Best places to fish in Portland

29 listings · ranked by rating & reviews · updated 2026

Portland sits on Casco Bay, where the islands and ledges of the Maine coast create a layered inshore and offshore fishery. Through summer, striped bass and bluefish chase baitfish along the shorelines and around the bay's islands, often on light tackle and topwater. Run offshore to the ledges and you drop for groundfish - cod, haddock, pollock and cusk - while mackerel schools give kids and first-timers steady action. Late summer into fall is the marquee window, when giant bluefin tuna move within range and boats troll or chunk for fish that can top several hundred pounds. Most charters leave from Portland's working waterfront and the Old Port piers. Trips split between light-tackle striper runs and full-day offshore hauls, so match the boat to your target. The operators below are ranked by Google review volume and rating.

Typical fishing charter cost in Portland

A half-day inshore charter in Portland typically runs $450-$1400 per trip - smaller boats and shorter trips at the low end, offshore and full-day trips toward the top. Rates vary by boat and party size - confirm trip details, pricing and availability directly with the operator.

See how Portland ranks nationally in the Fishing Charter Cost Index.

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Fishing Charters (13) Public Fishing Spots (3) Fishing Piers (4) Bait & Tackle Shops (2) Fishing Guides (6) Marinas & Boat Ramps (9)

Top-rated fishing in Portland

FAQ

Fishing in Portland - common questions

How much does a fishing charter cost in Portland? +

Portland charters generally run about $450-$1,400 depending on trip length and target. Inshore striper and mackerel trips sit at the lower end; full-day groundfish and bluefin tuna charters cost the most because of fuel and the long run offshore. Confirm the all-in price with the operator.

When is the best time to catch striped bass near Portland? +

Stripers typically show in Casco Bay from June through September, with the strongest fishing in July and August as bait piles up around the islands and river mouths.

Can you catch bluefin tuna out of Portland? +

Yes. Giant bluefin move within range in late summer and fall, and boats target them by trolling or chunking on full-day offshore trips. Availability depends on the fish and the weather.

What groundfish can you keep off Portland? +

Cod, haddock, pollock and cusk are the common bottom species on the offshore ledges. Regulations on cod and haddock change year to year, so ask the operator what is open.

Best places to fish in Portland

Top-rated fishing in Portland

Lucky Catch Cruises

Broad Reach Adventures

Sierra

Reel Action Charters

Camp Ellis Jetty

Fore Points Marina

Kristin K Charters

Paul's Marina

Marblehead Boat Launch

Falmouth Town Landing

Mary May Charters

DiMillo's Marina

Spring Point Marina

Sebago Lake Station Landing

Sebago Sport Fishing and Guide Service

Port Harbor Marine of Raymond

Morning Flight Portland Maine Fishing Charter

TeazerCharter-Portland Maine Deep Sea Fishing

The Tackle Shop

Dolphin Marine Services Inc

LiveLiner Charters-Maine Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Whiptail Adventures Fishing Charters

Trident Fly Fishing

Fore River Sportfishing

No Slack! Sportfishing Charters

All Points Fly Shop + Outfitter

Spurwink River Fishing Wharf

Merrill's Wharf

Cozy Harbor Fish Pier

Fishing in Portland - common questions