Ready to test your mettle against the Atlantic's toughest fighters? Captain Jim Lynch's offshore charter out of Newburyport, MA is your ticket to serious deep sea action. We're talking blue sharks, haddock, and a whole crew of hard-hitting species that'll make your arms ache and your fishing stories legendary. This ain't no lazy day on the pond – it's 8 hours of pure, unadulterated fishing intensity for anglers who know their stuff and want to push their limits.
Forget about hugging the coastline. We're heading where the big boys play – 20+ miles out where the water turns that deep, mysterious blue. The Newburyport Marina fades into the distance as we gun it for the prime fishing grounds. You'll want your sea legs for this one, folks. We're talking potentially choppy conditions, so come prepared with motion sickness remedies if you're prone. But trust me, when that first shark hits your line, you'll forget all about the waves. We provide top-notch gear, but if you've got a favorite heavy-duty setup you want to bring, give the captain a heads up. Pack a cooler with plenty of grub and drinks – you'll need the fuel for battling these ocean heavyweights.
This ain't your grandpa's bass fishing. We're breaking out the heavy artillery for these offshore monsters. For sharks, we're talking wire leaders, circle hooks, and chunking techniques that'll bring 'em in curious. Expect to use some serious muscle getting those bluies alongside the boat. When we switch gears for bottom fishing, it's all about feeling that bite through hundreds of feet of water. Sensitive rod tips and braided line are your best friends here. The captain's got years of local knowledge, so listen up when he talks about reading the sonar, tracking bait movement, and finding those sweet spots where the haddock and other bottom dwellers are stacked up. Be ready to adapt – offshore fishing means being flexible and changing tactics on the fly.
Blue Sharks: These sleek predators are the main event for many anglers. Growing up to 12 feet long, blues are known for their initial blistering run and acrobatic leaps. They're abundant in these waters from late spring through fall, with peak season usually July to September. The thrill of seeing that dark shape materialize from the depths never gets old.
Haddock: Don't let their smaller size fool you – these cousins of cod put up a spirited fight on lighter tackle. They're prized for their sweet, flaky white meat, making them a favorite for the dinner table. Best fishing is typically spring through early summer, but we can find them year-round. There's a special satisfaction in feeling that telltale tap-tap-tap on your line before setting the hook.
Shortfin Mako Shark: The speed demons of the shark world, makos can hit 60 mph in short bursts. They're less common than blues, but hooking one is the highlight of any trip. These apex predators are known for their wild aerial displays and will test every bit of your angling skill. Late spring to early fall is prime time for makos.
Thresher Shark: With that iconic long tail fin, threshers are unmistakable. They use that tail like a whip to stun their prey, and trust me, they'll put it to use against your tackle too. These powerful fighters are a summer and early fall treat, usually found a bit closer to shore than the other shark species.
Striped Bass: While we're primarily after the offshore bruisers, don't be surprised if we tangle with some trophy stripers along the way. These coastal migrants can reach 50+ pounds and are revered for their powerful runs and delicious meat. Spring and fall are the peak seasons as they follow bait along the coast.
Listen, there's fishing, and then there's FISHING. This trip falls squarely in that second category. It's for the folks who dream about bent rods and screaming reels. The ones who don't mind a little work and whole lot of salt spray for the chance at the catch of a lifetime. Maybe it's the heart-pounding moment when a 300-pound shark decides your bait looks tasty. Or the satisfaction of a cooler full of prime haddock fillets. Whatever brings you out here, I guarantee you'll head back to the dock with stories to tell and an itch to do it all over again.
Look, I could go on all day about the rush of offshore fishing, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. If you're an experienced angler looking for your next big challenge, or just someone who wants to see what real deep sea fishing is all about, Captain Jim's your man. Remember, spots are limited to just 4 anglers per trip, so you're guaranteed plenty of action. Don't let this season's trophy swim away – book your spot on the "Polaris" today and get ready for some serious offshore madness. The Atlantic's calling, and trust me, you want to answer.
Blue sharks are a common offshore catch, typically 6-10 feet long. We find them in open water, often at depths of 200-600 feet. They prefer cooler temps around 60-65°F, so late spring and early fall are prime seasons. Blues are known for their curiosity - they'll often investigate the boat before taking a bait. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their acrobatic fights and sleek, beautiful blue coloration. To catch one, we'll set up a chum slick and drift baits like mackerel or squid. Use wire leaders - their teeth will slice through mono. A local tip: keep your bait about 20 feet from the boat. Blues sometimes get overly curious and jump aboard, which can be dangerous. They're not typically kept for eating, so we practice catch and release to conserve the population.
Haddock are a tasty bottomfish we target offshore. They average 2-7 pounds and 14-30 inches long. You'll find them over sandy or gravelly bottoms in cooler waters, typically 100-300 feet deep. Spring is prime haddock season as they move inshore to spawn. Anglers love targeting haddock for their firm, flaky white meat - some of the best eating fish out there. To catch 'em, we'll drift over likely spots using fresh clams or squid on a simple two-hook rig. Keep your bait near the bottom and watch for the telltale tap-tap of a haddock bite. A local tip: if you're marking fish but not getting bites, try reeling up a few feet. Haddock often suspend just off the bottom.
Makos are the speed demons of the shark world, known to hit 30+ mph in bursts. These powerful predators average 6-8 feet long but can reach 13 feet. We find them in the open ocean, often near the surface in waters 60-75°F. Late summer is prime mako time as they follow the tuna schools. Anglers love targeting makos for their fierce fights and spectacular aerial displays - they're known to leap 20 feet clear of the water. To hook one, we'll set up a chum slick and drift live bait like mackerel or bluefish. Use heavy tackle - at least 50 lb class - these sharks are incredibly strong. A word of caution: always keep a safe distance when landing a mako. Their speed and aggression demand respect.
Striped bass are a prized catch off Newburyport. These powerful fish average 20-40 pounds but can reach 70+ pounds. Look for them near structure like reefs and drop-offs, often within sight of shore. They migrate seasonally, so spring and fall are prime times as they pass through. Stripers put up an impressive fight and make excellent eating. To land one, try live bait like herring or mackerel on a strong line - these fish can snap lighter setups. Early morning or dusk are great times to target them feeding near the surface. A local trick is to watch for birds diving on bait schools, which often means stripers are underneath. Be ready for explosive strikes and long runs when you hook into one of these hard-fighting fish.
Threshers are a unique shark species, famous for their long, scythe-like tails that can be as long as their body. They average 8-14 feet total length and 300-500 pounds. We find them 40-50 miles offshore in waters 60-70°F, often near bait balls of smaller fish. Late spring to fall is prime thresher season here. Anglers love targeting them for their powerful runs and occasional spectacular jumps. To catch one, we'll troll rigged mackerel or large lures at depths of 25-50 feet. Use heavy tackle - 50-80 lb line at least. Threshers have small mouths for their size, so we use 8/0 circle hooks to improve hookups. A local trick: watch for slashes at the surface. Threshers often use their tails to stun prey, giving away their location.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150