Stellwagen Open Boat Recommendations

[UglyStick]

Can anyone provide a first hand recommendation for a good charter up in the Stellwagen Bank area that runs open boat dates?

Primarily interested in school tuna and/or cod for this particular trip.

I spoke with BigFish Charters out of Marshfield Mass. and they seem decent but I would like some first hand intel.

Thanks in advance

[PAMonger]

There are 3 MA boats who are sponsors of this site. If you go under "charter boats", you'll find them at the bottom under out of state charters. I've seen very good reports posted from members who visited them. Beyond that, I don't think we can recommend anyone on an open thread here. Have you checked with those 3 first?

[UglyStick]

Thanks for the suggestion, I didn't realize any MA boats were sponsors. Unfortunately 2 of the 3 are more inshore and not what I'm really quite looking for and the third's prices are WAY higher than their competition. All 3 mention open boat but don't really give any details so I'd have to make some calls.

Seriously though... I am 100% in favor of supporting site sponsors and use them in NJ almost exclusively but if it's still frowned upon to mention / suggest non-sponsors in other states that's pretty ridiculous.

Any other suggestions? PM me if necessary - Again, thanks

[CaptBob]

Thanks for the suggestion, I didn't realize any MA boats were sponsors. Unfortunately 2 of the 3 are more inshore and not what I'm really quite looking for and the third's prices are WAY higher than their competition. All 3 mention open boat but don't really give any details so I'd have to make some calls.

Seriously though... I am 100% in favor of supporting site sponsors and use them in NJ almost exclusively but if it's still frowned upon to mention / suggest non-sponsors in other states that's pretty ridiculous.

Any other suggestions? PM me if necessary - Again, thanks

While I can understand your craving for information and possible frustration, what is ridiculous is a sponsor paying good money to advertise (whether an instate boat or not) only to have others hawking a boat/business that is not paying.

Try to put yourself in the business/Captains shoes for a moment.

[bulletbob]

While I can understand your craving for information and possible frustration, what is ridiculous is a sponsor paying good money to advertise (whether an instate boat or not) only to have others hawking a boat/business that is not paying.

Try to put yourself in the business/Captains shoes for a moment.

Thats doesn't really make sense.. I see recommendations on this board for charter boats as far away as Puerto Rico, Florida, California, Alaska, and up and down the entire eastern seaboard from anglers that have fished for them.. Those boats certainly were not sponsors... I suppose Mass. boats might be considered "local", but really that pushing it a bit far.. If we should only patronize sponsors, we should post NO recommendations here for anyone that doesn't advertise here..That would include every coastal state.....

[UglyStick]

Exactly, its supposed to be ADVERTISING, not exclusion... sites such as NJfishing are supposed to be a forum for open discussion and sharing on a topic, in this case salt water fishing, among it's members.

Now if NJfIshing itself (i.e. the "website") was to be openly recommending businesses other than it's sponsors, that is where I would see a conflict of interest. Individual contributors who's views do not necessarily represent those of the website owners/managers should not be frowned upon.

Gerry - no disrespect here, this is merely my opinion on the topic and in this case, I'm even limiting it to out of state vendors.

[Mako333]

It's sad that a lot of guys rely on a computer to create business in today's day what happened to the day when you got business from your reputation and why we are on the topic what is the difference between your boat and a discount boat that is real low advertising

[Joey Dah Fish]

It's sad that a lot of guys rely on a computer to create business in today's day what happened to the day when you got business from your reputation and why we are on the topic what is the difference between your boat and a discount boat that is real low advertising

You're living in the 70s brother this is the Information Age

[PAMonger]

*sigh* sorry I opened up a can of worms. I just tried to help by pointing out that section of the site. I'm not from NJ, so the sponsor list on here has helped me quite a bit with finding places to start with trip planning. Only wanted to share that idea. I hope you find a good boat and have a great trip.

[howarda780]

*sigh* sorry I opened up a can of worms. I just tried to help by pointing out that section of the site. I'm not from NJ, so the sponsor list on here has helped me quite a bit with finding places to start with trip planning. Only wanted to share that idea. I hope you find a good boat and have a great trip.


