Tuna Maine Charters
HomeTrips & RatesGalleryReviewsReportsTarget SpeciesMeet the Captain

Learn More

My Trips

Best Family Fishing Trip in Maine | Beginners

  • Published Date: September 25, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Maine
  • $750 - $1,100 price range

Summary

Ready for a fun day of fishing with the whole family? This 8-hour trip with Tuna Maine Charters is perfect for beginners and groups up to six. You'll spend the day on Maine's beautiful waters, trying different fishing techniques suited for all ages. Your captain will guide you through inshore and offshore areas, giving you a chance to catch ground fish and striped bass. But it's not just about fishing – you'll also check out lobster traps, spot lighthouses, and maybe even see some whales! The pace is relaxed, so everyone can enjoy themselves without feeling rushed. You'll learn simple fishing methods like deep sea fishing, bottom fishing, and jigging. By the end of the day, you'll have experienced a true taste of Maine's coastal life. It's a great way for families to bond and create lasting memories on the water. Just remember, you'll need to put down a non-refundable deposit to secure your spot on this popular trip.
Best Family Fishing Trip in Maine | Beginners

Coastal Maine Adventure

previous-image
Fishing trip in ME

Reliable fishing boat Clarabelle ready for action!

Fisherman with great catch in ME

Focused angler battling offshore catch!

Angler with fishing rod in Maine

Team effort on the offshore fishing deck!

Scenic view of the coast in South Portland

Guided angler hooked into offshore fishing!

Three people fishing in Maine

null

Striped bass caught while fishing in Maine

null

Blackfin tuna caught by 3 people fishing in South Portland

null

Braving morning rain for some epic deep sea action off South Portland!

Braving morning rain for some epic deep sea action off South Portland!

Tackling the deep blue with heavy gear and high hopes in South Portland!

Tackling the deep blue with heavy gear and high hopes in South Portland!

Tackle the depths with heavy gear on this moody, rain-kissed morning!

Tackle the depths with heavy gear on this moody, rain-kissed morning!

Fishing trip in ME

Reliable fishing boat Clarabelle ready for action!

Fisherman with great catch in ME

Focused angler battling offshore catch!

Angler with fishing rod in Maine

Team effort on the offshore fishing deck!

Scenic view of the coast in South Portland

Guided angler hooked into offshore fishing!

Three people fishing in Maine

null

Striped bass caught while fishing in Maine

null

Blackfin tuna caught by 3 people fishing in South Portland

null

Braving morning rain for some epic deep sea action off South Portland!

Braving morning rain for some epic deep sea action off South Portland!

Tackling the deep blue with heavy gear and high hopes in South Portland!

Tackling the deep blue with heavy gear and high hopes in South Portland!

Tackle the depths with heavy gear on this moody, rain-kissed morning!

Tackle the depths with heavy gear on this moody, rain-kissed morning!

Fishing trip in ME

Reliable fishing boat Clarabelle ready for action!

Fisherman with great catch in ME

Focused angler battling offshore catch!

Angler with fishing rod in Maine

Team effort on the offshore fishing deck!

Scenic view of the coast in South Portland

Guided angler hooked into offshore fishing!

next-image

Family-Friendly Fishing Adventure in Maine

Get ready for a full day of fishing fun that's perfect for the whole family! This 8-hour private charter is tailor-made for beginners and groups up to six, mixing classic Maine fishing with coastal exploration. You'll drop lines for striped bass and groundfish while enjoying bonus activities like checking lobster traps and keeping an eye out for whales. Our seasoned captains know how to keep things interesting for all ages, balancing relaxation with just the right amount of action. By the end of the day, you'll have reeled in some great catches, spotted iconic lighthouses, and made memories to last a lifetime.

What's in Store

We'll start bright and early, heading out from the dock as the sun rises over the Atlantic. The beauty of this trip is its variety – we'll hit inshore spots for some easy fishing to get everyone warmed up, then venture a bit further out as the day goes on. Your captain will show you the ropes of bait fishing, a great way for kids (and adults!) to get their first taste of the action. As we cruise along, keep your eyes peeled for seals lounging on the rocks or pods of porpoises playing in our wake. We'll make stops to haul up some lobster traps, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at Maine's most famous catch. And if we're lucky, we might even spot the telltale spout of a whale in the distance!

Fishing 101: Maine Edition

Don't worry if you've never held a rod before – we've got you covered. We'll start with some simple bottom fishing techniques that are easy for beginners to grasp. As the day progresses, we'll introduce light tackle and jigging methods, perfect for targeting those hard-fighting striped bass. Your captain will be right there to guide you, showing you how to read the water, bait your hooks, and reel in your catch like a pro. We use top-notch gear that's sized right for all ages, so even the littlest anglers can get in on the fun. And hey, if someone in your group needs a break from fishing, there's plenty of room to relax on deck and soak in the coastal scenery.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped Bass: These silver-sided battlers are the rock stars of Maine's inshore waters. Known locally as "stripers," they put up a great fight and can reach impressive sizes. We typically start seeing them in late spring, with the action heating up through summer. Kids love the thrill of reeling one in, and they make for great photos before we release them back to grow even bigger.

