Search
Matthew Cooney
Captain

Matthew Cooney

Gloucester, United States
Angler's choice
100+ reviews
Captain Matt holds a USCG master certification and has been a captain since 1991. He grew up on the water and has been fishing since he was 10 years old. From working on cargo ships to owning his own fishing boat, he has always found a way to stay on or around the water. He enjoys it all, being out on the ocean with people of all experience levels, watching their reaction when they reel up the fish for the first time or sharing experiences with seasoned anglers. He fishes year-round commercially and knows where to find fish at all times.

Charter

F/V Meredith Jean

F/V Meredith Jean

Gloucester
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $800

Rating

4.9
109 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

96%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
92%
Appropriate for children
99%
Satisfied with the boat
96%
Caught fish

All reviews (109)

Showing 1 – 5 of 109 reviews
  • Wendell Morgan
    Wendell Morgan
    Repeat angler
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2024
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    An Unforgettable Fishing Adventure in Gloucester!

    5hr pm • 6 adults

    Our family had an absolutely incredible time on the F/V Meredith Jean! Captain Matt and deckhand Cody provided a top-tier fishing excursion from start to finish. Captain Matt knows these waters perfectly and put us right on the fish, ensuring everyone in the family caught something exciting. Cody was fantastic as the deckhand—incredibly helpful, patient, and great with the family. He kept the gear ready and shared awesome tips that made a huge difference. The boat was clean, safe, and fully equipped for a perfect day on the water. If you are looking for an amazing charter experience in Gloucester, we cannot recommend Captain Matt and Cody highly enough! We will definitely be back.

    Reported catch:
    Cod
    Haddock
    Response from Captain

    Was a pleasure having the Morgan family +1 aboard for the afternoon. Hope to see you all again.

  • Zach Amidon
    Zach Amidon
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Fun 7-Hour Fishermen’s Feast with a Great Crew

    7 Hour Trip – Fisherman's Feast • 6 adults

    We went on the 7-hour Fishermen’s Feast trip out of Gloucester and had a great time. It was a chilly day and the groundfishing was slow, but the crew was excellent. They were friendly, helpful, and kept the trip enjoyable. We also checked lobster traps during the trip and were able to bring some lobsters home, which was a great part of the experience. I’d definitely recommend the trip and would go again.

    Response from Captain

    was a pleasure having you aboard today ! love to do it again sinetime

  • Tim Powers
    Tim Powers
    us
    New Hampshire, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip!

    Full Day Trip – 4 Anglers Max • 4 adults

    We had a great day. Trevor did everything he could to keep us on fish. we caught five haddock, a crazy amount of redfish and a handful of other varieties that we didn’t keep because of the season. Perfect weather added to a perfect day. Trevor cleaned and filleted our catches, shared with us his knowledge of the local area and numerous tips on fishing. Can’t wait to book another trip.

    Response from Captain

    glad you had a great time . great westher , fishing on the slow side, but a good day overall. hope to see you again

  • Alex Nicu
    Alex Nicu
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2024
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Best trip yet - The lobsters didn't stand a chance.

    7 Hour Trip – Fisherman's Feast • 3 adults

    Captain Matt put us right on the fish, and we caught lots of it. A real highlight was learning the ropes on lobstering. The Captain was a fantastic teacher, patiently showing us how to pull traps like seasoned pros. 10/10 weekend trip—this crew is top-tier!

    Response from Captain

    Thank you again for fishing with us. Was a pleasure having you aboard and i hope you enjoyed your catch🎣🦞

  • Matthew Dunn
    Matthew Dunn
    Repeat angler
    us
    Massachusetts, US
    Member since 2026
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Excellent Captain and Crew, Excellent Trip

    5hr pm • 3 adults

    We are beginner anglers and had a fantastic time. Captain Cooney took us straight to the fish and when the fish stopped biting at the first location, we were straight to the second where the fish were plentiful. Went home with more than a full catch.

