Whether you are looking for an exciting sport fishing experience, a fun and educational excursion for the family, or a relaxing day on the water, Off Duty will be your guide. We are based out of the S**o river and fish a wide range of areas to include: the S**o river, Hills Beach, Biddeford Pool, S**o Bay, Scarborough, and Kennebunkport, Kennebunk, and Wells. New for 2025 - Night Time Trophy Stri
ped Bass Trips $1200 - available any night of the week
Starting at 6 or 7PM and running till Midnight.
1. Striped Bass Are Nocturnal Predators
Striped bass are crepuscular and nocturnal feeders, meaning they are most active during low-light conditions—dawn, dusk, and night. Larger bass in particular prefer nighttime for feeding, because:
It gives them a tactical advantage: prey like bunker, herring, sand eels, or crabs are less aware in the dark. Reduced light helps them ambush more effectively.
2. Lower Light Reduces Risk for Big Bass
During daylight, especially in clear or shallow water, larger bass are more exposed to predators (like seals or humans). At night:
They feel safer venturing into shallower inshore waters. There is less human activity, making them more confident.
3. Cooler Water Temperatures
In warm months, inshore water can get too hot during the day. At night:
Surface and nearshore temperatures drop, making it more comfortable for big fish to move in closer from deeper, cooler water.
4. Prey Behavior Drives Bass Movements
Many baitfish (like bunker, mackerel, or squid) also come closer to shore at night:
To feed in the shallows or hide in eelgrass and rocks. Their movement attracts larger bass looking to feed on them.
5. Less Fishing Pressure
Especially in heavily fished areas, large bass may become conditioned to avoid areas with:
Daytime boat traffic
Loud surfcasters or beachgoers
At night, with less noise and disturbance, they return to these areas.
6. Surf Conditions Are Often Calmer
Calmer surf and tide changes (common at night) often align with feeding patterns:
Bass prefer moving water—especially outgoing tides near inlets, estuaries, or sandbars—where bait is funneled to them. For both boaters and surfcasters, night presents the perfect storm:
Hungry, confident bass. Lower competition and pressure. That’s why serious striper anglers often fish the graveyard shift—it’s not just folklore, it’s science-backed behavior. Daytime Fishing Charters - Limited to Friday, Saturday, and Sundays
A four hour fishing charter - $450
A five hour fishing charter - $500
A six hour fishing charter - $600
A full 8 hour fishing charter - $800
Prices include up to 4 people. Instruction and all fishing rods, reels and tackle are included. We use high end rods and reels from Shimano, Van Staal, Lamiglas, and St. Croix. Trips are customizable, so please call and ask. Call today 207-423-4840
[email protected]
