5.0(1 Reviews)Expert Guided Striped Bass and Bluefish Charters
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour fly fishing charter targeting bluefish and striped bassInshore Massachusetts waters with experienced local guide serviceSmall group experience accommodating up to two guests maximum
Picture this: you're standing on the bow at sunrise, salt spray hitting your face as we cruise to the perfect spot where striped bass and bluefish are actively feeding. Our 4-hour fly fishing charters put you right in the action, targeting two of Massachusetts' most sought-after inshore species. This isn't your typical pond fishing – we're talking about aggressive gamefish that'll test your skills and give you stories to tell for years. With breakfast included and gear provided, all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and maybe a few extra flies because these fish can be picky eaters.
We keep our charters intimate with just 2 anglers maximum, so you get personalized attention and plenty of casting room. The morning starts early with a hot breakfast to fuel up before we head out into Massachusetts Bay or the productive flats around Plum Island. These waters are legendary among fly fishermen – the mix of structure, baitfish, and tidal flow creates perfect conditions for both stripers and blues to ambush prey. You'll be sight fishing most of the time, watching for surface activity, bird work, or that telltale swirl that means gamefish are feeding below. The 4-hour window gives us enough time to hit multiple spots without wearing you out, especially if you're new to saltwater fly fishing.
We'll be using 8 to 10-weight fly rods depending on conditions and target species, paired with intermediate or sinking lines to get flies down to feeding fish. The technique here is all about matching the hatch – when sand eels are thick, we'll throw slender baitfish patterns, but when the pogies are around, bigger Deceiver-style flies get the nod. Strip retrieves vary based on what the fish want that day; sometimes a slow, steady strip mimics wounded bait perfectly, other times an erratic fast retrieve triggers aggressive strikes. We'll teach you to read the water, watch for diving birds that signal feeding fish below, and time your casts to moving schools. The key is staying mobile and adapting – inshore fly fishing is as much about fish-finding as it is about presentation.
"Great day on the water with Michael. Expert knowledge of the area and great day on the water." - David
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Massachusetts inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish range from schoolie-sized 20-inchers up to trophy bass pushing 40+ pounds, though most of what we encounter on fly runs 24 to 32 inches – perfect fish that fight hard without completely destroying your tackle. Stripers are ambush predators that love structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where baitfish get disoriented. Peak season runs May through October, with fall offering some of the best fly fishing action as bass gorge themselves before winter migration. What makes them special is their intelligence – they can be incredibly selective, requiring perfect fly presentation and sometimes multiple fly changes to figure out what they want.
Bluefish bring pure aggression to the table, earning their nickname "choppers" for their razor-sharp teeth and willingness to attack anything that moves. These fish typically run 2 to 8 pounds in our waters, though larger fish show up during peak summer months. Blues are less finicky than stripers but make up for it with raw power and speed – a 5-pound blue on an 8-weight feels like you hooked a freight train. They travel in schools and feed voraciously, often creating surface mayhem that's visible from miles away. June through September offers the most consistent bluefish action, and they're perfect for anglers who want fast action and don't mind losing a few flies to those infamous teeth. Wire leaders are essential, and having a good pair of pliers handy makes unhooking much safer.
Massachusetts inshore fly fishing doesn't get much better than this – expert guidance, top-quality gear, and access to some of the most productive striped bass and bluefish waters on the East Coast. Whether you're a seasoned fly angler looking to target new species or someone wanting to try saltwater fly fishing for the first time, this charter delivers the goods. The 2-person limit means you get the attention you deserve, and starting with breakfast sets the tone for a day focused on fishing, not rushing around. These spots book up fast during peak season, especially weekend dates, so don't wait too long to secure your trip. Contact Ipswich Bay Angling today and let's get you hooked up with some of Massachusetts' finest gamefish.
Our motorboat cuts through Massachusetts waters with everything you need for a solid day chasing bluefish and stripers. The GPS keeps us on target while the fish finder shows what's swimming below – no guessing games here. VHF radio keeps us connected to other boats and shore, because safety matters when you're focused on the bite. Built for two anglers, this setup gives you plenty of room to work your fly rod without bumping elbows. The boat handles inshore waters like a champ, getting us to those productive spots where the fish are feeding. Whether we're drifting over structure or positioning for that perfect cast, she responds quickly and stays steady. Perfect platform for working flies through the water column and fighting these hard-pulling fish when they decide to cooperate.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are pure aggression with fins - these blue-green fighters typically run 5-15 pounds and have razor-sharp teeth that'll shred anything in their path. They show up in our waters mid-June through October, hunting in schools along beaches, around structure, and in tidal areas where baitfish congregate. What makes them fun? They hit hard, fight dirty, and when they're feeding, it's pure chaos with fish jumping everywhere. The meat's excellent when fresh, especially the smaller ones. Pro tip: use a wire leader - those teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When you find one bluefish, there's usually a whole school nearby.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of Massachusetts fishing, running 20-40 pounds with those unmistakable dark stripes. These powerful fish love structure - rocky points, drop-offs, and shallow flats where baitfish gather. Spring through fall is prime time as they migrate up our coast, but the real action happens during dawn and dusk when they feed aggressively in the shallows. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great, and you never know if the next one will be a keeper or a monster. My go-to tip: watch for birds diving - where there's bait getting hammered on top, there's usually stripers underneath pushing them up.
5.0 out of 5.0<p>Great day on the water with Michael. Expert knowledge of the area and great day on the water. </p>
Rowley, MA