Atlantic Cod:
These fish are the deepwater treasures of coastal Massachusetts (a carving of a cod hangs in the Massachusetts State House motto is Land of the Sacred Cod). They are the number one fish sought after by charter boats North of Cape Cod. They are found throughout the Gulf of Maine, in deepwater and inshore while the water is cold.
Season: Year round
Baits and Lures: Sea worms, clams, mackerel, strips of all fish, crabs, jigs.
Methods and Tackle: Bait-fishing from shore and boats, fishing from boats using medium to stiff boat rod, conventional reel and at least 50 lb test line.
Mass. Saltwater Fishing Derby Minimum Weight: 30 lbs
State Record: 92 lbs

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Black Sea Bass:
Although found primarily south of Cape Cod, an occasional black sea bass can be found in Cape Cod Bay. These migratory fish arrive in late spring. The majority of these fish begin life as females and then change to males at around three years of age. They prefer habitats with bottom structure, such as boulder reefs, rocky outcrops and wrecks.
Season: May - September 
Baits and Lures: Cut squid, clams, green crabs.
Methods and Tackle: bottom fish from a boat.
Mass. Saltwater Fishing Derby Minimum Weight: 4 lbs
State Record: 8 lbs

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Blue Shark: 
Blue sharks are common to our offshore waters and are sought after by recreational anglers. Blue sharks have been known to bite humans so Venture with an experienced shark angler to prevent unexpected surprises and make sure you bleed and ice the shark flesh immediately. Anglers are encouraged to release sharks not intended for consumption.
Season: June-October
Baits and Lures: Chumming and baited hooks (preferably oily fish)
Methods and Tackle: Trolling, drifting; medium to heavy tackle,
Mass. Saltwater Fishing Derby Minimum Weights: 150 lbs
State Records: 454 lbs

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Bluefin Tuna: 
All the tunas are very swift swimmers, provide a thrilling and sometimes backbreaking fight and are literally hot blooded. The giant bluefin tuna is the biggest and most lucrative of the tunas and thus creates much competition amongst fishermen. Stellwagen bank is known for the largest bluefin tuna in the world. Ernest hemingway fished in Mass Bay for giant tuna. 
Season: Late June-October
Baits and Lures: Bait fish used with chum slick; plastic squids, multi-
chains, jigs, artificial lures
Methods and Tackle: Trolling, chunk baits with chum; medium to heavy
State Record: 1,228

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Bluefish: 
Bluefish are usually ravenous and will strike at just about anything you give them. Watch out for those teeth! They average around 3-15 lbs along the coast and tend to be larger just offshore in the rips. The juveniles, referred to as “snappers,” can be found in the estuaries and are fun to catch with light tackle. In all cases, they put up an excellent fight all the way to your boat or shore.
Season: June-mid October
Baits and Lures: All small bait fish, jigs, spoons, plugs, spinners, flies.
Methods and Tackle: Casting from shore or boat (you may want to use a wire leader) with spin and fly fishing gear, trolling.
Mass. Saltwater Fishing Derby Minimum Weight: 12 lbs
State Record: 27 lbs- 4 oz

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Cusk: 
Like the cod, the cusk is a cool water fish and is found on hard, rough bottom habitat. Look for the continuous dorsal fin to assist with identification. very good eating although they are dificult to filet. 
Season: Year round
Baits and Lures: Same as cod.
Methods and Tackle: Same as cod.
Mass. Saltwater Fishing Derby Minimum Weight: 20lbs
State Record: 34 lbs - 4 oz.

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Haddock: 
Haddock is a member of the cod family and is a delicious fish for the dinner table. The black spot and lateral line distinguishes it from the Cod and Pollock.
Season: May-November
Baits and Lures: Same as Cod Sea worms, clams
Methods and Tackle: Drift or Still-fishing from a boat, medium action rod
Mass. Saltwater Fishing Derby Minimum Weights: 8 lbs
State Record: 20 lbs

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Mackerel: 
Mackerel are fast swimmers and voracious feeders, which offers the angler many options for catching them. They are also an important food fish for many other species of fish and marine mammals.
Season: May-September
Baits and Lures: Sabiki Rigs, Small bait fish, crab, clams, sea worms, squid strips, jigs, spoons, flies.
Methods and Tackle: Trolling, jigging, casting from shore or boat: light tackle.
Mass. Saltwater Fishing Derby Minimum Weight: 2 lbs
State Record: 3 lbs - 8 oz.

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Mako Shark: 

Mako's are the more aggressive of the shark fish and will put up an exciting fight. considered to be the Marlin of the shark species. Mako's are know to be a man eater so Venture with an experienced shark angler to prevent unexpected surprises and make sure you bleed and ice the shark flesh immediately. Anglers are encouraged to release sharks not intended for consumption.
Season: June-October
Baits and Lures: Chumming and Chunking baited hooks (preferably oily fish)
Methods and Tackle: Trolling, drifting; medium to heavy tackle, wire leader.
Mass. Saltwater Fishing Derby Minimum Weights: 150 lbs
State Records: 1,324 lbs

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Pollock: 

The Pollock is more available to the angler than its Cod fish relative. These aggressive fighters offer the thrills of a bluefish and the flesh of a cod.
Season: May-October with the best runs in May
Baits and Lures: In deeper water use the same as for cod (jigs, clams...). Inshore waters try small plugs, mackerel jigs, metal lures with a strip of squid.
Methods and Tackle: Drift or Still-fishing, casting, trolling. For deep water use same set up as for cod. Lighter spinning gear can be used for inshore fishing.
Mass. Saltwater Fishing Derby Minimum Weights: 20 lbs
State Record: 48 lbs - 2 oz.

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Winter Flounder: 
The winter flounder (black back) provides good fishing during the cold weather months. They are very accessible and provide the angler with thick fillets to take home.
Season: May - February
Baits and Lures: Sand worms, bloodworms, clams, strips of squid.
Methods and Tackle: Chum pot (crushed clams), still-fishing from boats, piers, jetties, bridges, breakwaters; light tackle
Mass. Saltwater Fishing Derby Minimum Weight: 3 lbs
State Record: 8 lbs -2 oz.

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