Ready to spend a day chasing some of the Northeast's most prized gamefish? Captain Paul of Hogg Tide Charters has you covered with this full-day fishing trip out of Newburyport. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, you're in for a treat as we target striped bass and bluefish in the productive waters off the Massachusetts coast. With 8 hours on the water, we'll have plenty of time to find the fish and dial in our tactics. So grab your sunscreen and let's hit the grounds!
We'll meet up bright and early at the dock in Newburyport, where Captain Paul will get you situated on his well-equipped charter boat. As we head out, you'll get a rundown of the day's game plan and a quick safety briefing. The beauty of a full day trip is the flexibility it offers - we can cover a lot of water and switch up tactics as needed. Expect to hit a variety of spots, from rocky structure to sandy flats, always on the hunt for those tell-tale signs of feeding fish. The captain provides all the gear you'll need, including quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for the day's targets. He'll also sort out your fishing license, so you can focus on the important stuff - like landing that trophy striper!
When it comes to stripers and blues, versatility is key. We might start the day chunking or live-lining mackerel, then switch to casting topwater plugs as the sun climbs higher. If the fish are hanging deep, we might break out the wire and troll some tube-and-worm rigs. Captain Paul is always keeping tabs on water temps, tides, and bait movements, so he'll have you on the fish and showing you the most effective techniques for the conditions. Don't be surprised if you find yourself tossing soft plastics one minute and battling a big blue on the troll the next. It's all part of the game, and by the end of the day, you'll have a solid grip on multiple striper and bluefish tactics.
"Had fun catching several dozen mackeral for live bait later. Afterwards, caught a few nice stripers including a 38 inch fish which was a nice memory for a 1st time experience for my daughter's friend who accompanied us. Wish the opportunity to catch more was longer but we still all enjoyed the trip very much, it was a very nice day all in all." - Joe
Striped Bass: The undisputed king of Northeast inshore fishing, stripers are the main draw for many anglers hitting Newburyport waters. These powerful, silver-sided predators can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 40 inches not uncommon. Stripers are known for their hard fights and delicious meat, making them a favorite for catch-and-release enthusiasts and dinner tables alike. They typically show up in good numbers by late spring, with peak fishing often happening in June and July. What makes stripers so exciting is their adaptability - you might find them blasting bait on the surface one day, and hugging deep structure the next. This keeps anglers on their toes and makes every fish a true trophy.
Bluefish: If stripers are the calculated boxers of the inshore world, bluefish are the all-out brawlers. These toothy, aggressive fish are pure muscle and attitude. They'll hit just about any lure or bait with reckless abandon, often putting on aerial displays as they try to shake the hook. Blues typically show up a bit later than stripers, with the action really heating up in mid to late summer. While they don't reach the size of trophy stripers, a 10-15 pound bluefish will give you all the fight you can handle on light tackle. They're also excellent eating when prepared properly, though their oily meat isn't for everyone. One thing's for sure - when a school of blues moves through, hang on tight and get ready for some fast-paced action!
A full day on the water with Hogg Tide Charters is more than just a fishing trip - it's a chance to learn from a local expert, dial in your techniques, and hopefully put some beautiful fish in the boat. With all the gear provided and Captain Paul's wealth of knowledge at your disposal, you're set up for success whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro. The waters off Newburyport are teeming with stripers and blues, just waiting for your line to hit the water. So why wait? Round up your fishing buddies (or make it a family day out), pack some snacks and drinks, and get ready for a day of rod-bending action. The fish are calling - book your trip now and let's get after 'em!
October 21, 2021
Had fun catching several dozen mackeral for live bait later. Afterwards, caught a few nice stripers including a 38 inch fish which was a nice memory for a 1st time experience for my daughter’s friend who accompanied us. Wish the opportunity to catch more was longer but we still all enjoyed the trip very much, it was a very nice day all in all.
August 18, 2024
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the sea - aggressive, hard-fighting, and always hungry. These toothy predators usually run 3-10 pounds, but can top 20. You'll find them terrorizing bait schools near the surface, often creating frenzied "blitzes" that churn the water. Summer is prime time, with blues arriving in June and sticking around through October. Anglers love bluefish for their sheer power and acrobatic fights. They'll hit just about anything shiny or flashy, making them great for novice fishermen. Blues are also tasty when prepared right, with a rich, full flavor. My local tip: when you see birds diving, that's your cue to cast. Blues are often right below, pushing bait to the surface. Just watch those razor-sharp teeth when unhooking - I always keep pliers handy!
Stripers are the crown jewel of our local waters. These powerful fish typically run 20-40 pounds, with some monsters pushing 70. You'll find them cruising near structure and in moving water, especially at dawn and dusk when they're hunting. Spring and fall migrations offer prime fishing as bass follow bait schools. Anglers love stripers for their hard-fighting spirit - when one hits, hold on tight! They're also excellent eating if you're looking to keep a few for the table. To boost your chances, try live bait like herring or mackerel. These fish can be picky, so match the hatch. My go-to trick is using a thin, sensitive braided line to feel those subtle takes. Whether you're casting from shore or working the rips by boat, hooking into a big striper is an experience you won't soon forget.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yanmar
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 440
Had a great time with Captain Hogg! We had experience and amateurs in our trip and captain Paul was patient and a good teacher. We even got to check out some lobster traps!