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Full Day Inshore Fishing in Ipswich Bay

  • Published Date: September 13, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Gloucester
  • $400 - $750 price range

Summary

Spend a full day fishing the productive waters of Ipswich Bay on this 8-hour charter. We'll head out at dawn to hit the best spots, whether that's working the rocky coastline or drifting over prime structure. You can choose fly fishing or light tackle - both work great for the striped bass and other inshore species we'll be after. With room for 3 anglers, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. The fishing here can be excellent, and you'll have an experienced local guide to put you on the fish and share tips along the way. We provide quality gear, but feel free to bring your own favorite rod if you prefer. It's a relaxed day on the water with plenty of time to enjoy the coastal scenery between bites. By the end, you'll have gotten a real taste of the fantastic inshore fishing Ipswich Bay has to offer.
Full Day Inshore Fishing in Ipswich Bay

On the Water Action

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On the board for 2025 - Let’s go!

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Fun morning in the great marsh today!

Image of a striped bass, a big 32-inch fish caught while fishing in Ipswich

My old man got a nice bass today, love you dad!

A photo of a 29-inch striped bass caught while fishing in Ipswich

Gloucester never disappoints on Stripers!

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Full Day Inshore Fishing: Ipswich Bay's Best

Ready for a full day of non-stop inshore action in Ipswich Bay? This 8-hour charter puts you right where the fish are biting, with expert guidance to maximize your time on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the game, we'll tailor the trip to your skill level and target preferences. From fly fishing for stripers in the early morning light to working structure with light tackle as the day heats up, this versatile charter covers all the bases for an epic day of fishing.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off at the crack of dawn, meeting at a launch point that gives us the best shot at the day's hottest bite. The beauty of Ipswich Bay is its variety - one day we might be sight-casting to cruising stripers in skinny water, the next we could be working deep rips for bigger fish. Your captain will read the conditions and put you on fish all day long. We provide top-notch gear, but feel free to bring your own favorite rod if you prefer. Don't worry about packing snacks or drinks - there's plenty of cooler space on board for whatever you want to bring along to keep you fueled up for a full day of fishing.

Techniques That Hook the Big Ones

In Ipswich Bay, versatility is key. We'll likely start the morning working topwater lures or flies, targeting stripers feeding on the surface. As the sun climbs, we might switch to jigging deeper structure or drifting live bait along prime areas. If you're into fly fishing, be ready for some serious action - watching a big striper crush your fly on the surface is an adrenaline rush like no other. For light tackle anglers, we'll mix it up with soft plastics, jigs, and maybe even some live bait if the bite calls for it. Throughout the day, your guide will be right there to offer tips on technique, helping you dial in your presentation for maximum success.

Top Catches This Season

Ipswich Bay has been on fire lately, with anglers reporting consistent catches of keeper-sized striped bass and some real trophy fish mixed in. The rocky coastline and abundant baitfish make this area a striper magnet, and our local knowledge puts you right where they're feeding. While stripers are the main attraction, don't be surprised if we tangle with some hard-fighting bluefish or even the occasional sea bass. Every trip is different, but that's what keeps folks coming back - you never know when you might hook into the fish of a lifetime.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped Bass: The undisputed king of Ipswich Bay, stripers are the primary target on our full-day charters. These hard-fighting fish can range from schoolies in the 20-inch range up to trophy-sized monsters pushing 50 inches or more. Stripers are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps, making them a blast on both fly and conventional gear. They're most active in the cooler months, typically arriving in May and sticking around through October. What makes stripers so addictive is their adaptability - one day they might be blitzing on the surface, the next they could be hugging the bottom around structure. This keeps anglers on their toes and ensures no two trips are ever the same.

Bluefish: While stripers might be the main draw, don't underestimate the excitement of hooking into a big 'chopper' bluefish. These toothy predators are pure muscle and attitude, known for their blistering runs and acrobatic fights. Blues typically show up in Ipswich Bay later in the season, often peaking in August and September. They're voracious feeders, willing to hit just about any lure or fly you throw their way. Just be sure to bring wire leaders - those razor-sharp teeth can make quick work of monofilament! Landing a big bluefish is always a highlight, and they're excellent on the grill if you're looking to take some fish home for dinner.

Black Sea Bass: While not as common as stripers or blues, we occasionally encounter sea bass, especially when working deeper structure later in the day. These hard-fighting bottom dwellers are a welcome addition to any trip, known for their strong initial run and delicious white meat. Sea bass typically show up in Ipswich Bay waters from late spring through fall, with the biggest fish often caught in the early part of the season. They're suckers for jigs and soft plastics worked near the bottom, and hooking into a big 'knucklehead' can really put your light tackle to the test.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about Ipswich Bay that keeps fishermen coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of watching stripers crash bait on the surface as the sun rises over the rocky coastline. Or perhaps it's the chance at hooking into that personal best fish - the kind of striper that makes your drag scream and your knees weak. For many, it's the simple pleasure of spending a full day on the water, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whatever your reason, our 8-hour charter gives you plenty of time to soak it all in, with the flexibility to chase the hottest bite wherever it takes us.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on Ipswich Bay for a full day of world-class inshore fishing, now's the time to lock in your date. Our 8-hour charters fill up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some trophy stripers or a newcomer eager to learn the ropes, this trip has something for everyone. We provide all the gear, expertise, and local knowledge - all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a couple of sandwiches. Don't let another season slip by without experiencing the incredible fishing Ipswich Bay has to offer. Book your charter today and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget!

Learn more about the specie

Striped Bass

Stripers are the crown jewel of Ipswich Bay fishing. These powerful fish typically range from 20-40 pounds, with some monsters pushing 70. You'll find them cruising near structure and in moving water, often within casting distance of shore. Early morning and dusk are prime times, when they come up to feed in cooler surface waters. Stripers put up an impressive fight and make excellent table fare with their sweet, meaty flesh. Spring through fall offers the best action as they migrate along the coast. To boost your chances, try live bait like herring or mackerel - stripers can be picky eaters. My local tip: Look for birds working bait schools, that's often a dead giveaway for feeding bass below.

Striped Bass

About the BoonDoggle

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 42

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 130

Ready for an awesome day of fishing in Ipswich Bay? Join us for 8 hours of inshore action chasing striped bass and other local species. We'll head out at dawn to hit the best spots, whether that's working the rocky coastline or drifting over prime structure. This trip is great for anglers of all skill levels - we've got quality gear for both fly fishing and light tackle, so you can use whichever method you prefer. Our experienced guide knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on the fish while sharing tips to improve your technique. With a max of 3 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and chances to land that trophy catch. The scenery around Ipswich Bay is stunning too, so bring a camera to capture some coastal New England beauty between bites. Get ready for a fun, fish-filled day on the water!
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