Extended Half Day Guided Fishing Trip in Maine
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour private charter targets Striper, Bluefish, and Sea Run Brown TroutFullyequipped boat accommodates up to four guests with expert guidance includedInshore fishing adventure explores Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Maine waters
Picture yourself casting lines into Maine's pristine coastal waters, where the Atlantic meets some of the most productive fishing grounds on the East Coast. Our 6-hour guided charter aboard the Reel Nice Surprise puts you right in the heart of the action, targeting three of Maine's most sought-after species. At $990 for up to 4 anglers, this private charter delivers a world-class fishing experience without the crowds. You'll work prime inshore waters where Striped Bass cruise the rocky points, Bluefish slash through baitfish schools, and Sea Run Brown Trout make their legendary runs. Whether you're looking to land your personal best or introduce someone new to saltwater fishing, this trip hits all the marks.
The Reel Nice Surprise is fully rigged for serious fishing, with top-quality rods, reels, and tackle that can handle everything from finicky trout to hard-fighting stripers. We launch from one of Maine's premier fishing harbors and head straight to the productive waters where these species congregate. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is having time to really work different techniques and locations without feeling rushed. We'll start where the morning bite is strongest, then adapt our strategy as conditions change throughout the day. The boat's comfortable layout means everyone gets prime fishing space, and the experienced captain knows exactly where to position for the best shots at quality fish. You'll fish both structure and open water, giving you a complete taste of Maine's diverse inshore fishing opportunities.
This trip covers the full spectrum of inshore fishing techniques that make Maine waters so special. For stripers, we'll work live bait around rocky structure and troll umbrella rigs through deeper channels where schools suspend. Bluefish call for different tactics - chunking with fresh bait when they're feeding deep, or casting poppers and metal jigs when they're busting bait on the surface. The sea run browns require the most finesse, often responding best to lighter tackle and presentations that mimic the smelt and herring they follow into the estuaries. All gear is provided, but experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own favorite setups. The captain will coach you through each technique, helping you read the water and understand why certain approaches work better in different conditions. This hands-on guidance is what separates a great fishing trip from just another day on the water.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Maine's inshore fishery, and for good reason. These powerful fish can range from schoolie size up to true cows pushing 40+ inches and 20+ pounds. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the best fishing often happening during moving tides around structured areas. What makes stripers so special is their fight - they'll make long, powerful runs and use their broad sides to leverage against your drag. Maine stripers are typically well-fed and healthy, showing off those classic silver sides and black horizontal stripes that give them their name.
Bluefish bring pure aggression to every encounter. These toothy predators hunt in packs, often creating feeding frenzies that get your heart pumping. Maine blues typically run from snapper size up to chopper blues reaching 10-15 pounds, with the largest fish moving through during their fall migration. They're known for their incredible speed and jumping ability, plus they'll test your drag system like few other species. The key to targeting bluefish is finding the bait - where you see diving birds and surface disturbance, you'll usually find blues underneath, slashing through schools of mackerel, herring, or pogies.
Sea Run Brown Trout represent something truly unique to Maine's coastal waters. These are freshwater browns that migrate to saltwater to feed, growing larger and stronger than their landlocked cousins. They typically range from 15-25 inches but can reach trophy size over 30 inches when conditions are right. Spring and fall offer the best opportunities as they move between fresh and salt water. What makes these fish so prized is their combination of beauty and fight - they have the classic golden-brown coloration with red and black spots, plus they'll make blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that rival any game fish. Finding them requires understanding their seasonal patterns and the specific areas where they concentrate during their migrations.
This extended half-day trip offers the perfect balance of time on the water and value for your fishing dollar. Six hours gives you legitimate shots at multiple species while letting you really learn the techniques and locations that produce consistently. The private charter format means your group gets personal attention from an experienced captain who's focused entirely on your success. At $247.50 per person for a full boat, it's tough to find better value for a top-rated Maine fishing experience. The fish are here year-round, but booking in advance ensures you get your preferred dates during peak seasons. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, family outing, or celebrating a special occasion, this charter delivers the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime. Don't wait - the best fishing days book up fast, especially during prime time periods when all three target species are most active.
Hit the productive waters of Maine aboard the Reel Nice Surprise, a brand-new 2025 Sea Hunt Game Fish 25 that's built for serious angling. This 26-foot center console packs twin 200hp Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fish fast and keep you comfortable all day with onboard A/C and a clean head. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of stripers, bluefish, and those prized sea-run brown trout that Maine waters are famous for. With GPS and radar keeping you on course, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, you've got everything needed for a productive 6-hour fishing session. The stable hull design handles Maine's coastal conditions beautifully, whether you're working the nearshore structure or chasing bait in the Gulf. VHF radio keeps you connected, while the multimedia system adds convenience between fishing spots. Room for 4 anglers means plenty of space to work without getting tangled up.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that show up in Maine waters from mid-June through October, making summer our prime season. These blue-green fighters typically run 3-15 pounds and are known for their sharp teeth and powerful runs. You'll find them chasing baitfish in shallow waters, often creating feeding frenzies that churn the surface. They're excellent table fare when handled properly - just bleed them immediately after catching. Bluefish love structure and moving water, so we target them around rocky points and tidal rips. Pro tip: use wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through regular line in seconds. When they're feeding, almost any shiny lure will work.
Tylosurus AcusOur sea-run brown trout are special - they spend time in the ocean before returning to coastal waters, making them stronger fighters than their freshwater cousins. These fish typically range 2-8 pounds but can surprise you with much larger specimens. Look for them in cooler waters during early morning and evening when they're most active. Browns are smart and spooky, preferring structure like rocky outcrops and drop-offs. Fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily before winter. They're absolutely delicious with firm, mild flesh. The key to success is matching your presentation to what they're eating - streamers work great, but don't overlook small baitfish patterns when they're selective.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of Maine's inshore fishing, running anywhere from schoolies around 20 inches to keeper-sized fish over 28 inches. These silver-sided fighters with distinct black stripes love structure - rocky points, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish concentrate. Spring through fall offers the best action as they follow their migration route along our coast. Stripers are strong fighters that make long runs, and they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. They're often found in 15-40 feet of water around moving tide. My go-to tip: watch for working birds - when gulls are diving, there's usually stripers pushing bait to the surface underneath.
Maine