Massachusetts Charters, Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Charters and Guides

Massachusetts has 192 miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, and Massachusetts fishing grounds are teeming with the top species Massachusetts fishing charters target. Inshore waters include excellent bays, flats, and inlets. Offshore waters include shoals, banks, ledges, wrecks, and artificial reefs. All these areas hold abundant fish, and you’ll find many Massachusetts charters and fishing guides for hire.

Striped bass is one of the most sought after species in the state. Some of the best places to fish for stripers in Massachusetts include the Cape Cod Canal, Nantucket Sound, Massachusetts Bay, and Buzzards Bay. The state record for striped bass is 73 pounds, and three fish tied for the title. Many Massachusetts charters fish for stripers.

Another popular fish species in the state is the tautog, also referred to as blackfish or tog. These are stout fish with a body similar to that of a largemouth bass. In Massachusetts, tog can be found both inshore and nearshore, usually around structures like oyster beds, jetties, wrecks, pier pilings, and bridge supports. These fish are strong fighters and make excellent table fare.

Atlantic cod have long been a staple for Massachusetts anglers. Although they can be found both inshore and in deeper water, the ones inshore are generally smaller. Bigger fish often inhabit depths of 300 feet or so and are especially fond of offshore ledges. The state record fish weighed a whopping 92 pounds.

Massachusetts Fishing Charters and Guides

Pollock is another tasty fish that’s abundant in Massachusetts fishing grounds. In the spring, harbor Pollock can be found inshore, but when temperatures drop, the fish head for deep water – sometimes at depths of 600 feet, where they frequent bottom structures. Pollock are fun to catch, and they have mild-tasting white flesh. The largest one recorded in the state weighed 48 pounds, 2 ounces. That’s a lot of fish dinners!

Tuna have their following in Massachusetts, also. Species available include both bluefin and yellowfin. The state record yellowfin weighed 187 pounds and was landed off Nantucket. The state record bluefin was a 1228-pound monster that was landed in Cape Cod Bay.

Massachusetts also provides exciting billfish action. Species off the state’s coast include blue marlin, white marlin, and swordfish. The state record swordfish weighed in at 646 pounds, and the record white marlin weighed 131 pounds and was caught off Nantucket. The real bruiser of the bunch was the state record blue marlin, tipping the scales at 701 pounds. Landing these big billfish is a challenge, even for experienced billfish anglers. If you need some assistance, book a Massachusetts sportsfishing charter.

Shark fishing is also popular with Massachusetts anglers, especially the thresher, the blue, and the mako. Massachusetts Bay and the “Fingers” are favorite haunts of big sharks. The state record blue weighed 454 pounds, while the record-holding thresher was a 506-pounder. At 1,324 pounds, the state record mako was a real monster. Numerous Massachusetts fishing charters specialize in shark fishing, and they can help you land your own “Jaws.”