Coleman’s Guide Service 

4.9
(59 reviews)
 5 Wharf Road, Freeport, ME 04032, United States–

Coleman’s Guide Service 

Freeport, ME, United States
–
20 ft
4
4.9
(59 reviews)

Freeport has a fish with your name on it, so let Coleman's Guide Service help you catch it! With Captain Coleman at the helm, you're in knowledgeable and experienced hands.

Striped Bass, Atlantic Mackerel, Blue Shark, Mako Shark, Porbeagle Shark, Pollock, Cod, Haddock, Shad, and more inhabit these waters, depending on the time of year. Depending on the species you're after, you may find yourself spinning, trolling, drifting, jigging, or maybe something more specialized in this area. Capt. Coleman's also offers fly fishing.

If you're traveling with the family, you will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! If you don't have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there's one on board. Don't forget to bring snacks to ward off any mid-trip fatigue!

You'll find yourself aboard a 20' Grady-White cuddy cabin with capacity for 4 passengers. It has all the essentials. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, as well as lures. Live bait is included, but it's good to ask about this so you know if you'll be catching it yourself.

Don't leave home without sunglasses, and sunscreen (non-spray). There will be some drinks on offer, but let the captain know if you wish to bring your own. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just be sure to avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

If you have any questions about fishing with Coleman's Guide Service, you can send Capt. Coleman's a message down below.

Freeport has a fish with your name on it, so let Coleman's Guide Service help you catch it! With Captain Coleman at the helm, you're in knowledgeable and experienced hands.

Striped Bass, Atlantic Mackerel, Blue Shark, Mako Shark, Porbeagle Shark, Pollock, Cod, Haddock, Shad, and more inhabit these waters, depending on the time of year. Depending on the species you're after, you may find yourself spinning, trolling, drifting, jigging, or maybe something more specialized in this area. Capt. Coleman's also offers fly fishing.

If you're traveling with the family, you will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! If you don't have a child-sized life vest of your own, be sure to ask if there's one on board. Don't forget to bring snacks to ward off any mid-trip fatigue!

You'll find yourself aboard a 20' Grady-White cuddy cabin with capacity for 4 passengers. It has all the essentials. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, as well as lures. Live bait is included, but it's good to ask about this so you know if you'll be catching it yourself.

Don't leave home without sunglasses, and sunscreen (non-spray). There will be some drinks on offer, but let the captain know if you wish to bring your own. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just be sure to avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

If you have any questions about fishing with Coleman's Guide Service, you can send Capt. Coleman's a message down below.

Coleman’s Guide Service
Charter Operator
Coleman’s Guide Service
13 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
2 Hour Nature Charter
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
US $400
Entire boat: up to 4 people
2 Hour Trip Family Mackerel Jigging
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 28 - Oct 31
Mackerel (Atlantic)
US $400
Entire boat: up to 4 people
2 Hr Sunset/Nature Cruise
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 hour trip starts at 5:00 PM
Bass (Striped)
Shark (Porbeagle)
Cod
Pollock
+5
US $450
Entire boat: up to 4 people
3 Hour Trip — Striped Bass(AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 31 - Oct 15
Bass (Striped)
Mackerel (Atlantic)
US $500
Entire boat: up to 4 people
4 Hour Trip –Striped Bass (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 31 - Oct 15
Bass (Striped)
Mackerel (Atlantic)
US $600
Entire boat: up to 4 people
3 Hr Striped Bass(PM) Evening Bite
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 5:00 PM
Bass (Striped)
Mackerel (Atlantic)
US $600
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
59 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (59)

What anglers say

98%
Recommended
86%
Caught fish

Reviews (59)

  • Chris Madden
    Chris Madden
    Repeat angler
    us
    Connecticut, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fantastic morning on the water.

    4 Hour Trip –Striped Bass (AM) on August 20, 2026 • 2 adults • 1 child

    My 11 year old son and I had a fantastic experience with Coleman guide service. Joe was very welcoming, and did an excellent job keeping my son engaged, explaining each step of the process when targeting different fish. He worked the full duration of the trip to get us on fish, constantly making adjustments to our location and tactics. We caught some great fish, several species we'd never caught before. He was also knowledgeable about local history, and a great wildlife guide, pointing out seals, poirposes, birds, etc. It was the highlight of our trip to Maine, we look forward to going again on our next visit!

