Newburyport Striped Bass & Bluefish Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore charter targeting Striped Bass and BluefishCaptain Paul provides expert guidance for all skill levelsAll equipment, bait, tackle, and licenses included onboard
Captain Paul knows these Newburyport waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. This 6-hour charter gives you serious time to work the productive inshore grounds where stripers and blues feed hard. Whether you're just getting started or you've been chasing fish for years, Paul's got the local knowledge to make your day count. Everything's included – rods, reels, bait, tackle, even your fishing license – so you can focus on what matters: getting tight to some quality fish.
You'll meet Captain Paul at the Newburyport dock ready for a full afternoon of fishing the Merrimack River mouth and surrounding inshore waters. These areas hold fish consistently because of the structure, current breaks, and baitfish concentrations that draw hungry stripers and aggressive bluefish. Paul runs a clean, well-equipped boat that comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, giving everyone room to fish without getting tangled up. The captain's approach is straightforward – find the bait, find the fish, and put you in position to succeed. He'll adjust techniques based on conditions, whether that means working live bait around structure or casting lures to breaking fish. Pack your own food and drinks to stay fueled during the 6-hour trip, and don't forget sunscreen and a hat. Paul provides quality gear, but feel free to bring your favorite rod if you prefer fishing with familiar equipment.
Captain Paul employs proven methods that produce fish in these waters. Live bait fishing with mackerel, herring, or sea worms works exceptionally well for striped bass, especially when worked near rocky structure or current edges where these fish ambush prey. For bluefish, both live bait and artificials are effective – Paul often has guests casting metal jigs, soft plastics, or topwater plugs when blues are feeding aggressively on the surface. The beauty of fishing Newburyport's inshore waters is the variety of structure and depth changes. You might work shallow flats in the morning, then move to deeper channels where bigger fish hold. Paul reads the water, watches for bird activity, and uses his fish finder to locate schools. He'll teach you how to feel the bite, set the hook properly, and fight fish effectively. The gear provided includes medium to heavy action rods paired with quality reels spooled with appropriate line for the target species. Circle hooks are standard for live bait fishing, which helps with fish survival if you're releasing your catch.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of New England inshore fishing, and Newburyport's waters produce some beauties. These fish are incredibly smart and can be picky about what they eat, which makes landing one even more satisfying. Schoolie bass in the 18-28 inch range are common and fight hard for their size, while keeper-sized fish over 28 inches provide the kind of battles that make your arms burn. Stripers are most active during moving tides, particularly around dawn and dusk, though Paul knows specific spots that produce throughout the day. What makes striped bass special is their willingness to take both live bait and lures – you might catch one on a chunk of mackerel, then immediately hook another on a soft plastic. They're also excellent table fare when kept within regulations.
Bluefish bring pure aggression to your fishing experience. These toothy predators attack baits and lures with incredible ferocity, often hooking themselves before you even realize you have a bite. Blues in the 3-8 pound range are typical in these waters, though larger choppers show up when conditions align. They school heavily during summer and early fall, creating feeding frenzies that are absolutely wild to witness. When bluefish are feeding on top, the water looks like it's boiling with baitfish getting hammered from below while birds dive from above. Paul positions the boat to intercept these schools, and the action can be non-stop when you find them. Bluefish are also fantastic eating when handled properly – bleed them immediately and keep them cold for the best flavor.
This Hogg Tide Charters experience delivers exactly what serious anglers want – quality time on productive water with a captain who knows how to find fish. Captain Paul's local knowledge, combined with top-notch equipment and a full 6-hour window, gives you the best shot at memorable catches. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, target specific species, or simply enjoy a day of solid fishing, this charter has you covered. The Newburyport area offers some of the most consistent inshore fishing on the East Coast, and there's no substitute for having an experienced local guide put you on the action. Don't wait – prime fishing dates fill up quickly, especially during peak season when the fish are most active.
The Duffy is a reliable 2006 Downeast vessel built for serious fishing in Newburyport waters. Captain Paul's boat runs on a powerful 440HP Yanmar engine that cruises smoothly at 25 knots, getting you to the best striped bass and bluefish spots quickly. The fish finder helps locate schools while GPS keeps you on productive waters. A wireless trolling motor lets you move quietly when fish are finicky. Between fishing action, you'll appreciate the onboard refrigerator for keeping drinks cold, plus a full kitchen, bed, and toilet for comfort during your 6-hour charter. The multimedia system adds convenience while you wait for the next bite. This sturdy fishing platform accommodates up to 6 anglers and handles Newburyport's inshore conditions with ease, giving you plenty of room to fight those hard-pulling stripers and aggressive blues that make these waters famous.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that'll hit just about anything you throw at them, typically weighing 3-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They travel in schools through our inshore waters, especially around bait pods in 10-40 feet. Summer into early fall is when they really show up here, and you'll often see them in feeding frenzies that churn the water white. Guests love blues because they fight hard and hit fast - great action for beginners and kids. They're also excellent table fare when handled properly, with rich, flaky meat. Pro tip: always bring wire leaders or heavy mono - those teeth will cut through regular line in a heartbeat. When you see diving birds, get there quick.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of our local waters, running anywhere from 20-40 pounds with those distinctive dark stripes down their silver sides. These fish love structure - you'll find them around rocks, drop-offs, and sandy bottoms where they hunt for baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time here in Newburyport, especially during their migration when they're feeding heavily. What makes stripers special is their fight - they're strong, stubborn fish that'll test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. My tip? Watch for working birds diving on bait schools. That's where you'll find hungry stripers underneath, and live eels fished near the bottom in those spots rarely fail.
Newburyport, MA