Boston Inshore Fishing: Bass, Blues & Flounder
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Flounder in Boston watersAll gear, rods, tackle, and bait included with charterAccommodates up to 6 guests on 4-hour inshore trips
Looking for some solid action without burning a full day on the water? This Boston inshore fishing trip with Reel Pursuit Charters hits all the right notes. You'll spend four hours working the nearshore waters where the real fish live – striped bass, bluefish, and winter flounder. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish while keeping things relaxed and fun. Perfect for anglers who want quality fishing without the marathon offshore grind.
This isn't your typical harbor tour – you'll be covering serious ground with strategic stops at proven fish-holding spots. The captain runs a mobile operation, meaning when the bite slows down, you're moving to the next productive area. Early starts work best, especially on weekends when boat traffic picks up later in the day. You've got flexibility with departure times, but trust me on this one – the fish are more cooperative before the recreational fleet floods the good spots. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, so you're not fighting for rail space or getting tangled up in someone else's line every cast. All your gear is covered – rods, reels, tackle, and bait – so you can focus on fishing instead of packing half your garage.
The beauty of Boston's inshore fishery is the variety of techniques you'll use depending on what's biting. For stripers, you'll be working live eels or chunked bait around structure, sometimes casting topwater plugs when the fish are feeding shallow. Bluefish mean switching to wire leaders and heavier tackle – these guys will slice through mono like butter. The captain might have you jigging bucktails for flounder over sandy bottom, feeling for that telltale tap-tap bite. Drift fishing and light trolling both come into play depending on conditions and what the fish are telling you. The first mate knows how to rig everything properly and will keep you fishing efficiently. Federal regulations are strictly followed, so you'll learn proper fish handling and measurement techniques. Remember that 20% tip for the mate – these guys work hard to keep your lines in the water and the fish coming over the rail.
Striped bass are the bread and butter of Boston inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish grow big in Massachusetts waters – 20 to 30-pound fish are common, with 40-plus pounders always possible. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when massive schools move through local waters. Stripers are smart fighters that use their bulk and the current to their advantage. They'll make long runs and try to wrap you around any structure they can find. The slots and keeper regulations change, but the captain stays current on all rules. What makes stripers special is their versatility – they'll hit everything from live bait to artificials, and they fight hard from the first hook-up to the net.
Winter flounder might not win any beauty contests, but they're pure gold on the dinner table. These flatfish hang around sandy and muddy bottoms, often in water shallow enough that you're practically sight-fishing for them. The key is feeling that subtle bite – flounder don't slam bait like bluefish. Instead, you'll feel gentle taps as they mouth the offering. Most run 1 to 3 pounds, but doormat flounder over 5 pounds still show up regularly. Spring fishing can be fantastic when these fish move into shallow water to spawn. They're perfect for anglers who like finesse fishing and don't need arm-burning fights to have fun.
Bluefish are the wildcards that can make your trip legendary. When blues are around, you know it – they feed aggressively in schools and turn the water into a washing machine. These fish have serious teeth and attitude to match. A 5 to 10-pound bluefish will give you a workout with screaming runs and head-shaking jumps. They show up in massive numbers during summer months, often pushing baitfish right to the surface where you can see the chaos. Blues are excellent eating when handled properly – bleed them immediately and keep them cold. The non-stop action when you find a good school of blues is what fishing memories are made of.
Four hours on Boston's inshore waters gives you everything – variety, action, and flexibility to fit fishing into your schedule. The Tuesday through Thursday availability for shorter trips means you can beat the weekend crowds while the fish are still cooperative. Reel Pursuit Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish consistently, not just showing them the sights. With all gear included and federal regulations properly followed, you're getting professional service that focuses on fishing, not cutting corners. The captain's local knowledge and willingness to move when needed separates this operation from the pack. Book now and see why Boston's inshore fishery keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Get ready to chase stripers, blues, and flounder around Boston's productive nearshore waters aboard this well-equipped 26-foot fishing machine. This motorboat comes loaded with everything serious anglers need – fish finder to mark schools, GPS to hit the hottest spots, plus an ice box and full refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The onboard kitchen means you can fuel up between fishing sessions, while the head keeps everyone comfortable during longer runs. With seating for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out when the action heats up. The captain knows where the fish are holding and can cover serious water to put you on the bite. All rods, tackle, and bait are provided, so just bring your fishing license and get ready to load the coolers. The mate works hard to keep lines in the water and fish coming over the rail – standard 20% tip keeps everyone happy. Early morning starts give you the best shot at filling the boat, especially on busy weekends when the waters get crowded later in the day.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that show up in our waters from late spring through fall, and they're a blast to catch. These torpedo-shaped fighters typically run 3-15 pounds around Boston, with their blue-green backs and razor-sharp teeth. We find them in schools along sandy beaches, around structure, and wherever baitfish are thick. Summer months are peak season when they're feeding on pogies, mackerel, and sand eels. What makes bluefish so popular is their aggressive strikes and hard fights - they'll bend your rod and test your drag. They're also great table fare when fresh, with rich, flaky meat. One key tip: watch for birds diving and water churning - that's a bluefish blitz in action. Get your lure in there quickly because when blues are feeding, it's game on.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of Boston inshore fishing. These silvery fish with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds around here, though we see some real cows pushing 50+. They're structure-oriented, so we'll find them around drop-offs, rocky bottom, and current breaks. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action during their migration periods when they're feeding heavily on pogies and sand eels. What makes stripers special is they fight hard and taste great - firm, sweet meat that's perfect for the grill. Here's a local tip: when the birds are working over baitfish, get your line in fast. Stripers will be right underneath those feeding frenzies, and that's when you'll hook into the fish of a lifetime.
Pseudopleuronectes AmericanusWinter flounder are the flatfish we target in the colder months when they move inshore to feed. These brownish, oval-shaped fish typically run 1-3 pounds, though we occasionally see doormat-sized fish pushing 5-6 pounds. They hang out on sandy and muddy bottoms in 10-40 feet of water, often near eelgrass beds and structure where they can ambush prey. The bite is best from late fall through early spring when water temps drop. What guests love about flounder fishing is the steady action and fantastic eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: use a sensitive rod and be patient. Flounder are notorious for picking at bait before committing, so when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, give them a moment before setting the hook.
Boston, MA