Call Dave Tuna.com. We have gone with him many times over the last 1`0 years and always done well. This year the haddock limits at 15.


http://fishgloucester.com/home.html

[Flukemeister1]

Hey U.S.,

I have been fishing up that way since the mid 90's.
I have sailed with the Relentless, great captain and crew. I have also sailed with Dave and Sandro on the Tuna.com. He is the best at what he does. Not sure if he runs open boat for tuna and cod is shut down up that way.

I have also had the absolute displeasure of sailing with the Bigfish Two with Tom DePersia.
I am going to be a gentleman and calmly describe how I feel about the experience. I will tell you he was late getting to the boat and late leaving because he was not even close to being ready. He then had to stop several times on the way out because he had a new stuffings box that had to be adjusted. His son "the mate" had to be told on several occasions to stop fishing and shuck clams. So there we stood waiting for bait. At one point in the day I hooked a Halibut and the little punk got all smart with me with his tone and demanded as to how I knew it was a Halibut. When the line snapped I looked at the line and it had been on there forever. Had to rig it up myself because he only had six rods on the boat. Finally about 1:30 we start putting some fish in the boat, it had been very slow up to then, the captain announces we are leaving so we can be back at 3. I had set up the trip, met him at the sportsmen's show in Harrisburg, so I started to complain about leaving an hour late and wasting an hour on the way out working on the boat. He says I better not let his wife hear me talking like that or he would be getting divorced. He then fired up the boat and went home. Would never waste my time or money on him again. In fact, if you said you would pay my fare, I would respectfully decline. Oh and the pictures he has are all from the sixties and seventies. Good luck and I hope you catch big.

Doc

[Blackfish Doug]

Try Eastman's & they are sponsors plus they are great fisherman & will put you on the meat. I know all of the Mass sponsor boats are great as well but you do get what you pay for. If the charters are out of your price range Eastman's may fit your budget. Eastman's also does limited load trips where the boat is limited to the amount of fisherman they take give them a try if the charters don't work out for you.

[scooter1010]

I would also say stay away from the Big Fish. He's a Big Joke in my opinion. A much better promoter then captain. Anyone who leaves a spot because your catching a lot of fish and moves to the dead sea so he can save fish for the next day is an A-Hole !!! IMO:mad:

[Mark215]

Like Blackfish Doug said try Eastmans. Very good operation. We usually do a spring and fall trip every year with them.

[UglyStick]

Thanks for the intel on Big Fish, I had heard mixed reviews and I'm glad I could get a first hand account. I'll pass on them...

Eastmans - Doesn't look like they run open boat 6 packs for for school tuna and cod but I could be wrong, their website doesn't mention anything about either. Not looking for party boat, even limited load for this particular trip.

I'll get some more info on open boat trips from Dave and .com but my wife is so dead set against them from the way they portray Dave on TV. I also don't get why he's charging $1600 for a full day 6 pack cod/haddock trip while Relentless is charging $800 for that same trip (even if maybe an hour or so shorter). I understand better boat and some may say better fisherman but how does one justify that difference.

I'll look into Relentless - anyone know why his pricing is higher for open boat trips (8hr 6 pack Haddock charter is $800 but as open boat the same trip is $210 per person).

The actual cost isn't the big deal as I can afford it, it's just the principle behind the pricing schedules that irks me.

Any other suggestions?

[Taxman]

Thats doesn't really make sense.. I see recommendations on this board for charter boats as far away as Puerto Rico, Florida, California, Alaska, and up and down the entire eastern seaboard from anglers that have fished for them.. Those boats certainly were not sponsors... I suppose Mass. boats might be considered "local", but really that pushing it a bit far.. If we should only patronize sponsors, we should post NO recommendations here for anyone that doesn't advertise here..That would include every coastal state.....

It has always been if the site has sponsors in the local being asked about, non-sponsor information should not be posted. The site has a pm option if you really want to plug a non-sponsor

[shrimpman steve]

Hi ugly

Clear your pm's. I have a recco for you.

[UglyStick]

It has always been if the site has sponsors in the local being asked about, non-sponsor information should not be posted. The site has a pm option if you really want to plug a non-sponsor

I know how it is... just not agreeing with it... see my earlier response...

[Gerry Zagorski]

Just to clear there air, there is obviously some grey area here so I figured I'd comment.