    Reported catch:
    Cod
    Haddock
    Pollock
    Response from Captain

    was a pleasure having you all aboard for a great afternoon

Real catches shared by our community

  • F/V Meredith Jean
    F/V Meredith JeanGloucester, MA
    Angler proudly displaying a large Cod caught during a fishing trip on the open water.
    Fish 1
    Pollock
    Alex N.
    Alex N.
    Captain Matt put us right on the fish, and we caught lots of it. A real highlight was learning the ropes on lobstering. The Captain was a fantastic teacher, patiently showing us how to pull traps like seasoned pros. 10/10 weekend trip—this crew is top-tier!
  • F/V Meredith Jean
    F/V Meredith JeanGloucester, MA
    A man is reeling in a fish while another angler prepares to cast their line on a sunny day at sea.
    Hyunil S.
    Hyunil S.
    Matthew and his crew Cody(?) were very kind and helpful. Me and my kids had so much fun and also lots of fish!
  • F/V Meredith Jean
    F/V Meredith JeanGloucester, MA
    Angler holding a freshly caught fish aboard a small open fishing boat with rods visible and open water in the background.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Haddock
    Matthew D.
    Matthew D.
    We are beginner anglers and had a fantastic time. Captain Cooney took us straight to the fish and when the fish stopped biting at the first location, we were straight to the second where the fish were plentiful. Went home with more than a full catch.
  • F/V Meredith Jean
    F/V Meredith JeanGloucester, MA
    A proud angler holding a freshly caught fish on a sunny day while fishing from a boat.
    Fish 1
    Pollock
    Jomara L.
    Jomara L.
  • F/V Meredith Jean
    F/V Meredith JeanGloucester, MA
    A young angler proudly displaying a freshly caught Cod while fishing on a boat.
    Fish 1
    Atlantic Mackerel
    Matthias G.
    Matthias G.
    This was our second time out on the water with Captain Cooney, and it was another great time! We caught several different types of fish, and were able to bring some home. The captain also helped my nephew real in his first fish!
  • F/V Meredith Jean
    F/V Meredith JeanGloucester, MA
    Angler proudly holding a large saltwater fish aboard a boat in open coastal waters, with a fishing rod visible behind him.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Haddock
    Wendell M.
    Wendell M.
    Our family had an absolutely incredible time on the F/V Meredith Jean! Captain Matt and deckhand Cody provided a top-tier fishing excursion from start to finish. Captain Matt knows these waters perfectly and put us right on the fish, ensuring everyone in the family caught something exciting. Cody was fantastic as the deckhand—incredibly helpful, patient, and great with the family. He kept the gear ready and shared awesome tips that made a huge difference. The boat was clean, safe, and fully equipped for a perfect day on the water. If you are looking for an amazing charter experience in Gloucester, we cannot recommend Captain Matt and Cody highly enough! We will definitely be back.
  • F/V Meredith Jean
    F/V Meredith JeanGloucester, MA
    An angler proudly displaying a large fish while fishing on a sunny day, showcasing a vibrant fishing environment.
    Stephen H.
    Stephen H.
    Enjoyed my time on the boat with the captain. Very enjoyable time with a very knowledgeable Captain. Would recommend the boat and captain . Will be back again.
  • F/V Meredith Jean
    F/V Meredith JeanGloucester, MA
    A smiling child and adult enjoying a day on the water, both wearing hats for sun protection.
    Ezio P.
    Ezio P.
    He was very good with my grandson, very paciente and friendly.
  • F/V Meredith Jean
    F/V Meredith JeanGloucester, MA
    A smiling angler proudly displays a large fish while fishing on a boat in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Black Seabass
    The bottom fishing has been a good mix of haddock cusk and big reds. Stripers have been good on the incomong tide. Some tuna starting to show up too.
  • F/V Meredith Jean
    F/V Meredith JeanGloucester, MA
    A happy angler proudly displaying a vibrant Rockfish on a fishing charter, with the American flag waving in the background.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Black Rockfish
    Zach A.
    Zach A.
    We went on the 7-hour Fishermen’s Feast trip out of Gloucester and had a great time. It was a chilly day and the groundfishing was slow, but the crew was excellent. They were friendly, helpful, and kept the trip enjoyable. We also checked lobster traps during the trip and were able to bring some lobsters home, which was a great part of the experience. I’d definitely recommend the trip and would go again.

What's biting with F/V Meredith Jean in Gloucester

If you head far out, you can still get some Tunas, though their prime time is now behind us. You can also get Halibut, Winter Flounder, Cod, and Cusp.

Top catches for November

Fishing reports

A smiling angler proudly displays a large fish while fishing on a boat in open waters.

Great fishing !

Jun 13, 2026 • Gloucester
The bottom fishing has been a good mix of haddock cusk and big reds. Stripers have been good on the incomong tide. Some tuna starting to show up too.
Show more
Angler proudly displaying a caught fish on a fishing charter in open waters, with fellow fishermen in the background.

All day on the ledge

May 2, 2026 • Gloucester
Great day on the water today with a great group of guys. Haddock bite was on from when we dropoed anchor til late morning. Everyone left with a big bag of fillets and a big smile .
Show more
Angler proudly displaying two large Rockfish caught during a fishing trip on the open sea.

8 hr deep sea

Feb 12, 2026 • Gloucester
Days are starting to get longer and temps coming up a littke. We’ve put up our 8 hr deep sea for anyone that is anxious to go out and bend a rod on some cold water reds. This time of year reds would be our main target along with pollock and cusk.
Show more
The 'Meredith Jean' boat is captured in calm waters under a clear blue sky, showcasing its sleek design and reflection on the surface.

Fall is fine for fishing

Aug 29, 2025 • Gloucester
Haddock are still biting and Sept 1st we can keep cod. We’ve been releasing some nice size cod for weeks now. Pollock are also starting to show up. And if thats not enough, bluefin are starting to bite the hooks after being stubborn most of the summer. Book a trip before the snow flies.
Show more
Four anglers proudly displaying their catch in bags while on a fishing charter in open waters.

Great variety on our 9hr deep sea

Jul 21, 2025 • Gloucester
The 5hr and 9hr have had some action packed fishing . Steady action on the 5hr with about a 5:1 theowback ratio on haddock . Little better ratio on 9hr teip. Good mix of cusk , reds, whiting ans even a few decent size pollock.
Show more
An angler proudly displaying a large fish on a fishing charter in open waters, showcasing a successful day of fishing.

Great haddock fishing

Jun 25, 2025 • Gloucester
We beat the heat and reeled in plenty of fish. Two days of fishing and this great group went hone with over 400 fillets .
Show more