  • Karen Herman
    Karen Herman
    Repeat angler
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fun for a family or friends!

    3 Hour Trip - Striped Bass(PM) on July 4, 2026 • 4 adults

    Joe was a competent captain and even better guide. We had an awesome time with him. Truly a unique experience with getting to catch our own mackerel to use as live bait and getting to catch some large striper with it. Despite it being a day when fish were not supposed to be biting, Joe was able to use his expertise to get us to the right position to make some memorable catches. We could not recommend him or the experience he offers any higher. He was very personable and made the trip a fun experience whether you're able to catch fish or not. When we're back in the area from Michigan we will be booking with him again.

  • Jonathan Everhart
    Jonathan Everhart
    Repeat angler
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2023
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Wonderful trip

    4 Hour Trip –Striped Bass (AM) on August 19, 2026 • 1 adult

    smooth ride out of the marina and moorings leads one to a beutiful panorama of small rocky islands eventually giving way to the open sea. there we caught cod until arms are tired, tris ti scout a tuna as they have been in the area, and saw a Minke whale. we rhen haded back toward shore for some mackeral to get aftwr the stripers. truly was an amazing day. the capatain is gracious and as interesting as advertised. he has all the right gear rigged up the right way. You will have a great time with captain coleman!

  • Tammy Rickert
    Tammy Rickert
    us
    Massachusetts, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great time!

    2 Hr Sunset/Nature Cruise on July 24, 2026 • 4 adults • 1 child

    We had a fantastic time! The captain was very knowledgeable and personable and made for a great evening of fishing. We were able to catch a ton of mackerel for bait. Although the stripers weren’t biting at first the captain kept us in the game until the bitter end and we were able to hook up to a nice keeper striper! Our favorite part was being able to actually fish on our own. (some charters only let you reel in once hooked up) Was a great time, weather was perfect and we came home with a striper! Would highly recommend!

  • Peter Corning
    Peter Corning
    us
    Maine, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome Trip

    3 Hour Trip — Striped Bass(AM) on July 25, 2026 • 4 adults

    We had a great AM fishing trip with Captain Joe. he was super generous with his time and knowledge, pointing out various birds and wildlife that populate Casco Bay (including a pair of American Oystercatchers!). We caught a ton of mackerel and had fun chasing the stripers even though they werent biting much. A highlight of the morning was jumping into Casco Bay, highly recommended if the weather is good! Thanks again Joe! I would recommend this trip to anyone looking to make some good memories.

  • Robin Decker
    Robin Decker
    Repeat angler
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain Coleman was awesome!

    3 Hour Trip — Striped Bass(AM) on August 12, 2026 • 3 adults • 1 child

    Captain Coleman was so knowledgeable and took great care of all of us! My 7 year old nephew was hooked on everything Captain Coleman had to share and is ready to go back out! The boat was great and equipped with everything we needed. We got to see seals, dolphins, a huge osprey nest and one of the rare american oystercatchers! We caught lots of mackerel and my nephew got to explore, learn and fish his little heart out! Thanks a bunch, we will certainly be back! 1000% recommend!

  • Nicole Van Dorn
    Nicole Van Dorn
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing experience for everyone involved

    4 Hour Trip –Striped Bass (AM) on July 15, 2026 • 2 adults

    Captain Joe is one of the most genuine and personable captains I’ve ever fished with. Both of my sons had an amazing time and won’t stop talking about this trip, although both have been fishing for a lot of their lives. Captain Joe put both boys on some absolute beasts of fish and both safely and expertly helped land fish in conditions that were less than ideal to say the least. Thank you Captain and we’ll be sure to book this trip again!

  • Robert Dealy
    Robert Dealy
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Fabulous trip

    4 Hour Trip –Striped Bass (AM) on August 5, 2026 • 4 adults • 1 child

    I went with three grandchildren, ages 10-17, all with limited experience fishing. Captain Joe was superb with the youngish crowd. We didn't luck onto any stripers that day, but caught plenty of fish to make everyone happy. And the extremely close up proximity to marine mammals (seals and dolphins) and birds (nesting osprey and oyster catchers, both with chicks) made the outing extraordinary for all of us.

