5.0(4 Reviews)Striper & Mackerel Fishing with Captain Sean
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4-hour inshore fishing charter targeting striped bass and mackerelCaptain Sean Tracey guides trips using live bait and luresSmall group experience accommodating maximum 2 guests
Get ready for some serious fishing action with Captain Sean Tracey on Portsmouth's best waters. This 4-hour charter takes you after two of New Hampshire's most prized catches - striped bass and Atlantic mackerel. Whether you're casting along the flats or working the deeper inshore waters, Captain Sean knows exactly where these fish are hanging out. You'll be fishing the Piscataqua River system and surrounding waters that make Portsmouth a top-rated destination for Northeast anglers. With room for just two guests, this isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience - it's personal, focused fishing at its finest.
Captain Sean runs a tight ship when it comes to putting you on fish. You'll start your morning meeting at the designated spot (park in the grass lot across the street), then head out to work the river channels, shallow flats, and productive inshore structure where stripers and mackerel feed. The beauty of Portsmouth fishing is the variety - one minute you're drifting live mackerel baits over rocky bottom, the next you're casting swimbaits to breaking fish in the shallows. Sean's been working these waters for years and reads the conditions like a book. Water temperature, tide movement, bait activity - he factors it all in to put you where the action is happening. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing; Sean's patient instruction will have you handling gear like a pro.
This trip showcases the versatility of Portsmouth fishing. Captain Sean comes loaded with live mackerel when they're available - nothing beats a fresh, frisky mackerel for drawing strikes from trophy stripers. You'll also work with various lures and swimbaits that mimic the baitfish these predators can't resist. The tackle setup varies depending on conditions and target areas. In the river channels, you might be bouncing baits along the bottom structure. Out on the flats, you could be sight-casting to cruising fish. Sean provides all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle, plus he's constantly adjusting techniques based on what the fish are telling him. Live bait fishing requires patience and feel - you'll learn to detect those subtle taps and how to set the hook when a striper inhales your offering.
"Even though we never caught a fish, it was a good trip. It was just bad luck water temps were so low and extremely heavy fog that never burned off till noon. Yet it was still good to be on the Water. Sean did great job getting us to fishing locations safely. During the trip we were able to talk with other fisherman who were not having any luck either." - Dennis
"Great Time, Great weather, Great Captain and he worked hard for us and we scored Big. Thanks again Sean." - Maurice Lemieux
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Portsmouth fishing, and for good reason. These powerful fish can range anywhere from schoolie size up to genuine trophies pushing 40+ inches. Stripers are incredibly smart and adaptable - they'll cruise the shallow flats hunting for bait, then drop into deeper channels during temperature changes. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving in and out based on bait availability and water temps. What makes catching stripers so addictive is their fight - they'll make blistering runs, jump, and use every trick in the book to throw your hook. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within slot limits. Portsmouth's striper population benefits from both resident fish and the massive migrations that move through these waters seasonally.
Atlantic mackerel might be smaller than stripers, but they're scrappy fighters that provide non-stop action when you find them. These silver bullets travel in schools and when you hook into one, you're usually looking at multiple fish. Mackerel are most abundant during their spring and fall migrations, and they make fantastic bait for the bigger stripers you're really after. They hit hard, fight surprisingly well for their size, and are delicious whether you're smoking them, grilling them, or using them fresh for bait. Finding mackerel often means stripers aren't far behind - these two species have a predator-prey relationship that works perfectly for anglers targeting both.
Captain Sean's 4-hour Portsmouth charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want - quality time on productive water with a guide who knows how to find fish. The intimate 2-person capacity means you're not fighting for rod space or competing for the captain's attention. Whether you're looking to land your personal best striper, stock up on fresh mackerel, or just enjoy a day of world-class fishing on New Hampshire's coast, this trip delivers. Remember to park in the grass lot across from the meeting point, bring your fishing license, and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing the Northeast has to offer. Book now and see why anglers keep coming back to fish with Captain Sean.
Captain Sean Tracey's motorboat is perfectly rigged for chasing stripers and mackerel in Portsmouth's productive waters. This fishing machine comes equipped with a reliable fish finder to mark schools and structure, plus GPS navigation to hit the hottest spots on the River, Flats, and inshore grounds. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh while the VHF radio ensures safe communication on the water. Built for serious angling, this boat handles live mackerel presentations and swim bait techniques with ease. Whether you're working the shallow flats or deeper inshore structure, this well-equipped vessel gives you and one fishing partner the perfect platform to target trophy striped bass in New Hampshire's prime fishing waters.
Scomber ScombrusAtlantic mackerel are small but scrappy fighters, usually running 12-16 inches and packed with energy. These silver-blue fish with dark wavy bars travel in massive schools through our coastal waters, making for fast action when you find them. They're pelagic fish, meaning they roam the open water column, and summer is when they move closest to shore. What guests love about mackerel fishing is the non-stop action - when you hit a school, everyone on board is hooked up. They're also fantastic eating, rich in healthy oils with a bold flavor that's perfect grilled or smoked. Here's a local trick: use small shiny spoons or sabiki rigs dropped right into the school. The key is speed - these fish are aggressive feeders, so don't be gentle with your jigging. We often use them as live bait for stripers too.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of our Portsmouth waters, running anywhere from 20-40 pounds with that classic silver body and dark horizontal stripes. These fish love structure - you'll find them around drop-offs, rocky ledges, and along the flats where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time here, especially during the migration when schools move through our area. What makes stripers so popular is their hard fight - they'll make solid runs and test your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, flaky white meat. My local tip: when we're fishing the Piscataqua River, watch for birds working the surface. That's your sign the stripers are pushing bait up, and that's when you want your line in the water. These fish are smart, so we rotate between live mackerel and swimbaits to keep them interested.
5.0 out of 5.0Even though we never caught a fish, it was a good trip. It was just bad luck water temps were so low and extremely heavy fog that ...
Dennis. Thank you! You folks were awesome. You and Carrie were real troupers enduring a cold and pea...
Great Time, Great weather, Great Captain and he worked hard for us and we scored Big. Thanks again Sean.
Portsmouth, NH