GLOUCESTER FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Half‑Day Haddock: A Working‑Boat Lesson off Gloucester with Captains Joe & Jay
A focused, 4‑hour bottom‑fishing charter run by Angelica Fisheries in Gloucester — this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and the rules that govern the trip.
Half‑Day Haddock: A Working‑Boat Lesson off Gloucester with Captains Joe & Jay.
From Angelica Fisheries in Gloucester, the Haddock/Bottom Fishing Charter with Captain Joe and Captain Jay is a four‑hour, half‑day outing that places anglers aboard a working charter to fish productive bottom grounds for haddock and other groundfish.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
You keep your haddock — filleting included
On haddock trips, clients keep all legal fish they catch; filleting and bagging are provided and the crew will hold fish on ice if you do not have a cooler.
Small, Coast Guard‑limited parties
Charters run with up to six passengers per boat as regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard, so expect an intimate, small‑boat experience.
Bring layers, a cooler, and basic provisions
The boat supplies ice if needed, but no food or beverage; dress in layers and bring rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses and a camera for a comfortable half‑day on the water.
What the day feels like
What the Four‑Hour Charter Feels Like
A relatively short, purpose‑driven outing: you board at Angelica Fisheries, run out to nearby bottom grounds, spend concentrated time fishing the sea floor for haddock and other groundfish, then return to port within the half‑day window. The crew handles fish processing onboard, and weather cancellations remain at the captains’ discretion.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits best — constrained by legal and operational limits.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a 4‑hour half‑day charter; check the operator for exact departure times and any captain decisions on weather cancellations.
Suggested items include a sweatshirt, rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, food, beverage, and a cooler; ice is available onboard if needed.
There is a head (marine bathroom) onboard. Beer and wine are permitted; hard liquor and all drugs (including marijuana) are strictly prohibited. No Wi‑Fi is available.
Parking details are available by texting 978‑288‑6446; for questions email [email protected] or call (978) 315‑3399.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the charter?
This is a 4‑hour half‑day charter.
Where do we meet?
The trip departs from Angelica Fisheries in Gloucester.
Can I bring alcohol or drugs?
Customers may bring beer or wine; hard liquor is prohibited. All drugs, including marijuana, are strictly prohibited (federal jurisdiction applies).
Is there a bathroom on board?
Yes — there is a marine head (bathroom) on the boat.
How many passengers are allowed?
The U.S. Coast Guard regulates a maximum of six passengers per boat.
Do I need a saltwater fishing license?
No — clients are covered under the charter boat’s fishing license for the trip.
Do I get to keep what I catch?
On haddock trips you may keep all legal catch subject to size and bag limits; filleting and bagging are included and the crew can store fish on ice if needed.
What happens if it rains?
Trips run rain or shine; weather cancellations are at the captains’ discretion.
Should I tip the crew?
Yes — tipping is customary; a 20% tip on the trip cost is standard for good service.