Striped bass fishing out of Boothbay Harbor centers on the Kennebec and Sheepscot Rivers, with Linekin Bay as the closer option for a private boat. This is a port-level read for Boothbay Harbor; the full striped bass guide covers the fish in general. Below: when stripers are around, where boats run, named grounds, local methods, and who fishes them.
When striped bass are around Boothbay Harbor
Local sources give three different windows.
| Source | Window |
|---|---|
| New England Boating | mid-June into October |
| Mainetain Charters | early June to mid-September (striper trips) |
| Charger Sportfishing | April to December |
The windows come from different operators and publications, so they don’t match. All three overlap from mid-June to mid-September, which makes that stretch the safest one to plan around. The edges reflect the wider range other sources report. New England Boating’s Boothbay guide gives the mid-June into October window. For the wider migration picture, see the Atlantic Northeast striped bass guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast fishing guide).
Where boats run
Local guides generally work the Kennebec and Sheepscot Rivers and the waterways connecting them. Linekin Bay is the closer option for private boaters.
Kennebec and Sheepscot Rivers
Guides generally work both river systems, along with the waterways that connect them.
Linekin Bay
Linekin Bay is a shorter run from the harbor than the rivers, which is why it suits private boaters. The local methods described below apply here.
Grounds and structure near the harbor
Three named places show up on the chart near the port.
The Kettle
New England Boating places The Kettle 10 miles south of Seguin Island.
Sagadahoc Ledges
Sagadahoc Ledges is named structure near the port.
Platts Bank
Platts Bank (also spelled Platt’s Bank) is listed as a productive tuna and shark spot. For those fish, start with the coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
How stripers are fished here
Per New England Boating, local methods center on mackerel, fished two ways.
Live tinker mackerel
A live tinker mackerel is free-lined along the shoreline. The same bait can also be fished under a float along the shoreline.
Mackerel chunks on the bottom
Mackerel chunks are fished on the bottom.
Who fishes for stripers out of Boothbay Harbor
These local charters list striped bass:
- Sweet Action Charters: a 34′ Freeman that cruises around 33 knots, and a boat called Papa Jon.
- Charger Sportfishing: Captain George Warren, owner of the boat "Y" (diesel, heated cabin).
- Reel Addiction Sportfishing: Captain Jordan Caron (owner) and Captain Matt Bolster.
- Fish Boothbay: striped bass is on its list.
- Mainetain Charters: Capt. Benjamin Kaler.
- Double Haulin’ Fly & Light Tackle: Captain Nick. The name points to a fly and light tackle focus.
FAQ about striped bass fishing out of Boothbay Harbor
When is striper season in Boothbay Harbor?
New England Boating puts it at mid-June into October, Mainetain Charters runs striper trips early June to mid-September, and Charger Sportfishing lists April to December. The windows come from different sources.
Where do boats run for stripers?
Local guides generally work the Kennebec and Sheepscot Rivers and the waterways connecting them. Linekin Bay is the closer option for private boaters.
What bait is used locally?
Live tinker mackerel, free-lined or fished under a float along the shoreline. Mackerel chunks are fished on the bottom. Both come from New England Boating.
Is Linekin Bay worth fishing from a private boat?
It is the closer option for private boaters, and the shoreline live-mackerel presentation is the local method to bring. The sources say only that it is closer, and nothing guarantees fish.
Which charters target stripers?
Sweet Action Charters, Charger Sportfishing, Reel Addiction Sportfishing, Fish Boothbay, Mainetain Charters, and Double Haulin’ Fly & Light Tackle. Double Haulin’ leans toward fly and light tackle.
Short answers, drawn from local sources.