Haddock: A true New England staple, haddock are prized for their flaky white meat and mild flavor. These bottom-dwellers are most abundant in spring and fall, but we can find them year-round in the right spots. They're not huge fighters, making them perfect for younger anglers to practice their technique. Plus, if you're lucky enough to keep a few (within regulations), they make for an amazing fish fry back at home.

Blue Shark: While not a target on every trip, blue sharks can add some serious excitement to a day on the water. These sleek predators cruise our offshore waters from late spring through fall. They're catch-and-release only, but the thrill of bringing one alongside the boat is unforgettable. Don't worry – your captain will handle all the shark wrangling, keeping everyone safe while providing an up-close look at these incredible creatures.

Why Families Love This Trip

What sets this charter apart is how we blend fishing with pure Maine coastal fun. Sure, you'll be reeling in fish, but you're also getting a guided tour of some of the prettiest stretches of our coastline. We pace the day to keep everyone engaged – a bit of fishing here, a pause to watch seals there, maybe a quick lesson on lobstering techniques as we check some traps. It's the kind of day where even folks who aren't usually into fishing find themselves having a blast. And for the kids? It's like a real-life nature show, with the chance to touch live sea creatures and maybe even spot a whale. By the time we head back to the dock, you'll have a boatload of stories to share over your lobster dinner in town.

Time to Cast Off!

Ready to make some waves with your crew? This family fishing adventure is one of our most popular trips, and spots fill up fast, especially during peak summer months. Remember, it's a private charter, so you'll have the whole boat to yourselves – perfect for family bonding or celebrating a special occasion. We provide all the gear, know-how, and local insight to ensure your day on the water is a success, no matter your experience level. So round up the gang, pack some sunscreen, and get ready for a day of fishing and fun you'll be talking about for years to come. Book your spot now and let's make some Maine memories!

Learn more about the species

Blue Shark

Blue sharks are the speedsters of Maine's offshore waters. These sleek predators typically run 7-10 feet long and love the open ocean. We find them 20+ miles out where water temps hit the mid-50s to 60s, usually mid-summer through fall. Anglers target blues for the exciting fight - they're fast, acrobatic, and can really rip out some line. To hook one, we'll set up a chum slick and drift baits like mackerel or herring. Here's a pro tip: use circle hooks to improve catch-and-release survival. Blues aren't known for their eating quality, so most folks opt for photos and release. Just remember, these are still powerful sharks - we keep a healthy distance when handling them. Seeing a blue shark's deep ocean color up close is always a highlight of any offshore trip.

Blue Shark

Haddock

Haddock are a favorite catch off the Maine coast. These bottom-dwellers usually run 2-7 pounds and love cold, rocky areas 100-300 feet deep. Spring and early summer are prime seasons when they move inshore to spawn. Anglers target haddock for their firm, white flesh that's great for fish and chips. They put up a decent fight for their size, with quick bursts and head shakes. To land one, try bottom fishing with clams or sea worms on a simple two-hook rig. A local tip: if you're catching small haddock, move to slightly deeper water where the bigger ones often hang out. Remember, these fish have small mouths, so use smaller hooks for better hook-ups. It's satisfying to pull up a nice haddock - just be ready to tell them apart from their cousin, the cod!

Haddock

Striped Bass

Stripers are the rockstars of Maine's coastal waters. These powerful fish typically run 20-40 pounds but can top 70. Look for them near shorelines, reefs, and sandbars where they hunt baitfish. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Anglers love stripers for their hard-fighting spirit and tasty white meat. To land one, try casting live eels or chunked mackerel at dawn or dusk. A local trick is to fish the tide changes when stripers are most active. Be ready for explosive strikes and long runs - these fish will test your gear and skills. Just remember to check size limits, as regulations change to protect the population. Whether you're a beginner or pro, hooking into a big striper is always a thrill.

Striped Bass

About the Clarabelle

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: CAT

Maximum Cruising Speed: 15

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 375

Get ready for a fun-filled day on the water with this beginner-friendly family fishing trip in Maine. Perfect for groups of up to six, you'll spend 8 hours exploring the coast while trying your hand at catching ground fish and striped bass. Your captain will show you easy techniques that work for all ages as you fish inshore, nearshore, and offshore. But it's not just about fishing - you'll also get to check out lobster traps, spot lighthouses, and maybe even see some whales! The relaxed pace means plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and each other's company. With a mix of deep sea fishing, bottom fishing, light tackle, and jigging, there's something for everyone to try. By the end of the day, you'll have made lasting memories and picked up some new skills. It's a great way for families to experience Maine's coastal waters together.
Tuna Maine Charters

Follow Us

Facebook

Navigate

Home

Trips & Rates

Gallery

Reviews

Reports

Target Species

Meet the Captain

FAQ

Contact Us

FEATURED

Things To Do

Bass Bonanza

Family Catch

Tuna All Night

Shark Frenzy

Maine Newbies

Maine Angler Fun

Top Maine Fishing Charters

Reel in Adventure with Tuna Maine Charters

More about Tuna Maine Charters

© Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.

Powered by Guidesly

Privacy Policy

Sitemap