Best Small Town Deep Sea Fishing Trips In Maine

What Is A Deep Sea Fishing Trip 

A deep sea fishing trip in Maine offers you the opportunity to venture into the vast Atlantic Ocean in search of larger fish species that dwell in deeper waters. Deep Sea Fishing is technically defined as fishing in at least 16.5 fathoms of water. The Maine coast has an extensive coastline and numerous offshore fishing grounds. Deep sea fishing trips typically involve traveling several miles from the shore to reach prime fishing spots. Here you can target prized catches like bluefin tuna, haddock, striped bass, and much more. These excursions are often led by experienced captains and crews who provide all the necessary fishing gear, guidance, and expertise to ensure a successful fishing experience on the open sea. Deep sea fishing trips in Maine offer not only a chance to reel in impressive fish but also an unforgettable adventure with your whole family & friends.

Most deep sea fishing charter’s also offer a variety of trop options. They can include a one hour trip for those short on time, half day trips, full day trips, whale watching trips, inshore trips, lighthouse trips, sunset trips, puffin & sea birds trips and private charters. Whichever one you decide to do while visiting new england it will surely be a great time. 

All my top picks for Maine fishing guides have years of experience and countless hours on the sea. Get ready for some of the best catches while deep-sea fishing on the East Coast.

Top Picks For Small Town Deep Sea Fishing Trips In Maine

You know I love to support a small town and get off the beaten path so I will give you my top picks for saltwater fishing charters in Maine. These Maine fishing charter’s will have a local captain with years of experience doing both offshore deep sea fishing trips and inshore saltwater fishing. There years of experience will in all kinds of weather conditions will ensure that you have a great day in the coastal Maine waters.

#1: North East Salt Water

Located in Phippsburg Maine is North East Salt Water. Guiding you on your southern Maine fishing adventure is Captain Joe Jerome. He offers not only deep sea fishing trips but oyster farm tours, striper fishing, fish tagging, family eco tour, sunset cruise and family fishing trips for all ages. You will be leaving from Phippsburg and heading toward Casco Bay and the ledges during your offshore trips. You can find offerings from 2 hour fishing trips to 4 hour fishing trips for ground fishing. A popular trip with young anglers is the Eco Tours where they can get hands on during an interactive visit on an oyster farm. 

#2: Penobscot Bay Outfitters

With trips leaving from beautiful Belfast Harbor twice daily Penobscot Bay Outfitters is a fantastic option for a 4 hour fishing trip. If you are looking for some big fish then you should try the 5-6 hour fishing trips for sharks they offer. Yes, you read that correctly, they offer shark trips, where you can fish for mako shark, blue shark and others! If that seems like too much for you then you can go on one of the inshore fishing trips while out for one of several Maine ocean adventures.

#3 Island Cruises Deep Sea Fishing Trips In Maine

Located on the quite side of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park is the small town of Bass Harbor. Island Cruises is a family run business with over 30 years in operation. They offer a wide range of private charter cruises from scenic views of the coast to going after the biggest fish on a groundfishing trip. If you are looking for the best fishing during your Bar Harbor, Maine visit, Island Cruises will deliver!

#4 Sea Venture Charters

Sea Venture Charters is located in St. George, Maine which is just South of Rockland. Here you can get everything from a fun trip sport fishing to Island cruises and even diving trips! On your way out to the Gulf of Maine you will pass by picturesque Port Clyde and hopefully see a couple bald eagles and ospreys. 

#5 Eastport Windjammers

If you ever find yourself in the Eastern most town in the United States then you should head to Eastport Windjammers for a scenic cruise and fishing trip off the coast of Maine. Not only will you have the chance to catch some delicious fish, but you’ll also get to see the beautiful coastline of Maine from a unique perspective. Plus, you might even spot a few seals or porpoises along the way! Make sure to bring your camera for some great photo opportunities.

The Cost

Something to take into account before you decide which deep sea fishing trip in Maine you would like to do is the cost of the trip. The cheapest way to go fishing is to do the group fishing tours which can start at $75.00 per person and go up depending on the length of trip and number of people the vessel holds.

Private fishing trips will be your most expensive and usually start around $400.00 and go up from there. The best part about a private tour is you tell your Captain what you are looking for and they will find it for you as opposed to a group public tour.

While I have not done group fishing tours, I have done group whale watching and puffin tours. One of the hotels I worked at sent me on them so I could give the guests a first hand experience of it when they asked.

I also have not done the group fishing or private charters because, well, Alex is a commercial fisherman and he takes me fishing when I want to go on our own boat. However, if I was to charter a boat I would pick one of the 5 I mentioned above based on reviews and recommendations from locals in the areas. 

Preparing For Your Trip

Before you head off to meet your boat on your deep sea fishing trip in Maine, you will need to bring some things with you. The weather can often be a little raw compared with being on land so you should always bring a sweatshirt or light jacket with you. Other essentials include a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, some extra clothes like pants if you are wearing shorts, non slip shoes, plenty of water and snacks and something for motion sickness. 

You can also ask your captain if there is something else you will need to bring.  

It is always best to be prepared for any situation that may arise. While deep sea fishing can be an exciting and memorable experience, it is important to prioritize safety. Before boarding the boat, make sure the captain has given a safety briefing and you are familiar with where the life ring and emergency equipment are located. Always listen to the crew’s instructions and follow all safety protocols while on board.

Final Thoughts

No matter which charter company you choose, a day out on the waters off the coast of Maine is sure to be an unforgettable experience. With a variety of fishing options available and stunning scenery all around, it’s no wonder that Maine is known as one of the best places for sport fishing. It doesn’t matter if you a have caught hundreds of fish or if this will be your first fish, you are going to have a great time and memorable experience. Next time you are looking for the experience of a lifetime you should try one of the above mentioned deep sea fishing trips in Maine. You will find everything from deep sea fishing to whale watching trips to private charters!