Your Captain
Nick Nichols
Identity Verified
Tuna Maine Charters delivers a premier fishing experience led by Captain Nick, a highly experienced and dedicated guide with a distinguished career in the U.S. Coast Guard. With 32 years of service and extensive boat operation throughout North America, Captain Nick brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to safety and successful fishing endeavors. His goal is to offer anglers not only a chance to catch impressive fish but also to create lasting memories through enjoyable and expertly guided trips on the stunning waters of Coastal Maine.
Guests embarking on a Tuna Maine Charters trip can expect to target a range of exciting big game fish. The waters of Coastal Maine are renowned for their diverse and abundant marine life, including Giant Bluefin Tuna, Striped Bass, Blue Shark, Mako Shark, Porbeagle Shark, Haddock, and more. Captain Nick’s expertise ensures that every trip is tailored to provide the best opportunities for landing these prized catches, making each outing an exhilarating adventure.
The charter operates aboard a 35’ Downeast vessel, which comfortably accommodates up to six passengers. This well-equipped boat is designed to meet all the needs of a productive day on the water. It features modern fishing gear and amenities, including an onboard toilet for added convenience. To enhance the fishing experience, a First Mate will also be on board, assisting with various tasks and ensuring that the trip runs smoothly. Guests are encouraged to provide a customary tip of 10-20% for the First Mate’s services.
For a successful and comfortable fishing adventure, guests should bring along essentials such as bottled water, sunblock, and sunglasses. Although alcohol is allowed, it is recommended to avoid bringing glass bottles for safety reasons. Tuna Maine Charters is committed to making deep-sea fishing in South Portland an effortless and enjoyable experience, providing everything needed for a memorable day on the water. With Captain Nick at the helm, anglers can look forward to a well-organized trip focused on both safety and excitement. Book your charter today to experience the thrill of fishing in the picturesque and bountiful waters of Coastal Maine.
Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on a fishing adventure in one of the most picturesque and bountiful locations on the coast. Book your charter with Tuna Maine Charters today and get ready for an adventure that promises excitement, relaxation, and the joy of fishing at its finest.
What's Included
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
Show More
Read about the licensing details that is / is not covered in the below trips.
This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
Show More
What's Included
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
Show More
Read about the licensing details that is / is not covered in the below trips.
This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
Show More
Pick Your Date
Pick Your Date
Pick Your Date
Spend a full 8 hours on the water with this private family fishing trip designed for beginners. Perfect for groups of up to six guests, this trip combines fishing with fun activities like bait fishing, checking lobster traps, spotting lighthouses, and even whale watching. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to catch ground fish and striped bass while learning simple techniques suited for all ages. Your captain will guide you through inshore, nearshore, and offshore waters, using deep sea fishing, bottom fishing, light tackle, and jigging methods. The day is paced for comfort, so families can relax while still enjoying steady action. You’ll be back at the dock in time for supper, making it a memorable day on the Maine coast. Deposits are non-refundable (Trips & Rates Page)
Pick Your Date
This 8-hour private fishing trip is designed for families and skilled anglers who want a full day on the water. Groups of up to six guests can enjoy a mix of action and relaxation, with opportunities for bait fishing, checking lobster traps, sightseeing lighthouses, and spotting whales. Along the way, you’ll target ground fish and striped bass, with guidance to refine techniques and strategies. The captain will take you across inshore, nearshore, and offshore waters while using deep sea fishing, bottom fishing, light tackle, and jigging. The pace is flexible, giving seasoned anglers a chance to test their skills while still keeping the trip comfortable for all. You’ll return to the dock in time for supper, closing out a memorable day on the Maine coast. Deposits are non-refundable (Trips & Rates Page)
Pick Your Date
Pick Your Date
Clarabelle
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
3
Boat Length:
35 ft
Manufacturer Name:
Bruno Stillman
Model Year:
1980
Engine Manufacturer Name:
CAT
# of Engines:
1
Horsepower Per Engine:
375
Maximum Cruising Speed:
15
Features: Bait Tank Flybridge Bed Kitchen Toilet Ice-Box Refrigerator Fish Finder GPS Radar
This 35-foot cabin cruiser, built by Bruno Stillman in 1980 and expertly restored in 2022, combines classic Downeast design with modern enhancements. With a spacious capacity for 3 passengers, it offers comfort and style on the water.
Clarabelle
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
3
Boat Length:
35 ft
Vehicle Details
A father and his sons on a new adventure is the perfect recipe for creating lifelong memories. Released three blue sharks and landed countless number of haddock, cod and pollock. Thanks for choosing Tuna Maine Charters
Forget sleep, we're going after the striped bass of our dreams! (And maybe a nap after that). $750 for the overnight charter, up to 4 guests.
