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Reel Nice Surprise Night Fishing Charter in Wells
Striped Bass Night Fishing in Wells, ME
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The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of Maine's most prized gamefish, known for powerful runs and aggressive strikes. These fish belong to the Moronidae family and order Perciformes. They typically measure between 20-55 inches and can weigh anywhere from 10-81 pounds. The 44-inch specimen we caught during our night fishing trip in Wells represents a trophy-class fish that many anglers dream about. - Striped Bass are anadromous, meaning they can live in both fresh and saltwater. - They feature distinctive horizontal black stripes running from gills to tail. - Night fishing often produces larger specimens as they move into shallower water to feed.
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Jeff Trudeau in August
Meet your Guide Jeff Trudeau
- Discover Wells, Maine: Ultimate Fishing Guide
Summary
Experience the thrill of night fishing for monster Striped Bass with our exclusive 6-hour charter in Wells, Maine. Wednesday July proved to be the perfect time for Dean's crew as we landed a massive 44-inch Striper under the cover of darkness. Launching from Wells Harbor as the sun set, we employed a mix of surf casting, trolling, and bait fishing techniques to maximize our chances. As the clouds rolled in, the bite intensified, delivering not just that trophy Striper but also a solid 41-inch White Bass that gave us quite the battle. Whether you're an experienced angler looking for a new challenge or a beginner wanting to experience the excitement of night fishing, our private charters are tailored to provide the perfect mix of action and instruction in Maine's productive inshore waters.
Fishing Charter with Jeff Trudeau – Rates & Booking
Captain Jeff Trudeau of Reel Nice Surprise offers this Wednesday July night fishing adventure for $1,100, accommodating up to 3 anglers on a private 6-hour charter. The Extended Half Day Night Striped Bass Fishing Trip begins at 6:30 PM, giving you the perfect window to target these powerful fish when they're most active. Your charter includes all necessary fishing equipment, expert guidance, and the local knowledge needed to put you on the best spots around Wells Harbor. This is a specialized experience designed specifically for targeting nocturnal feeders like Striped Bass in Maine's coastal waters.
Highlights of Extended Half Day Night Striped Bass Fishing Trip in Maine
This unique 6-hour night fishing adventure offers an exceptional opportunity to catch trophy-sized Striped Bass under the stars. The cover of darkness provides ideal conditions for targeting these powerful fighters, as they often feed more aggressively at night. On a recent trip, we landed a monster 44-inch Striper that put up an incredible fight—exactly the kind of experience that makes night fishing so thrilling.
The charter accommodates up to 3 anglers in a private setting, ensuring you receive personalized attention and instruction. We employ multiple fishing techniques including surf casting, trolling, and bait fishing to maximize your chances of success. The waters around Wells Harbor are known for producing quality Striped Bass, especially during the summer months when we had our recent success.
Local Species Insights: Striped Bass
Striped Bass thrive in the coastal waters around Wells, Maine, making it a premier destination for targeting these powerful gamefish. These fish are known for their aggressive strikes and impressive fighting ability, especially the larger specimens that can reach over 40 inches. During summer evenings like our July outing, they often move into shallower waters to feed, making night fishing particularly productive.
When targeting Striped Bass around Wells Harbor, we focus on areas with structure and current where baitfish concentrate. The incoming tide typically produces the best action, as Stripers follow bait schools into feeding zones. Live eels, chunked mackerel, and large swimming plugs are all effective offerings, though the specific presentation often depends on conditions and the mood of the fish that night. The beauty of our night fishing approach is that we can quickly adapt tactics to match what's working, keeping rods bent throughout your trip.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your night fishing adventure, dress in layers as Maine evenings can cool down considerably, even in summer. Our boat is well-equipped with all the necessary fishing gear, including quality rods, reels, and a variety of bait and lures specifically selected for night fishing success. We recommend bringing a light jacket, non-slip footwear, snacks, and drinks (no glass containers). A camera is essential to document your catch, and don't forget any personal medications you might need during our 6-hour outing. We prioritize both comfort and safety on the water, with all required safety equipment on board and navigation lights for night operations. The adventure begins at 6:30 PM from Wells Harbor Master, allowing us to be in prime position as the sun sets and the Striped Bass begin their evening feed.
