Channel Edge Charters
A Typical Sunrise over Plum Island

Fishing Areas

You will be fishing the inshore waters of the Merrimack River and Plum Island. This includes fishing off of the Salisbury Plum Island beaches depending on tides, weather and sea conditions. Fishing the Merrimack River estuary area includes Joppa Flats and the river extending upstream several miles. In addition to excellent fishing, the area offers the scenic beauty of the northern Massachusetts coastline.

Click HERE to explore the Plum Island area!

Aerial View of Joppa Flats & Northern Tip of Plum Island

Striped Bass &Bluefish

Striped bass can range in size from 16 to more than 36 inches.  Bluefish can range from 2 to 15 pounds.  American shad are also caught at times depending on the season.

Season

The fishing season extends from May to October.  Shad travel up the river to spawn in late April.  Migrating striped bass usually appear in the area in early May.  Bluefish usually arrive with warmer water temperatures in June.  These fish remain in the area until fall.

Fishing Techniques and Tackle

Captain Crue specializes in fly and light spin fishing.  Saltwater fly fishing for striped bass and bluefish offers challenging and exciting action with fast sinking, intermediate sinking or floating lines.  Light spinning tackle with sinking or surface lures is also a great method of catching these fish.

Instruction for either type of fishing is provided for inexperienced anglers.

Tackle, including custom flies and lures is provided or clients are welcome to use their own appropriate gear.

Catch and release is recommended in order to help preserve this great fishery.

Boat & Equipment

The Reel Time III

You will fish aboard the Reel Time III, a brand new 2003 20' Mako Marine center-console fishing boat. It is equipped with an electronic fish-finder, marine radio, cellular telephone and a global positioning system ( GPS ) unit.

Life preservers and first aid equipment are on the boat at all times.

What to Bring

Depending on conditions, you may want to bring personal items such as a wind breaker or rain gear, polarized sunglasses, sun screen, camera, hat, snacks and something to drink  Storage space is limited, so don't bring items such as a large cooler.

Please bring appropriate footwear!  Preferably sneakers or boat shoes with white soles.

Trip Details

The starting time for trips is flexible, but early morning is usually the best time to fish.  Trips may be cancelled if the weather is very poor or the water conditions are bad.

The boat is located in downtown Newburyport at the Newburyport Harbor Marina located behind the Starboard Galley Restaurant and next to the U.S. Coast Guard

Photos

Instant photographs of your prize catches are included.

Accommodations

Information on local accommodations will be provided upon request

Custom Saltwater Flies

Hand-tied custom saltwater flies, by Captain Crue, are available for sale.

Charter Rates