PORTLAND FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Night and Tide: A 22‑Hour Big‑Water Run Aboard the Yankee Star
A focused overnight fishing trip out of Portland that runs roughly 22 hours aboard the Yankee Star, targeting haddock, halibut and other groundfish on extended ledge grounds.
Night and Tide: A 22‑Hour Big‑Water Run Aboard the Yankee Star.
Adventure brief
Night and Tide: A 22‑Hour Big‑Water Run Aboard the Yankee Star
Board the Yankee Star in Portland for a single, deliberate night at sea: a 22‑hour outing that pushes beyond normal day grounds to ledges such as Platts, Fippennies and—seasonally—Cashes Ledge, where bait and jig anglers work deep structure for haddock, halibut, pollock and an array of groundfish.
Gloucester, Massachusetts, holds a long-standing reputation as a premier fishing hub on the edge of the Atlantic, where the sea meets rugged coastline and rich fishing grounds stretch beyond the horizon. One standout way to experience this vibrant fishing culture is aboard the Yankee Star’s Overnight Fishing trip — a focused 22-hour journey that dives deep into the thrill of catching haddock and halibut under open skies. The Yankee Star, a sturdy vessel with intimate capacity, offers an authentic maritime experience that balances adventure with comfort. Guests settle into cozy bunks below deck, with just enough room to share stories and anticipate the haul ahead. The cash-only galley keeps amenities simple and classic, underscoring the trip’s hands-on spirit.
What makes this expedition particularly unique is the combination of expert guidance and prime location. The captain and crew know these waters intimately, navigating straight to spots where haddock and halibut gather, seasons permitting. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to offshore fishing, the personalized attention makes a difference — there’s room to learn, fish hard, and be part of a crew that values each catch. Nighttime adds a special layer: the ocean’s vast quiet, the stars overhead, and the occasional splash near the boat create an atmosphere impossible to replicate on shore.
Gloucester is not only a fishing stronghold but also a place steeped in maritime history, with fishing shaping its economy and culture for centuries. This trip links you to that legacy while delivering the raw excitement of offshore fishing. For outdoor enthusiasts seeking a distinctive New England ocean adventure, the Overnight Fishing trip aboard the Yankee Star offers a true taste of sea life—direct, engaging, and unforgettable.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic & Key Stops
Typical stops trace the out‑of‑port departure, run to offshore ledges, the main fishing period, and the homeward leg.
Night Departure from Portland
Trips depart in the evening—typically 9:00 PM (July departures to Platts/Fippennies) or 8:00 PM for some Cashes trips—and head offshore under captain direction.
Transit to Ledge Grounds
The transit varies by destination: roughly six hours to Platts/Fippennies, or about eight hours to Cashes Ledge, putting anglers on remote structure beyond day‑trip grounds.
Main Fishing Period
Once on the grounds the vessel drifts or anchors as conditions allow for extended bait or jig fishing—approximately 12 hours on Platts/Fippennies or about nine hours on Cashes—targeting the season’s best marks.
Return and Disembark
After the fishing period the Yankee Star runs back to Portland, returning the following evening at approximately 9:00 PM.
The captain determines the final fishing locations based on current reports and safety; itinerary and run times are approximate and subject to change.
What the day feels like
What the 22‑hour Overnight Feels Like
You leave Portland at night and settle into the rhythm of a long run and long bottom time: a temperate bunk for a few hours, a galley that operates on a cash‑only basis, and concentrated fishing on offshore ledges where the captain selects the best available marks based on current reports.
THE TARGETS
Big‑water Groundfish — Haddock to Halibut
These trips focus on bait or jig tactics on productive ledges, with anglers pursuing haddock, halibut, pollock, hake, cusk, redfish and whiting across grounds chosen to maximize opportunity.
THE RHYTHM
Overnight Transit and Long Bottom Time
Expect long runs to reach prime structure—roughly six hours to Platts/Fippennies or up to eight hours to Cashes—and extended fishing time on the grounds (about 12 hours on Platts/Fippennies, about nine on Cashes) with drift fishing common when conditions allow.
THE VESSEL
Comfort and Capacity for Serious Anglers
The Yankee Star runs these limited‑capacity trips for up to 16 anglers with bunks for every passenger, a cash‑only galley, air conditioning, two restrooms and party‑boat style rods and Penn Senator reels available onboard.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this overnight run—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
A large cooler, one bag and your fishing poles are acceptable amounts of gear. Clams are provided and some mackerel may be onboard; passengers may bring food but the galley is cash‑only and crew will not cook outside food.
The boat keeps party‑boat style rods with Penn Senator reels; the ticket fare includes use of one rod if needed. Sinkers and jigs are available for sale onboard and allowable tackle will be reviewed by the crew at departure.
Pack for a long overnight trip and practice good hygiene before boarding—the crew and shipmates appreciate a shower and clean clothes; the vessel also has bunks, air conditioning and two restrooms.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip and when does it depart?
These are 22‑hour trips departing at about 9:00 PM (July trips to Platts/Fippennies) or 8:00 PM for some Cashes trips, and return at approximately 9:00 PM the following day.
What species will we fish for?
The trips target haddock, halibut, pollock, hake, cusk, redfish and whiting using bait or jigs on ledge structure.
How many people are on board and are bunks provided?
Capacity is limited to 16 anglers; the vessel provides bunks for each passenger (10 bunks below deck and 6 above deck) and 40 rail positions on deck.
Is food available and how do I pay?
A limited galley operates on a cash‑only basis with enough options to sustain anglers; passengers may bring their own food but the crew will not cook items not purchased from the galley.
Are rods and tackle provided?
The boat keeps party‑boat style rods with Penn Senator reels onboard and the use of one rod is included in the ticket fare; jigs and sinkers are sold onboard and allowable tackle will be reviewed at departure.
Can I bring alcohol?
No—alcohol cannot be brought on board.
What are the trip prices?
Pricing varies by destination and date: a base rate listed is $386.90 per person; July trips to Platts/Fippennies are noted at $395 and Cashes trips at $425.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-14T12:08:54.644Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.