  • Micah Coleman
    Micah Coleman
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    World’s Most Interesting Guide

    2 Hour Trip Family Mackerel Jigging on June 8, 2026 • 3 adults • 1 child

    What a beautiful Maine experience! We spent a wonderful morning in the water, catching pollock and mackerel. We are in a hotel so took Joe’s recommendation and grilled our mackerel in a lovely park overlooking the river. Joe was kind and a great guide. He took an interest in our nine-year-old son and taught about tides and fish. We will hire him next year for freshwater fly fishing. Highly recommend!

  • Frank Harris
    Frank Harris
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Micah’s first Fishing Trip!

    3 Hour Trip — Striped Bass(AM) on July 9, 2026 • 3 adults • 1 child

    Captain Joe made Micah’s first fishing trip one we’ll never forget! The striped bass weren’t biting, but Joe never gave up and kept Micah smiling and having fun the entire time. With just five minutes left in the charter, Micah landed an incredible stripper, making the whole trip worth it. We highly recommend Captain Joe to anyone looking for a fun, patient, and hardworking guide! 🎣

Rating

4.9
59 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (59)

What anglers say

98%
Recommended
86%
Caught fish

All reviews (59)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 59 reviews
Chris Madden
Chris Madden
Repeat angler
us
Connecticut, US
Member since 2025
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Fantastic morning on the water.
4 Hour Trip –Striped Bass (AM) on August 20, 2026 • 1 adult • 1 child

My 11 year old son and I had a fantastic experience with Coleman guide service. Joe was very welcoming, and did an excellent job keeping my son engaged, explaining each step of the process when targeting different fish. He worked the full duration of the trip to get us on fish, constantly making adjustments to our location and tactics. We caught some great fish, several species we'd never caught before. He was also knowledgeable about local history, and a great wildlife guide, pointing out seals, poirposes, birds, etc. It was the highlight of our trip to Maine, we look forward to going again on our next visit!

Reported catch:
Atlantic Mackerel
Joe Herman
Joe Herman
Repeat angler
us
Michigan, US
Member since 2025
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Fun for a family or friends!
3 Hour Trip - Striped Bass(PM) on July 4, 2026 • 4 adults

Joe was a competent captain and even better guide. We had an awesome time with him. Truly a unique experience with getting to catch our own mackerel to use as live bait and getting to catch some large striper with it. Despite it being a day when fish were not supposed to be biting, Joe was able to use his expertise to get us to the right position to make some memorable catches. We could not recommend him or the experience he offers any higher. He was very personable and made the trip a fun experience whether you're able to catch fish or not. When we're back in the area from Michigan we will be booking with him again.

Jonathan Everhart
Jonathan Everhart
Repeat angler
us
Illinois, US
Member since 2023
3 trips
5.0
Verified
Wonderful trip
4 Hour Trip –Striped Bass (AM) on August 19, 2026 • 1 adult

smooth ride out of the marina and moorings leads one to a beutiful panorama of small rocky islands eventually giving way to the open sea. there we caught cod until arms are tired, tris ti scout a tuna as they have been in the area, and saw a Minke whale. we rhen haded back toward shore for some mackeral to get aftwr the stripers. truly was an amazing day. the capatain is gracious and as interesting as advertised. he has all the right gear rigged up the right way. You will have a great time with captain coleman!

Reported catch:
Atlantic Mackerel
Striped Bass
Tammy Rickert
Tammy Rickert
us
Massachusetts, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Great time!
2 Hr Sunset/Nature Cruise on July 24, 2026 • 3 adults • 1 child

We had a fantastic time! The captain was very knowledgeable and personable and made for a great evening of fishing. We were able to catch a ton of mackerel for bait. Although the stripers weren’t biting at first the captain kept us in the game until the bitter end and we were able to hook up to a nice keeper striper! Our favorite part was being able to actually fish on our own. (some charters only let you reel in once hooked up) Was a great time, weather was perfect and we came home with a striper! Would highly recommend!

