Top fishing spots in New England
After a day out on the water, or in the spray of the surf on the beach, you can relax in the Jacuzzi with a glass of wine while your skilled chef prepares a delicious meal with your fresh catch. Feel inspired by some of IYC’s favorite New England fishing spots.
A beautiful cruise from the mainland, try your hand at shoreline fly fishing or head out from the beach to catch Striped Bass, Giant Bass, Bluefish and if you’re lucky a beautiful, color-changing Mahi Mahi. For the more experienced angler head out at night where you’ll pull out the stripers amidst a brilliant light show as the bioluminescent algae light up.
Plymouth Harbour jetty, Massachusetts
Plymouth boasts a picturesque harbor, which is perfect for a morning stroll. After a relaxing walk, fish for bass from the jetty or take a tender to find the giants that are in the deeper waters. If the bass aren’t biting, throughout the summer the Bluefish are plentiful and an almost guaranteed catch. From the shoreline cast into the rips to catch Weakfish, or head a little further out to find Cod, Haddock and Pollack.
Plum Island, Massachusetts
On the Northeast coast of Massachusetts, north of Cape Ann, you’ll find the sweetly named Plum Island – a barrier island about 5 kilometers long. The Island is known for its pretty architecture, with lots of historic cottages along the beach making it a popular destination for hiking and sightseeing. As well as being a beautiful spot to drop anchor, the area is also legendary for fishing. The island is a great place to give surf-casting a try if you’re new to it, and you are likely to catch huge Bass or Mackerel – on a good day the bass will herd mackerel into shore for you. There are many spots to fish from, including the easy-access beach, the river mouth, or the rocky outcrops where experienced anglers can make the most of the fish swept out by the strong currents.
Half mile beach, Maine
Half Mile Beach is an excellent choice for surfcasting beginners to try their hand at catching a Striped Bass. Through summer the warm water from the river brings shoals toward the beach, where the bigger ones head out to find the cooler, deeper waters. Eager anglers wait and are rewarded with consistently good catches. On a sunny day the beach is a beautiful place to relax, with long sandy stretches, historic bath houses and private picnic areas. If the weather looks uninspiring when you arrive, don't be disheartened - a local tip is that the fish bite best when the fog comes in.
Narragansett, Rhode Island
Famous for its sandy shores and seaside towns, it is not surprising that RI offers great fishing for every level of angler. Head into the ports of Narragansett where you will find Blackfish, Cod, Fluke and Porgies, and the occasional summer Flounder. Heading further out to sea reel in all the usual suspects, as well as sharks, Bluefish and deep sea Tuna. For the really brave there are even options to cage dive with the sharks. While you're on the water, remember to look out wide as you may see the splash of a humpback breaching, or a pod of dolphins riding the bow wave.
It is never too late to plan your next charter holiday, speak with your charter consultant today about cruising New England this summer. For more information browse our New England destination guide and view the yachts available in the area for a New England summer yacht charter. To plan your own yacht charter contact our charter team or IYC’s New England office in Nantucket.