Striped bass fishing out of Newburyport runs from mid May into early October, with June through August as the prime stretch. Boats work the Merrimack River, Plum Island Sound and the shallow flats on either side of the main channel, and the offshore ground is Jeffreys Ledge. Anglers new to Newburyport should start with the river and the flats.
Depths range from about 5 ft on Joppa Flat to 160 ft on Jeffreys Ledge. This guide covers when the fish are around, where boats run, the grounds and their depths, how the local fleet fishes, and who runs charters.
When Striped Bass Are Around Newburyport
Obsessed Charters fishes stripers from mid May through early October and marks June through August as prime. Shadowcaster says its charters run May through October. The two operators give nearly the same window, and both treat summer as the core of the season.
The migration that brings fish up the coast is covered on the regional striped bass timing (see also the wider Atlantic Northeast guide) page. Biology and general tackle are on the striped bass species page.
| Operator | Season as stated | Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Obsessed Charters | Mid May through early October | June through August |
| Shadowcaster Charters | May through October | Not stated |
Where Boats Run Out of This Port
The inshore fishery is the Merrimack River and Plum Island Sound. Obsessed Charters covers both, fishing from the Plum Island Point dock. Joppa Flat and Salisbury Flat lie across the main channel from each other, and Shadowcaster and On The Water both place fishing there. Jeffreys Ledge is the offshore ground reached from Newburyport.
The main places, in the order most boats work them:
- Merrimack River: the main inshore water for the port
- Plum Island Sound: fished by Obsessed Charters from the Plum Island Point dock
- Joppa Flat and Salisbury Flat: the shallow flats on either side of the main channel
- Jeffreys Ledge: the offshore ground
Grounds and Structure Near Newburyport
Depth is the main difference between these grounds. The table lists each named ground with its depth where one is known.
| Ground | Depth | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Joppa Flat | 5 ft | Merrimack River mouth, Newburyport side |
| Salisbury Flat | 7 ft | Across the main channel |
| Jeffreys Ledge | 160 ft | Reached from Newburyport |
| Stellwagen Bank | ||
| Outside Flag | Named by Newburyport’s harbormaster as a tuna area | |
| Pigeon Hill | Named by Newburyport’s harbormaster as a tuna area |
The flat and ledge depths can be read against Chart Contours before a run. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Joppa Flat
Joppa Flat is about 5 ft deep, at the Merrimack River mouth on the Newburyport side.
Salisbury Flat
Salisbury Flat is 7 ft deep, across the main channel from Joppa Flat. At 5 ft and 7 ft, both flats are shallow-water fisheries.
Jeffreys Ledge
Jeffreys Ledge is 160 ft deep and is reached from Newburyport. Two Captains Charters’ home page links a forecast for the Jeffrey’s Ledge Buoy. Check that buoy and the official marine forecast for wind, wave height and period before running offshore.
Stellwagen Bank, Outside Flag and Pigeon Hill
Stellwagen Bank is an offshore ground in the area. Outside Flag and Pigeon Hill are areas Newburyport’s harbormaster names for tuna. For those, see the offshore gamefish pages.
How the Local Fleet Fishes Striped Bass
Newburyport charters split among light tackle, fly, live bait and trolling. Each method below is credited to the operator that uses it.
Light Tackle and Casting
Obsessed Charters fishes light tackle and casting. Shadowcaster also fishes light tackle.
Fly Fishing on the Flats
Shadowcaster fishes fly as well as light tackle. At 5 ft and 7 ft, the flats are the water where that method fits.
Live Bait and Trolling
Obsessed Charters uses live bait and trolling alongside casting.
The Seasonal Shift
Mass Charter Fishing starts with topwater light tackle early in the season and moves to live bait.
| Method | Operator |
|---|---|
| Light tackle | Obsessed Charters, Shadowcaster, Mass Charter Fishing |
| Casting | Obsessed Charters |
| Fly | Shadowcaster |
| Live bait | Obsessed Charters, Mass Charter Fishing |
| Trolling | Obsessed Charters |
Who Fishes for Striped Bass Out of This Port
Six operators list striped bass out of Newburyport. The order below is not a ranking.
- Manolin Charters out of Newburyport: Parker 23 center console named "Parker 23se". The site names Capt. Chris.
- Obsessed Charters home port page: The site names the boats The Marylee 3 and Mystic.
- Captain’s Fishing Parties rates page: A fleet of four boats for private trips.
- Shadowcaster Charters fly fishing: Capt. James C. Goodhart.
- Two Captains Charters home page: The boat is The Reel Easy. Captain Jeff is listed as USCG Master 25 Ton.
- Hogg Tide Charters boat details: Hogg Tide, with GPS, fish finder, outriggers and seating for six.
FAQ: Striped Bass Fishing Out of Newburyport
When is prime striped bass fishing out of Newburyport?
June through August, per Obsessed Charters. The wider window runs mid May to early October by Obsessed’s account, or May to October by Shadowcaster’s.
How deep is Joppa Flat?
About 5 ft, at the Merrimack River mouth on the Newburyport side. Salisbury Flat, across the main channel, is 7 ft.
Where do boats fish for stripers out of Newburyport?
The Merrimack River, Plum Island Sound, Joppa Flat and Salisbury Flat. Jeffreys Ledge, at 160 ft, is the offshore ground.
What methods do local charters use?
Obsessed Charters uses live bait, casting, trolling and light tackle. Shadowcaster fishes fly and light tackle. Mass Charter Fishing starts with topwater light tackle, then moves to live bait.
Which buoy do local captains reference?
Two Captains Charters’ home page links a forecast for the Jeffrey’s Ledge Buoy. Check wind, wave height and period against the official marine forecast before you go.
Where are the striped bass rules?
Massachusetts rules apply to striped bass fished from this port. See the Regulations section above for where to check them.