Fishing in Maine: Striped Bass
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is one of the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic coast. Belonging to the Moronidae family and Perciformes order, these powerful fish are instantly recognizable by their distinctive horizontal black stripes running along silver-white bodies. In Wells waters this July, anglers target these prized fighters during night hours when they're most active in the shallows.
Striped Bass Overview
Striped Bass are anadromous fish capable of living in both fresh and saltwater environments. They're highly prized by recreational anglers for their powerful fights, substantial size, and excellent table fare. Often called "stripers" or "rockfish" depending on the region, they represent one of the premier inshore gamefish along the eastern seaboard.
Striped Bass Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in coastal waters, estuaries, rivers, and lakes. Along the Atlantic coast, they range from the St. Lawrence River in Canada down to Florida, with strong populations around Maine and the Northeast. Near Wells, they're commonly found around jetties, rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, and harbor entrances where current and structure create prime feeding opportunities.
Striped Bass Size and Weight
Striped Bass typically measure between 20-55 inches in length and weigh from 10-81 pounds. The 44-inch specimen caught during our night trip represents a trophy-class fish. While average keeper-sized stripers might run 28-34 inches, each year Maine waters produce numerous fish exceeding 40 inches, particularly during nighttime feeding periods.
Striped Bass Diet and Behavior
Stripers are opportunistic predators that feed on a variety of baitfish including herring, mackerel, menhaden, sand eels, and squid. They're known to hunt actively during low light conditions, making dawn, dusk, and night prime fishing times. They typically feed in schools, often corralling baitfish against structure or the surface before attacking in spectacular feeding frenzies.
Striped Bass Spawning Season
Striped Bass spawn in freshwater from April through June, depending on water temperatures. The major spawning grounds include the Hudson River and Chesapeake Bay, though some populations spawn in Maine rivers as well. After spawning, larger mature fish migrate northward along the coast during summer months, which is why July and August often bring trophy fishing opportunities to Wells waters.
Striped Bass Fishing Techniques
For night fishing in Wells during summer months, three techniques prove particularly effective. Live eels rigged on fish-finder rigs are deadly, especially when drifted near jetties and channel edges. Large swimming plugs like Bomber Long A's or Daiwa SP Minnows worked slowly through the water column produce explosive strikes. When fish are feeding on the surface, topwater plugs like Spooks or pencil poppers can trigger aggressive hits. In July, anglers around Wells find them concentrated near harbor entrances and along nearby beaches where tidal current creates feeding opportunities.
Striped Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Striped Bass is considered excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat that's mild in flavor. It's versatile for cooking methods including grilling, baking, and pan-searing. These fish are high in protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Most anglers prefer eating stripers in the 24-32 inch range, as larger specimens may contain more toxins due to their age and position in the food chain. Always check local consumption advisories.
Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Striped Bass?
A: Live eels, fresh mackerel chunks, and live menhaden (pogies) are top baits for Striped Bass in Wells. For artificial lures, swimming plugs, soft plastic paddle tails, and topwater lures are most effective, particularly white, bone, or mackerel-pattern colors.
Q: Where can I find Striped Bass near Wells?
A: Prime locations include the jetties at Wells Harbor entrance, nearby beach fronts during moving tides, and rocky shorelines with current. During July, concentrate on areas where tidal movement creates ambush points for stripers feeding on baitfish schools.
Q: Is Striped Bass good to eat?
A: Yes, Striped Bass is considered excellent eating with firm, white flesh that's mild in flavor. Most anglers prefer cooking fish in the 24-32 inch range for optimal taste and texture, using simple preparations that highlight its natural flavor.
Q: When is the best time to catch Striped Bass?
A: In Wells, the prime season runs from June through September, with July and August offering peak action. The best times are during dawn, dusk, and night hours, particularly on moving tides when stripers actively feed. Night fishing during the full and new moon phases often produces the largest catches.
