Newburyport Striped Bass & Bluefish Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6-hour inshore charter targeting Striped Bass and BluefishAll equipment, bait, tackle, and licenses included onboardExpert Captain Paul guides up to 6 guests
Captain Paul knows these Newburyport waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 6-hour charter gives you plenty of time to work the productive inshore grounds where stripers and blues stack up. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone just getting their feet wet, Paul's got the local knowledge to make your day count. He'll have all the gear ready to go – quality rods, reels, fresh bait, and tackle that actually works. Your fishing license is covered too, so you can focus on what matters: getting your line wet and putting some fish in the cooler.
You'll meet Captain Paul at the dock in Newburyport, where the Merrimack River meets the Atlantic. This spot puts you within striking distance of some of the best striped bass and bluefish action on the North Shore. Paul runs a top-rated operation that accommodates up to 6 anglers, so you're not fighting for elbow room like on those packed party boats. The boat is rigged for serious fishing – downriggers, outriggers, and fish finders that'll help locate schools holding in the deeper channels. Most days, you'll start by working the river mouth where baitfish get pushed around by the current, then move offshore to structure where the bigger fish hang out. Paul's been running charters here for years, so he knows exactly where to find active fish based on the tide, wind, and season.
Paul employs a mix of live bait fishing and artificial lures depending on what the fish are showing him that day. For stripers, he'll often start with live mackerel or pogies drifted near structure, but don't be surprised if he switches to trolling umbrella rigs when fish are scattered. The blues typically fire up on fresh chunks of bunker or hit topwater plugs when they're feeding aggressively near the surface. You'll learn to read the fish finder, watch for bird activity, and recognize the subtle signs that separate productive water from dead zones. Paul provides Penn and Shimano reels spooled with quality line, plus a tackle box full of proven lures and rigs. He'll teach you how to work a jig properly, when to let a live bait swim naturally, and how to set the hook when you get that telltale tap. The boat stays mobile – if the bite slows down, you're moving to the next spot within minutes.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of New England fishing, and Newburyport's waters hold some real quality fish. These guys are smart, structure-oriented predators that can range from schoolie size up to 40-plus pound cows. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily during their migration, but summer fishing can be world-class when you find them holding around rocky bottom or channel edges. Stripers fight with power and endurance – they'll make blistering runs and use their broad sides to pull drag. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're excellent table fare when kept within regulations. Paul knows the local hotspots where these fish congregate, from the rocky points near Plum Island to the deeper channels where current creates ambush points.
Bluefish bring pure aggression to the mix. These toothy predators travel in schools and when you find them feeding, the action can be absolutely electric. Blues typically range from 3 to 12 pounds in these waters, with occasional larger fish pushing 15-plus pounds showing up during peak seasons. They're notorious for their violent strikes and acrobatic fights – expect screaming runs and head-shaking jumps that'll test your drag system. Summer into early fall is when blues really stack up here, often feeding so aggressively on baitfish that you can see the commotion from a mile away. They'll hit almost anything that moves, from spoons and plugs to fresh cut bait. Paul loves targeting them because they're a blast to catch and they make great sport for anglers of all skill levels.
This charter gives you the real deal – a full day with a captain who knows how to find fish and put his clients on them consistently. Six hours on the water means you're not rushed, and you'll have multiple opportunities to dial in on what's working. Paul's local expertise and quality equipment take the guesswork out of the equation, whether you're trying to land your first striper or add to your personal best. The fact that everything's included – gear, bait, tackle, and licenses – means you can just show up ready to fish. Bring your own food and drinks to stay comfortable throughout the day, and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing the North Shore has to offer. These productive waters and Paul's proven track record make this a customer favorite for good reason.
Hit the productive waters off Newburyport aboard "The Duffy," a solid 2006 Downeast built for serious fishing. This proven platform packs a 440HP Yanmar that'll cruise at 25 knots to get you on the fish fast. Captain Paul knows these inshore waters like the back of his hand, targeting stripers and blues in all the right spots. The boat's loaded with everything you need - fish finder to mark the schools, GPS for pinpoint navigation, plus a wireless trolling motor for those sneaky approaches when the fish are spooky. Between the onboard fridge to keep your catch fresh, full galley, head, and even a bunk for longer runs, you've got all the comforts while chasing that next keeper. With space for 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. All your tackle, bait, and licenses are covered, so just bring your appetite for some real New England fishing action.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are pure aggression with fins. These toothy predators usually weigh 3-15 pounds and have zero chill when they're feeding. They roam open water and surf zones, following bait schools like menhaden and anchovies. Mid-June through October is when they show up in our waters, and when they're here, the action can be non-stop. What guests love is the raw power - blues hit hard and fight dirty. They're also great eating when handled right, though the bigger ones have more flavor. My tip? Use wire leaders because those razor teeth will cut through mono instantly. When you find one bluefish, there's usually a whole school nearby.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of our local fishing scene. These silver fighters with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds around here, though we see bigger ones. They love structure - rocky outcrops, drop-offs, and current breaks where baitfish get pushed around. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their migration when they're feeding heavy. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great, and are smart fish that keep you thinking. The real trick is fishing the moving water at dawn or dusk when they're actively hunting. Watch for birds working bait schools - that's where you'll find feeding stripers.
Newburyport, MA