Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
The big bass are in! Multiple big bass are being caught on most trips.
Enjoy a great fishing charter for big Striped Bass in historic Essex, Massachusetts on the beautiful Essex River and nearby Cape Ann waters of Gloucester, Rockport, Ipswich, and Plum Island with Captain Eric Nelson.
Captain Eric Nelson has more than 45 years of experience fishing and catching stripers in the Essex River and surrounding waters of Ipswich, Cranes Beach, Plum Island, Gloucester, and Rockport. He has 14 years of professional experience conducting fishing charters, since becoming Coast Guard licensed (Master - 50 ton).
He is considered by most who know him to be an expert Striper fisherman who knows where to find fish and how to catch them. Captain Eric is known for his patient style and for being a great fishing instructor. You can be sure he will do whatever he can to make sure his customers have fun and catch fish!
Enjoy views of the river, marsh, Cranes Beach, and wildlife while fishing. The Essex River is pristine and mostly surrounded by conservation land. It is described by many as one of the most beautiful areas on the East Coast. The captain specializes in live bait fishing for Stripers (there is nothing more exciting than catching a big Striper on a live Mackerel).
His boat Striper is a Parker 18’ with a 115 Yamaha four-stroke, with a tee top and forward casting platform - perfect for the river as handling any chop in the bay. He has the latest in fishing electronics technology. New in 2023 - Garmin GPSMAP 943XSV, with advanced fish-finding capability including side-looking sonar in addition to traditional sonar.
Capt. Eric caters to fishing pros as well as families wanting to have a fun day on the water.
Trip prices do not include optional gratuity, customary for good service, good fishing, or fish cleaning.
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (60)
+57Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
97%
Caught fish
100%
Jul 26, 2025
Half Day Morning Trip
Excellent Day Fishing
Captain Eric is a true professional and knows the Essex river like the back of his hand. Me and my 8 year old son had an amazing day, we caught a few Stripers including a 44 inch Monsta! The river is beautiful, very calm waters compared to the deep ocean, with plenty of fish and spectacular views. I highly recommend this charter for anyone looking to hook some large fish.
Captain Eric is a true professional and knows the Essex river like the back of his hand. Me and my 8 year old son had an amazing...
Captain replied
Aug 13, 2025
Half Day Morning Trip
Great experience on Essex River!
Capt Nelson was able to fit us in last minute; exceptionally knowledgeable, pragmatic, and accommodating. Definitely a plus that he seems to know everybody in the area and has background as a scientist. Great experience.
Capt Nelson was able to fit us in last minute; exceptionally knowledgeable, pragmatic, and accommodating. Definitely a plus that...
Captain replied
Sep 8, 2024
Full Day Trip
Spinning tackle stripers
Capt Eric did a great job of finding us fish in different spots of the Essex river and staying on them to keep us hooking up with healthy stripers. Water is relatively calm on the river and protected from the swells of the open ocean, so it’s a pretty comfortable fishing setup on the boat.
Capt Eric did a great job of finding us fish in different spots of the Essex river and staying on them to keep us hooking up with...
Captain replied
Sep 15, 2024
September Half Day
Captain Eric does it again!!
What started off as a slow morning turned in to a great day! We had a great time on our second annual trip with Eric. Even though the fish seemed to have lock jaw today Captain Eric did not give up until he put us on the fish!! Thank you again we can’t wait for next year!!
What started off as a slow morning turned in to a great day! We had a great time on our second annual trip with Eric. Even though...
Captain replied
Aug 25, 2024
September Half Day
Beautiful day on the Essex River
Eric was a gracious, knowledgeable, and pleasant captain. He took our family out for a four-hour fishing trip, and we caught many Stripers (including two keepers), and one funky Sea Robin. All around, a great charter close to Gloucester, but on a spectacular estuary in Essex.
Eric was a gracious, knowledgeable, and pleasant captain. He took our family out for a four-hour fishing trip, and we caught...
Captain repliedTrip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (60)
+57Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
97%
Caught fish
100%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Excellent Day Fishing
Half Day Morning Trip on July 26, 2025
Captain Eric is a true professional and knows the Essex river like the back of his hand. Me and my 8 year old son had an amazing day, we caught a few Stripers including a 44 inch Monsta! The river is beautiful, very calm waters compared to the deep ocean, with plenty of fish and spectacular views. I highly recommend this charter for anyone looking to hook some large fish.
Captain Eric is a true professional and knows the Essex river like the back of his hand. Me and my 8 year old son had an amazing day, we caught a few Stripers including a 44 inch Monsta! The river is beautiful, very calm waters compared to the deep ocean, with plenty of fish and spectacular views. I highly recommend this charter for anyone looking to hook some large fish.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great experience on Essex River!
Half Day Morning Trip on August 13, 2025
Capt Nelson was able to fit us in last minute; exceptionally knowledgeable, pragmatic, and accommodating. Definitely a plus that he seems to know everybody in the area and has background as a scientist. Great experience.
Capt Nelson was able to fit us in last minute; exceptionally knowledgeable, pragmatic, and accommodating. Definitely a plus that he seems to know everybody in the area and has background as a scientist. Great experience.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Spinning tackle stripers
Full Day Trip on September 8, 2024
Capt Eric did a great job of finding us fish in different spots of the Essex river and staying on them to keep us hooking up with healthy stripers. Water is relatively calm on the river and protected from the swells of the open ocean, so it’s a pretty comfortable fishing setup on the boat.
Capt Eric did a great job of finding us fish in different spots of the Essex river and staying on them to keep us hooking up with healthy stripers. Water is relatively calm on the river and protected from the swells of the open ocean, so it’s a pretty comfortable fishing setup on the boat.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Captain Eric does it again!!
September Half Day on September 15, 2024
What started off as a slow morning turned in to a great day! We had a great time on our second annual trip with Eric. Even though the fish seemed to have lock jaw today Captain Eric did not give up until he put us on the fish!! Thank you again we can’t wait for next year!!
What started off as a slow morning turned in to a great day! We had a great time on our second annual trip with Eric. Even though the fish seemed to have lock jaw today Captain Eric did not give up until he put us on the fish!! Thank you again we can’t wait for next year!!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Beautiful day on the Essex River
September Half Day on August 25, 2024
Eric was a gracious, knowledgeable, and pleasant captain. He took our family out for a four-hour fishing trip, and we caught many Stripers (including two keepers), and one funky Sea Robin. All around, a great charter close to Gloucester, but on a spectacular estuary in Essex.
Eric was a gracious, knowledgeable, and pleasant captain. He took our family out for a four-hour fishing trip, and we caught many Stripers (including two keepers), and one funky Sea Robin. All around, a great charter close to Gloucester, but on a spectacular estuary in Essex.
FAQs about Essex River Fishing Charters LLC
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