Black Sea Bass & Porgy in Cape Cod
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target trophy Black Sea Bass and Porgy using bottom jigging techniquesChoose between convenient morning or afternoon departure timesSmall group experience with maximum three guests per trip
Cape Cod's inshore waters are packed with some of the best bottom fishing on the East Coast, and this targeted trip puts you right where the action is. We're talking about serious Black Sea Bass and Porgy fishing in spots that consistently produce quality fish. With just 3 anglers max, you get the personal attention and prime fishing space that makes all the difference when you're working structure for these bottom dwellers. Morning and afternoon slots mean you can fit this into your schedule whether you're an early bird or prefer to sleep in a bit.
This isn't your typical party boat experience - we keep it small and focused on putting you over productive bottom structure where these fish live. Cape Cod's rocky bottom and mixed terrain creates perfect habitat for both Black Sea Bass and Porgy, and we know exactly where to find them. The intimate 3-person setup means everyone gets quality time on the best spots without crowding or fighting for space at the rail. We run both morning and afternoon trips, so whether you're looking to get out early or make it an afternoon adventure, we've got you covered. The morning bite tends to be a bit more aggressive, but afternoon trips often produce steadier action as the fish settle into feeding patterns. You'll spend your time working known productive areas where these species congregate around structure and rocky bottom.
Bottom jigging is the name of the game here, and it's one of the most effective ways to target these structure-loving fish. We'll set you up with the right jigs and tackle to get down to where these fish are holding. The technique is straightforward but requires a bit of finesse - you're dropping your jig to the bottom and working it with short, sharp lifts to trigger strikes. Black Sea Bass are ambush predators that love to hammer a jig as it bounces near the bottom, while Porgy are more methodical but equally aggressive once they decide to feed. The key is feeling the bottom structure and keeping your jig moving in the strike zone. We'll walk you through the technique and help you dial in the right jigging cadence for the conditions. The rocky bottom around Cape Cod holds plenty of snags, so we'll also show you how to work your jigs effectively without losing too much tackle to the rocks.
Black Sea Bass are the crown jewel of Cape Cod's inshore bottom fishing scene. These chunky, aggressive fish are absolute fighters that'll give you a serious battle on light tackle. They typically run anywhere from keeper size around 15 inches up to trophy fish pushing 20+ inches and several pounds. Sea Bass are structure junkies - they love rocky bottom, wrecks, and any kind of irregular terrain where they can ambush prey. Summer through early fall is prime time, when they're actively feeding and building up for their offshore migration. What makes them so exciting to target is their aggressive nature - when a Sea Bass decides to eat your jig, there's no mistaking it. They'll slam it hard and then use every ounce of their stocky build to try and get back to their rocky hideout. The fight is pure power, and landing a nice one gives you that satisfying feeling that only comes from battling a quality bottom fish.
Porgy, also known as Scup around these parts, are another Cape Cod favorite that keeps anglers coming back. Don't let their smaller average size fool you - these fish are scrappy fighters with serious attitude. They typically range from 8 to 14 inches, with bigger fish showing up regularly during peak season. Porgy are incredibly abundant in Cape Cod waters during summer months, often schooling up in large numbers over productive bottom. They're opportunistic feeders that will readily take jigs, and once you find a school, the action can be non-stop. What's great about targeting Porgy is their consistency - when they're around, they're usually willing to bite. They're also excellent table fare, making them a perfect target for anglers who like to take a few fish home for dinner. The combination of steady action and quality eating makes Porgy trips a customer favorite for both experienced anglers and families looking for reliable fishing action.
Cape Cod's bottom fishing scene is world-class, and this focused approach to targeting Black Sea Bass and Porgy puts you in the best position to experience it. The small group size means personalized attention and prime fishing opportunities that you just can't get on larger boats. Whether you choose morning or afternoon, you're looking at quality time over productive structure with species that are known for both fighting ability and table fare. The combination of Cape Cod's renowned fishing grounds, targeted approach, and intimate boat size creates the kind of fishing experience that keeps anglers talking long after the trip ends. Don't wait too long to secure your spot - quality bottom fishing trips with this kind of personal attention fill up fast, especially during peak season when these species are most active.
Our well-equipped motorboat puts you right on the productive Cape Cod waters where trophy black sea bass and porgy feed. With space for 3 anglers, she's rigged with everything you need for successful bottom jigging – a quality fish finder to mark structure and schools, GPS to hit the sweet spots, and an ice box to keep your catch fresh. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish below. VHF radio keeps you connected, while radar handles any weather that rolls in off the Atlantic. There's even a head onboard for comfort during longer sessions. Whether you book the morning or afternoon trip, you'll be fishing proven grounds where these hard-fighting bottom dwellers stack up around rocks and reefs.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the prize of our bottom fishing trips, with most fish running 2-4 pounds and the occasional trophy pushing 6-8 pounds. These chunky, dark-colored fish love structure – wrecks, rocky ledges, and boulder piles in 30-100 feet of water. They're at their best from late spring through early fall when they move inshore to feed. What makes them special is their hard initial fight and the fact that they're one of the best eating fish in these waters. The bigger males develop a distinctive hump and can turn bright blue during spawning season. My advice: use heavier jigs than you think you need – these fish sit tight to bottom structure, and you need weight to get down and stay down where they live.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, also called porgy, are one of Cape Cod's most reliable bottom fish. These silvery, deep-bodied fish typically run 12-16 inches and make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. You'll find them around rocky structure, wrecks, and boulder fields in 20-80 feet of water from late spring through fall. They're aggressive feeders with strong jaws built for crushing shellfish, so they hit baits hard and fight surprisingly well for their size. Scup are perfect for families since they bite consistently and aren't too challenging to land. Pro tip: when you find one scup, there are usually more nearby – they school tight, so work the area thoroughly with small jigs tipped with squid or sea worms.
Mashpee, MA