- We get people and companies that are not sponsors here tying to game the system all the time. Unsolicited posts about their business and services are not allowed here since our sponsors pay to advertise their businesses here.
- We also have people who try to shill for their favorite non sponsor boats also not tolerated here.
- People put up reports when they are on non sponsors boats. We love reports but please refrain from naming the boat, just use "non sponsor" instead, out of respect for our paying sponsors please.
- In this post someone asked for advice and people named boats, some where not sponsors. That is much different then someone who puts up an unsolicited post plugging a particular non sponsor boat. While I would prefer we recommend sponsors, if you choose not to, you might consider PMing the person who asked.

One last thing here.... In order for this site to work for everyone, we have to maintain a balance between our sponsors and our members/visitors interests. Both are equally important... With out sponsors there is no site, without visitors and members there is no value to sponsors.

Can't please everyone but doing the best I can balancing things by trying to maintain an even keel.

[bowhunter]

Anyone ever fish with Captain Ken Roth on the Hailey Elizabeth?

[Capt Sal]

Anyone ever fish with Captain Ken Roth on the Hailey Elizabeth?

Yes but never again!!!!! He abused his father who was his mate for the day. Went for ground fish and he wanted to troll tuna. We were all capts and mates that day and told him we have all caught many tuna a nd wanted to concentrate on cod and haddock. You can burn half the trip trolling. Besides that he didn't know how to catch tuna,His mom runs a bed and breakfast and set him up in business. Big man at the show but a real ass hol;e the way he treated his own father.

[Mako333]

Captain Ken can be a jerk at times but you won't find to many better fisherman I was on his boat the last day before they started the 10 fish limit and we had 2 180quart coolers overflowing with meat
Can't go wrong with captain ken. I think he named his boat something different since he got a new one a couple years ago

[Capt Sal]

Captain Ken can be a jerk at times but you won't find to many better fisherman I was on his boat the last day before they started the 10 fish limit and we had 2 180quart coolers overflowing with meat
Can't go wrong with captain ken. I think he named his boat something different since he got a new one a couple years ago

Honestly when it was good ''before they overfished it'' anyone could go out and put a good catch together.For those of you who have never been there-It is called Stellwagen Bank and you would think this is way out by the canyons.In reality it starts at aprox. 14 miles from port. It is a great place to fish and it holds bluefin,cod pollack,haddock etc.

[shrimpman steve]

Hate to agree with sal but he is dead on about ken Roth :)

He is abusive to his father and at times to his clients. It's a shame as his parents are very nice new englanders.

[Blackfish Doug]

As far as school Tuna your in he wrong place most of their fish up there are very big. I'm sending you a Pm

[Blackfish Doug]

As far as school Tuna your in he wrong place most of their fish up there are very big. I'm sending you a Pm

You have to clear out your pm everybody is trying to reach you by pm & can't send you any info

[UglyStick]

Sorry - didn't realize my inbox was full - It's all cleared out now...

Anyone that tried to PM me, please re-send - thx

[bowhunter]

Yes but never again!!!!! He abused his father who was his mate for the day. Went for ground fish and he wanted to troll tuna. We were all capts and mates that day and told him we have all caught many tuna a nd wanted to concentrate on cod and haddock. You can burn half the trip trolling. Besides that he didn't know how to catch tuna,His mom runs a bed and breakfast and set him up in business. Big man at the show but a real ass hol;e the way he treated his own father.

Why do You care how He treats his father? Him not knowing how to catch Tuna is an opinion,not a fact.

[Capt Sal]

Why do You care how He treats his father? Him not knowing how to catch Tuna is an opinion,not a fact.

Why do i care how he treats his father? Really? How do you treat your father? Do you respect him? My opinion on him not knowing how to catch tuna is a fact not an opinion!He had nothing on the boat but spreader bars. Fact is i am qualified to make that staement. I have decades as a charter boat captain and over half a century blue fin tuna fishing. Do you? I would give anything to fish with my father one more time but he passed away. I respected him and he was my role model. You young man have alot to learn if you don't care how someone treats there own father. I hope you take this to heart and think about what what you post on a public forum. I am a father and a grandfather fyi

[bowhunter]

Why do i care how he treats his father? Really? How do you treat your father? Do you respect him? My opinion on him not knowing how to catch tuna is a fact not an opinion!He had nothing on the boat but spreader bars. Fact is i am qualified to make that staement. I have decades as a charter boat captain and over half a century blue fin tuna fishing. Do you? I would give anything to fish with my father one more time but he passed away. I respected him and he was my role model. You young man have alot to learn if you don't care how someone treats there own father. I hope you take this to heart and think about what what you post on a public forum. I am a father and a grandfather fyi

Sorry I didn't know there was a Bluefin tuna fishery out of Seawarren in the last 50 years. His father liked the way his son treated him. I know I fished with them all the time. They make their living on bluefins.

