5.0(4 Reviews)Portsmouth Striped Bass Charter | 4-Hour Trip
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore charter targeting striped bass and mackerelCaptain Sean Tracey guides trips using live bait and luresSmall group experience accommodates up to two guests maximum
Join Captain Sean Tracey for a top-rated inshore fishing adventure targeting New Hampshire's famous striped bass and Atlantic mackerel. This 4-hour Portsmouth charter takes you to the River, Flats, and prime inshore waters where the fish are feeding. With room for just 2 anglers, you'll get personalized attention and expert guidance from a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to saltwater fishing, Sean will put you on fish using proven techniques and the best local spots along New Hampshire's coast.
Your day starts at the Portsmouth marina where you'll meet Captain Sean and get set up with all the gear you need. This isn't a crowded party boat experience - with only 2 guests max, you'll have plenty of room to fish and learn. Sean knows exactly where the stripers are holding, from the productive flats where they ambush baitfish to the deeper channels where bigger fish cruise. The boat is rigged with quality rods, reels, and tackle, so all you need to bring is your fishing license, some snacks, and a cooler for your catch. The intimate setting means Sean can teach you his techniques, help you read the water, and make sure you're fishing the right spots at the right time.
Captain Sean runs a serious fishing operation using live mackerel - the absolute best bait for trophy striped bass in these waters. There's nothing like watching a 30-inch striper slam a live mackerel right at the boat. You'll also fish with lures and swim baits depending on conditions, giving you multiple shots at success throughout the day. Sean knows when to drift the flats, when to anchor up in the channels, and when to work the structure where big bass like to hide. The mix of live bait and artificials means you're always fishing effectively, whether the bass are feeding aggressively or being finicky. This isn't just chuck-and-chance fishing - it's strategic angling with a captain who's put in his time learning these waters.
"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
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of New England fishing, and Portsmouth waters hold some beautiful fish. These powerful predators can range from schoolie size up to trophy fish over 40 inches. Spring through fall is prime time, with fish moving in and out of the Piscataqua River system following baitfish. Stripers are smart, strong fighters that will test your drag and make multiple runs. They're ambush predators that love structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where they can pin baitfish against the bottom or shoreline. What makes them special is their incredible fight - they'll peel line, jump, and make you work for every fish. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within regulations.
Atlantic Mackerel are not just great bait - they're fantastic sport fish in their own right. These silver bullets show up in huge schools during their seasonal migrations, providing fast-paced action that's perfect for warming up before targeting the stripers. Mackerel are aggressive feeders that will hit small jigs, spoons, and sabiki rigs with multiple hooks. When you find a school, it's often fish after fish until your arms get tired. They're beautiful fish with their blue-green backs and wavy black stripes, and they're some of the best eating you'll find in New England waters. Captain Sean often starts trips by loading up on fresh mackerel to use as live bait for the stripers later in the day.
This world-class Portsmouth fishing charter fills up fast, especially during prime striper season. With Captain Sean's local knowledge, quality gear, and proven techniques, you're setting yourself up for the best possible day on the water. The 2-person limit means you won't be fighting crowds or waiting for your turn to fish. Remember to park in the grass lot across from the marina, bring your New Hampshire saltwater fishing license, and come ready for some serious angling. Whether you're looking to land your personal best striped bass or just want to experience some of New England's finest inshore fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Book now and get ready to see why Portsmouth is considered one of the top striper destinations on the East Coast.
Captain Sean Tracey's motorboat is perfectly rigged for chasing stripers and mackerel in Portsmouth's productive waters. This well-equipped vessel handles the River, Flats, and inshore runs with ease, giving you and one other angler plenty of room to work. The fish finder helps locate schools while the GPS keeps you on the hottest spots. Stay connected with marine VHF radio and keep your catch fresh in the onboard ice box. Whether you're working live mackerel baits along the structure or casting lures in the shallows, this boat puts you right where the fish are feeding. The setup is ideal for targeting trophy striped bass using Captain Tracey's proven techniques in New Hampshire's prime fishing grounds.
Scomber ScombrusThese fast-swimming schoolers are perfect for action-packed fishing. Most run 12-16 inches and about a pound, but they make up for size with numbers and speed. You'll find them in schools that can stretch for miles in open water, usually 20-50 feet down. Summer is peak season when they move closer to shore to feed. Mackerel are aggressive biters that hit hard and fight fast - great for kids and anyone wanting constant action. Plus, they're excellent eating with that rich, oily meat. The trick here is finding the schools first - look for birds working the surface or bait showing on the fish finder. Once you locate them, small shiny lures or sabiki rigs work best. They'll often bite as fast as you can drop your line.
Morone SaxatilisThese iconic fighters are what make our Portsmouth waters special. Stripers typically run 20-40 pounds here, with those distinctive dark stripes running down their silver sides. They love structure - you'll find them around drop-offs, sand bars, and rocky areas in 10-30 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily during their migration. What makes them so popular? They fight hard, taste great, and grow big. The key around here is fishing the moving water during tide changes - that's when they're most active. I like to position near the channel edges where the current breaks, using live mackerel or swim baits. These fish are smart, so matching your bait to what they're feeding on that day makes all the difference.
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...
Portsmouth, NH