Newburyport is the classic New England seaside town, complete with red brick shopping streets and a picturesque waterfront full of pretty boats. Head down to the harbor and you’ll find a dozen Newburyport fishing charters just waiting to take you out. Charter captains are proud of their local waters - and with good reason. From the fast currents of the Merrimack River to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, the town has access to some incredible fisheries.
While away a sunny morning battling Striped Bass in the shallows, or head offshore for the chance to bag a Bluefin. If you somehow get bored of fishing, head to the stunning Salisbury Beach or explore untouched wetlands on Plum Island. Fancy something a little more civilized? Head to Maudslay State Park and take a walk through its immaculate formal gardens. Newburyport really does have something for everyone.
Fishing Spots
Of course, all these beaches and country estates are lovely, but you’re here to fish! Luckily for you, Newburyport is surrounded by amazing fishing spots for anything from freshwater fly fishing to deep sea Shark hunts. Here are a few of our top picks to make sure you get the most out of the area.
Merrimack River
You can’t get much closer to town than the Merrimack River. And with such awesome fishing, why would you go any further? One of the most exciting events for local anglers is the spring Shad run. These guys have been nicknamed “freshwater Tarpon” due to their great game potential, and are a delicious food fish, too.
Head down to the river mouth and you can find big Striped Bass and Bluefish. The Joppa Flats are a particularly good Striper spot and are so close you could practically swim to them. And there’s more. Winter Flounder can be caught in the briny estuary waters, making the Merrimack River one of the most productive food fisheries around.
Plum Island
Fancy seeing more of the countryside while you fish? You can’t get much more scenic than Plum Island. Spend the day landing Linesiders along mile after mile of beautiful sandy beaches. Venture round the head of the island and into Plum Island Sound and you’ll find a ton of big Blues to go with the Stripers.
Jeffreys Ledge
Offshore enthusiasts may be getting bored by now. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of bluewater action here, too! Some of the best deep sea fishing Newburyport has to offer is found out at Jeffreys Ledge, just 10 miles from town. Bluefin Tuna can be caught here in the summer, some weighing as much as 250 pounds! Sure, most of the Tuna are closer to the 100-pound mark, but that’s still more than enough to put an experienced angler through their paces.
And it’s not just Tuna, either. You can catch all kinds of tasty groundfish like Pollock, Haddock, and even Halibut. Truly set on a heavy tackle hookup? Head out past the ledge and into deeper waters for your chance to battle monster pelagic Sharks. Makos, Blues, Porbeagles, and even the occasional Thresher can be caught when the waters get warm enough.
Fishing Techniques
Newburyport has an incredible variety of fishing styles on offer. Slow-troll live lines along the beachfront to bring in big Stripers or throw topwater plugs in the river mouth for the added chance of hooking a Blue. Fly anglers love Merrimack River with good reason, but Shad can be just as fun with shiny spoons and light tackle. If you’re just here for the food, drop a top-and-bottom rig baited with seaworms and count the seconds until your first Flounder.
Head offshore, and you still have plenty of option to play with. Troll dressed baits on spreader bars for run-and-gun style Tuna fishing. Taking Tuna on jigs is just as rewarding. Nothing gets your heart going like throwing jigs into the middle of a topwater feeding frenzy, while vertical jigging is hands down the best way to bring big Bluefin to the surface.
Sharks like one thing - the blood of other, lesser fish. Chum over deep-water structure and throw out bait on heavy tackle. It’s the easiest and most effective way to find these guys. They’re one of the best predators on the planet, so you just let them come to you.
Need to know
Saltwater fishing licenses are usually provided on Newburyport fishing charters. Freshwater licenses aren’t, though. If you’re thinking of targeting Shad, you’ll need to buy one before you can start. Do this online, or pick one up in person when you get to town.
Tuna anglers should be aware that all fish over seven feet long will stay with the boat if you don't release them. Your captain will be able to advise you on all other important limits and seasons when you book your trip.
Lastly, the standard checklist for any fishing charter: Sunscreen, shades, hat, and windbreaker (it may be hot on land, but it can always get cold on the water). If you’re heading offshore, consider taking Dramamine before you go - there’s nothing fun about feeling sick for eight hours!