[scooter1010]

Why do i care how he treats his father? Really? How do you treat your father? Do you respect him? My opinion on him not knowing how to catch tuna is a fact not an opinion!He had nothing on the boat but spreader bars. Fact is i am qualified to make that staement. I have decades as a charter boat captain and over half a century blue fin tuna fishing. Do you? I would give anything to fish with my father one more time but he passed away. I respected him and he was my role model. You young man have alot to learn if you don't care how someone treats there own father. I hope you take this to heart and think about what what you post on a public forum. I am a father and a grandfather fyi

Capt Sal while I agree with where you are coming from it's not a blanketed as you make it out to be. I love, respect, and miss my father but that is my experience. Being a father because you had sex doesn't make you a dad. A father needs to constantly work to be a good dad. There are plenty of abusive, absent, sexual deviant fathers that will never be a dad or RESPECTED. All I am trying to say is that unless you grow up in the household you don't know what people have lived through. Not all fathers deserve respect, in fact some deserve worse.

[Blackfish Doug]

Capt Sal while I agree with where you are coming from it's not a blanketed as you make it out to be. I love, respect, and miss my father but that is my experience. Being a father because you had sex doesn't make you a dad. A father needs to constantly work to be a good dad. There are plenty of abusive, absent, sexual deviant fathers that will never be a dad or RESPECTED. All I am trying to say is that unless you grow up in the household you don't know what people have lived through. Not all fathers deserve respect, in fact some deserve worse.

I agree with you as well I loved my father very much. But there where times I did not like some things that he did. But me I took it upon myself not to try & do those things. I learned from This & tried to improve on it I firmly believe life is a lesson. I still today try to be a better father I know I could have been a better father but I did give it my best shot & it's still a work in progress.

[Capt Sal]

Sorry I didn't know there was a Bluefin tuna fishery out of Seawarren in the last 50 years. His father liked the way his son treated him. I know I fished with them all the time. They make their living on bluefins.

There is alot you don't know. It is Sewaren. Think you could find the Ba all by yourself lol I guess all the pictures i have with dad catching blue fin on Shrewsbury Rocks in the sixties was a dream.This is going nowhere so i will sign off.

[FieldTester]

Good Morning Doug !

Not to change the roll but I wanted to mention and recommend that I have been fishing for several years on the "Lady Sea" out of Cape Ann Marina in Gloucester. They fish the banks regularly.

It is a nice family run open boat operation owned and operated by an ex Yankee Fleet - Captain Mike.

Website: www.gloucesterfleet.com

[Jigman13]

I've fished with capt Roth outta green harrrrbah lol. Good operation. He's a bit salty but by late morning during our last trip with them we were all having a blast aside from a goog who my brother invited up. We were throwing back 20 lb cod and had fish up to 53 lbs. Once we limited on baccala we did a number on the haddock. My father, brother and I alone topped off a gigantic cooler (160+ qt I think?) With skin on fillets of tasty fish. It was a blast. We had a few big wolfies too... one was like 25 lbs. Awesome looking creatures. I'd recommend him. Just my 2 cents...

[MohawkJD]

I've fished with capt Roth outta green harrrrbah lol. Good operation. He's a bit salty but by late morning during our last trip with them we were all having a blast aside from a goog who my brother invited up. We were throwing back 20 lb cod and had fish up to 53 lbs. Once we limited on baccala we did a number on the haddock. My father, brother and I alone topped off a gigantic cooler (160+ qt I think?) With skin on fillets of tasty fish. It was a blast. We had a few big wolfies too... one was like 25 lbs. Awesome looking creatures. I'd recommend him. Just my 2 cents...

That had to be a long time ago.

[Blackfish Doug]

That had to be a long time ago.

