Access to the water means access to fishing. Boothbay, Maine, has a long history of industry and culture based on fishing and lobstering. The large harbor gives fishermen a sheltered place to moor their boats as well as easy access to good fishing grounds. Many people in the area make their living off of fishing. Some fish to bring in fresh catch for restaurants and shops in the area. Some work in fishing tourism and share the fun with visitors to the area. Whether you want to take part in the action or just observe from shore, there are lots of opportunities to be part of the Boothbay fishing community. Curious about what fishing activities you can do while in Boothbay? Check out these frequently asked questions.
- What kind of fish will I catch?
For many fishermen in Boothbay, the ultimate prize is a striped bass, also known as a striper. These fish frequent the Sheepscot and Kennebec Rivers. Some people even have luck catching them from shore in Linekin Bay. Bring your lucky rod and hop over to the Five Gables dock to cast a line and see if you can catch one. The versatile fish is tasty fried, baked, seared, grilled, and poached. Other fish common to the area include flounder, bluefish, and mackerel. If you head a little further out past the harbor you may snag a giant bluefin tuna. Be sure to keep Maine fishing regulations in mind when fishing in our waters. The 2024 regulations have not been posted but 2023 regulations restricted anglers to keeping one striper per day and it had to measure between 28 and 31 inches.
- Is a fishing license needed?
It depends. If you are fishing on your own, you will need to apply for a license to legally fish in the state of Maine. The process is easy and can be done online. If you go fishing on a charter boat that has a valid license, you will not need to get your own.
- Are there fishing tours or charters?
Yes, there are many options for fishing tours and charters in the Boothbay area. Over 25 boat excursions leave every day from Boothbay Harbor during the high tourist season. If fishing is your goal, make sure to choose one with that focus.
Sweet Action Charters is in their 22nd year of business. A day fishing with them often starts with a short trip to catch mackerel. The mackerel are then used as bait in the search for stripers. This type of tour is recommended for novice and expert fishermen alike. The waters where they find stripers are typically calm and few people have motion sickness issues. If guests are hoping to catch a fish that can be kept to eat, they recommend their offshore fishing option.
Mainetain Charters offers 4.5 hour and 6 hour striped bass fishing trips. Charters run from early-June until mid-September. They provide the fishing tackle, life jackets, and safety gear. You can meet the boat Kaler’s Restaurant in Boothbay Harbor, the Ocean Point Inn in East Boothbay, or at a personal dock. Captain Ben Kaler is a Boothbay native and his son, Jack, has a real knack for fly fishing.
Charger Sportfishing is a great option if you want to extend your fishing season into early spring or late December. Captain George Warren has been fishing the Boothbay waters since 1984. Their trips are limited to six people and they offer a variety of options. Take a half-day trip to fish for mackerel and stripers. Extend the day to three-fourths or full-day to bottom fish for haddock, pollock, or cod. Book a private charter to go deep-sea fishing for stripers, shark, or tuna.
Fish Boothbay has four and six hour inshore fishing trips that span the beautiful coastlines, beaches, islands, and river mouths of Boothbay. They also offer a family friendly trip that is geared towards teaching fishing basics to children. This company does follow the superstition about bananas on boats, therefore, none are allowed on board. Fish Boothbay is working hard on conservation efforts and does not allow anyone to keep what they catch while on board.
- What if I want to rent my own boat?
Boothbay Boat Rentals has 20-foot and 22-foot Anglers available for rent. Keep in mind that they only rent boats to people with prior boating experience. If you have never captained a boat before, a chartered fishing experience is a better option. If you are heading out on your own, Harbor Bait has all of your bait needs.
- Are there any events related to fishing in Boothbay?
Yes! The Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor is home to Fishin’ for Fashion. This one-of-a-kind fashion show features clothing made from fishing materials and gear. Picture lace made out of fishing nets or shoes made from fishing charts. All attendees get to vote in the People’s Choice award. Ticket information is still being finalized but mark June 15, 2024 on your calendar now.
The Boothbay Harbor Tuna Challenge has been revived and now sees waiting lists to enter. The winning angler receives $40,000 and a trophy. Part of the proceeds benefit the Fisherman’s Memorial Fund. Carousel Marina hosts the event and the tentative dates for 2024 are August 31-September 6. This can be a fun opportunity to see some really huge fish come in.
- What else should I know about the fishing culture in Boothbay?
Boothbay respects its longstanding history in the fishing community. Fisherman’s Memorial Park houses a dory monument that pays homage to fishermen who were lost at sea. The monument can be found on Atlantic Avenue across from the Catholic church; it overlooks the Harbor and can be a restful place for people to pay tribute to those lost. The Fisherman’s Memorial Committee maintains the monument but also gives to the future of fishing. They sponsor a scholarship that is given to a local student who pursues maritime studies.
