Full Day Fishing Trip in Maine
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing targeting Striped Bass in Mid Coast MaineExpert guide provides all gear, snacks, and drinks includedSmall group experience with maximum three guests per trip
Picture yourself casting into the pristine waters of Mid Coast Maine, where rocky coastlines meet some of the most productive striped bass fishing grounds on the East Coast. Our full-day fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of the action with expert guides who know these waters like the back of their hand. We're talking about a legitimate 8-hour day on the water, complete with all the gear you need, fresh lunch, and the local knowledge that separates a good day from an epic one. With space for just three anglers, you're getting the personal attention that makes all the difference when the fish are running.
We launch early from one of our go-to spots along the Mid Coast, timing our departure with the tides and current conditions. This isn't some cookie-cutter operation – your guide reads the water daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly. You might find yourself working the rocky structure around Pemaquid Point, drifting the deeper channels near Boothbay, or targeting the productive flats where stripers come to feed. The beauty of a full day is flexibility. If the morning bite is slow, we've got time to relocate and find where the fish are holding. Your guide carries a full arsenal of fly tackle suited for Maine's conditions, from intermediate lines for working mid-column to fast-sink tips for getting down to the bottom structure. We provide everything from 8-weight setups perfect for schoolie bass to 10-weights that can handle the bruisers that cruise these waters. Polarized glasses, landing nets, and all terminal tackle are included, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat.
Maine's inshore striped bass fishing demands a different approach than what you might be used to down south. We're working with cooler water temperatures, dramatic tidal changes, and structure that includes everything from boulder fields to eelgrass beds. Your guide will have you switching between techniques throughout the day – maybe starting with streamers worked along the rocky shoreline as the tide drops, then moving to deeper water where we'll fish sinking lines around ledges and drop-offs. The fly selection here is all about matching the local forage. Expect to throw patterns that imitate sand eels, silversides, and the juvenile herring that stripers key in on. We tie our own patterns specifically for these waters, and your guide will walk you through the presentations that consistently produce. When the fish are feeding aggressively, a simple retrieve gets the job done. But when they're finicky – which happens more often than we'd like – it's all about varying your strip speed, adding pauses, and reading the subtle takes that separate the pros from the weekend warriors. The boat is rigged with proper casting platforms and plenty of room to work, so you're not fighting cramped conditions when a fish decides to make a run.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Maine's inshore fishery, and for good reason. These fish are built like linebackers and fight twice as hard as anything their size has a right to. In Mid Coast waters, we're targeting fish that range from 20-inch schoolies that'll give you a solid scrap on an 8-weight, all the way up to 40-plus-inch cows that can legitimately test your backing. Peak season runs from late May through October, but the sweet spot is July through September when water temperatures hit that magic 60-65 degree range and the bait is thick. What makes Maine stripers special is their behavior – they're structure-oriented fish that use the rocky coastline to trap baitfish. Watch for birds working, look for current breaks around points and ledges, and pay attention to your guide when they're reading the electronics. These fish are opportunistic feeders, but they're also wary. A sloppy presentation in clear water will send them scattering, but put the right fly in the right place with a clean cast, and you're in for a fight you won't forget. The bigger fish tend to be loners or travel in small pods, while the schoolies often stack up in numbers that can keep you busy for hours. Either way, every fish that takes your fly in these waters has that distinctive Maine attitude – they fight hard, jump often, and make you earn every inch of line you get back.
This is hands-down one of the best ways to experience Maine's world-class striped bass fishery. You're getting a full day with a guide who lives and breathes these waters, all the top-shelf gear you need, and the kind of personal attention that only comes with a three-angler maximum. Add in lunch and drinks, and you're looking at a complete package that lets you focus entirely on the fishing. Mid Coast Maine produces some of the most consistent striper action on the East Coast, but the best dates fill up fast, especially during prime season. Whether you're a seasoned fly angler looking to add Maine stripers to your list or someone ready to step up their saltwater game, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of scenic coastline, productive waters, and fish that fight like they mean it makes for a day you'll be talking about long after you head home. Don't wait – the calendar fills up quickly, and the fish are waiting.
Maine