Sea Bass / Fluke Fishing with Blue Bandit Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Black Sea Bass and Fluke on 6-hour inshore tripAll equipment included plus professional fish cleaning serviceBeginner-friendly charter accommodates up to 4 guests
Looking for some of the best eating fish around? This 6-hour inshore adventure puts you right on top of where Black Sea Bass and Fluke love to hang out. Captain and crew at Blue Bandit Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish that'll make your dinner table the envy of the neighborhood. Whether you've been fishing for decades or never held a rod, this trip delivers consistent action and plenty of laughs along the way. All your tackle is provided, and the crew handles the messy work of cleaning your catch – you just focus on the fun part.
Your day starts early when you meet the crew at the dock. After a quick safety briefing and introductions, you're heading out to productive inshore waters where structure holds both sea bass and fluke. The captain's got spots marked on the GPS that consistently produce, from rocky bottoms where sea bass stack up to sandy flats where fluke ambush baitfish. With only 4 anglers max, there's plenty of room to fish comfortably without tangled lines or crowded rails. The crew sets you up with the right tackle for each spot – typically conventional reels with enough drag to pull fish off the bottom, and they'll walk you through the techniques that work best. Expect to move around during the day as conditions and bite patterns change. That's the beauty of having an experienced captain who reads the water and adjusts the game plan to keep you on fish.
Most of your fishing happens on the bottom using rigs specifically designed for sea bass and fluke. For sea bass, you'll drop down with a high-low rig baited with squid, clams, or cut bait. These fish live around structure, so you're fishing near rocks, wrecks, and hard bottom where they feel safe. The key is keeping your bait right on the deck and feeling for that distinctive sea bass bite – they don't slam it like a striper, but rather mouth it and swim off. Fluke fishing requires a different approach entirely. You'll drift over sandy bottom dragging bucktails tipped with squid strips or spearing, keeping the bait moving to trigger strikes from these ambush predators. The crew shows you how to work the bait with subtle lifts and drops, making it look like an injured baitfish. Both species require different tackle setups, and the crew switches you between rigs as you move from sea bass structure to fluke flats throughout the day.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers average 2-4 pounds but can push 6-8 pounds when you find the right spot. They school up tight around rocky structure and artificial reefs, making them fairly predictable once you locate them. Sea bass have a firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or baking, and they're considered one of the top table fish in Northeast waters. Peak season runs from late spring through fall when they're most active and aggressive. What makes them fun to catch is their willingness to bite – when you find a school, you can often catch them steadily until they move off or you spook them with too much noise.
Summer Flounder, better known as fluke, are the ultimate inshore game fish for many anglers. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand waiting to ambush passing prey. They average 18-24 inches but doormat fluke over 5 pounds make this fishery legendary. Fluke season peaks in summer when they're most active in shallow water, though you can catch them into fall as they start their offshore migration. The fight is different from sea bass – fluke make strong runs and use their flat profile to fight against the current. What really sets them apart is the meat quality. Fluke fillets are sweet, mild, and incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Many consider them the best eating fish in local waters.
Winter Flounder round out the target species, though they're more seasonal and typically smaller than their summer cousins. These fish prefer cooler water and are most active during spring and fall transitions. They average 12-16 inches and have a reputation for being finicky biters that require patience and light tackle. Winter flounder have incredibly sweet meat that's prized by anglers who know how to target them. They're often caught incidentally while targeting sea bass on similar bottom structure, making them a nice bonus when they show up in the fish box.
This customer-favorite trip consistently delivers both action and excellent table fare. With Blue Bandit Charters handling all the details from tackle to fish cleaning, you can focus on what matters – catching fish and having a good time on the water. The small group size means personalized attention from the crew and plenty of space to fish effectively. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer with premium fillets or just want to spend a day on the water catching fish, this 6-hour adventure hits all the marks. These spots book up during peak season, especially weekends, so don't wait too long to secure your date. The combination of sea bass and fluke makes this one of the most productive and rewarding trips you can take in local waters.
Hit the water in this well-equipped motorboat designed for serious fishing action. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the lines while targeting Black Sea Bass and Fluke on this 6-hour adventure. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating productive spots, while GPS keeps you on course to the best fishing grounds. An ice box ensures your catch stays fresh from hook to home, and the onboard facilities mean you can focus on fishing all day without worrying about comfort breaks. Your experienced crew handles all the details - they'll provide tackle, bait and equipment, plus clean and bag your fish so you can head home with dinner ready for the table. Perfect setup for both seasoned anglers and newcomers ready to learn the ropes while chasing two of the area's most delicious species.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky members of the grouper family that pack a solid punch for their size. Most run 2-4 pounds, but they can reach 8+ pounds and 25 inches. These fish love structure - wrecks, jetties, rocky bottom, anywhere they can ambush crabs and squid. You'll find them in 20-120 feet of water during warmer months when they move inshore. They put up a great scrap until they break the surface, then give up quick. What's really cool is they're all born female and change to males as they grow - the big blue-headed males with the hump are the bosses. The meat is firm, white, and fantastic eating. Late spring through summer is prime time when they school up near shore. My go-to tip: use a two-hook rig with squid strips and keep it moving slightly. They're curious and will often follow before striking.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder, or "fluke," are flatfish that live on sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. Most run 15-20 inches, but big females can hit 26 pounds. They're master ambush predators - their camouflage is so good they're called "chameleons of the sea." You'll find them inshore and offshore from spring through fall, with September to November being prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving deep. What makes them special is the challenge - they nibble first, so you need to feel that subtle tap before they commit. The meat is firm, white, and sweet - some say it's the best eating fish around. Pro tip: when you feel that first light tap, count to three before setting the hook. They grab bait sideways with their twisted mouth, so give them time to turn it around.
Pseudopleuronectes AmericanusWinter Flounder, also called "blackbacks," are smaller flatfish that lie on their right side, opposite of summer flounder. They typically run 9-12 inches, though some reach 25 inches and 8 pounds. These guys are early risers - they feed mainly in the morning using sight to hunt. You'll find them in shallow estuaries and near shore around rocks and vegetation where they change color to match the bottom. Unlike their summer cousins, winter flounder are more active in cooler months. They're deliberate biters with small mouths, so they'll often nibble before committing. The meat is delicate and sweet, making them a favorite at the dinner table. Here's the trick: use a sensitive rod because they're gentle biters, and go with bigger baits like fat sea worms - it attracts the larger fish and gives them something worth grabbing onto.
Harwich Port, MA