“Go Fish” in Gloucester

July 17, 2019 / Outdoor Adventures

Gloucester has been fishing for nearly 400 years and you are welcome to join the fun. Gloucester’s prime location near major fishing grounds means you cannot get much closer to the fish.

Onshore anglers can grab bait, tackle, and a saltwater fishing license and try for striped bass, winter or summer flounder, mackerel, bluefish, or squid. Local beaches generally allow night fishing only.

For more action, get out on the water. There are several ways: Want to watch, but not get your hands dirty? Try a lobster pot pulling cruise. Schedule a trip on one of the deep sea fishing boats. Fast, stable and roomy ships, they’ll supply the fishing rod, bait, and helpful hints and get you to the hottest spots. Trips last four hours, all day or overnight and will give you a good shot at catching cod, haddock, pollock, or cusk, and the crew can fillet your catch for you.

You could also charter a smaller boat and go where you wish. Calmer nearshore waters offer striped bass, bluefish and mackerel.Go to the harbor for lobstering, or out to sea for those cod. Want to go for the biggest catch of all—bluefin tuna? Grab a friend or a few and charter a boat. The captain and crew will do their very best to help you land a big one.

When are the fish in?*

Striped Bass – May to October

Bluefish – Late June to September

Giant Bluefin Tuna – June to November

Cod – April to October

Flounder – Spring and Summer

Squid – Summer

* You’ll need a saltwater fishing permit if fishing on your own (and not with a local licensed charter).