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.
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.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
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.
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.
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.
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.