Essex River Fishing Charters LLC 

5.0/5 (36 reviews)
 Perkins Marine, Essex, MA 01929, United States

Essex River Fishing Charters LLC 

5.0/5 (36 reviews)
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Perkins Marine
Essex, MA, United States

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.

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Customer reviews

Rating summary

5.0/5
out of 5 stars from 36 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
5.0/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (70)

Another great annual trup with Captain Eric!!
Another great annual trup with Captain Eric!!
Another great annual trup with Captain Eric!!
+67

Angler rating

35
0
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

100%

Appropriate for children

100%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

97%

Caught fish

100%

Showing 1 - 5 of 36 reviews
Showing: 5 of 36 reviews
Kenny De Angelo
Kenny De Angelo
5.0
Verified
Excellent Day Fishing
Half Day Morning Trip on July 26, 20251 adult1 child
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.
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Striped Bass
Atlantic Mackerel
Response from Captain
July 26, 2025
Thanks Kenny. It was my pleasure taking you and your son out. You did great! I think he is hooked.
0
Denise Zuppe
Denise Zuppe
5.0
Verified
My son never caught a fish in his life until now!
3 Hour Morning Trip on August 18, 20253 adults
Great Father's day present for my husband and two boys. I don't understand how the captain knows where and how to catch these big fish. They all caught a few very large fish. My son said it was the trip of a lifetime! But it doesn't have to be because we can book it every year. It is worth it. Denise
Response from Captain
August 19, 2025
Thanks Denise. It was my pleasure to have the guys out. They did great! I hope to see them again.
0
Connor Ferris
Connor Ferris
5.0
Verified
Another great annual trup with Captain Eric!!
5 Hour Fishing on September 21, 20254 adults
This was our third year out with Captain Eric and maybe our best trip yet! We brought two friends this time and we all still caught fish with several in the 35-39” range. Book a trip with Eric you won’t regret it!
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Response from Captain
September 23, 2025
Connor, thank you! You all got some real nice fish! It’s always a pleasure for me to get you out.
0
Jared Toman
Jared Toman
4.7
Verified
Great experience on Essex River!
Half Day Morning Trip on August 13, 20252 adults
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.
Reported catch:
Striped Bass
Response from Captain
August 15, 2025
Thanks Jared!
0
Phil Christiansen
Phil Christiansen
5.0
Verified
Best Stripper fishing ever
Half Day Morning Trip on June 20, 20252 adults
Captain Eric knows puts you where the fish are Fantastic!!!
Response from Captain
July 6, 2025
Thanks Phil! You and your friend got some nice fish in spite of some challenging weather conditions.
0

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
December 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
3 Hour Morning Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 Hour Trip
starts at 8:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 25 - Oct 15
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US $500
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Half Day Morning Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 8:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 25 - Oct 15
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US $550
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 Hour Fishing
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip
starts at 8:30 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Oct 15
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US $650
Entire boat: up to 4 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip
starts at 8:30 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Oct 15
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US $750
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip
starts at 8:30 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Oct 15 (Mon)
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US $1,050
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 6 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

5.0/5
out of 5 stars from 36 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
5.0/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (70)

Another great annual trup with Captain Eric!!
Another great annual trup with Captain Eric!!
Another great annual trup with Captain Eric!!
+67

Angler rating

35
0
0
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

100%

Appropriate for children

100%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

97%

Caught fish

100%

Showing 1 - 5 of 36 reviews
Showing: 5 of 36 reviews
Kenny De Angelo
Kenny De Angelo
5.0
Verified
Excellent Day Fishing
Half Day Morning Trip on July 26, 20251 adult1 child
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.
Review media 0
Reported catch:
Striped Bass
Atlantic Mackerel
Response from Captain
July 26, 2025
Thanks Kenny. It was my pleasure taking you and your son out. You did great! I think he is hooked.
0
Denise Zuppe
Denise Zuppe
5.0
Verified
My son never caught a fish in his life until now!
3 Hour Morning Trip on August 18, 20253 adults
Great Father's day present for my husband and two boys. I don't understand how the captain knows where and how to catch these big fish. They all caught a few very large fish. My son said it was the trip of a lifetime! But it doesn't have to be because we can book it every year. It is worth it. Denise
Response from Captain
August 19, 2025
Thanks Denise. It was my pleasure to have the guys out. They did great! I hope to see them again.
0
Connor Ferris
Connor Ferris
5.0
Verified
Another great annual trup with Captain Eric!!
5 Hour Fishing on September 21, 20254 adults
This was our third year out with Captain Eric and maybe our best trip yet! We brought two friends this time and we all still caught fish with several in the 35-39” range. Book a trip with Eric you won’t regret it!
Review media 0
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Review media 3
Review media 3
Response from Captain
September 23, 2025
Connor, thank you! You all got some real nice fish! It’s always a pleasure for me to get you out.
0
Jared Toman
Jared Toman
4.7
Verified
Great experience on Essex River!
Half Day Morning Trip on August 13, 20252 adults
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.
Reported catch:
Striped Bass
Response from Captain
August 15, 2025
Thanks Jared!
0
Phil Christiansen
Phil Christiansen
5.0
Verified
Best Stripper fishing ever
Half Day Morning Trip on June 20, 20252 adults
Captain Eric knows puts you where the fish are Fantastic!!!
Response from Captain
July 6, 2025
Thanks Phil! You and your friend got some nice fish in spite of some challenging weather conditions.
0

FAQs about Essex River Fishing Charters LLC

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
18 ft
Year built
2006
Boat manufacturer
Parker
Boat type
Center console

Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 115HP
Max cruising speed
30 knots
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