If you're in the market for a memorable day on the water, look no further than Prime Tide Striper Guide PLLC ("Prime Tide"). With Captain Steve at the helm, you'll benefit from years of knowledge and experience.
"I am so glad I chose Prime Tide Striper Guide over other providers with high reviews." — Chunnan,
Wolfpack Charters – Ogunquit, Maine Wolfpack Charters offers light-tackle fishing charters along the beautiful coastline of Ogunquit, Maine.
"If you’re in Ogunquit, don’t look anywhere else!!! Book now." — David,
Make an adventure out of your next trip to Mount Desert Island and go fishing with Acadia Luxury Outfitters. Your guide for the day is Justin, allowing you to benefit from his knowledge and experience.
"We had an awesome day on the water with Justin! He was a fantastic guide who worked hard all day to keep us on fish and made sure my son had a great experience." — Charlie,
Book your next trip with Lucy B Charters and find out what the fishing in Portland is all about.
"we had a wonderful experience with Captain Chris. I had previously informed him about some in our party that were sensitive to motion sickness." — Davin,
There's a fish with your name on it in Saco and Miss Madison Charter Service will help you catch it! Captain James will be your guide, which means you'll tap into their local experience.
"We were on the fish from the minute we got out there to the very end of a whole 8 hr trip!" — Diogo,
Spend the day with Marsh River Outfitters getting to know the waters along Maines senic coast fishing from Casco Bay up to Belfast and Blue Hill depending on the time of the season! Professional master Maine guide captain Andrew Gibbs or one of our
"We had an absolutely great time with Marsh River Outfitters!" — Allison,
'Escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and join Sea Time Fishing Charters for an unforgettable adventure! Captain Lawrence Robillard has over 40 years of experience as a commercial fisherman and charter operator.
"Captain Kai was fantastic! We brought two 7-year-old boys with us, and he was incredibly patient, encouraging, and made sure they stayed engaged and excited the entire trip." — Brad,
Spend the day with GQ Charters and find out what the fishing in Saco is all about! Your guide for the day is Captain Eric, which allows you to benefit from years of angling experience.
"My husband and I booked this trip for our 30th anniversary. My husband is an avid bass fisherman, but we had only been deep sea fishing one other time and we didnt catch a thing." — Molli,
Make some memories in Wells and go fishing with Seale Rock Fishing Charters.
"I took my son out for his 11th birthday, and it couldn’t have been a better way to spend the day together." — Julio,
Private half-day (around 4 hours) fishing trips in Maine typically cost $400–$600, while private full-day (around 8 hours) trips run $550–$1100. Prices vary based on factors such as the length of the trip, the type of fishing experience offered, the equipment and services included, and the overall scope of the trip. Longer trips, more specialized fishing styles, and packages that include additional services or amenities generally cost more than shorter, more straightforward outings. Multi-day trips are typically priced higher than standard day trips.
In Maine, many of the best nearshore trips chase Striped Bass while starting off by fishing Atlantic Mackerel for bait, then working the tide to keep the action going. Look for a charter that gets you on the water early, uses local spot knowledge to find multiple fishing areas when the bite slows, and provides hands-on help for first-timers so everyone stays engaged. If you want a smooth day for families or mixed experience levels, the charters that emphasize comfort onboard plus quick adjustments during the drift tend to be the easiest wins.
August is a standout month for Striped Bass in Maine. Anglers also commonly target Atlantic Mackerel (July and August), Pollock (July and August), Smallmouth Bass (July and August), and Cod (August and September). If you’re aiming for something a little different, Haddock can be especially good in June and July.
Maine’s best fishing lines up with the warm-water and offshore peak from July through August, when Striped Bass, Bluefin Tuna, and Bluefish are at their strongest. Coastal action also stays hot with species like Atlantic Mackerel and Black Seabass, while inland trout and bass fishing still holds outside that window. If you want the broadest mix of trophy and inshore options, midsummer is the sweet spot.
Pollock is being targeted in November in Maine for anglers who want a strong fight and a bait that stays active in the water column. Crab is also a popular choice right now, especially for bottom-focused fishing. Flounder, Yellow Perch, and Lake Trout are in season too, giving Maine trips a mix of responsive bites and satisfying sport depending on where you fish.
Fishing in Maine is a great fit for families, and many parents say their kids had a blast on guided trips that get everyone involved with casting, baiting, and reeling in. Families often mention that even younger or first-time anglers were able to catch fish, with reviewers specifically saying kids reeled in Striped Bass and Atlantic Mackerel. There are also trips that mix targets, so groups can still have a fun day even when the bite varies.
Maine’s mix of nearshore and inshore water lets beginners get hands-on with the kind of fishing that’s common on first trips, and local charters often target species like Striped Bass and Atlantic Mackerel that new anglers can end up working for. Reviews also note that Maine can be fun for experienced anglers while still working well for newcomers, with many first-timers simply advised to start with a bit of familiarity going in.
Maine trips can mean chilly mornings, salty spray, and plenty of time on open water, so bring a warm layer and a waterproof outer shell even in the warmer months. A windproof hat and polarized sunglasses help a lot when you’re running along the coast or fishing in bright conditions, and seasickness medicine is worth packing if you’re heading offshore or out for a longer trip. Nearly all local charters provide fishing gear, and the large majority also provide bait and lures, so you can keep your bag light and focus on extra clothing, snacks, and anything you want for bringing home fish if the trip goes well.
Yes - fly fishing is one of the main things fishing charters in Maine offer, with a large share of the local boats running fly fishing trips. Many local charters also offer jigging, bottom fishing and trolling.
Discover the unparalleled fishing adventures that Maine offers, from its vast freshwater lakes and rivers to the abundant Atlantic coastline. With thousands of inland waterways and deep-sea access, Maine is a premier destination for targeting trophy Landlocked Salmon—the state fish—along with feisty Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Lake Trout in iconic spots like Moosehead, Sebago, and Belgrade Lakes.
Saltwater enthusiasts flock to Maine's coast for heart-pounding battles with massive Bluefin Tuna, Sharks (including Blue, Mako, and Porbeagle species), and hard-fighting Striped Bass. Inshore favorites like Haddock, Cod, and Atlantic Mackerel thrive in fertile grounds such as Casco Bay and Portland, where charters deliver year-round action. Winter transforms lakes into ice-fishing hotspots, while spring and summer ignite fly-fishing opportunities across rivers and streams.
Whether you seek serene freshwater havens or adrenaline-fueled deep-sea expeditions, Maine's diverse ecosystems cater to every angler. Expert-led charters tailor trips to seasonal peaks, ensuring unforgettable catches against New England's stunning backdrop.
