5.0(2 Reviews)Tautog Cape Cod Fishing Charters
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Exclusive Tautog and Scup fishing around Cape Cod IslandsGear and fishing license included with expert Captain RossAccommodates up to 4 guests with room for 6 total
When you're looking for a fishing charter that knows exactly where to find the fish, Captain Ross and the Cape Cod Charter Guys deliver every single time. This specialized tautog and scup charter focuses exclusively on these two hard-fighting species around the Cape Cod Islands, giving you the best shot at consistent action all day long. Your fishing license and all gear are included, so just bring your appetite for fish and whatever drinks or snacks you want to keep you fueled up. We'll take up to 4 anglers as part of the base price, but there's room for 6 if your crew runs bigger.
This isn't your typical mixed-bag fishing trip where you're hoping something bites. Captain Ross has dialed in the exact spots around Cape Cod Islands where tautog and scup congregate, and he's got the techniques down to a science. You'll spend your day working structure-rich areas where these bottom dwellers love to hang out - rocky ledges, boulder fields, and underwater terrain that holds baitfish and provides cover. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you won't waste time searching. From the moment you drop lines, you'll be in prime territory where the fish are actively feeding. The boat stays positioned perfectly over productive spots, and Captain Ross will coach you through the nuances of feeling bites and setting hooks on these sometimes finicky feeders.
Bottom fishing for tautog and scup requires specific techniques that Captain Ross has perfected over years of targeting these species. You'll be fishing with medium to heavy action rods paired with conventional reels loaded with enough line to reach the bottom in 20-60 feet of water. The terminal tackle setup typically includes a fish-finder rig or high-low rig with circle hooks sized perfectly for tautog mouths. Green crabs are the go-to bait for tautog - these fish can't resist them - while scup will hit pieces of squid, clams, or smaller crabs. Captain Ross will show you how to detect the subtle taps and pulls that signal a tautog mouthing your bait, since these fish are notorious for stealing bait without getting hooked. The key is staying in contact with the bottom while keeping just enough tension to feel when a fish picks up your offering.
"Came up from Louisiana to fish with Captain Ross. We had a group of 5 and he put us on fish immediately and all day. Captain Ross is very professional and an amazing teacher. He fully gives the best service. I have fished a lot in Louisiana and Ross is the best I have ever seen. We will. be back again and again with Captain Ross." - Michael
"We had a great day out with Captain Ross. Very friendly guy and his boat is beautiful! On to the actual fishing, it was superb - he landed us on one big fish after another and finished it off by catching the biggest fish of the day right before we headed home 🎣 Truly a day to remember! Already looking forward to going back out with him very soon! 5⭐️" - Patrick
Tautog, also known as blackfish, are the crown jewel of Cape Cod's inshore fishing scene and the primary target on this charter. These powerful, thick-bodied fish typically run 2-8 pounds around Cape Cod, with trophy fish pushing into double digits. Tautog have incredibly strong jaws lined with crushing teeth that they use to crunch through mussels, crabs, and other shellfish. They're most active during the cooler months from April through early June and again from September through November, when they move into shallow rocky areas to feed heavily before winter. What makes tautog so exciting to catch is their bulldogging fight - they'll dive straight for the rocks and try to wrap your line around structure. Landing a good tautog requires skill, patience, and the right technique, which is exactly why Captain Ross's expertise makes all the difference.
Scup, commonly called porgies, are the perfect complement to tautog fishing and provide non-stop action throughout the trip. These silver-sided fish are abundant around Cape Cod from late spring through early fall, with peak fishing happening during summer months. Scup typically range from 8-14 inches, with larger specimens reaching 16 inches and weighing over 2 pounds. They're aggressive feeders that travel in large schools over sandy bottoms near structure, making them relatively easy to locate but challenging to consistently hook due to their small mouths. Scup are excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or simply pan-fried. When you find a school of feeding scup, the action can be electric with multiple fish hitting baits simultaneously, keeping every angler on the boat busy reeling in fish.
Captain Ross and the Cape Cod Charter Guys have built their reputation on putting clients on fish consistently, and this tautog and scup specialty trip showcases exactly why they're considered among the top-rated charter services in the area. With all gear and licenses included, plus room for your whole crew, this represents outstanding value for a world-class fishing experience. The captain's local knowledge, professional approach, and dedication to customer service ensure you'll have the kind of day on the water that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Don't miss your chance to fish with one of Cape Cod's best - book your tautog and scup charter today and get ready to experience what consistent, productive fishing really looks like.
This motorboat cuts through Cape Cod waters like a dream, getting you to the hottest tautog and scup spots fast. Built for serious fishing, she's equipped with GPS to mark your productive drops, VHF radio to stay connected, and a quality fish finder that'll show you exactly where those bottom-huggers are hiding. The comfortable ride means you'll arrive ready to fish instead of beaten up by chop. Captain Ross knows these waters inside and out, and this boat gets him to his secret honey holes quickly so you spend more time with lines wet. Perfect size for up to 4 anglers without feeling cramped - you'll have plenty of room to work the bottom rigs and fight those hard-pulling tautog. She handles the variable Cape Cod conditions well, keeping you steady while you're working jigs around the rocky structure these fish love.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy, are silver-scaled fighters that show up in good numbers from May through October around Cape Cod. They average 12-16 inches and make great table fare with firm, sweet meat. You'll find them over sandy bottom and around structure, feeding on clams, worms, and crabs with their strong jaws. What guests love is how willing they bite and how they school up - when you find one, there's usually more. They're perfect for families since they're not too finicky about bait. Scup fight harder than most expect for their size and are some of the best eating fish we catch. Pro tip: when bottom fishing, keep your bait moving with gentle jigs. They like motion and will often hit as the bait falls back down.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called blackfish, these chunky fighters love rocky structure and jetties around Cape Cod. They run 1-3 pounds typically, but bigger ones hit 10+ pounds. What makes them special is their powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish - they've got extra grinding teeth in their throats. Tautog stick tight to rocks and boulders, making them tricky to land without losing tackle. Spring through fall is prime time when they're feeding heavy before winter. Guests love the challenge - these fish fight hard and taste great. They're territorial and aggressive around their rocky homes. My tip: use fresh green crab bait, crush up some shells nearby to get them feeding, and change your bait every 5 minutes. The scent drives them crazy but fades fast.
5.0 out of 5.0
Test Two t222
Came up from Louisiana to fish with Captain Ross. We had a group of 5 and he put us on fish immediately and all day. Captain Ross ...
Michael Veisor, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
We had a great day out with Captain Ross. Very friendly guy and his boat is beautiful! On to the actual fishing, it was superb - h...
Patrick ODonnell, Thank you! You folks were awesome. It was my pleasure having you guys aboard. Epic...
Cape Cod, MA