Reported catch:
Striped Bass
Atlantic Mackerel
Peter Corning
Peter Corning
us
Maine, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Awesome Trip
3 Hour Trip — Striped Bass(AM) on July 25, 2026 • 4 adults

We had a great AM fishing trip with Captain Joe. he was super generous with his time and knowledge, pointing out various birds and wildlife that populate Casco Bay (including a pair of American Oystercatchers!). We caught a ton of mackerel and had fun chasing the stripers even though they werent biting much. A highlight of the morning was jumping into Casco Bay, highly recommended if the weather is good! Thanks again Joe! I would recommend this trip to anyone looking to make some good memories.

Reported catch:
Atlantic Mackerel

FAQs about Coleman’s Guide Service

Coleman’s Guide Service offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $400 per group - 2 Hour Nature Charter (2 hours)
  • US $400 per group - 2 Hour Trip Family Mackerel Jigging (2 hours)
  • US $450 per group - 2 Hr Sunset/Nature Cruise (2 hours)
  • US $500 per group - 3 Hour Trip — Striped Bass(AM) (3 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 3 Hr Striped Bass(PM) Evening Bite (3 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 4 Hour Trip –Striped Bass (AM) (4 hours)
When you book a trip with Coleman’s Guide Service, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet small porter potty under deck.
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
Trips booked with Coleman’s Guide Service include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks
  • Fly fishing equipment
Coleman’s Guide Service offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing (Strout's Marina ….10 minutes from LL Bean Flags)
  • Nearshore fishing
Coleman’s Guide Service offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Fly fishing
  • Drift fishing
Top targeted fish species with Coleman’s Guide Service include:
  • American Shad
  • Bass (Striped)
  • Cod
  • Cod (Breaksea)
  • Mackerel (Atlantic)
  • Pollock
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Shark (Blue)
  • Shark (Mako)
  • Shark (Porbeagle)

Your operator

Coleman’s Guide Service
Coleman’s Guide Service
Freeport, Maine, United States
ID & license verified
59 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since November 2024
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
I'm a 10th generation Mainer. I grew up in Augusta and have degrees from UMO in Biology and a Masters from Sarah Lawerence College in writing. I'm also a flyfishing guide in Rangely Maine, and Scotland. I write for the Maine Sportsman and I'm a published poet short story writer.
Coleman’s Guide Service
Coleman’s Guide Service
Fully verified
Angler's Choice
59
reviews
2024
member since
~1h
response
I'm a 10th generation Mainer. I grew up in Augusta and have degrees from UMO in Biology and a Masters from Sarah Lawerence College in writing. I'm also a flyfishing guide in Rangely Maine, and Scotland. I write for the Maine Sportsman and I'm a published poet short story writer.

The fish you can target

American Shad
American Shad
Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Cod
Cod
Breaksea Cod
Breaksea Cod
Atlantic Mackerel
Atlantic Mackerel
Pollock
Pollock
Black Seabass
Black Seabass
Blue Shark
Blue Shark
Mako Shark
Mako Shark
Porbeagle Shark
Porbeagle Shark
American Shad
American Shad
Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Cod
Cod
Breaksea Cod
Breaksea Cod
Atlantic Mackerel
Atlantic Mackerel

Real catches by this captain

  • Fantastic morning on the water.
    Chris M.
    Chris M.
  • Good Time!
    John C.
    John C.
  • Captain Coleman was awesome!
    Robin D.
    Robin D.
  • Fabulous trip
    Robert D.
    Robert D.
  • only trip ever
    John S.
    John S.
  • Great trip!
    David W.
    David W.
  • Great time!
    Tammy R.
    Tammy R.
  • great trip great weather
    Robert E.
    Robert E.
  • Amazing experience for everyone involved
    Nicole V.
    Nicole V.
  • Micah’s first Fishing Trip!
    Frank H.
    Frank H.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Cabin cruisers
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
20 ft
Year built
2000
Boat manufacturer
Grady-White
Boat type
Cuddy cabin
Engine model
Honda
Powered by
1 x 150HP
Max cruising speed
30 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
small porter potty under deck.
GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Fly fishing equipment

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child friendly
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
 Cash
 PayPal
 Checks
 Bank transfer

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