Greg and Harry had a memorable fishing trip, releasing a “small” 65-inch fish at midnight and catching an 87-inch fish at first light. A perfect way for Greg Nemi to spend his birthday!
Hot bite and happy crew! Summer fishing in South Portland, ME brought us perfect conditions for an offshore adventure. The day started with some morning rain, but it cleared up to partly cloudy skies as we headed out from 14 Ocean St into Bigelow Bight. Maximilian joined me for our Ultimate 10-Hour Shark Adventure Trip, and we set out early at the crack of dawn to make the most of our time on the water. The partly cloudy weather actually worked in our favor, providing ideal conditions for our target species. It was a great day to be out with Tuna Maine Charters. With our gear rigged and ready, we headed offshore to try our luck. We employed a variety of techniques throughout the day, including trolling, bottom fishing, and jigging. Each method has its own advantages when targeting different species in these waters. Trolling allowed us to cover more ground and present our baits to a wider area, while bottom fishing and jigging gave us the chance to work specific structures and depths where fish tend to congregate. We didn't stick a trophy on this run, but every cast and minute on the water was worth it. The experience of being out on the open ocean, feeling the salt spray, and working different techniques made for an unforgettable day of fishing. South Portland's offshore waters are a prime location for shark fishing, and our 10-hour trip gave us plenty of time to explore different spots and tactics. The waters off Maine's coast are teeming with various shark species, making it an exciting destination for anglers looking for a thrilling catch. While we may not have landed a shark this time, the potential is always there, which keeps things exciting cast after cast. We wrapped up the trip with great memories and stories to share, proving that sometimes the experience itself is the real catch of the day. If you're thinking about coming out for your own offshore adventure, I'd love to have you aboard with Tuna Maine Charters. Our Shark Adventure Trip is perfect for anglers looking to test their skills against some of the ocean's most formidable predators. Whether you're an experienced shark angler or it's your first time targeting these impressive fish, our 10-hour private trip gives us plenty of time to find the action and try different techniques. We provide all the specialized gear needed for shark fishing, and I'll share local knowledge to increase your chances of success. The waters off South Portland offer some of the best shark fishing opportunities in Maine, with species like blue sharks, makos, and threshers frequenting our area. Even if the sharks aren't biting, the offshore experience itself is unforgettable. You'll get to see the rugged Maine coastline from a new perspective and possibly encounter other marine life like whales or seabirds. Don't miss out on this ultimate offshore fishing adventure – book your Shark Adventure Trip with Tuna Maine Charters and let's make some lasting fishing memories together!
When the client said he always catches a big one when he charters a fishing trip, I thought he just jinxed us. But boy, was I wrong! We hauled in a 40-inch striper, 12 keepable lobsters, and a magnificent 91-inch bluefin tuna! Talk about a successful trip!
Booking a charter is an excellent way to create enduring memories.
Ratings & Reviews Summary
October 8, 2025
We had an incredible day out on the water with Captain Nick! Even though we didn’t catch the shark we were hoping for, he made the trip unforgettable. He took the time to show us around, shared his knowledge of the area, and pointed out wildlife we never would’ve spotted on our own - including a beautiful osprey family with babies! We even got to catch lobster, which was such a fun and unexpected highlight! His professionalism, friendliness, and passion for what he does really shine through. You can tell he genuinely loves giving people a memorable experience. If you’re thinking about booking a fishing trip, I highly recommend going with Captain Nick. You’ll walk away with great memories - and MAYBE even dinner!
October 8, 2025
Although we didn't land a tuna, that's part of the fishing adventure. The trip was worth every penny, and I'd gladly do it again. The team was exceptional, knowledgeable, and skilled; I'm sure that with more time, we would have hooked one. I truly appreciated the experience—it was amazing!
October 8, 2025
My wife, son, and I had an excellent time on the water with Captain Nick. He was professional, courteous, and made us feel right at home on his boat. I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking a top-notch charter experience.
October 8, 2025
Captain Nick made the entire experience a true delight from beginning to end. He was exceptionally flexible with our schedules and went above and beyond to ensure this fishing trip became one of our most unforgettable adventures. We landed an impressive variety of fish and enjoyed remarkable wildlife sightings, including the stunning spectacle of tuna breaching the surface. It was an extraordinary experience, and we will definitely be booking this charter again!
October 8, 2025
We had a fantastic experience with Captain Nick and Sean. Their communication was excellent from the moment we booked until our arrival, keeping us informed and ensuring we knew exactly what to expect. The boat was comfortable and offered shelter during the occasional rainstorm we encountered. We will definitely choose them for our next charter and highly recommend their services to others!
October 8, 2025
If you're searching for a memorable adventure with your kids, this is it! We had an incredible time and would highly recommend this deep-sea fishing experience to anyone looking for a fantastic family outing.