Cape Cod Fishing Charters with Bloodline
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing for Black Sea Bass, Tautog, Scup and Striped BassCaptain-provided fishing license included with charter bookingSix-person capacity exploring Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay
Looking for some of the best inshore fishing Cape Cod has to offer? You've found it. Bloodline Fishing Charters runs top-rated trips through Vineyard Sound and the legendary Buzzards Bay, targeting the species that make this area famous among anglers. With room for up to 6 guests, this is perfect for families, friends, or anyone wanting to experience world-class fishing without the long offshore hauls. Your fishing license is covered by the captain, so all you need to bring is yourself and maybe a cooler for your catch.
These inshore charters focus on the productive waters where Cape Cod's signature species love to hang out. You'll be fishing primarily in Vineyard Sound and Buzzards Bay - two of the most consistent fishing grounds on the East Coast. The beauty of inshore fishing here is that you're never more than a few miles from shore, so you get great fishing without dealing with rough seas or long boat rides. The captain knows exactly where to find the fish based on tides, structure, and seasonal patterns. Expect to move around a bit as you work different spots throughout the day, from rocky structure where tautog hide to sandy flats where stripers cruise. The bite can change quickly in these waters, so be ready to switch up tactics as the day unfolds.
Inshore fishing around Cape Cod means adapting your approach to what's biting and where you're fishing. For striped bass, you might be throwing live eels around structure at dawn, or working soft plastics through the current. Black sea bass love jigs bounced near the bottom around rocky areas and wrecks. Tautog fishing requires patience and precision - these fish are notorious for stealing bait, so you'll be using heavy tackle with small hooks and fresh crab or green crabs. Scup fishing is fast-paced action on lighter tackle, perfect for kids or anyone who wants steady bites. The captain provides all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels matched to each species, to terminal tackle and fresh bait. Don't worry if you're new to some of these techniques - the crew will get you dialed in quickly so you're fishing effectively from the start.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing, and for good reason. These fish are aggressive fighters that can range from schoolie-size around 20 inches up to trophy fish over 40 inches. Spring and fall offer the best action as bass move through Cape waters during their migrations. They're structure-oriented fish, so you'll find them around rocks, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish congregate. What makes stripers special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they put up a memorable fight on lighter tackle.
Black Sea Bass have become a customer favorite thanks to strong local populations and liberal bag limits. These bottom dwellers typically run 1-3 pounds around Cape Cod, with occasional fish pushing 5+ pounds. They're found around any hard structure - rocks, wrecks, and artificial reefs. Summer through early fall is prime time, when they're most active and aggressive. Sea bass are excellent eating and relatively easy to catch once you find them, making them perfect for families or less experienced anglers.
Tautog, or "blackfish" as locals call them, are the ultimate challenge for bottom fishermen. These crafty fish live in rocky areas and have powerful jaws designed for crushing crabs and shellfish. Most Cape Cod tog run 2-6 pounds, but double-digit fish are always possible around the best structure. Fall is peak season when they feed heavily before winter. They're notorious bait stealers, so catching them requires skill and patience. But the payoff is worth it - tautog are considered among the best eating fish in New England waters.
Scup might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, but they make up for it in numbers and fight. These silvery panfish are abundant in Cape waters from late spring through fall. They're perfect for introducing kids to fishing since they bite readily and fight hard for their size. Most scup run 8-12 inches, and they're excellent in the pan. When the scup are really biting, you can catch dozens in a single trip, keeping the action steady when other species are being finicky.
Cape Cod's inshore fishing scene doesn't get much better than what Bloodline Fishing Charters offers. You're getting access to some of the most productive fishing grounds in New England, experienced local knowledge, and a chance to target multiple species in a single trip. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Cape Cod fish to your list, or a family wanting to create lasting memories on the water, this charter delivers. The 6-person capacity keeps things intimate and ensures everyone gets plenty of attention from the crew. With your license covered and all gear provided, booking is simple. These productive waters and experienced captains make for consistently good fishing, but the best dates fill up quickly during peak season. Secure your spot and get ready to experience why Cape Cod has built its reputation as one of the Northeast's premier fishing destinations.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, cooperative fish that typically run 1-3 pounds, with their distinctive white-spotted fins and dark coloring. They gather around wrecks, rocky bottom, and structure in 20-120 feet of water, making them perfect for our inshore trips. Late spring through summer is peak season when they move shallow to feed and spawn - males even turn bright blue with a prominent head hump. Guests love them because they bite readily and taste fantastic - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. My tip: use a two-hook rig with squid strips and fish right on bottom near structure. They'll fight hard until they break the surface.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as locals call them, are scrappy little fighters that run 1-2 pounds on average but can hit 4 pounds. These silver-scaled fish with compressed bodies love rocky bottom and structure where they hunt for shellfish with their strong jaws. May through October is prime time when they move inshore - they head deep when water temps drop. Kids love catching scup because they're cooperative biters, and they make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: use small hooks with clam or squid, and jig slowly near the bottom around rocks and pilings. They're often a bonus fish when targeting other species.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing - these silver-sided beauties with their signature dark stripes can hit 20-40 pounds and put up a serious fight. They love structure like rocks, drop-offs, and moving water near shore. Spring through fall migration brings the best action, especially during dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They're strong swimmers that'll test your drag, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. Around here, watch for diving birds - they'll show you where the baitfish are, and that's where you'll find hungry stripers ready to strike.
Tautoga OnitisBlackfish are the bulldogs of Cape Cod waters - thick, stubborn fighters that average 2-4 pounds but can reach impressive sizes around rocky structure. These mottled-brown fish with rubbery skin live tight to boulders, jetties, and wrecks where they crush crabs and mussels with powerful jaws. Spring and fall offer the best shots before they go deep for winter. What draws anglers back? Their dogged fight and excellent eating - sweet, firm meat that's hard to beat. The trick is using fresh green crab bait and getting right in the rocks without losing tackle. Crush some crab shells to create a scent trail, then be ready for that distinctive tap-tap bite.
Sandwich, MA