Half Day Inshore Fishing Trip in Fairhaven
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore fishing trip targeting five popular speciesExpert captain provides gear and local knowledge aboard 2024 boatBreakfast and lunch included for groups up to six guests
Captain William Guenon knows these Fairhaven waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard his brand-new 2024 282 Sportsman at 6:00 AM, you're getting decades of local fishing knowledge packed into one action-packed morning. This isn't your typical charter boat experience – it's a personalized 6-hour adventure targeting some of Massachusetts' most sought-after inshore species. With room for just six anglers, you'll get the individual attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to dial in your technique or a first-timer who's never held a rod, Captain William tailors each trip to match your crew's experience level.
Meeting at Edgewater Street before dawn might sound early, but trust me – the fish don't sleep in, and neither should you. The 282 Sportsman is built for comfort and performance, giving you a stable platform to work from while we chase everything from schoolie stripers to keeper-sized summer flounder. Captain William provides all the tackle you'll need, from light spinning gear for finesse presentations to heavier conventional setups when the blues are feeding aggressively. The boat's layout makes it easy to move around when fish are hitting, and with only six spots available, you won't be fighting for rail space like on those crowded party boats. The vibe is relaxed but focused – we're here to put fish in the boat, but we're going to have some laughs doing it.
Fairhaven's inshore waters offer diverse fishing opportunities, and Captain William switches up techniques based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. We'll work everything from shallow flats where flounder ambush baitfish to deeper structure where black sea bass stack up like cordwood. Live bait fishing with pogies and sea worms produces consistent action, especially when the stripers are being picky about artificials. When conditions are right, we'll throw topwater plugs at breaking fish – there's nothing quite like watching a 20-pound striper explode on a surface lure. The captain also runs light tackle setups perfect for the scrappy bluefish that patrol these waters, and when blackfin tuna push inshore during their seasonal runs, we'll troll small spreads to intercept them. All gear is provided and rigged fresh each morning, so you can focus on fishing instead of fumbling with unfamiliar tackle.
Striped Bass remain the crown jewel of Massachusetts inshore fishing, and Fairhaven's waters consistently produce quality fish from late spring through fall. These fish range from schoolies perfect for beginners to learn on, all the way up to trophy-class cows that'll test your drag system and your patience. Stripers here feed heavily on local baitfish like pogies, sand eels, and silversides, making them predictable targets when you know their patterns. The best action typically happens during moving water – either side of slack tide – when these fish move up onto the flats to feed.
Black Sea Bass have become a customer favorite thanks to their aggressive nature and excellent table fare. These bottom dwellers love structure, and Captain William knows every piece of productive real estate from rocky outcrops to artificial reefs. Sea bass hit hard and fight surprisingly well for their size, making them perfect targets when you want consistent action. They're also one of the most cooperative species for photos, with their spiky dorsal fins and bug-eyed expressions that always get a laugh.
Bluefish are the pit bulls of the inshore world – they hit fast, fight hard, and never give up until they're in the net. Fairhaven's blues typically run from snapper-sized fish perfect for kids to catch, up to chopper blues that can stretch the tape past 15 pounds. These fish travel in schools and feed with reckless abandon, creating some of the most exciting fishing you'll find anywhere. When we locate a feeding school, it's often game-on for everyone aboard, with multiple hookups and plenty of adrenaline.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as the locals call them, are the ultimate challenge for light-tackle enthusiasts. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and ambush tactics, lying buried in sandy bottoms waiting to hammer unsuspecting baitfish. Fluke fishing requires patience and technique – you need to feel the subtle tap-tap of a fish mouthing your bait, then time your hookset perfectly. When everything comes together, these fish reward you with a spirited fight and some of the best eating you'll find in New England waters.
Blackfin Tuna represent the wildcard species that can turn a good trip into an legendary one. These smaller cousins of the giant bluefin occasionally push into inshore waters during their migrations, bringing open-ocean speed and power to our local fishing grounds. Blackfins are built for speed, with torpedo-shaped bodies and seemingly endless stamina. When we connect with these fish, it's often a team effort to land them, and the sashimi-grade meat makes them worth every minute of the fight.
