Gulls screaming overhead, the smell of the sea in the air, the busy shouts of a working dock–you can’t beat Portland, Maine for its historic atmosphere and fishing heritage. A seafaring history really shines through aboard Portland fishing charters, where skilled captains pilot the state’s signature downeast boats on the hunt for huge, tasty fish. Step aboard and see for yourself!
Known For
Portland sits in the middle of the Gulf of Maine, the summertime home of all the Northeast’s favorite sportfish. From Tuna and Sharks to Striped Bass and Bluefish, you really need to bring your A-game to these waters. The bay is also a historic food fishery, famous for its stocks of Crab, Lobster, and groundfish. Cast your eye inland, and you find a who’s who of freshwater species including Trout, Bass, Salmon, and Pike. It’s the land of plenty for ambitious anglers.
The fishing is even better today than it was 10 years ago. Maine has really improved its conservation efforts in recent years, and many species are bouncing back from overfishing. Numbers are on the rise and some huge catches are made each year. Add in a generations-long guiding tradition and some of the most stunning nature in the country, and you’ve got the perfect place to put your skills to the test.
Types of Fishing
Wet a line in any puddle or inlet in the state and you’ll head home with aching arms and something for dinner. What you catch varies wildly depending on where and how you fish, though, so picking the right kind of trip is key. Here are a few of your main options.
Big Game Fishing
If you’re after the biggest fish and the hottest action, you can’t beat the epic deep sea fishing Portland has on its doorstep. Every summer, Bluefin Tuna and Blue, Mako, Thresher, and Porbeagle Sharks swarm the deeper waters of the Casco Bay, to the joy of anglers from all over the country.
Most Tuna are schooling size “footballs” with a few monsters also caught each year. Even a 50 lb Bluefin packs enough punch to put seasoned anglers through their paces, though, and Sharks are anything but small if you’re after heavy tackle action.
Groundfishing
Food fishing doesn’t get much better than going after Maine’s many groundfish. Strike lucky on a bottom fishing trip and you’ll need to buy a whole new freezer for your catch! Cod, Pollock, and Haddock are the main targets, but you can find Monkfish, Hake, Halibut, Cusk, and much, much more.
Groundfish are found in the bay all year round, so you never have to run out of fish again. After an even bigger haul? Set traps on the journey out and haul in some Crab and Lobster on the way back to the dock as an added bonus.
Inshore fishing
If you don’t fancy the long boat rides or are concerned about choppy seas offshore, don’t worry–there’s plenty of action right along the coastline! The Striper fishing Portland enjoys each summer is a point of pride for local charter guides, and the local Bluefish really add some bite to your battle. Throw in Jonah and Rock Crabs, huge numbers of Mackerel, and Maine’s stunning rocky coastline, and you’ve got the perfect day inshore.
Freshwater Fishing
We’re not ignoring Portland’s inland fisheries. In many ways, we saved the best for last. From the calm waters of Sebago Lake to the banks of the Presumpscot River, the local waters hold a huge range of species.
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Brook, Brown, Lake, and Rainbow Trout, Salmon, Pike, Perch, Crappie–the list just keeps going. The freshwater bite is best in spring and fall but you can target most fish even in the depths of winter if you’re not afraid to step out onto the ice.
Need to Know
Rules and Regulations
Fishing licenses are included on Portland fishing charters. If you’re fishing from shore, you have to sign up to the saltwater fishing registry, which costs $1 for a year, or buy a Maine fishing license, which is valid of both salt and freshwater. Rivers and streams are closed to all fishing October through the end of March. You can only use flies or lures to target most river species from August 16 through September 30.
Budget
You can pick up a freshwater trip for around $200-300, and most saltwater charters only cost around $100 per hour. Extended, overnight, and even multi-day charters are common here, taking you out in search of the biggest Tuna around. Invest in one of these trips, and you’ll get nothing short of the adventure of a lifetime!
Getting There
Portland is an easy 2-hour drive from Boston and a 6-hour drive from New York when traffic is good. If you can’t face the I-95, you can take a train from both cities. Flights also run from around the country to Portland International Jetport. Most fishing charters run from South Portland, just across the Fore River from the city’s center. Portland is very easy to get around by car or taxi, thanks to its size and ample parking, even downtown.
Portland is the perfect town for a relaxing fishing vacation. With untouched forests, a stunning coastline, and a waterfront straight out of the history books, you couldn’t find a more picture-perfect place for a fishing charter. Not that you’ll notice any of this when you’re straining to bring in the nation’s finest sportfish!