4.8(4 Reviews)Full Day Newburyport Striped Bass & Bluefish Charter
4.8(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour charter targeting striped bass and bluefish inshoreAll equipment, tackle, bait and licenses included onboardCaptain Paul guides up to six anglers daily
When you book this 8-hour fishing charter with Captain Paul and Hogg Tide Charters, you're getting access to some of the best inshore fishing waters around Newburyport. This isn't just another day on the water – it's a proper fishing adventure where you'll target two of New England's most sought-after species: striped bass and bluefish. Captain Paul knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. Everything you need is included – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even your fishing license – so you can focus on what matters most: catching fish.
Your full-day charter starts early from Newburyport, giving you maximum time to work the productive inshore waters where stripers and blues love to hunt. Captain Paul runs a tight ship that can handle up to 6 anglers comfortably, making this perfect for family trips, buddy outings, or corporate groups. The boat is equipped with top-quality gear, but if you've got lucky rods or favorite tackle, bring them along. The captain's local knowledge really shines here – he knows which structures hold fish during different tides, where the bait schools up, and how to adjust tactics as conditions change throughout the day. You'll cover a lot of water, hitting multiple spots to maximize your chances of connecting with active fish. Since meals aren't provided, pack a cooler with food and drinks to keep everyone comfortable during the long day on the water.
Captain Paul employs a variety of proven techniques depending on what the fish are doing and where they're holding. Expect to do some live bait fishing, especially when the mackerel are thick – these make deadly bait for big stripers. You'll also work with chunk baits, swimbaits, and topwater lures when conditions are right. The charter focuses on both drift fishing over productive bottom structure and trolling along edges where baitfish concentrate. Wire line trolling is often the ticket for reaching stripers holding in deeper water, while casting to surface action gets your heart pumping when the fish are feeding aggressively. The captain provides all the gear, including different rod setups for various techniques, but he's always happy to share tips on technique and local tactics that produce fish year after year. Whether you're learning to read a fish finder or perfecting your drag settings for a big striper run, you'll pick up valuable skills during this extended time on the water.
"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's waters consistently produce quality fish. These chrome-sided fighters typically range from schoolie size up to trophy fish over 40 inches, with the best action happening from late spring through fall. Stripers are structure-oriented fish that love rocky areas, drop-offs, and current breaks where they can ambush baitfish. What makes them so exciting to target is their fighting ability – a good striper will make multiple runs, often heading straight for the bottom or toward structure to try and break you off. They're also incredibly smart fish that can be finicky about presentation, making each hookup feel earned. The Newburyport area offers diverse striper habitat, from shallow flats where they chase bait to deeper channels where the big fish cruise.
Bluefish bring a completely different energy to the trip with their aggressive nature and razor-sharp teeth. These fish are pure predators that travel in schools and feed with reckless abandon when conditions are right. Blues typically show up in good numbers during summer and early fall, ranging from snapper-sized fish up to chopper blues that can exceed 15 pounds. When you hook into a bluefish, you know it immediately – they fight dirty with head shakes, runs, and acrobatic jumps. What anglers love about targeting blues is the fast action they provide, especially when you locate a feeding school. They'll hit almost anything that moves, from metal jigs to live bait, and they're excellent table fare when handled properly. The key with bluefish is being ready for their sharp teeth and aggressive strikes that can catch you off guard if you're not paying attention.
This full-day charter with Hogg Tide Charters gives you the best shot at connecting with quality striped bass and bluefish in some of New England's most productive waters. Captain Paul's experience and local knowledge, combined with quality gear and an 8-hour timeframe, create the perfect recipe for a successful day of fishing. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to the sport, celebrate a special occasion, or just get out for some serious fishing with friends, this charter delivers the goods. The boat handles up to 6 anglers, making it ideal for groups who want a private fishing experience without the crowds. Everything's included except your food and drinks, so all you need to do is show up ready to fish. Don't wait too long to book – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak fishing season when the stripers and blues are most active.
Captain Paul's 2006 Downeast vessel "The Duffy" is built for serious fishing in Newburyport's productive inshore waters. This sturdy 38-footer runs on a reliable 440HP Yanmar diesel that'll cruise you to the bass grounds at 25 knots, giving you maximum fishing time. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful day targeting stripers and blues - GPS to mark productive spots, fish finder to locate schools, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches to structure. Between fishing spots, you'll appreciate the onboard fridge for keeping drinks cold, full galley for meal prep, head for convenience, and even a berth if someone needs a quick rest. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining during travel time. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work multiple rods without crowding. Captain Paul provides all the tackle, but the boat's layout gives you room to bring your own gear too.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive feeders that'll hit just about anything you throw at them, typically running 3-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find them in schools working the surf, around jetties, and over sandy bottom from mid-June through October when they follow bait north. They're known for their "blitz" feeding where they tear through baitfish like a washing machine - pure chaos on the surface. What guests love is the non-stop action once you find them, plus smaller "snapper" blues are perfect for kids to catch in late summer. Pro tip: use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - those teeth will cut through regular line in seconds.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the prize catch around here, running 20-40 pounds with those signature dark stripes down their silver sides. These fish love structure - rocky points, drop-offs, and tide lines where baitfish get pushed around. Spring through fall brings the best action as they migrate up our coast, feeding heavily on pogies and herring. What makes them special is that hard pull when they hit - they're strong fighters that'll test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. My tip: watch for diving birds working bait schools. When you see that commotion, get your line in fast because the stripers are usually right underneath, feeding aggressively.
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