GLOUCESTER FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Full-day Haddock Bottom Fishing off Gloucester with Captain Dave
A 9-hour, full-day charter from Angelica Fisheries that puts anglers on bottom rigs for haddock—ideal for those who want to keep, have filleted, and take home their catch.
Full-day Haddock Bottom Fishing off Gloucester with Captain Dave.
Adventure brief
Full-day Haddock Bottom Fishing off Gloucester with Captain Dave
From Gloucester’s working piers, Captain Dave runs a full-day haddock bottom fishery aboard an Angelica Fisheries charter; the trip is organized as a nine-hour outing that concentrates on inshore/offshore bottom grounds for haddock and returns to the same harbor.
Located along the rugged coastlines where the Atlantic Ocean meets the picturesque fishing communities, Angelica Fisheries offers an authentic haddock bottom fishing experience that stands out for both seasoned anglers and first-timers. Situated just a short drive from the bustling city of Portland, Maine, this family-run operation blends deep-rooted fishing tradition with expert guidance, ensuring every trip is packed with excitement and education.
Captain Dave, a veteran fisherman with decades of experience, takes visitors on targeted haddock excursions aboard their sturdy, well-equipped boats. The area’s unique geological features—massive rocky outcroppings and deep underwater canyons—create perfect habitat for the hardy haddock, making Angelica Fisheries a hotspot for productive fishing. The waters here host a diverse range of marine life, and spotting curious porpoises or migrating seabirds adds an extra layer of allure.
What sets Angelica Fisheries apart is their commitment to sustainable fishing practices and personalized service. Each trip provides insights into local marine ecology, guiding anglers through the best spots while emphasizing conservation. Whether it’s your first day on the water or you’ve cast a line countless times, Captain Dave’s approachable style ensures everyone enjoys a rewarding adventure.
After a successful day, anglers can share stories and fresh catch with fellow enthusiasts at the dockside, making for a genuine Maine fishing community experience. This trip offers more than just catching dinner—it’s a chance to connect with nature’s raw power and witness the coastal environment up-close. With its prime location and dedication to quality, Angelica Fisheries remains a top destination for those seeking memorable, authentic Atlantic bottom fishing.
Route Schematic
Itinerary snapshot
A compact sequence: meet at the marina, travel to bottom grounds for a day of haddock fishing, then return and offload your catch.
Angelica Fisheries (Departure)
Meet at Angelica Fisheries in Gloucester to board; for parking information text 978-288-6446.
Transit to bottom grounds
A transit from the harbor to the haddock bottom fishing grounds where lines are set and fishing begins.
Fishing and processing
Anglers fish for haddock; on haddock trips clients keep their catch, and the crew will fillet and bag fish and can keep them on ice or advise you about bringing a cooler.
Return to harbor
Return transit to Angelica Fisheries where you disembark with your catch.
Trips run rain or shine; weather cancellations are at the captain’s discretion. The boat is limited to six passengers by U.S. Coast Guard regulation—confirm any medical or mobility needs with the operator before booking.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Keep your haddock—filleting and bagging included
On haddock trips clients keep what they catch, subject to catch limits and size restrictions; the crew will fillet and bag your fish and can hold it on ice if you don’t bring a cooler.
Small-group, full-day charter—regulated for six passengers
The vessel is a US Coast Guard–regulated charter restricted to six passengers by law, set up for a single full nine-hour day of bottom fishing out of Angelica Fisheries.
Practical rules: alcohol, drugs and weather
Beer and wine are permitted aboard but hard liquor and all drugs (including marijuana) are strictly prohibited; trips operate rain or shine unless the captain cancels for weather or safety.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You meet at Angelica Fisheries in Gloucester, board with a small group and spend a nine-hour day on the water targeting haddock on bottom rigs; the rhythm is straightforward—transit to the grounds, set up baits and lines, fish the bottom, and have the crew fillet and bag the day’s catch for you at trip’s end.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this charter suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a full-day, nine-hour charter—plan for a long day on the water and dress in layers.
Bring layered clothing, a sweatshirt, rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, food and beverages; you may bring a cooler—ice is available aboard.
Bring your own food and beverages; beer and wine are allowed but hard liquor is prohibited. The charter does not supply food or drinks.
You do not need a personal saltwater fishing license—the charter’s license covers anglers; on haddock trips clients keep their catch subject to regulations, and filleting/bagging are included.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Are beer or hard liquor allowed?
Customers may bring beer or wine; hard liquor is strictly prohibited.
Are drugs allowed aboard?
All drugs are strictly prohibited—including marijuana—because federal jurisdiction applies on the ocean.
Is there a bathroom on the boat?
Yes; there is a bathroom aboard the boat (commonly called a head).
Is parking available?
For information about parking and any questions, please text 978-288-6446.
Is there Wi‑Fi on board?
No—there is no Wi‑Fi on the boat.
What should I bring?
Suggestions include a sweatshirt, rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, food, beverage, and a cooler; ice is available aboard if needed.
How many passengers can the boat take?
The boat is allowed to carry six passengers by law; this is regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Do I need a saltwater fishing license?
No—you are covered under the charter boat’s fishing license.
Can I keep what I catch?
On haddock trips clients keep all they catch pending catch limits and size restrictions; filleting and bagging are included and the crew can keep fish on ice if you don’t have a cooler.
What happens if it rains?
Trips run rain or shine; weather cancellations are at the captains’ discretion.
Do I need to tip the crew?
Yes—crew members appreciate tips; a 20% tip on the cost of the trip is customary for good service.
How do I contact Angelica Fisheries with questions?
Email [email protected] or call (978) 315-3399 for any additional questions.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-14T12:08:48.647Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.