5.0(2 Reviews)Newburyport Morning Striped Bass & Bluefish Charter
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Morning charter targets striped bass and bluefish inshore watersCaptain Paul provides equipment, bait, and fishing licenses includedFourhour trip accommodates six anglers of all experience levels
Captain Paul knows these Newburyport waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 4-hour morning charter targets two of New England's most popular inshore species - striped bass and bluefish - in the productive waters around Massachusetts' North Shore. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to bend some rods or a seasoned angler wanting to explore new fishing grounds, this top-rated charter delivers consistent action with professional guidance. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for family trips, buddy outings, or corporate groups who want to experience world-class fishing without the long run to offshore grounds.
Your morning starts early when fish are most active and feeding aggressively in the cooler water temperatures. Captain Paul provides all the essential gear - quality rods, reels, and tackle specifically chosen for targeting stripers and blues in local conditions. Your fishing license is covered, and fresh bait is included, so you can focus entirely on fishing rather than logistics. The charter runs efficiently to maximize your time with lines in the water, hitting productive spots where Captain Paul has been consistently finding fish. You'll learn proper techniques for reading the water, understanding tidal movements, and recognizing the signs that indicate feeding fish below. Just pack your own snacks and beverages, and everything else is handled for a smooth day on the water.
This inshore charter employs a variety of proven methods depending on conditions and fish behavior. Live bait fishing with pogies, herring, or eels often produces the biggest stripers, especially when worked around structure or tidal rips where bass ambush prey. When bluefish are schooled up and feeding aggressively, switching to chunk bait or even lures can trigger explosive strikes. Captain Paul reads the sonar to locate bait schools and works the edges where predators patrol. Depending on the tide and season, you might find yourself drifting over rocky bottom, anchored on a productive edge, or even sight-casting to surface-feeding fish. The key is staying flexible and letting the fish tell you what they want - something Captain Paul excels at after years of fishing these waters.
"Capt. Paul put us on the fish! Caught bait, then went after the stripers and did very well!" - Bradley
"Great captain and mate. We caught some nice stripers. Looking forward to coming back to do a tuna trip." - Rick
Striped bass are the crown jewel of New England inshore fishing, and Newburyport's waters consistently produce quality fish from spring through fall. These hard-fighting game fish can range from schoolie-sized 18-inchers up to trophy bass pushing 40+ pounds. Stripers are most active during moving tides, especially the two hours before and after high or low water. They're ambush predators that use structure, current breaks, and bait schools to their advantage. What makes striped bass so special is their intelligence - they can be incredibly finicky one day and aggressive the next, keeping even experienced anglers on their toes. The fight is legendary, with powerful runs and head-shaking jumps that test your drag system and technique.
Bluefish bring raw power and aggression that's unmatched in inshore waters. These voracious predators travel in schools and create feeding frenzies that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Blues typically range from 2-10 pounds in local waters, though larger fish show up during peak migration periods in late spring and early fall. They're not picky eaters - when bluefish are feeding, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them with bone-jarring strikes. Their razor-sharp teeth and never-quit attitude make every hookup a battle from start to finish. Bluefish also make excellent table fare when bled and iced immediately, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
Morning charters book up fast, especially during prime fishing months when both stripers and blues are most active in local waters. Captain Paul's reputation for putting anglers on fish has made this charter a customer favorite among both locals and visiting fishermen. The 6-person capacity means you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably without crowding. This is your chance to fish with a seasoned captain who knows exactly where to find fish and how to catch them consistently. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to saltwater fishing, celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy a morning pursuing two of the region's best game fish, this charter delivers the goods. Don't wait - prime dates fill up quickly, and you don't want to miss out on what could be your best fishing trip of the season.
Captain Paul's 2006 Downeast fishing vessel "The Duffy" is built for serious angling in Newburyport's productive inshore waters. This solid 38-foot boat cuts through the waves with a reliable 440HP Yanmar engine, cruising comfortably at 25 knots to get you on the fish fast. The spacious deck accommodates up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to fight stripers and blues without getting tangled up. Modern fish finder and GPS keep you positioned over the best structure, while the wireless trolling motor lets you work productive areas quietly. Between fishing spots, you'll appreciate the onboard kitchen, comfortable sleeping quarters, and head facilities. A multimedia system and refrigerator add convenience during those longer battles with bigger fish. The Duffy's proven Downeast design handles New England's coastal conditions with confidence, giving you a stable platform whether you're casting lures or working live bait for those morning bass that Captain Paul knows how to find.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that show up in our waters from mid-June through October, and they're absolute fighters pound for pound. Most of what we catch runs 2-8 pounds, though we'll see some bigger ones pushing 15+ pounds later in the season. They travel in schools and love to attack bait in shallow water, creating those famous "bluefish blitzes" where the water just erupts with feeding fish. You'll find them around sandy bottom areas, tidal rivers, and anywhere there's moving bait. What guests love about blues is their attitude - they hit hard and fight dirty, making screaming runs. They're also great table fare when handled right, with rich, flaky meat. Pro tip: have your wire leaders ready because those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When you hook one, expect company - where there's one blue, there's usually a whole school.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of our local waters, running from schoolies around 18-20 inches up to keepers in the 28-35 inch range. These fish love structure - rocky points, drop-offs, and current breaks where baitfish get pushed around. Peak season here runs May through October, with some of the best action during morning hours when they're actively feeding near the surface. What makes stripers special is their fight - they'll make long runs and put a real bend in your rod. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's a local trick: watch for diving birds working bait pods. When you see that commotion, get your lines in the water fast. The stripers are usually right underneath, feeding hard on whatever the birds are after.
5.0 out of 5.0Capt. Paul put us on the fish! Caught bait, then went after the stripers and did very well!
Great captain and mate. We caught some nice stripers. Looking forward to coming back to do a tuna trip.
Newburyport, MA