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Ipswich Bay Inshore Fly & Light Tackle Charters

  • Published Date: July 16, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Gloucester
  • $400 - $600 price range

Summary

Join us for a 4-hour inshore fishing trip in Ipswich Bay. We'll head out at dawn, targeting striped bass and other local species using fly fishing or light tackle gear. As a small group of just two guests, you'll get personalized attention from your guide. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, we'll set you up with quality equipment and show you the best spots. You can choose your departure point based on where the fish are biting or your preference. Expect a laid-back day on the water, casting along rocky shorelines and learning about the area. It's a great way to experience the beauty of Ipswich Bay while improving your fishing skills. By the end of the half-day, you'll have gotten a real taste of New England inshore fishing.
Ipswich Bay Inshore Fly & Light Tackle Charters

Casting on Ipswich Bay

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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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Ipswich Bay: Inshore Fishing Paradise

Ready for some serious rod-bending action? Great Marsh Outfitters has you covered with our half-day fly fishing and light tackle charters in Ipswich Bay. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, we'll put you on the fish and show you why this stretch of coastline is a angler's dream come true. Striped bass are the name of the game here, and trust me, hooking into one of these bulldogs will have you grinning from ear to ear.

What to Expect on the Water

We kick things off bright and early, usually around sunrise when the fish are most active. Our 4-hour trips are the perfect length to get your fix without wearing you out. We're flexible on launch spots, so we can hit the hottest bite or cater to your preferences. Once we're out there, it's all about finding the fish and getting you hooked up. If you're fly fishing, we'll target structure and rips where stripers love to ambush bait. Light tackle anglers can expect to work lures along rocky shorelines or over submerged boulder fields. Either way, you're in for some serious fun.

Gearing Up for Success

No need to stress about equipment – we've got you covered with top-notch gear suited for Ipswich Bay fishing. Fly anglers will be armed with 9-weight rods, perfect for launching big flies and handling chunky stripers. We'll rig you up with sinking lines to get down where the fish are holding. Light tackle folks will be working with medium-heavy spinning setups, ideal for tossing swim shads, topwater plugs, or live bait if that's the ticket. Don't forget to bring a camera – you'll want proof when you're telling fish stories later!

Reel Testimonials

"Great day! Captain Erik is skilled, professional and lots of fun." - James

"What an awesome time out on the water with Erik. So. Much. Action. We hit a couple of boils & I pulled in a 43 incher on the fly! He's got the magic touch when it comes to finding the sweet spots. Such a great way to reign in the holiday weekend." - David

Target Species Breakdown

Striped Bass: The undisputed kings of Ipswich Bay, stripers are the main attraction on our charters. These hard-fighting fish can range from schoolies in the 20-inch class all the way up to trophy-sized cows pushing 50 inches or more. Stripers are structure-oriented predators, so we'll focus on rocky points, rips, and bait-holding areas. They're suckers for big flies that imitate herring or mackerel, and they absolutely crush topwater lures when conditions are right. The summer months are prime time, but we can find fish from May through October. There's nothing quite like the explosion of a big striper crushing a surface plug – it's an addiction you won't want to kick!

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, Ipswich Bay is the real deal when it comes to inshore fishing. Whether you're looking to check "catch a striped bass" off your bucket list or you're a seasoned angler chasing that personal best, we've got the local knowledge and the prime fishing grounds to make it happen. Our half-day trips are perfect for fitting some serious fishing into a busy schedule, and with a max of two anglers, you'll get plenty of personalized attention. Don't let another season slip by – give us a call and let's get you on the water. The stripers are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this action!

Customer Reviews

Skipper Erik Thrills

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Great day! Captain Erik is skilled, professional and lots of fun.

JR
James Romm

May 20, 2023

Epic Fly Fishing Win

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What an awesome time out on the water with Erik. So. Much. Action. We hit a couple of boils & I pulled in a 43 incher on the fly! He's got the magic touch when it comes to finding the sweet spots. Such a great way to reign in the holiday weekend.

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D
David

July 8, 2025

Learn more about the specie

Striped Bass

Striped bass are a prized catch in Ipswich Bay. These powerful fish typically run 20-40 pounds but can grow over 70. You'll find them near structure like rocky coastlines, feeding on baitfish. Stripers are here from spring through fall, with the best action usually in June and September. Anglers love targeting stripers for their strong fights and excellent eating. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they'll test your gear with powerful runs. To boost your chances, try fishing at dawn or dusk when stripers hunt near the surface in cooler water. A local trick: Keep an eye out for birds diving on bait schools - that's often a sign of feeding stripers below. Live bait like mackerel or eels works great, but don't overlook topwater lures for exciting strikes. Whether you're fly fishing the flats or chunking bait from the boat, hooking into a big striper is always a thrill.

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

Step aboard for a laid-back 4-hour fishing trip in the beautiful Ipswich Bay. Whether you're into fly fishing or prefer light tackle, this charter has you covered. We'll head out at first light to catch the fish when they're most active. You can choose where we launch from based on the hot spots or your own preference. The bay offers great opportunities for striped bass and other inshore species along the rocky coastline. With room for two anglers, you'll get plenty of personal attention from your experienced guide. They'll share local knowledge, help you fine-tune your technique, and make sure you have a fun day on the water. All the gear you need is provided, so just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a snack. It's the perfect half-day getaway for both newbies and seasoned fishermen looking to explore these productive waters.
Great Marsh Outfitters

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Great Marsh Outfitters is a premiere fly and light tackle guide service, fishing the North Shore from Gloucester to Newburyport.

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