Ready for a day of rod-bending action in the heart of Boston Harbor? Our full-day striped bass trip is the real deal for anglers looking to tangle with some serious linesiders. We'll hit the water as the city's still waking up, giving you a front-row seat to Boston's skyline and first crack at the morning bite. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, our crew's got your back with all the local know-how and gear you need to get into the action.
Picture this: You're cruising out of the harbor just as the sun's painting the sky, coffee in hand, with nothing but possibility ahead. We're talking about a full day on the water, targeting trophy striped bass in Boston's rich inshore waters. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're all about putting you on the fish. We keep it chill with a max of three anglers, so you've got plenty of elbow room to work those rods. Just remember, we're serious about conservation, so we practice catch-and-release to keep the fishery healthy for years to come.
When it comes to chasing stripers, we've got a few tricks up our sleeve. We'll mix it up between trolling, casting lures, and live-lining bait – whatever's hot that day. You might find yourself tossing topwater plugs around structure, working soft plastics along drop-offs, or slow-trolling live eels. Our go-to setup is usually medium-heavy spinning gear, but we've got conventional setups if that's more your style. And don't sweat it if you're new to this – we'll walk you through everything from knot tying to proper fish handling. It's all about having fun and maybe learning a new trick or two.
Let's be real – there's something special about fishing Boston Harbor. One minute you're looking at the city skyline, the next you're locked in battle with a 40-inch striper. It's that mix of urban fishing and wild nature that keeps folks coming back. Plus, with a full day on the water, you've got time to really dial in the bite and potentially tangle with multiple big fish. Our regulars love the laid-back vibe, the quality of the fishing, and how every trip seems to come with its own "you should've been there" story.
Alright, let's talk about the star of the show – the striped bass. These fish are the bread and butter of Boston's inshore fishing scene, and for good reason. Stripers are known for their powerful runs, acrobatic jumps, and the sheer thrill they provide on the end of a line. In Boston Harbor, you can expect to tangle with fish anywhere from schoolies in the 20-inch range up to trophy cows pushing 50 inches or more.
Striped bass start showing up in good numbers around May, with the fishing really heating up in June and July. These fish are structure-oriented, so we'll be targeting them around rocky outcroppings, channel edges, and underwater humps. What's cool about stripers is their versatility – one day they might be blasting topwater lures, the next they're hugging the bottom munching on crabs. It's this unpredictability that makes every trip an adventure.
One of the coolest things about striped bass is their life cycle. These fish are born in freshwater, migrate to the ocean, and then return to their natal rivers to spawn. This means the fish we catch in Boston Harbor could have traveled hundreds of miles up and down the coast. It's not uncommon to catch a fish that's over 20 years old – talk about a worthy adversary!
While our primary target is striped bass, there are days when we might venture a bit further out to tangle with some pelagics, including the hard-fighting yellowfin tuna. These speedsters are like the sports cars of the ocean – sleek, powerful, and built for speed. Yellowfin typically show up in our waters from late summer into fall, and when they do, it's game on.
Yellowfin tuna are known for their blistering runs and deep dives. When you hook into one, be prepared for a workout. These fish can range anywhere from 30 to over 100 pounds in our area, and they're prized for both their fighting ability and their sushi-grade meat. We usually target them by trolling with spreader bars or casting to breaking fish if we're lucky enough to find them on the surface. The thrill of seeing a school of yellowfin crashing bait is something you'll never forget.
Don't let their size fool you – Atlantic bonito pack a punch well above their weight class. These little torpedoes typically show up in late summer and fall, offering a fun change of pace when we're targeting other species. Bonito usually range from 2 to 10 pounds, but what they lack in size, they make up for in speed and acrobatics.
Catching bonito is all about fast retrieves and small, flashy lures. These fish are often found in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're also excellent eating fish, with a rich, dark meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Bonito fishing is a blast on light tackle, and it's a great way to introduce newer anglers to the thrill of catching fast-moving pelagics.
Also known as false albacore or "albies," little tunny are the ultimate test of an angler's skills and tackle. These fish typically show up in our waters from late August through October, and when they do, it's like the fishing version of the Indy 500. Little tunny are incredibly fast, make blistering runs, and can turn on a dime.
Targeting little tunny is all about staying mobile and being ready to cast at a moment's notice. These fish often pop up, smash bait on the surface, and disappear just as quickly. We use light spinning gear with small, fast-moving lures to mimic the bait they're chasing. While they're not considered good eating, the pure sport of catching them is addictive. Many anglers consider hooking an albie to be the pinnacle of inshore fishing excitement.
Look, if you're itching for a day on the water that's got it all – skyline views, world-class fishing, and the chance to tangle with some serious Boston stripers – this is your ticket. We've got the local know-how, the right gear, and a boat that'll get you where the fish are biting. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch or want to show some out-of-town friends what Boston fishing is all about, we've got you covered. Don't let another season slip by without getting out there. Give us a call, lock in your date, and let's make some fishing memories that'll have you grinning long after you're back on dry land. The fish are waiting – are you ready?
Little Tunny, also called false albacore, are small but mighty members of the tuna family that visit our waters in late summer and fall. These rocket-shaped fish usually weigh 5-12 pounds and travel in schools, often right near the surface. You'll find them around points, inlets, and sandbars, chasing bait and making a ruckus. They're not great eating, but pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish out there. Anglers love the challenge of hooking one on light tackle or fly gear. To catch 'em, look for birds working over feeding schools and cast small, flashy lures into the fray. My top tip: use a long, light fluorocarbon leader - these guys have sharp eyes and will shy away from heavy line. When you hook up, hold on tight. These speedsters will put your drag to the test with blistering runs. It's an awesome rush when that reel starts singing!
Atlantic Bonito are feisty little fighters that show up in our waters from spring through fall. These torpedo-shaped fish typically run 5-10 pounds and swim in big schools, chasing baitfish near the surface. You'll often spot them by the feeding frenzy of birds diving on the bait they're pushing up. Bonito prefer cooler, open water and we usually find them a few miles offshore. They're not prized for eating, but man, do they put up a great fight on light tackle. These speedsters can hit 40 mph, so hang on tight when one takes your lure. For the best shot at hooking up, try trolling small, flashy lures or tossing metal jigs into a feeding school. My go-to trick is using a clear bubble float to cast light lures further into the fray. Just be ready for some serious reel-screaming action when a bonito hits!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
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Horsepower per Engine: 300