Boothbay Harbor Striper Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Striped Bass on family-friendly inshore charterExplore Reid State Park to Kennebec River mouthAccommodates up to 6 guests with scenic coastal views
Picture this: you're cruising the pristine waters off Maine's coast with your family, watching the sunrise paint the sky while you wait for that telltale tug on your line. That's exactly what you'll get with Reel Addiction Sportfishing's top-rated striper charter out of Boothbay Harbor. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish from Reid State Park all the way up to the mouth of the Kennebec River. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your kids hooked on fishing, this is the kind of trip that creates memories that last a lifetime.
This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a perfect blend of serious angling and family fun that accommodates up to 6 guests. You'll start your day meeting the crew at Boothbay Harbor, one of Maine's most picturesque fishing ports. The boat is set up with everything you need, from quality rods and reels to tackle that's proven to work in these waters. Your captain will brief you on the game plan, which typically involves working the productive waters between Reid State Park and Small Point before potentially heading north toward the Kennebec River mouth, depending on where the fish are holding. The scenery alone is worth the trip – you'll see rugged coastline, historic lighthouses, and maybe even some seals or porpoises along the way. But don't let the beautiful surroundings distract you too much because the fishing can get hot fast, and you'll want to be ready when it does.
Inshore striper fishing in Maine waters calls for versatility, and that's exactly what you'll get on this charter. The crew typically runs a mix of techniques depending on conditions and where the bait is holding. You might find yourself throwing live mackerel or pogies near structure, working soft plastics along drop-offs, or even trolling umbrella rigs when the fish are spread out in deeper water. The boat comes rigged with medium to heavy action spinning and conventional setups that can handle everything from schoolie bass to those bruiser 40-pounders that Maine is famous for. Circle hooks are the standard here – they're easier for beginners to use and much better for fish survival if you're planning to release your catch. Don't worry if you've never fished these waters before; the crew will get you dialed in quickly. They know exactly how to read the electronics, spot working birds, and position the boat to give everyone the best shot at hooking up.
Striped Bass are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters are Maine's most sought-after inshore species, running anywhere from keeper-sized 28-inchers up to genuine trophy fish pushing 50 inches and 40-plus pounds. Peak season runs from late May through October, with the biggest fish typically showing up during the summer months when they're feeding heavily on mackerel, herring, and pogies. What makes stripers so addictive is their aggressive strikes and bulldog fights – they'll make multiple runs, often jumping and tail-walking before you get them to the boat. The waters around Boothbay Harbor are particularly productive because of the deep channels, rocky structure, and abundant baitfish that draw these predators in close to shore.
Bluefish add serious excitement to any trip when they're around. These toothy predators are absolute savages when they're feeding, often creating spectacular surface blitzes that you can see from miles away. Blues in Maine waters typically range from 3 to 12 pounds, and pound-for-pound, they're some of the hardest-fighting fish you'll encounter. They show up in good numbers during the warmer months, usually following the same bait schools that attract the stripers. Fair warning – blues have razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match, so listen to your crew when they're helping you land one.
King Mackerel might seem like an unusual target for Maine waters, but these speedsters do make appearances, especially during warmer years when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. When they're around, kings provide some of the most exciting fishing you'll find anywhere. These fish are built for speed, capable of screaming line off your reel in blistering runs that can empty a spool if you're not careful. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite when conditions align for targeting them.
If you're looking for a world-class fishing experience that the whole family can enjoy, this Boothbay Harbor striper charter delivers exactly that. You get experienced local knowledge, quality equipment, and access to some of the most productive striper waters on the East Coast – all while taking in scenery that'll have you reaching for your camera between fish. The 6-person capacity keeps things intimate and ensures everyone gets plenty of attention from the crew. Remember to bring your own snacks and drinks since meals aren't included, and don't forget sunscreen and polarized sunglasses. This is the kind of trip that turns occasional anglers into lifelong fishing addicts, and with Maine's reputation for producing trophy stripers, you never know when you might hook into the fish of a lifetime. Book your spot now and get ready to experience why Boothbay Harbor is considered one of the premier striper fishing destinations in New England.
Get ready to chase stripers along Maine's rugged coastline aboard our well-equipped motorboat! This fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - an ice box to keep your catch fresh, GPS to navigate the prime fishing spots, and a fish finder to locate those bass hiding in the depths. The onboard kitchen means you can fuel up between fishing sessions without heading back to shore. We'll cruise from Reid State Park and Small Point all the way to the mouth of the Kennebec River, hitting the best striper waters Maine has to offer. With room for up to 6 anglers, this boat gives everyone space to cast their lines and fight fish without getting tangled up. The whole family can join in - whether you're an experienced angler or just learning to work a reel, these waters hold plenty of striped bass ready to put up a fight. Perfect for creating those fishing stories you'll be telling for years to come!
Pomatomus SaltatrixThese aggressive feeders show up in our waters from mid-June through October, making summer and early fall prime time. Blues typically run 3-10 pounds around here, though we occasionally see bigger ones pushing 15-20 pounds. They're voracious predators with razor-sharp teeth that'll attack schools of baitfish in a feeding frenzy - what we call a "blitz." You'll find them in shallow bays, around structure, and following bait schools. They put up a solid fight and make great table fare when handled right - bleed them immediately and keep them cold. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids to learn on. Pro tip: use a wire leader and chunk bait like mackerel or pogies. When you see birds working the surface, get there fast - blues are likely underneath tearing up the bait.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll test your drag system when they show up in our warmer months. These fish typically weigh 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds. They prefer deeper water, usually 40-100 feet, and love structure like ledges and drop-offs where baitfish congregate. Kings are built for speed and will make blistering runs when hooked. Their razor-sharp teeth require wire leaders - no exceptions. They're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Best fishing happens when water temps hit the high 60s into the 70s. Trolling with spoons or rigging live bait works well. Here's the key: use a stinger hook setup with live bait since kings often grab the tail first. When you get a bite, let them run with it before setting the hook. These fish are worth the wait when they do show up this far north.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of Maine fishing from spring through fall. Most fish we see run 20-35 inches, with plenty in the keeper slot. These fish love structure - ledges, drop-offs, and rocky bottom where they ambush baitfish. They're strong fighters that'll make multiple runs, and the meat is top-notch eating. We find them in 20-80 feet of water, often relating to current breaks and tide lines. Early morning and evening bites are usually best, especially around moving water. Stripers follow the bait, so we're always looking for birds, bait pods, or that telltale nervous water. Live eels work magic after dark, but during the day, fresh pogies or mackerel get their attention. Keep your drag smooth - these fish know how to use their head and the current against you.
Boothbay Harbor, ME