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World-Class Family Fishing | Tuna Maine Charters

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Maine
  • $750 - $1,100 price range

Summary

This 8-hour family fishing trip offers a full day of coastal fun and variety. Leaving in the morning, you'll spend time bait fishing and checking lobster traps, giving everyone a taste of different fishing methods. The trip isn't just about catching fish - you'll cruise by scenic lighthouses and might even spot some whales along the way. As the day goes on, you'll try your hand at catching ground fish and striped bass using various techniques like bottom fishing, light tackle, and jigging. With inshore, nearshore, and offshore options, there's something for every skill level. It's a relaxed pace, perfect for families who want to enjoy being on the water together. By the time you return to the dock in the evening, you'll have experienced a bit of everything the coast has to offer. Tuna Maine Charters keeps the group size small with just 3 guests, ensuring personalized attention throughout your day at sea.
World-Class Family Fishing | Tuna Maine Charters

Coastal Catch of the Day

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South Portland fishing scene

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Scenic view of the coast in South Portland

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South Portland fishing scene

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Fishing trip in ME

Fisherman with great catch in ME

Angler with fishing rod in Maine

Scenic view of the coast in South Portland

Scenic landscape of Maine with fishing gear

Angler fishing in Maine

South Portland fishing scene

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Family Fun on the Water: 8-Hour Fishing Adventure

Hey there, anglers and adventure-seekers! Ready for a day on the water that'll have the whole family hooked? Our 8-hour family fishing trip is the real deal – we're talking non-stop action from sunup to sundown. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got something for everyone. So grab the kids, pack some snacks, and let's make some memories!

Trip Overview

Picture this: You're out on the open water, the salty breeze in your hair, and the anticipation of what's on the end of your line. We kick things off bright and early, making the most of those prime fishing hours. But here's the kicker – this isn't just any old fishing trip. We're mixing it up with a smorgasbord of coastal activities that'll keep everyone from little Timmy to Grandpa Joe entertained. We'll start by hunting for bait fish, giving you a taste of the local ecosystem. Then, we'll swing by some lobster traps – who knows, maybe we'll snag tomorrow's dinner! As we cruise along, keep your eyes peeled for those postcard-perfect lighthouses dotting the coast. And if we're lucky, we might even spot some whales showing off in the distance. But don't worry, we haven't forgotten why we're here – there's plenty of time to reel in some impressive ground fish and striped bass. By the time we head back to the dock, you'll have a day's worth of stories to share over supper.

Casting, Jigging, and Everything in Between

Alright, let's talk fishing. We're not messing around – we've got all the bases covered. Inshore, nearshore, offshore? Check, check, and check. We'll start you off easy with some light tackle action close to shore, perfect for getting the kids excited without overwhelming them. As we move out, we'll switch gears to some serious deep sea fishing. Ever tried bottom fishing? It's a blast – we'll show you how to jig that rod just right to entice those big ones lurking below. And for those looking for a real workout, we've got some heavy-duty gear for battling those offshore monsters. Don't worry if you're new to this – our crew's got more patience than a weathered old fisherman, and we'll walk you through every cast, reel, and knot. By the end of the day, you'll be swapping fishing stories like a pro.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's talk about the real stars of the show – the fish! First up, we've got the striped bass. These bad boys are the rockstars of the coast. They're fighters, plain and simple. When a striper hits your line, you'll know it. They can grow up to 50 pounds or more, and they're craftier than you'd think. Spring and fall are prime time for these guys, but we can find them all summer long if we know where to look. And trust me, we know where to look.

Next on the list is haddock. Now, if you're after a delicious dinner, these are your guys. They're not the biggest fish in the sea, usually topping out around 10 pounds, but what they lack in size, they make up for in taste. We typically find these fellas in deeper waters, so get ready for some serious bottom fishing action. They're most active in the cooler months, but we can usually track them down year-round.

Last but not least, we've got the blue shark. Now, I know what you're thinking – sharks? On a family trip? But hear me out. These aren't your typical Jaws-style predators. Blue sharks are like the gentle giants of the shark world. They're curious, they're beautiful, and hooking one is an experience you'll never forget. They can grow up to 12 feet long, but don't worry – we practice catch and release with these guys. Summer and early fall are your best bet for a blue shark encounter. Just imagine the look on your kids' faces when they can say they caught a shark!

Why Families Keep Coming Back

You know what keeps me going as a charter captain? It's seeing the same families come back year after year, watching the kids grow up and become better anglers than their parents. There's something special about being out on the water together, away from screens and schedules. It's quality time that's hard to come by these days. And let's be honest – there's nothing quite like the friendly competition of who can catch the biggest fish. I've seen more than a few dads get shown up by their kids, and let me tell you, those are the memories that last a lifetime.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, what do you say? Ready to trade in the video games for some real-life adventure? Our 8-hour family fishing trip is more than just a day out – it's a chance to create some serious family lore. Whether you're reeling in your first fish or your hundredth, there's nothing quite like the thrill of a tight line and a bent rod. And hey, even if the fish aren't biting (which is rare, trust me), you're still in for a day of coastal exploration that'll have everyone talking for years to come. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to book your spot. Grab the sunscreen, pack some snacks, and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. See you at the dock!

Learn more about the animals

Blue Shark

Blue sharks are sleek, beautiful fish that'll give you an exciting deep-sea challenge. These open-ocean predators typically run 7-11 feet long. You'll find them in warmer waters, usually over 1,000 feet deep. Summer and fall are best for catching blues as they follow prey like tuna and squid. Anglers love targeting them for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs. To land one, we'll drift fish with chum to get them interested. Once they show up, use fresh mackerel or tuna as bait. Here's a pro tip: keep your line at least 20 feet from the boat to avoid any surprise visitors on deck. Blues put up a heck of a fight, so make sure your gear can handle 200+ pounds. It's catch-and-release for these beauties, but the thrill of the chase is unforgettable.

Blue Shark

Haddock

Haddock are tasty bottom-dwellers that put up a nice fight. Most run 14-30 inches and 2-7 pounds. You'll find them over sandy or gravelly bottoms in cold waters around 36-50°F. Spring is prime time as they spawn from January to June. Folks love catching haddock for their mild, flaky white meat. To target them, use heavy weights to get your bait down deep. Fresh clams or squid on a simple two-hook rig works well. Here's a tip: go with bait over jigs to avoid damaging their mouths. When you feel that telltale tap, set the hook quick - haddock have soft mouths and can shake loose easily. With some patience, you'll be reeling in these tasty fish in no time.

Haddock

Striped Bass

Striped bass are a real thrill to catch. These powerful fish typically weigh 20-40 pounds but can reach up to 70. Look for them near structures like reefs or drop-offs, often within yards of the shore. They love moving waters and cooler temps between 55-68°F. Spring and fall are prime seasons as stripers migrate along the coast. Anglers prize stripers for their strong fight and excellent eating. To boost your chances, try fishing at dawn or dusk when they feed near the surface. Live bait like herring or eels works great. Use an 8-14 foot rod with braided line that can handle their weight. Patient anglers who learn their habits are in for some exciting action with these iconic gamefish.

Striped Bass
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