A large white and black boat named Yankee Star is docked at a marina, surrounded by other boats and waterfront buildings at sunset.
Yankee Fleet Deep Sea Fishing Gloucester via Facebook

Whether you are an experienced angler or a first-time fisher, Massachusetts’ many experienced charter fishing services have a trip for you. There are dozens of excellent captains and crews operating up and down the coast, offering a variety of experiences, from family and beginner friendly inshore trips all the way to overnight deep-sea fishing.

North of Boston

Cape Ann Cruises out of Gloucester offers a great combination of sightseeing and recreational fishing for those who want to take in North Shore highlights during their trip. Fish Marblehead and Keepin’ it Reel – both operating out of Marblehead – focus on private sport fishing, primarily bringing in striped bass and bluefish, although the catch of the day can vary depending on the season. For a unique hook-to-table experience, book a special trip on the Endeavor out of Salem with Captain Tim, who also owns restaurants where you can bring your catch to become the star of your meal. Yankee Fleet Deep Sea Fishing in Gloucester has offered deep-sea fishing excursions since 1944 and even offers an overnight fishing trip.

Greater Boston

A man enjoys charter fishing from a white motorboat on the water, with several fishing rods upright behind him. A city skyline with tall buildings is visible in the background under a partly cloudy Massachusetts sky.
Anglerfish Guides, Boston and Quincey via Facebook

Boston Fish Tales offers family friendly in-shore charters that blend education and hands on experiences for groups of all ages and abilities. Captain Jack’s Charter Fishing features both Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay trips, along with relaxing party and sunset cruises. Climb abord Boston Fish Charters in Boston or Medford for everything from Boston Harbor flounder and striped bass charters to offshore tuna and shark adventures, with custom trips available to target a variety of species. AnglerFish Guides out of Quincy provides light tackle and fly-fishing in Boston Harbor.

South of Boston

For both family and dog friendly fun, Labrador Fishing Charters out of Scituate offers trips tailored to a variety of species and experience levels. Head down to Fairhaven and fish with MAC-ATAC Sportfishing Charters where small groups can choose from both inshore and offshore excursions. Larger groups in Fairhaven can cruise with Bounty Hunter Deep Sea Fishing for both limited load public trips and private charters. Smokin Reels departs from Fairhaven, Fall River, and Sandwich, providing memorable fishing experiences designed with families in mind. In search of a new experience? Book a night squid fishing trip with First In Cast Out departing from New Bedford.

Cape Cod and The Islands

An adult helps a child in a red life jacket fish from a boat on a sunny day. The water is calm and another child in a yellow life jacket is visible in the background.
Althea K Sportfishing, Nantucket via. Facebook

Patriot Party Boats out of Falmouth welcomes anglers of all ages with both guided open boat trips and private fishing charters. Departing daily from Hyannis during the season, Helen H Offshore Fishing offers over ten trip options, from half day groundfish excursions to a three-day tuna trip. On Nantucket, Althea K Sportfishing creates custom experiences based on guests’ interests and experience level. Martha’s Vineyard’s most popular fishing boat is The “Skipper” of Oak Bluffs, offering daily fishing and sunset excursions as well as private charter opportunities.

These are just a few of the many excellent fishing charter operators in Massachusetts. With the region’s long history of fishing as a way of life, each captain and their crew know the waters well, and are sure to make your excursion one to remember.

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