for this method.
Trolling with lures or bait is effective for pelagic species like Marlin and Tuna. These fast swimmers are attracted by the movement and often strike at speeds of 5–10 knots. The use of outriggers can help spread the lures and increase your chances of a hookup.
Bait and Lures
Artificial lures. A variety of jigs, plugs, spinners, and spoons can effectively mimic the look and movement of bait fish. Poppers and stickbaits are excellent choices when targeting surface feeders like Tuna and Marlin. Deep-diving plugs and heavy jigs work well for species closer to the bottom.
Live bait is a great choice for many species. Menhaden (also known as bunker or pogie), herring, and mackerel are some of the most common bait in the Gloucester area. Use a fish-finder rig to keep the bait off the bottom and more visible to predators.
Cut bait. For bottom-dwellers like Halibut and Shark, cut bait like squid or fish chunks can be particularly effective. Their scent is just too desirable for these species. Use a strong, sharp hook and make sure it’s well-secured.
Chumming. This method involves dispersing cut or ground bait into the water to attract fish. It’s especially effective for Billfish, Sharks, and Tuna. Keep a steady chum line and be ready for aggressive strikes.
Remember, the key to deep sea fishing is to be adaptable. Conditions and fish behavior can change rapidly, so be ready to switch your approach if necessary. Patience, persistence, and respect for the ocean will serve any angler well on the deep-sea fishing adventure of a lifetime in Gloucester.
The Best Time of Year to Deep Sea Fish in Gloucester
Many of the more popular species start to get active in the Gulf of Maine beginning in May, and they stay throughout the summer. However, some fish, like Tuna, stay all the way through October. The water is still cool in May, and many species you’ll be looking to swing into the boat are following bait fish into the Gulf of Maine. Tuna, however, will move east as the water warms up during summer.
That’s not to say you can’t catch saltwater fish any time of year. Several species stick around all year long, including Halibut and Winter Flounder. You can get an idea of the best times to catch certain species by looking at their seasons listed by the MA Division of Marine Fisheries.
Gloucester Deep Sea Fishing Charters
You want a quality boat and a guide to get to those trophy fish, and a charter is an ideal way to get both. Start by asking yourself if you need the boat for just you or if sharing the costs is more beneficial.
Next, how far out are your target species? Inshore is less than a mile from land, while nearshore fishing is less than 10, offshore is fewer than 50 miles, and deep-sea fishing can be farther out still.
Are you sportfishing or bringing home food for the freezer? Charters can cater to either. Your next step is to review captains by examining their experience on the water, reading their public fishing reports, perusing customer reviews, and verifying their licensing and permits. Another consideration is the boat’s style, operating costs, and safety equipment. Finally, which deep sea fishing charter in Gloucester best fits your budget with all these things considered?
Your charter captain will also be an invaluable resource on what gear, bait, and techniques are working at any given time. They can provide advice based on recent catches and current conditions. Many also have tackle and bait available for you to use, ensuring you have the best chance for a successful outing.
Gloucester Deep Sea Fishing Regulations
The saltwater fish found off the shores of Gloucester fall under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries.
The state requires anglers 16 and older to have a Saltwater Fishing Permit. There are exceptions for disabled anglers, non-residents with a current saltwater permit from Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, or passengers fishing on a for-hire vessel. It’s important to note that there are also numerous differences between Massachusetts freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses that anglers should be aware of.
Today, Tuna is one of the most common saltwater fish around Gloucester. Atlantic Cod was the most common saltwater fish caught in the waters of New England but, unfortunately, the Gulf of Maine has experienced a drop in Cod populations in recent years. Management projects are in place to increase the stock of this once-abundant fish, restricting commercial and recreational fishing.
That has opened the door for Tuna to step into the spotlight. Generations of anglers have sought those trophy Bluefin, and you’ll find plenty of Tuna charters heading out from Gloucester each week. In the peak summer months, Blackfin and Yellowfin will join them, keeping anglers busy until October.
Gloucester Deep Sea Fishing FAQs
That has opened the door for Tuna to step into the spotlight. Generations of anglers have sought those trophy Bluefin, and you’ll find plenty of Tuna charters heading out from Gloucester each week. In the peak summer months, Blackfin and Yellowfin will join them, keeping anglers busy until October.
Deep Sea Fishing in Gloucester: Reeling It In
As you can see, several species of trophy fish are catchable out of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Many of these fish put up tremendous fights and taste great when you get them back on shore.
If you’re a freshwater angler, the tackle and techniques will seem familiar, although perhaps a bit larger than what you usually fish with. Find a good charter, plan a summer trip to Gloucester, and enjoy the challenging fights in the New England waters that may become your new angling home!
Have you ever been deep sea fishing in Gloucester? What’s your favorite fish to target? Any tips or tricks to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Let us know if we can help with booking and planning your next fishing trip.