5.0(2 Reviews)Newburyport Afternoon Striped Bass Charter
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour afternoon charter targeting striped bass and bluefishAll equipment, bait, tackle, and licenses included onboardCaptain Paul guides up to six anglers near Newburyport
Looking for a solid afternoon of fishing without the dawn wake-up call? Captain Paul's got you covered with this 4-hour charter targeting two of New England's most reliable fighters - striped bass and bluefish. Operating out of Newburyport, this trip hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality fishing time without burning the whole day. You'll be fishing productive inshore waters where these species congregate, and with all gear, bait, and licenses included, you can focus on what matters most - putting fish in the boat.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation. With a max of 6 anglers, you get proper attention from Captain Paul and his first mate, plus enough elbow room to actually fish comfortably. The afternoon timing works perfectly - you're hitting the water when the fish are active and the morning boat traffic has settled down. Captain Paul knows these Newburyport waters like the back of his hand, rotating between his proven spots based on tides, bait movement, and current conditions. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, the crew adapts their approach to match your skill level. Bring your own snacks and drinks to keep energy up between hookups, because when the bass are feeding, things get busy fast.
You'll be working with quality spinning gear perfectly matched to target stripers and blues in these inshore waters. Captain Paul stocks the boat with fresh bait - think chunks, pogies, and whatever's working best that week. Live bait fishing is the bread and butter here, but don't be surprised if you're throwing artificials when the fish are aggressive. The crew handles all the rigging, from setting up your drag to tying on the right hooks for conditions. Bottom fishing around structure is productive, but be ready to switch tactics if schools of baitfish bring the action to mid-water. The beauty of fishing Newburyport's inshore grounds is the variety - you might be drifting over sandy bottom one moment and working rocky structure the next, each spot requiring slight adjustments to presentation and technique.
"Great day. Perfect weather. Great captain and 1st mate. Nice boat. We all caught fish. Our group of five never fished together or had ever done a group activity. But we had a blast. Thank you, Yoke and gang" - Yoke. "Caught a lot of fish. Had a great time. Captain very knowledgeable." - Kevin
Striped bass are the crown jewel of New England inshore fishing, and Newburyport's waters serve up some beauties. These fish are built for fighting - broad shoulders, powerful tails, and an attitude that keeps your drag singing. Spring through fall, stripers follow bait into these productive waters, with the best action often happening during moving tides. You'll find everything from schoolie bass around 18-28 inches to keeper-sized fish pushing 30+ inches. What makes stripers special is their intelligence - they're not pushovers like some species. They'll test your drag, run toward structure, and make you work for every fish. The meat is excellent too, with firm white fillets that are perfect on the grill.
Bluefish bring a completely different energy to your afternoon. These are aggressive predators with razor-sharp teeth and zero quit in them. When blues are feeding, they'll hit anything that moves, making for fast-paced action that gets everyone on the boat fired up. Newburyport sees good bluefish runs from late spring through early fall, with the prime months delivering fish in the 3-8 pound range. Blues are phenomenal table fare when handled properly - bleed them immediately and keep them cold. Their rich, flavorful meat works great smoked, grilled, or as fish cakes. Fair warning though - these fish have serious teeth, so let the crew handle the unhooking unless you've got experience with toothy critters.
Captain Paul's afternoon charters fill up fast, especially during peak season when the stripers and blues are most active. This top-rated Newburyport fishing experience delivers consistent action without the hassle of organizing gear or figuring out licenses. Four hours gives you quality fishing time while leaving your evening free, and the 6-person limit ensures everyone gets attention from the crew. With everything provided except your snacks and drinks, you're looking at a hassle-free way to get on some fish. Whether you're putting together a group outing or just want to spend an afternoon doing what you love, this charter hits all the marks for a customer favorite fishing trip in one of New England's most productive fishing areas.
The Duffy is a solid 2006 Downeast that knows these Newburyport waters inside and out. With her 440HP Yanmar engine pushing 25 knots, she'll get you to the productive striped bass and bluefish spots without burning half your fishing time getting there. Captain Paul has rigged her perfectly for inshore work – the fish finder helps locate schools while the wireless trolling motor lets you slip in quietly without spooking the fish. When you need a break between bites, grab a cold drink from the onboard fridge or use the multimedia system. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to work your lines, plus there's a bed, kitchen, and head onboard for longer days on the water. GPS keeps you on the best structure and ensures safe navigation back to port. Built tough for New England conditions, this Downeast design cuts through chop and handles weather changes that can pop up during afternoon fishing sessions.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are pure aggression on a hook - these blue-green torpedo-shaped fish hit hard and fight dirty with their razor-sharp teeth. Most run 3-15 pounds, but don't let size fool you; they punch way above their weight class. You'll find them cruising sandy harbors, tidal rivers, and along the beaches from mid-June through October when they follow baitfish north from warmer waters. What anglers love about bluefish is that non-stop action - they travel in schools and when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. They're also fantastic eating when fresh, with rich, oily meat that's perfect grilled. Pro tip: when you see that telltale "washing machine" churn on the surface, that's a bluefish blitz. Get any shiny lure or chunk bait in there quick and hang on tight.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are what most folks come out here hoping to hook. These silvery fighters with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds in our waters, though we see some real monsters pushing 50+ pounds during peak season. They love structure - rocky outcroppings, drop-offs, and around the mouth of the Merrimack where freshwater meets salt. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially during their migration runs when they're feeding heavy on pogies and mackerel. What makes stripers special is that powerful fight and their excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Here's a local tip: when the tide's moving and you see birds working the surface, get your live eel down to the bottom fast. That's when the big girls are hunting.
5.0 out of 5.0Great day. Perfect weather. Great captain and 1st mate. Nice boat. We all caught fish. Our group of five never fished together ...
Caught a lot of fish. Had a great time. Captain very knowledgeable.
Newburyport, MA