5.0(2 Reviews)Newburyport Afternoon Striped Bass & Bluefish Trip
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon charter targets striped bass and bluefishCaptain Paul provides experienced guidance on local watersAll equipment, bait, tackle, and licenses included
Looking for a solid afternoon of fishing without the full-day commitment? This 4-hour Newburyport charter with Captain Paul hits the sweet spot. You'll target two of the Northeast's most reliable fighters – striped bass and bluefish – in waters that consistently produce fish. Everything's included: rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even your fishing license. Just bring yourself, some snacks if you want, and get ready for some bent rods. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect whether you're flying solo, bringing the family, or organizing a group outing.
Captain Paul knows these Newburyport waters like the back of his hand, and that local knowledge makes all the difference when you're chasing stripers and blues. You'll launch in the afternoon when the bite often picks up, especially during moving tides. The boat's set up for comfort and efficiency – no wasted time getting to the fish. Expect to work structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where these species love to ambush baitfish. The 4-hour window gives you concentrated fishing time without burning the whole day, making it ideal for folks who want quality fishing but also have other plans. Captain Paul adapts to conditions and what's biting, so whether you're a beginner learning the ropes or an experienced angler looking to dial in your technique, you'll be in good hands.
You'll fish with medium to medium-heavy spinning gear perfectly suited for the target species. Captain Paul supplies everything – from the rods and reels down to the terminal tackle and fresh bait. Depending on conditions and what the fish are doing, you might be throwing live bait like pogies or mackerel, working soft plastics, or casting metal jigs. Stripers and blues often feed at different depths, so expect to adjust your approach throughout the trip. The captain will show you proper drift techniques, how to read your sounder, and the subtle differences in how these species fight. Blues hit hard and fast with those razor teeth, while stripers tend to make powerful runs and test your drag. You'll learn to feel the difference in their strikes and adjust your hookset accordingly. All gear is maintained and ready to go, so you can focus on fishing instead of rigging.
"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 Northeast inshore fishing, and Newburyport's waters host some excellent populations. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely beautiful with those distinctive horizontal stripes. Schoolies in the 18-28 inch range are common, with keeper-sized fish over 28 inches showing up regularly. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish feeding heavily on pogies, sand eels, and other baitfish. What makes stripers special is their fighting ability – they'll make long, powerful runs and use their body weight against you. The bigger fish especially know how to use structure and current to their advantage. Local stripers often school up around drop-offs and points where they can pin baitfish, making them predictable targets for experienced captains.
Bluefish bring pure aggression to your fishing day. These toothy predators attack in packs, creating some of the most action-packed fishing you'll find in New England waters. Blues typically range from 2-8 pounds in these waters, though bigger fish certainly show up. They're most active during summer months when water temperatures rise and baitfish are abundant. What every angler loves about bluefish is their willingness to bite – they're not particularly line-shy or finicky about presentation. When you find a school, the action can be non-stop with multiple hookups common. Their sharp teeth and aggressive nature make for exciting fights, and they're excellent table fare when handled properly. Blues often push baitfish to the surface, creating visible feeding activity that makes for spectacular fishing.
This afternoon charter delivers exactly what it promises – quality fishing time with an experienced captain who knows how to put you on fish. The 4-hour format gives you plenty of action without eating up your entire day, and having everything included means you can just show up ready to fish. Captain Paul's local knowledge and well-maintained gear stack the odds in your favor, whether you're after your first striper or looking to add to your season count. With only 6 spots available, this trip fills up quickly during peak season. Book now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action in one of Massachusetts' top fishing destinations.
Meet "The Duffy," a rock-solid 2006 Downeast vessel that's built for serious fishing in Newburyport waters. This proven workhorse packs a powerful 440HP Yanmar engine that'll get you to the best Striped Bass and Bluefish spots at a steady 25 knots. Captain Paul has equipped her with everything you need – fish finder to locate the action, GPS for precise navigation, and a wireless trolling motor for those sneaky approaches when the fish are finicky. Between casting sessions, you'll appreciate the onboard refrigerator for cold drinks, multimedia system for tunes, and even a full galley and head for longer days on the water. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers without feeling cramped, plus there's a berth if you need to rest between bites. She's a no-nonsense fishing machine that gets you where the fish are biting.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive feeders that'll hit just about anything you throw at them, making them perfect for action-packed trips. Most run 3-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find them in open water, around bait schools, and near structure from mid-June through October when they follow the warm water north. What guests love about bluefish is the non-stop action - when you find a school, it's usually game on until your arms get tired. They fight hard and are great eating when handled properly, though the smaller ones taste better. Fair warning: these fish will bite, so keep your fingers clear when unhooking. My local trick is to look for "bluefish blitz" - when they're churning the water like a washing machine chasing bait. Cast right into the chaos.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of our Newburyport waters, running anywhere from 20-40 pounds with those classic black stripes along their silver sides. These fish love structure - you'll find them around drop-offs, sand bars, and rocky areas where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time as they follow their migration route up the coast, with early morning and evening being your best shots. What makes stripers so popular is their strong fight and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also pretty forgiving for newer anglers. My go-to tip: watch for diving birds or surface activity. When you see commotion on the water, that's usually stripers pushing bait to the surface. Get your line in there quick and hold on tight.
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