Top-Rated Inshore Fishing Charter in Portsmouth

Reel in the Action: Portsmouth's Top Striped Bass Charter

Get ready to chase some serious stripers on this 6-hour inshore fishing adventure in Portsmouth, New Hampshire! Captain Sean Tracey knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to put you on some trophy-sized striped bass. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip offers the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation on the Piscataqua River and surrounding inshore hotspots.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as you step aboard Captain Sean's well-equipped vessel, you'll feel the anticipation building. We'll cruise out from Portsmouth Harbor, taking in the sights of the historic seaport before hitting our first fishing spot. The captain will get you set up with live mackerel baits, lures, or swim baits - whatever's working best that day to entice those big stripers. You'll learn pro techniques for presenting your bait and setting the hook when a fish strikes. And trust me, when a 40-inch striper slams your line, you'll be in for the fight of your life!

Fishing Techniques & Hotspots

On this trip, we'll employ a variety of striper-slaying methods. We might start by drifting live mackerel along deeper channels, then switch to casting topwater plugs around rocky structure as the tide changes. Captain Sean is a master at reading the water and finding where the fish are holding. We'll hit proven honey holes like the mouth of the Piscataqua, the back channels near New Castle, or the fertile waters off Odiorne Point. The beauty of inshore fishing is the constantly changing scenery - one minute you're casting near a lobster boat, the next you're sight-fishing for stripers busting bait against a backdrop of seaside mansions.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Portsmouth offers some of the most consistent striper fishing on the East Coast, and anglers who've fished with Captain Sean rave about the experience. Many guests become repeat customers, booking trips year after year to get their striped bass fix. The combination of Sean's local knowledge, top-notch equipment, and the thrill of battling big fish in such a picturesque setting keeps fishermen coming back for more.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped Bass: The undisputed king of Northeast inshore fishing, stripers are the main attraction on this trip. These powerful, silver-sided predators can grow to over 50 pounds in these waters. They're known for their aggressive strikes and bulldog fighting style that will test your arms and your drag. Spring through fall, we target stripers as they move in to feed on abundant baitfish. The satisfaction of landing a trophy-sized striper is something you'll never forget.

While striped bass are our primary quarry, don't be surprised if we also tangle with some of these other local favorites:

Bluefish: These toothy torpedoes often show up in the same areas as stripers. Blues are pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean, known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They're great fun on light tackle and make for some tasty fish tacos.

Mackerel: While we often use mackerel as bait, these sleek and speedy fish are a blast to catch on light gear. When a school of macks moves through, the action can be nonstop. Kids especially love the fast pace of mackerel fishing.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're dreaming of that trophy striper photo or just want to spend a day on the water with good company, this Portsmouth fishing charter delivers. Captain Sean's trips fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab a buddy (the boat takes two guests), and get ready for some world-class inshore fishing action. Remember to park across the street in the grass lot when you arrive. Your unforgettable day of chasing New Hampshire's finest gamefish awaits - book now and let's get fishing!