Great Marsh Outfitters is a fly and light tackle guide service targeting primarily Striped Bass, mainly in Ipswich Bay and Plum Island Sound.
Explore marsh channels tossing flies at eager schoolies, or run out to the bay to fish big flies, live bunker, and big topwater plugs for pelagic Stripers up to 50 inches. Your guide specializes in teaching new anglers. Low pressure, high excitement, high reward! You’ll be treated with respect, courtesy, and patience. Success in fishing is 90% confidence, and should always be fun!
Trips usually depart early morning though start times are flexible. At this time, we will have the Great Marsh, Plum Island Sound, and Ipswich Bay largely or entirely to ourselves. We can usually find feeding fish within minutes of getting on the boat. Return around 10 am, when the bite slows down, and the weekend crowds are just finishing their coffee.
There are unique and action-packed fishing opportunities year round. Feisty schoolies arrive in late April or early May, invading the great marsh, ready to demolish flies and lures.
Things heat up in May and into June with slot-sized fish feeding on Herring in the sound and rivers. July brings abundance to Ipswich Bay, with the arrival of the bunker schools, and the cow-sized Stripers, schoolie Bluefin, and even whales that come right up to the beachfront to feed. This is world class Striper fishing! If you’re lucky, you might even get a shot at hooking a Bluefin Tuna.
August brings the sand eels in thick on the sandbars and beach fronts of Ipswich Bay. Come September on through the end of October, you’ll be chasing Bass as they move south in their fall run.
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (25)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Appropriate for children
76%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
95%
Recommend this charter
94%
Caught fish
81%
Jul 19, 2025
Full day – Light tackle or Fly
My boyfriend and I booked this trip for our late anniversary get away, to get the experience with striper fishing. Absolutely hands down an amazing day and experience with Captain Erik he definitely knows his way around the bay and makes an enjoyable boating experience while catching some monster strippers and mackerels for the live bait. We would definitely recommend booking with Captain Erik for any fishing skill level whether it be beginner or experienced fisherman because whether or not if you know what your are doing he will still take the to show it how it is done. Thank you again Captain Erik.
My boyfriend and I booked this trip for our late anniversary get away, to get the experience with striper fishing. Absolutely...
Jul 26, 2025
4 Hour Trip – Light Tackle or Fly
I have gone on many private charters. By far. This was the most relaxed the most enjoyable I’ve ever been on the captain was absolutely amazing friendliest person you could ever meet in the world. I highly recommend hiring this captain for a charter. You will not be disappointed.
I have gone on many private charters. By far. This was the most relaxed the most enjoyable I’ve ever been on the captain was absolutely...
Jun 7, 2025
Night run - Live Eels - Exp Anglers
This was the most awesome experience with our Captain Erik out on the river. He was patient and he had character! My husband never went fishing before but once Erik guided him he was a natural pro. Thanks Erik! We hope to see you soon!!
This was the most awesome experience with our Captain Erik out on the river. He was patient and he had character! My husband never...
Aug 17, 2025
4 Hour Trip – Light Tackle or Fly
Jun 14, 2025
4 Hour Trip – Light Tackle or Fly
This skipper worked hard all trip finding us fish then keeping us in the fish. Great but relaxing day!
This skipper worked hard all trip finding us fish then keeping us in the fish. Great but relaxing day!
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Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (25)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Appropriate for children
76%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
95%
Recommend this charter
94%
Caught fish
81%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full day – Light tackle or Fly on July 19, 2025
My boyfriend and I booked this trip for our late anniversary get away, to get the experience with striper fishing. Absolutely hands down an amazing day and experience with Captain Erik he definitely knows his way around the bay and makes an enjoyable boating experience while catching some monster strippers and mackerels for the live bait. We would definitely recommend booking with Captain Erik for any fishing skill level whether it be beginner or experienced fisherman because whether or not if you know what your are doing he will still take the to show it how it is done. Thank you again Captain Erik.
My boyfriend and I booked this trip for our late anniversary get away, to get the experience with striper fishing. Absolutely hands down an amazing day and experience with Captain Erik he definitely knows his way around the bay and makes an enjoyable boating experience while catching some monster strippers and mackerels for the live bait. We would definitely recommend booking with Captain Erik for any fishing skill level whether it be beginner or experienced fisherman because whether or not...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
4 Hour Trip – Light Tackle or Fly on July 26, 2025
I have gone on many private charters. By far. This was the most relaxed the most enjoyable I’ve ever been on the captain was absolutely amazing friendliest person you could ever meet in the world. I highly recommend hiring this captain for a charter. You will not be disappointed.
I have gone on many private charters. By far. This was the most relaxed the most enjoyable I’ve ever been on the captain was absolutely amazing friendliest person you could ever meet in the world. I highly recommend hiring this captain for a charter. You will not be disappointed.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Night run - Live Eels - Exp Anglers on June 7, 2025
This was the most awesome experience with our Captain Erik out on the river. He was patient and he had character! My husband never went fishing before but once Erik guided him he was a natural pro. Thanks Erik! We hope to see you soon!!
This was the most awesome experience with our Captain Erik out on the river. He was patient and he had character! My husband never went fishing before but once Erik guided him he was a natural pro. Thanks Erik! We hope to see you soon!!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
4 Hour Trip – Light Tackle or Fly on August 17, 2025
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
4 Hour Trip – Light Tackle or Fly on June 14, 2025
This skipper worked hard all trip finding us fish then keeping us in the fish. Great but relaxing day!
This skipper worked hard all trip finding us fish then keeping us in the fish. Great but relaxing day!