This was not from so long ago before all the craziness started with the regulations. I just spoke to the NS who we did the trip with & he told me that the fishing up there if anything has gotten even better. The only reason why he couldn't fish this area the last few years is because there are too many Cod in this area & they are out of season. If your saying 5 or 6 years ago was a long time ago then I would have to agree. Nothing up there has changed up there except the areas where your allowed to fish in up there. He told me that whenever he passes through this area his reads are thick 20' to 30 ' off the bottom & miles long. This same type of thing is going on in California as well. Your not allowed to fish where the fish are. The only reason why your trips up there has changed is because is because your not allowed to fish in the closed areas because of all of the liberal science. To give you a better example of what I'm saying is it would be like telling all the Fluke fisherman your not allowed to fish the ocean or anything outside the inlet for Fluke.

[MohawkJD]

This was not from so long ago before all the craziness started with the regulations. I just spoke to the NS who we did the trip with & he told me that the fishing up there if anything has gotten even better. The only reason why he couldn't fish this area the last few years is because there are too many Cod in this area & they are out of season. If your saying 5 or 6 years ago was a long time ago then I would have to agree. Nothing up there has changed up there except the areas where your allowed to fish in up there. He told me that whenever he passes through this area his reads are thick 20' to 30 ' off the bottom & miles long. This same type of thing is going on in California as well. Your not allowed to fish where the fish are. The only reason why your trips up there has changed is because is because your not allowed to fish in the closed areas because of all of the liberal science. To give you a better example of what I'm saying is it would be like telling all the Fluke fisherman your not allowed to fish the ocean or anything outside the inlet for Fluke.
Wolf fish have been on the endangered list for at least 5 or 6 years and cod's been closed for over a year and a half. Haddock limits are finally going up after either being closed or limits of just 3 for the last couple of years. He's looking for a tuna trip unless he wants to wait for haddock in May.

[Blackfish Doug]

Wolf fish have been on the endangered list for at least 5 or 6 years and cod's been closed for over a year and a half. Haddock limits are finally going up after either being closed or limits of just 3 for the last couple of years. He's looking for a tuna trip unless he wants to wait for haddock in May.

He said he was looking for Tuna/or Cod the problem up there is most of the Tuna are in The giant category. After fighting a Tuna for a few hours there probably won't be enough time to make it a combo trip. As far as wolf fish it was not even mentioned in the original post. Wolf fish have always been scarce I never ever-remember seeing more then A few caught on any trip Im sure there are cases where more where caught. I have been fishing that area for over 50 years with very reputable captains so I know what I'm talking about. The Cod is opening up but it's not anything to get excited about I'm hearing 1 fish for up there. But if you cull your fish you can still come home with a good decent sized fish for diner.

[MohawkJD]

He said he was looking for Tuna/or Cod the problem up there is most of the Tuna are in The giant category. After fighting a Tuna for a few hours there probably won't be enough time to make it a combo trip. As far as wolf fish it was not even mentioned in the original post. Wolf fish have always been scarce I never ever-remember seeing more then A few caught on any trip Im sure there are cases where more where caught. I have been fishing that area for over 50 years with very reputable captains so I know what I'm talking about. The Cod is opening up but it's not anything to get excited about I'm hearing 1 fish for up there. But if you cull your fish you can still come home with a good decent sized fish for diner.
Your reply was to my reply of Jigman13's which mentioned wolf fish. The fact that he counted them in his cooler tells me it was a long time ago.

As for cod, I don't see targeting them this year. Last I heard, it'll only be open for a couple of months at the end of the summer, not the best time to find them. With 24" minimum & 1 fish per man, it'll be tough to fill a cooler. If he wants a cod type trip in that area, haddock in May or June with pollack is as close as you can get.

[Blackfish Doug]

Your reply was to my reply of Jigman13's which mentioned wolf fish. The fact that he counted them in his cooler tells me it was a long time ago.

As for cod, I don't see targeting them this year. Last I heard, it'll only be open for a couple of months at the end of the summer, not the best time to find them. With 24" minimum & 1 fish per man, it'll be tough to fill a cooler. If he wants a cod type trip in that area, haddock in May or June with pollack is as close as you can get.

I'm sorry I thought your post was about the original post we both are on the same page about it being not worth it. I really like the fishing we got going on down here. Every year it seems to be getting better & I can't wait until the offshore fishing gets better.

