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WorldClass Striped Bass Fishing Portsmouth NH

Chasing Striped Bass in Portsmouth's Coastal Waters

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Striped bass caught fly fishing at Portsmouth Marina

The sun rises over Portsmouth Harbor. Gentle waves lap against the hull. A cool breeze carries the scent of salt. Rods are rigged with live mackerel. Anticipation builds as the first cast lands. Suddenly a sharp tug. The fight begins. A flash of silver beneath the surface. The net dips. A 28-inch striper thrashes on deck. Grins all around. High fives exchanged. Another cast. The adventure continues. Memories made on the water.

Trip lead by the Captain

Sean Tracey
Sean Tracey
Sean Tracey
Portsmouth, NH
  • Get Ready For The Striper fishing in NH and Maine
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Summary

Portsmouth, New Hampshire offers anglers an exciting opportunity to target the renowned striped bass, or Morone saxatilis, in its coastal waters. As you set out from the historic seaport, the salty air and gentle waves create an invigorating atmosphere for fly fishing enthusiasts. The striped bass, known for its distinctive horizontal lines and powerful fighting ability, presents a thrilling challenge for anglers of all skill levels. These fish can often be found prowling the rocky shorelines, tidal estuaries, and offshore structures around Portsmouth Harbor. Early mornings and late evenings tend to be prime times for striped bass activity, with the fish actively feeding on baitfish and crustaceans. Anglers should come prepared with a variety of flies, including streamers, poppers, and crab patterns, to match the local forage. The tidal nature of the area requires careful attention to water movement and depth changes throughout the day. As you cast your line into the waters off Portsmouth, you'll be surrounded by picturesque New England scenery, including lighthouses, historic buildings, and rugged coastlines. The thrill of feeling a striped bass take your fly and the ensuing battle as you work to land this prized gamefish creates memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're wading in the shallows or fishing from a boat, the pursuit of striped bass in Portsmouth offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, fishing excitement, and the rich maritime heritage of the region.

Scenic Coastal Fly Fishing

The picturesque coastline of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, provides an ideal backdrop for anglers seeking the thrill of fly fishing. With its rocky shores and expansive ocean views, this location offers a perfect setting for targeting the prized Morone Saxatilis, commonly known as striped bass. The rugged landscape and crashing waves create a challenging yet rewarding environment for those looking to test their skills against these powerful fish.

Striped Bass Haven

Portsmouth's waters are renowned for their healthy population of striped bass, making it a premier destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. These fish, known for their distinctive horizontal stripes and impressive size, navigate the coastal waters in search of baitfish. Anglers can often spot them cruising near rocky outcroppings or in the surf, providing exciting opportunities for sight fishing and strategic casting.

Tidal Tactics

Success in catching striped bass in Portsmouth often depends on understanding the tidal patterns and how they affect fish behavior. As the tide ebbs and flows, it creates dynamic fishing conditions, alternating between calm periods and more turbulent waters. Skilled anglers adapt their techniques accordingly, using a variety of flies and presentations to entice these clever predators into striking. The ever-changing coastal landscape adds an element of adventure to each fishing expedition, ensuring no two outings are ever the same.

Specie explored in this image

Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Species Name: Striped Bass
Species Family: Moronidae
Species Order: Perciformes
Habitat: River, Lake, Onshore, Near shore
Weight: 10 - 81 pounds
Length: 20" - 55"
The Morone Saxatilis, commonly known as the striped bass, is a prized catch for anglers along the Atlantic coast. These powerful fish are known for their distinctive horizontal stripes and can grow to impressive sizes, with some specimens reaching over 50 inches in length. Striped bass are anadromous, meaning they can thrive in both freshwater and saltwater environments. They're often found in coastal areas, estuaries, and rivers, making them accessible to a wide range of fishing enthusiasts. Their fighting spirit and delicious taste make them a favorite among recreational and commercial fishermen alike. Stripers, as they're affectionately called, are known for their seasonal migrations, moving inshore in spring and summer to spawn in rivers and returning to deeper waters in fall and winter. This behavior creates exciting opportunities for anglers who follow their movements throughout the year. Fishing for striped bass can involve various techniques, from trolling with live bait to casting artificial lures, making it an versatile and engaging pursuit for anglers of all skill levels.

More species you can explore on this trip

Atlantic Mackerel

Atlantic Mackerel

Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Other customer memories from this trip

The fishing charter boat is a 28-foot center console vessel designed for offshore and nearshore trips. It features a sturdy fiberglass hull painted white with blue trim and can comfortably accommodate up to six anglers. The boat is powered by twin 250 horsepower outboard engines providing ample speed and maneuverability. The spacious deck is equipped with multiple rod holders rod storage compartments and a large live well for keeping bait and caught fish. A T-top provides shade and houses marine electronics including GPS fish finders and radar. The helm station has modern navigation equipment and VHF radio for safety. Below deck there's a small cabin with basic amenities and storage. Fishing gear onboard includes a variety of rods reels and tackle suitable for targeting different species. Safety equipment such as life jackets flares and first aid kit are readily accessible. This well-maintained vessel is captained by an experienced licensed operator who knows the local waters and fishing spots ensuring a productive and enjoyable fishing experience for charter guests.

Weather when the photo was taken

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New Hampshire Striped Bass Fishing

Captain Sean Tracey takes you around the rich fishing grounds of New Hampshire from Piscataqua River, Great Bay estuary, to the coast of Maine's productive water for a fine fishing action aboard his boat. 

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