4.8(4 Reviews)Full Day Newburyport Striped Bass & Bluefish Charter
4.8(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour charter targets striped bass and bluefish inshore watersCaptain Paul provides local expertise and all fishing equipment includedAccommodates six guests with licenses and tackle provided onboard
Captain Paul knows these Newburyport waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish during this epic 8-hour fishing adventure. When you're targeting striped bass and bluefish in Massachusetts waters, you want someone who understands the tides, knows where the baitfish are schooling, and can adjust tactics on the fly. This full-day charter gives you serious time on the water – enough to hit multiple spots, dial in your technique, and really get into the rhythm of what these fish are doing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain Paul provides all the gear you need and takes care of your fishing license, so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat.
Eight hours gives you the luxury of really exploring what Newburyport's inshore waters have to offer. You're not rushing from spot to spot – instead, you're working the water methodically, reading the conditions, and adapting as the day unfolds. Captain Paul starts by checking current conditions and recent reports, then heads to productive areas where stripers and blues have been active. The boat accommodates up to six anglers, making it perfect for family trips or small groups of friends who want to share the experience without feeling crowded. You'll cover a variety of inshore structure – rocky points, sandy flats, river mouths, and areas where baitfish tend to concentrate. The extended time on the water means if one spot isn't producing, you've got plenty of opportunity to relocate and find where the fish are feeding. Pack your own food and drinks since you'll be out there all day, and don't forget sunscreen and a hat – eight hours under the New England sun adds up fast.
Captain Paul comes equipped with quality rods, reels, and a full tackle selection that's dialed in for striped bass and bluefish fishing. Depending on conditions and what the fish are doing, you might be live-lining mackerel, casting topwater plugs during the early morning bite, or working soft plastics along structure. The beauty of a full-day trip is having time to try multiple approaches – if the fish aren't hitting artificials, you can switch to bait and vice versa. You'll learn to read the fish finder, understand how tide changes affect feeding patterns, and pick up techniques that'll make you a better angler long after this trip ends. The rods are matched to the fishing you'll be doing, with enough backbone to handle bigger stripers but sensitive enough to feel those subtle bluefish taps. Captain Paul stocks fresh bait and a variety of lures, from swimming plugs that mimic local baitfish to jigs that work well when fish are holding tight to bottom structure. He'll show you proper technique for each method and help you understand why certain approaches work better under different conditions.
"What a great time with my grandsons, an experience they won't forget" - Thorin. "Had fun catching several dozen mackeral for live bait later. Afterwards, caught a few nice stripers including a 38 inch fish which was a nice memory for a 1st time experience for my daughter's friend who accompanied us. Wish the opportunity to catch more was longer but we still all enjoyed the trip very much, it was a very nice day all in all." - Joe
Striped bass are the crown jewel of New England inshore fishing, and Newburyport waters consistently produce quality fish from late spring through fall. These fish are incredibly smart and adaptable, which makes them such a rewarding target. You'll encounter schoolie bass in the 18-28 inch range that fight like fish twice their size, plus the real prizes – those 30+ inch fish that have the weight and power to test your drag system. Stripers are structure-oriented and feed heavily on the abundant baitfish in these waters, including mackerel, herring, and sand eels. They're most active during moving water, so Captain Paul times the fishing around optimal tide phases. What makes striped bass so exciting to catch is their aggressive strikes and sustained runs – they don't give up easily, and even smaller fish will put a serious bend in your rod. The best action typically happens during dawn and dusk periods, but a full-day trip lets you fish through different light conditions and see how these fish behave throughout the day.
Bluefish bring pure aggression and excitement to every trip, with their razor-sharp teeth and relentless feeding style. These fish travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be absolutely wild – multiple hookups, bent rods everywhere, and fish that fight from the moment they feel the hook until they hit the deck. Newburyport's bluefish typically range from 2-8 pounds, with some bigger fish mixed in during peak season. They're not picky eaters, which makes them perfect for anglers still learning the ropes, but their speed and power challenge even experienced fishermen. Bluefish are known for their incredible strikes – they hit lures and baits with authority, and you'll know immediately when one's on the line. They're excellent eating when handled properly, and Captain Paul can give you tips on proper care if you want to take some home. The key with blues is being ready when the school moves through – they might feed aggressively for 20 minutes then disappear, which is why having an experienced captain who knows their patterns makes all the difference.
This top-rated full-day charter gives you everything needed for a successful day of fishing – experienced guidance, quality gear, and access to some of Massachusetts' most productive striped bass and bluefish waters. Captain Paul's local knowledge and commitment to putting clients on fish has made this a customer favorite among anglers looking for a comprehensive inshore fishing experience. Eight hours on the water means you're not watching the clock – you're focused on fishing,
The Duffy is a solid 2006 Downeast that knows these New England waters inside and out. With 440 horses of Yanmar power pushing her along at 25 knots, you'll reach the productive striped bass and bluefish grounds around Newburyport with time to spare. Captain Paul has rigged her perfectly for serious fishing - GPS and fish finder help locate the schools, while the wireless trolling motor lets you drift quietly over structure without spooking fish. Between fishing spots, grab a cold drink from the onboard fridge or use the multimedia system. When the bite slows, there's a full kitchen, comfortable bed, and head onboard for those long days chasing stripers. This boat handles six anglers comfortably with plenty of deck space for fighting fish and room to move around when lines get crossed. Built tough for these coastal waters, she's your floating base camp for an 8-hour hunt across Newburyport's best inshore fishing grounds.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are pure aggression on the end of your line. These torpedo-shaped fighters typically run 3-15 pounds around here, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find them cruising open water and along sandy beaches, especially when baitfish are thick. Summer into early fall is when they really turn on, and once you hook into a school, the action can be non-stop. What guests love about bluefish is their fierce fight - they'll make screaming runs and never give up easy. Plus, smaller blues are fantastic eating when prepared fresh. Fair warning though: these fish will bite anything, including your fingers, so handle with care. When you see that telltale "bluefish blitz" with water churning white, drop everything and get your lures in there - it's some of the most exciting fishing you'll ever experience.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are what make this fishery special. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive dark stripes run 20-40 pounds on average, though we see some pushing 50+ during peak season. They love structure - think rocky points, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish gather. Spring through fall is prime time here in Newburyport waters, with the best action often happening at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes stripers so popular is their strong fight and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also smart fish, so you need to stay sharp. My go-to tip: watch for birds diving on bait pods. When you see that commotion, get your lines in the water fast because the stripers are usually right underneath, feeding hard.
4.8 out of 5.0Had a great time with Captain Hogg! We had experience and amateurs in our trip and captain Paul was patient and a good teacher. We...
Thank you!
What a great time with my grandsons, an experience they won't forget
Had fun catching several dozen mackeral for live bait later. Afterwards, caught a few nice stripers including a 38 inch fish which...
Newburyport, MA