First Light Anglers offers a comprehensive saltwater charter service for fly fishing and conventional tackle. Our captains seek to share the beauty and thrill of chasing the Northeast’s finest game fish including bluefish & striped bass fishing to full day tuna and routinely accommodate groups as large as 30 people. Our captains provide top quality equipment, and excellent vessels, in a safe and relaxed atmosphere. The goal is not only to catch you fish, but to share our passion for the fish and area we have guided since 1996.

The Boat

Our 24′ Silverhawk is powered by twin 140 four stroke Suzuki outboard engines. It is perfectly designed and outfitted for fly fishing and runs comfortably in both the chop of Cape Ann as well as the open ocean swells found on Jeffries and Stellwagen. The Silverhawk’s smooth ride is a result of a variable deadrise hull that’s based on the famous 23′ Seacraft. A moderate and flaring beam deflects wind spray so that the passengers remain dry while traveling in comfort. The boat is clean, snag-free and very fly fishing friendly. It has plenty of dry storage for all your gear. It’s equipped with the latest color electronics by Raymarine including GPS, fish finder, radar and Sirius weather. The boat carries all the required Coast Guard safety gear, plus an EPIRB.

The Seasons

We offer trips for one to five anglers for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Cod, and Bluefin Tuna fishing. Bass fishing begins in early May and continues through October. Bluefin tuna fishing charters typically begin in June and end in November.

The Captains

Capt. Derek Spingler & Capt. Nat Moody

Nat and Derek have been friends since second grade and fishing together almost since their friendship first began. Although their real first independent fishing experiences began in a 16′ Lund in the Essex River they have now traveled extensively throughout the world chasing fish with both fly and lure. Their lifelong passion became a reality in 1996 when they opened First Light Anglers, a full service retail and charter fishing business. Over the years, their personalities and on the water experience has allowed the business to evolve into one of the premier outfitting operations on the East coast. Spending over 20 years chasing bluefin tuna, striped bass, and bluefish with both conventional and fly fishing gear in the water around Cape Ann, they are experts in catering a charter to fulfill your needs.

Rates & Policies

• 4 Hour Striper Charter – $475.00
• 6 Hour Striper Charter – $600.00
• 8 Hour Striper Charter – $700.00
• 10 Hour Tuna Charter – $1050.00

We require a 50% deposit for all trips. The deposit will be refunded with a minimum of 14 days notice. The captain reserves the right to reschedule based on weather. Both Nat and Derek hold USCG licenses. The boat is located at slip J4 at Cape Ann Marina at 75 Essex Avenue, Gloucester, MA. Call the shop with any questions at 978-948-7004. For directions to the boat please see below.