Spring Black Sea Bass Bottom Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Black Sea Bass during prime spring migration seasonLimit 5 fish per angler with excellent table qualityInshore bottom fishing accommodating up to 4 anglers
When spring rolls around and the water starts warming up, there's nothing quite like getting out on the water for some serious black sea bass action. This inshore bottom fishing trip puts you right in the middle of their spring migration - and let me tell you, these fish are hungry after a long winter. We're talking about one of the best-eating fish in the ocean here, with a daily limit of 5 per angler. The trip accommodates up to 4 anglers, so you can bring your fishing buddies or make it a family outing. No meals are included, but trust me, you'll be so focused on the action below that you won't mind packing your own snacks and drinks.
This isn't your typical cast-and-hope kind of fishing. We're talking targeted bottom fishing where you'll be dropping your rig down to where the black sea bass are staging during their spring migration. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused - perfect for anglers who want to put fish in the cooler without dealing with the crowds and chaos of larger party boats. You'll spend your day anchored up over productive bottom structure, feeling for those telltale taps and head shakes that mean dinner is on the other end of your line. The spring migration timing means these fish are actively feeding and moving into shallower waters, making them more accessible and aggressive. Don't expect to just sit there either - bottom fishing requires attention and technique, but that's what makes it so rewarding when you feel that solid hookup.
Bottom fishing for black sea bass is all about getting your bait down to the structure and keeping it there. We'll be using traditional bottom rigs - usually a high-low setup with circle hooks that'll help you land more fish and release any shorts safely. The key is using just enough weight to hold bottom without getting hung up in the rocks and structure these fish love to hide around. You'll want to keep your rod tip up and feel for the subtle bites - sea bass don't always slam your bait like stripers or blues. Sometimes it's just a gentle tap-tap-tap, and you need to set the hook on the next lift. We'll be targeting areas with good bottom structure where these fish congregate during their spring feeding patterns. The water depth will vary depending on conditions and where the fish are holding, but expect to be fishing anywhere from 30 to 80 feet of water over rocky bottom and artificial reefs.
Black sea bass are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These fish typically run anywhere from 12 inches up to keeper size, with the spring migration bringing in some really nice fish in the 2 to 4 pound range. The bigger ones - what we call "humpbacks" - can push 5 pounds or more and provide a surprisingly good fight on appropriate tackle. They're aggressive feeders during the spring, moving up from deeper winter haunts to feed on the abundance of crabs, worms, and small fish that become active as water temperatures rise. What makes spring fishing so productive is that these fish are concentrated in predictable areas and feeding heavily to recover from the winter months. The daily bag limit of 5 fish per angler means you can take home a decent haul for the dinner table, and with up to 4 anglers on the trip, that's potentially 20 quality fish heading home with your group.
Black sea bass are what we call "structure fish" - they love rocky bottom, artificial reefs, and any kind of hard cover where they can ambush prey. During the spring migration, typically starting in April and running through May, these fish move from deeper offshore wintering areas into shallower inshore waters to spawn and feed. They're incredibly aggressive during this period, making them ideal targets for bottom fishing. Size-wise, keeper black sea bass need to be at least 15 inches in most areas, though regulations can change, and the fish you'll encounter range from just-legal keepers up to trophy-sized specimens that can exceed 6 pounds. What anglers love most about targeting sea bass is their excellent table fare - the meat is firm, white, and mild-flavored, perfect for everything from simple pan-frying to more elaborate recipes. They're also cooperative fish that tend to bite consistently once you locate a school, and they often travel in groups, so where you catch one, you're likely to find more. The spring timing is perfect because the fish are in prime condition, having built up their weight through the winter, and they're actively feeding rather than just barely surviving like they might be in the dead of winter.
Spring black sea bass season doesn't last forever, and the best fishing happens during a relatively short window when conditions and fish behavior align perfectly. This top-rated inshore fishing experience gives you access to some of the most productive sea bass fishing of the year without having to deal with the longer runs and rough conditions of offshore trips. The intimate group size means you'll get personalized attention and won't be fighting for rail space like you would on bigger boats. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to fill the cooler with quality eating fish or someone newer to bottom fishing who wants to learn proper techniques, this trip delivers the goods. The spring migration is one of nature's most reliable fishing phenomena, but you need to be on the water during the right timeframe to take advantage of it. Book your spot now and get ready to experience why black sea bass are considered some of the best table fare swimming in our local waters.
This well-equipped motorboat is built for serious bottom fishing during the spring Black Sea Bass run. The onboard fish finder helps locate productive structure and schools, while the GPS keeps you positioned over prime spots. Communication stays solid with the VHF radio system. Your catch stays fresh in the ice box throughout the day. Perfect for targeting these delicious bottom dwellers as they move inshore during their spring migration. The boat handles well in coastal waters and gives you access to the rocky bottom areas where Black Sea Bass love to feed. With a 5-fish limit per angler, you'll have plenty of opportunities to fill the box with some of the ocean's best eating fish.
Plymouth, Ma