Family Fishing and Sight Seeing in Maine
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Mackerel, Pollock, Cod, and Black Sea Bass inshoreFamilyfriendly trip accommodates three guests with sightseeing optionsDiamond Pass Outfitters provides guided Maine coastal fishing experience
Picture this: you're out on the water off Maine's rugged coast, lines in the water, waiting for that telltale tug that gets your heart racing. Diamond Pass Outfitters has put together something special here - a top-rated inshore fishing adventure that works for the whole family, whether everyone's casting lines or some folks just want to soak up Maine's stunning coastline. This isn't your typical charter where you're packed in like sardines. We're talking just three guests max, so you've got plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from your captain.
Maine's inshore waters are fishing gold, and this trip puts you right in the sweet spot where the action happens. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand - every ledge, every drop-off, every spot where the fish like to hang out. The beauty of this setup is that it's genuinely family-friendly. Got a spouse or kid who'd rather watch for seals and lighthouses than bait hooks? No problem. They'll have front-row seats to some of the most beautiful coastal scenery on the East Coast while you work the water for some serious fish. The boat's set up to handle both serious anglers and sightseers comfortably, with plenty of space to move around and take in the views. Don't worry about bringing your own gear - everything you need is provided, from rods and reels to tackle and bait.
Your captain will adjust the approach based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. Some days that means drifting over rocky bottom structure where the cod and pollock like to hide, using jigs or cut bait to tempt them up from the depths. Other times you'll be working the mid-water column for mackerel, maybe trolling small spoons or casting into feeding schools when they're busting on the surface. Black sea bass love hanging around structure, so expect to drop down with fresh bait and feel that distinctive tap-tap-tap before they commit to the hook. The great thing about inshore fishing in Maine is the variety - you never know exactly what's going to grab your line next. Your captain will teach you the techniques as you go, so whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, you'll be fishing effectively within minutes of getting your line wet.
Atlantic Mackerel are the speed demons of Maine's inshore waters, and they're an absolute blast on light tackle. These silvery torpedoes typically run 12-16 inches and fight way above their weight class. They school up in huge numbers during summer months, often feeding right at the surface where you can see the water boiling with activity. What makes mackerel so exciting is their aggressive nature - when you find a school, you can often catch them as fast as you can drop your line. They're also fantastic eating, with rich, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill.
Atlantic Cod are the prize fish that put Maine on the fishing map. These bottom-dwellers can range from keeper-sized fish around 22 inches up to true bruisers pushing 30+ pounds. Cod are structure-oriented fish, hanging around rocky ledges and drop-offs where they ambush smaller fish. They're most active during cooler months, making spring and fall prime time for targeting them. When a big cod grabs your bait, you'll know it - they fight with a steady, head-shaking power that tests your drag and your patience. Landing a nice cod is something every angler should experience at least once.
Pollock are the overlooked cousins of cod, but they shouldn't be underestimated. These fish are more active than cod, often found in mid-water over rocky bottom. They average 2-8 pounds but can grow much larger, and they're known for making strong initial runs when hooked. Pollock are curious fish that will often investigate jigs and lures, making them fun to target with artificial baits. They're available pretty much year-round in Maine waters, though they tend to move deeper in winter months.
Black Sea Bass are relatively new to Maine's inshore scene, having expanded their range northward in recent years as waters warm. These fish are character-packed fighters with big mouths and aggressive attitudes. They love structure - wrecks, rocky bottom, anywhere they can ambush prey. Sea bass typically run 1-4 pounds in Maine waters, with occasional larger fish showing up. They're curious and competitive, often following hooked fish to the boat, which can lead to double and triple hookups when the bite is on.
This customer-favorite trip delivers exactly what Maine fishing is all about - variety, scenery, and the chance to create memories with people you care about. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to fishing, planning a multi-generational family outing, or just want a more intimate charter experience, Diamond Pass Outfitters has dialed in the perfect formula. With only three spots available per trip, these dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and the weather's cooperating. The combination of world-class fishing opportunities and Maine's renowned coastal beauty makes this a trip that works for everyone, even if not everyone's holding a rod. Ready to get your lines wet and see what Maine's inshore waters have to offer?
This trusty motorboat is your ticket to Maine's best inshore fishing spots. With room for three anglers, she's equipped with GPS navigation to get you to those productive waters and a fish finder to help locate schools of Mackerel, Pollock, and Cod lurking below. The boat handles Maine's coastal waters with ease, whether you're casting lines for Black Sea Bass or just cruising along the scenic coastline for some family sightseeing. Her reliable engine gets you out to the fishing grounds quickly, so you spend more time with lines in the water than traveling. Perfect for families who want to mix serious fishing with taking in Maine's beautiful coastal views. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of finding where the fish are biting, while the GPS ensures you can return to those honey holes that produce. She's built for Maine waters and ready to show you why this coastline is famous for both its fishing and stunning scenery.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod are the holy grail for many Maine anglers. These bottom-dwellers typically run 2-4 feet and can weigh up to 25 pounds in our waters. You'll recognize them by their distinctive chin barbel and mottled coloring. They stick to rocky bottoms and structure in 30-200 feet of water, especially around the Gulf of Maine. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they move closer to shore. Cod are prized for their flaky, mild white meat - there's a reason they built New England's fishing industry. They're not the fastest swimmers but they're smart and can put up a solid fight once hooked. My go-to trick is using fresh clam strips on a heavy jig bounced right along the bottom. Keep it moving but stay in contact with structure - cod rarely venture far from cover.
Scomber ScombrusAtlantic Mackerel are fantastic for families - they're abundant, fun to catch, and delicious to eat. These silvery fish with distinctive wavy bars typically run 12-18 inches and travel in massive schools that can stretch for miles. You'll find them in our coastal waters from late spring through early fall, moving closer to shore during the warmer months. They're aggressive feeders that hit fast, making them perfect for kids and beginners. The fight is spirited but manageable on light tackle. Their omega-3 rich meat is prized by locals - we love them fresh grilled or smoked. Pro tip: when you find one, work the area quickly with small shiny lures or cut bait. Where there's one mackerel, there's usually hundreds more nearby. They move fast, so don't waste time once you locate a school.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are newcomers to Maine waters thanks to warming ocean temps, and they're quickly becoming favorites. These chunky, dark fish usually run 1-3 pounds but can hit 8+ pounds. They love structure - wrecks, rocky bottoms, old pilings - anywhere under 120 feet deep. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. Males turn brilliant blue during spawning and develop a distinctive hump on their heads. They're scrappy fighters that make hard runs for cover once hooked. The white, flaky meat is outstanding - some say it rivals striped bass. They're curious fish that respond well to both bait and jigs. My Maine tip: drop squid strips or clam on a two-hook rig right to the bottom around rocky structure. Keep tension on the line - they'll steal your bait in a heartbeat if you're not paying attention.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are Maine's hidden gem - they fight harder than most people expect and are surprisingly good eating despite their reputation. These greenish-black fish typically run 15-25 inches and love rocky areas and structure. Juveniles hang in shallow water near kelp beds, while adults prefer deeper spots around 100-400 feet. They're active spring through fall when water temps are right. What makes them special is their strength - once hooked, they'll dive for the bottom and test your gear. The meat is darker than cod but tasty when prepared right. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit both bait and lures. Here's my local secret: use sand eel imitations worked vertically around rocky ledges. Fish early morning or evening for best action, and wear good boots with ankle support - these fish will pull you around if you're not ready for the fight.
Portland