Fishing Newburyport - Merrimack River -  Salisbury -  Ipswich Bay  -   Boston's North Shore including Gloucester, Rockport, Beverly and Salem

Charter Boat Captain Don LaRuffa Jr.

I’ve been fishing for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories are being in my fathers 13’ Boston Whaler in Long Island NY, where he would literally tie a rope to the fishing pole and tie a rope to my lifejacket. It was the ‘70’s… so that seemed extra safe. These early days fueled a life long passion….or obsession, depending on who talk to….for being on the water chasing anything with fins. 

I started fishing the Merrimack in 2000 with a friend in Amesbury. It didn’t take long for striped bass to occupy most of our free time. That is, until the “tuna-bomb” went off a few years later. I always say “Tuna will change your life, so be careful.” They certainly changed mine. Whether chasing “footballs” with spinning rods or hunting giant with big gear, it’s always a treat to have an encounter with these amazing animals.

Fishing doesn’t stop for me once the days get shorter and colder. Over the winters I’ll travel to warmer locals to pursue tropical game fish. Florida, Costa Rica, Panama, Puerto Rico, Mexico, even Africa. I fell in love with Costa Rica in 2002 and have traveled there nearly every year ever since. 

Don moved to Newburyport more than 10 years ago. The goal being, to trailer the boat less and fish more. Mission accomplished!