Freeport Fishing Charters
Freeport fishing charters work Casco Bay’s rocky shorelines, ledges, and deep channels for striped bass, bluefish, and groundfish.
Top Rated Charters in Freeport
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Freeport, ME Fishing Guide
Fishing in Freeport puts you right on the edge of Casco Bay, with a mix of inshore structure and nearshore ledges that hold fish all season. Most charters run out of local docks along the Harraseeket River or nearby public ramps, with half-day inshore trips being the most common. These focus on striped bass and bluefish during the warmer months, often within a few miles of shore. Full-day trips can run farther to offshore humps and ledges for cod, haddock, and pollock, especially in the spring and fall when groundfishing is steady. The bay is dotted with rocky islands, narrow channels, and deep drop-offs, giving plenty of spots to work both live bait and artificials.
The inshore fishery is defined by tides—strong currents sweep bait across ledges and into coves, making certain windows much better for feeding activity. Spring brings schoolie stripers along the flats and river mouths, with fish size increasing into summer. By July and August, mackerel schools become more consistent, and captains will jig them for fresh live bait to tempt big bass and blues. Groundfishing trips often head toward Jeffrey’s Ledge or other offshore structure, which can be a 15–25 mile run depending on conditions. Fall sees a push of bait back into the rivers and coves, with stripers feeding aggressively before heading south.
Light tackle spinning gear is the norm for inshore, with soft plastics, topwater plugs, and live mackerel rigs being staples. Fly fishing is also popular here, with sandy points and rocky coves providing good casting lanes for stripers. For groundfish, jigging and bait rigs are standard, with heavier tackle needed for deep drops. If weather turns, some captains will tuck into more protected parts of Casco Bay or even work upriver stretches for stripers. Nearby towns like Yarmouth and Brunswick also have good access to similar waters, giving anglers options if Freeport’s main ramps are busy.
Fishing Seasons in Freeport
Spring (March–May)
Early spring sees the first migratory striped bass pushing into the Harraseeket River and along the Casco Bay flats. Most fish are schoolies, but they’re aggressive and take small soft plastics, flies, and bucktail jigs. As water temps warm, mackerel begin to show offshore, and groundfishing for haddock and cod improves on nearshore ledges. Charters this time of year often mix light tackle striper fishing in the morning with a run offshore for groundfish if seas are calm. Tides play a big role, and fishing the moving water around ledges or river mouths is best.
Summer (June–August)
By midsummer, striped bass fishing hits its stride, with bigger fish mixed in and bluefish starting to appear. Live-lining mackerel is a proven method, and topwater action can be excellent on calm mornings. Groundfish are still available, though many captains focus on inshore trips during peak striper season. The warmest months also bring more recreational boat traffic, so early starts can mean less pressure and better fishing. Fly anglers get consistent sight-casting opportunities on the flats when the tide is right.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is a prime feeding period for stripers as they prepare to migrate south. Large schools of bait—especially peanut bunker and mackerel—draw in fish, and blitz-style surface feeds can happen daily in the right conditions. Bluefish may linger into September, while groundfishing picks back up as water cools. Trips often focus on chasing visible bird activity and working fast-moving schools. The cooler weather also means fewer boats, giving anglers more room to work productive spots without much competition.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing is limited in Freeport, as most charter operations shut down due to weather and sea conditions. However, some hardy groundfish trips may still run on calm days, targeting cod and pollock offshore. These trips require heavy gear and a willingness to fish in cold conditions, but the lack of pressure can make for good catches. Ice fishing opportunities can be found inland on lakes and ponds for species like perch, trout, and pike, giving local anglers another option until the saltwater season starts again.
Gamefish in Freeport
- Striped Bass – 18–40 inches. Found along flats, ledges, and river mouths from May through October, taken on live mackerel, plugs, and flies.
- Bluefish – 5–15 pounds. Summer visitor, caught near surface blitzes and while live-lining mackerel.
- Atlantic Mackerel – 12–18 inches. Jigged nearshore in summer for bait and sport.
- Cod – 5–20 pounds. Taken on offshore ledges with bait rigs and jigs in spring and fall.
- Haddock – 2–6 pounds. Found on sandy bottom near offshore structure, best in spring.
- Pollock – 5–15 pounds. Often mixed with cod and haddock offshore, strong fighters on jigs.
- Winter Flounder – 1–3 pounds. Found in sandy shallows and channels, mostly in spring and early summer.
Freeport Fishing FAQs
What’s the best time of year to fish in Freeport?
Late spring through early fall is prime for striped bass and bluefish, while spring and fall are best for groundfish offshore. Mackerel are plentiful in summer, making it easier to get fresh live bait.
Where do Freeport charters usually depart from?
Most charters leave from the Harraseeket River area or nearby public ramps. Some captains also launch from Yarmouth or Brunswick depending on conditions and trip type.
Are half-day trips enough for good fishing here?
Yes, especially for inshore striped bass trips. Most productive spots are within a short run from the dock, so four hours can produce good action when tides and weather align.
What techniques work best for striped bass in Casco Bay?
Live-lining mackerel, casting topwater plugs, and working soft plastics along ledges and current seams are proven methods. Fly fishing with large streamers can also be effective.
Do I need a fishing license to go on a charter in Freeport?
No, the captain’s license covers all passengers on a licensed saltwater charter. If fishing on your own, Maine requires a recreational saltwater fishing registration.
How far do offshore groundfish trips run?
Most runs are 15–25 miles to offshore ledges like Jeffrey’s Ledge. Weather plays a big role, and captains will adjust based on sea conditions.
What species are available on fly in Freeport?
Striped bass are the main fly target, with occasional bluefish. Flats, rocky points, and tidal rips all offer good casting opportunities.
Are there fishing options in rough weather?
Yes. Captains can work more protected waters in Casco Bay or run upriver to target stripers when offshore is too rough.
Can we keep our catch from a Freeport charter?
Yes, within Maine’s size and bag limits. Many charters will fillet your catch at the dock for you to take home.