Inshore Fishing Charter Newburyport MA
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour inshore charter targeting striped bass and bluefishAll fishing equipment, bait, tackle, and drinks included onboardOptional lobster trap pulling adds unique element to catch
Picture this: you're out on the productive inshore waters around Newburyport, Massachusetts, with Captain Jim Lynch at the helm and a cooler full of cold drinks at your feet. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking a solid 5-hour fishing charter that gives you real time to work the water and fill the fish box. Whether you're bringing the crew for a guys' trip or introducing the kids to some serious saltwater action, this charter hits all the right notes. Captain Jim knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the gear dialed in to put you on fish. Plus, here's something you don't see every day – we'll pull some lobster traps during the trip, so you might just head home with surf and turf courtesy of Mother Nature.
Captain Jim runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed and fun. You'll meet at the dock in Newburyport, where the Merrimack River meets the Atlantic, giving us access to some of the most consistent striped bass and bluefish waters on the North Shore. The boat accommodates up to four anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of elbow room to work your rod without getting tangled up with your buddy's line. We provide everything you need to get hooked up – quality rods and reels that can handle these hard-fighting inshore species, fresh bait, and a tackle box full of proven lures. The drinks are on us too, though you're welcome to pack some snacks if you want to keep your energy up during those hot afternoon bites. This trip works for everyone from first-timers who need a crash course in saltwater fishing to seasoned anglers looking to put some serious fish in the cooler.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what the fish are telling us. Some days the stripers are crushing topwater plugs in the early afternoon, making for some heart-stopping surface explosions that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Other times we'll be working the bottom with chunk bait or drifting live eels near structure where the big bass like to hang out. For bluefish, we might troll umbrella rigs or cast metals when we find them busting bait on the surface. Captain Jim reads the water and adjusts our approach based on tide, weather, and where he's been marking fish. The beauty of a 5-hour trip is we have time to try different spots and techniques – if the fish aren't cooperating in one area, we'll move and adapt. And here's the kicker: we'll work in some lobster trap pulls during the trip. It's not something every charter does, but Captain Jim has the permits and knows which traps are pulling bugs. Nothing beats the satisfaction of catching your own dinner and maybe snagging some fresh lobster to go with it.
Striped bass are the bread and butter of Newburyport inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are pure muscle – they'll test your drag and make blistering runs that remind you why they're called "rockfish" down south. Around here, we see fish ranging from schoolie-sized 20-inchers up to legitimate keeper bass in the 28-to-35-inch range, with the occasional cow pushing 40 inches if you're having one of those magical days. Spring and fall are prime time, but summer fishing can be fantastic, especially during moving tides around dawn and dusk. What makes stripers so special is their fight – they don't give up easy, and a good bass will take line, shake its head, and try every trick in the book to throw your hook. Plus, they're excellent table fare when prepared right.
Bluefish bring a completely different energy to the trip. These toothy predators are aggressive feeders that hit lures like they're trying to destroy them. Blues in the 3-to-8-pound range are common around Newburyport, though we sometimes encounter larger choppers that can top 10 pounds and really bend your rod. They're fast, strong, and absolutely relentless once hooked. Bluefish are also one of the most fun species to catch on topwater – when you find a school of blues busting bait, the action can be non-stop for 20 or 30 minutes. Just remember to keep your fingers away from their razor-sharp teeth when handling them. They're oily fish that some people love and others aren't crazy about, but fresh bluefish prepared properly is hard to beat.
This 5-hour inshore charter with Captain Jim Lynch offers everything you want in a fishing trip – knowledgeable local guidance, quality gear, productive waters, and the bonus of potentially pulling lobster traps for a complete New England seafood experience. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to fish with a captain who knows where the fish live, this trip delivers. The fact that we provide all the tackle, bait, and drinks takes the guesswork out of preparation – just show up ready to fish. With space for four anglers and Captain Jim's commitment to putting you on fish, this charter consistently produces both great catches and good times. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so once you're booked, you're committed to getting out there and wetting some lines. Don't wait too long to secure your spot – the best fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the stripers and blues are most active.
Captain Jim Lynch's fishing boat puts you right where the stripers and blues are biting in Newburyport's productive inshore waters. This well-equipped motorboat handles up to 4 anglers comfortably, with a reliable GPS system to hit the hot spots and a fish finder that takes the guesswork out of locating schools. The onboard head means you can stay on the water longer without interruptions. Built for serious fishing, she's steady enough for casting lures or working bait, whether you're targeting bass along the rocky structure or chasing bluefish in open water. With room to move around and fight fish properly, this boat gives every angler space to work their rod without crowding. Perfect for friends looking to get into some real action or families wanting to experience what these Massachusetts waters have to offer.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are the other half of our bread and butter here in Newburyport, and they're absolute fighters. These aggressive predators usually run 3-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find them in schools around sandy areas, harbors, and anywhere baitfish are getting pushed around. Mid-June through October is when they show up in numbers, following the warm water north. What guests love about blues is the action - when you find a school, it's game on with non-stop hookups. They hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up easy. Fresh blues are excellent table fare too, just keep them on ice. Pro tip: use a wire leader - those teeth will slice through mono like butter, and you'll lose more fish than you land without it.
Morone SaxatilisAround here, stripers are what most folks come for, and for good reason. These silver beauties with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds in our waters, though we've seen some real trophies push 50+. They love structure - rocky points, drop-offs, and anywhere the current moves bait around. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their migration when they're feeding heavily. What makes them special is the fight - they're strong, stubborn fish that'll test your drag and give you a real workout. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that sweet, flaky meat. My tip: watch for diving birds - where there's bait getting pushed to the surface, there's usually stripers underneath waiting to ambush.
Newburyport, MA