[dakota560]

Anyone ever fish with Captain Ken Roth on the Hailey Elizabeth?

Crazy experience with Capt Ken and Haley Elizabeth (HE). Booked a trip with HE early 2000. We had two boats scheduled. Got up to Mass, weather deteriorated and the trips were cancelled. Six guys could stay another day, six guys unfortunately had to head home. Asked Capt Ken if we stayed another day if he had any openings which he did not. We told him we were going to call around trying to find another charter to salvage the trip and if he came across anyone to please let us know immediately. Well we ended up connecting with Big Mac Charters (BMC), Capt Jim McFarland (RIP). Capt Jim was an absolute gentlemen and great guy! I'd fished with him beforehand on a handful of occasions and had a great trip with fantastic results. Just a real nice guy. After booking with BMC, we called Capt Ken back to let him know so he didn't waste his time looking for a charter and to thank him for his efforts. Well to say he was pissed is the understatement of all time. He was absolutely livid. Still after half a day he didn't have anyone else for us but was livid we found someone ourselves which we told him we'd try doing. To add insult to injury I think BMC was his arch rival. Needless to say the discussion got very nasty. To make matters worse, we were staying at his parents B&B and when we got back to the B&B his parents who were very cordial earlier had laser beams coming from their eyes. We explained our situation, thanked Ken for trying to help us out but told him anyone in our position would've done the same. A solid 10 hours went by before we booked with BMC so it wasn't as if we didn't give Capt. Ken a chance. It was either find someone or make the long trip home. Just the way things worked out.

Well the following morning we got up early for breakfast at the B&B. You could cut the air at the breakfast table, his parents and Capt Ken. were still extremely pissed at us. Had a quick breakfast, thanked them again for their hospitality (lol!) and couldn't get out of there soon enough. Well we got down to the dock where Capt Jim from BMC told us to meet him. When we arrived, Capt Ken was there with the other charter he told us he found. Bear in mind we didn't book that charter as we were already booked with Capt Jim. Here's where it got interesting and disappointing at the same time. Capt Ken meets us at the dock and tells us he called Capt Jim after breakfast, spoke with him and that Capt. Jim agreed to give up our charter for us to go with the guy Capt Ken found for the same price. Believing him we got our stuff and boarded the boat. No more than 10 minutes later, Capt Jim pulls up to the dock and asks us what's going on. Well it ends up Capt Ken lied to us and never had a discussion with Capt Jim. In other words he stole the charter with us in the middle of it. All hell broke loose at the dock with Capt Ken being a complete ******* to Capt Jim. Jim pulled me aside and said basically the most important thing is we have a good experience and he didn't want to see our day / trip ruined. He said he'd agree to refund us our deposit which he did and said since we were already on the boat it was probably best for us to sail with the other guy. You could see he wanted nothing to do with Capt Ken. Really said a lot about Jim McFarland the way he handled the entire situation, I couldn't respect him more for looking out for our best interest realizing it was at his expense and he did nothing wrong. Capt Ken on the other hand, I decided then and there I'd absolutely never sail with him again or anyone else affiliated with his operation. I know the charter business is a cutthroat business but what he did in that situation was absolutely wrong.

So to the person asking about HE, make your own decisions. Someone said he catches fish which we did that day but I'd never set foot on his boat again for ths BS he pulled on that trip.

Dakota

[Capt Sal]

Billfish said it! I wouldn't care if he did catch fish i would never go again and niether will the guys that were with me. By the way we were all captains on that trip and all way older and more experienced then Ken!!When times cahange like now it can make you humble.Back then he thought his shit didn't stink.!

[Relentless Charters]

Hate to come late to this party and we will be running open boats this year and working on a schedule now. Currently we are running a center console and understand that is not what you want. I will also be running the old Big Mac, Capt Jim McFarland's old 35' boat for six pack haddock and pollock, tuna or bass. I will have website updated by next weekend at www.relentlesscharters.com with the additional information. I also work extremely hard at protecting your rights to have open access and reasonable bag limits of fish to make it worth coming to MA. Some of the members on here have fished offshore with me in the past here and feel free to contact me anytime for additional information and I am a sponsor. I can be reached at Relentlesscharters (http://www.relentlesscharters.com) and will answer any questions you may have weather you want to fish with us or not.

Respectfully,

Capt Dave