Captain William's half-day trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when all five target species are active in Fairhaven's waters. The 6:00 AM departure gets you on the fish during prime feeding times, and the 6-hour duration gives you plenty of opportunities to dial in techniques and put together a solid catch. With breakfast and lunch included, all tackle provided, and a captain who genuinely cares about putting you on fish, this trip delivers exceptional value for both novice and experienced anglers. The intimate group size means personalized instruction, better fishing spots, and the kind of attention to detail that separates top-rated charters from the rest of the fleet. Don't wait until the last minute – secure your spot on what coul
The 2024 28' Sportsman cuts through Fairhaven's inshore waters with authority, powered by twin 300 HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. This isn't just any charter boat – it's built for serious anglers who want results. The spacious deck gives all 6 guests room to work, whether you're battling striped bass or hauling in keeper fluke. Captain William's equipped her with everything you need: fighting chair for those bigger fish, livewell to keep your catch fresh, outriggers for trolling, plus GPS and fish finder to locate the bite. The twin engines push this rig up to 35 MPH, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time getting there. Perfect setup for targeting the variety of species these Massachusetts waters offer – from schoolie bass to chunky sea bass.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are one of our most reliable targets, running 1-4 pounds on average with some pushing 6-8 pounds. They hang around structure - wrecks, rocky bottom, and old pilings in 20-80 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they move inshore to feed. These fish put up a solid fight on the way up, but once they break the surface they're pretty much done. They're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. What makes them interesting is they're all born female, then the bigger ones change to males - those are the blue-colored fish with the hump on their head. My advice: use a two-hook rig with squid or clam, keep your bait right on the bottom, and be patient. They'll mouth the bait before committing.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but pack serious punch. These 10-30 pound speedsters prefer warm water over 68°F, so we see them best in summer months near the continental shelf. They school with skipjack and other pelagics, chasing bait in open water. What makes them special is the fight - they're built for speed and endurance, making long runs that'll test your drag. The meat is outstanding, with that classic tuna flavor that's perfect for sushi or searing. They've got sharp eyesight, so you need to scale down your tackle. I run 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders with 5/0 circle hooks, and vertical jigging works great when we find them deep. Live pilchards for chum will bring them right to the boat if they're in the area.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish show up in our waters from mid-June through October, making summer and early fall prime time. These aggressive feeders typically run 3-10 pounds, though bigger ones push 15-20 pounds. They're absolute bulldogs on the line - once hooked, they'll make strong runs and fight hard until they hit the boat. You'll find them schooled up around baitfish in open water, often working the surface during feeding frenzies that churn the water white. The meat is excellent eating when bled and iced right away, with a rich flavor that's perfect grilled. Here's a local tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast. Blues will be underneath tearing into bait schools, and they'll hit just about anything you throw at them.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the king of our inshore fishing, running anywhere from schoolie size up to 40+ pounds. These silver fish with their distinctive black stripes love structure - rocky points, drop-offs, and areas with moving water. They're most active during dawn and dusk, though you can catch them all day. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action as they follow bait along the coast. What makes them special is the fight - they're strong, stubborn fish that'll make multiple runs. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. They can be picky about bait, preferring live offerings like herring or eels. My tip: fish the moving water near structure with live bait on circle hooks, and be ready for that first powerful run when they grab it.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are masters of disguise lying flat on sandy bottom. They average 15-20 inches but can reach 26 pounds - the big "doormat" females are what every angler dreams about. You'll find them on sandy flats, near drop-offs, and around structure where they ambush prey. September through November is peak season when they're feeding heavily before heading offshore. What's fun is watching them change color to match the bottom - they're like underwater chameleons. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them one of the best eating fish around. They bite sideways because both eyes are on one side of their head, so don't set the hook too fast. Let them take the bait and run a bit before setting up.
undefined, undefined