Striper/Bluefish in Cape Cod
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target large Striped Bass and Bluefish offshore Cape Cod watersFish legendary Chatham grounds and Martha's Vineyard hotspotsSmall group experience with maximum 3 guests aboard
Cape Cod's waters are legendary for a reason – they produce some of the best Striped Bass and Bluefish action on the entire East Coast. When you fish with Captain Ross on this offshore adventure, you're getting access to prime fishing grounds that many anglers only dream about. We're talking about the world-renowned Chatham flats, the productive waters around Race Point, and even runs out to Martha's Vineyard when the fish are stacked up there. This isn't your typical day trip – it's a chance to get into serious fish with a captain who knows exactly where they're feeding and what they want.
You'll be fishing in a small group of just three anglers, which means personalized attention and plenty of room to work. Captain Ross has been running these waters for years, and he's got the kind of local knowledge that can't be bought or learned from a book. Depending on conditions and where the fish are showing, you might find yourself drifting over structure in Cape Cod Bay, working the rips around Chatham, or making the run to the Vineyard for some serious bluewater action. The trip starts early – that's when the bite is usually best – and runs for a full day so you have time to really get into them. Ross reads the water like few captains can, watching for bird activity, bait schools, and those telltale signs that big stripers and blues are in the area.
This is primarily a live bait and chunk bait operation, though Ross isn't afraid to switch things up when the fish want something different. You'll be using circle hooks to keep those stripers healthy for release, and the tackle is sized right for the fish we're targeting – heavy enough to handle a 40-pound striper but not so heavy that you lose the fight. When the bluefish are around, we'll often switch to wire leaders because those teeth can cut through mono like a hot knife through butter. Depending on what's working, you might find yourself fishing with live eels at night, chunking bunker during the day, or even throwing topwater plugs when the fish are busting bait on the surface. Ross provides all the tackle, but if you've got a favorite rod or reel, bring it along – he's always happy to help you land fish on your own gear.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing, and for good reason. These fish can grow massive in these waters – we're talking about bass that can push 50 pounds and fight like freight trains. Spring and fall are prime time, when the big cows are migrating along the coast and feeding heavily. Stripers are smart fish with excellent eyesight, which makes them a real challenge on light tackle. They'll school up around structure, follow bait schools, and can be incredibly finicky about what they'll eat. But when you hook into a big one, especially on lighter tackle, it's a fight you'll remember for years. The Cape's stripers are some of the healthiest on the coast, thanks to good management and conservation efforts.
Bluefish bring a completely different energy to the trip. These are aggressive predators that attack bait with a ferocity that has to be seen to be believed. When a school of blues moves through an area, the water literally boils with activity – birds diving, bait jumping, and that distinctive blue-green flash as they feed. Blues in these waters typically run anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds, with some real slammer fish pushing even bigger. They're excellent eating when handled properly, and they fight hard from the moment they feel the hook. Unlike stripers, blues aren't picky – they'll hit just about anything that moves, which makes them perfect for less experienced anglers or when you want fast action.
Captain Ross has built his reputation on putting anglers on fish, and this trip delivers exactly that. With only three spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention and room to fish comfortably. The combination of Ross's local knowledge, top-rated fishing grounds, and the chance to target two of the most sought-after species in New England waters makes this a customer favorite for good reason. Whether you're looking to land your personal best striper or get into some fast bluefish action, this offshore adventure gives you the best shot at both. Don't wait on this one – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its absolute best.
Our Cape Cod fishing machine is built for serious striper and bluefish action. This motorboat handles the offshore waters around Chatham, Race Point, and Martha's Vineyard like a champ. The fish finder helps locate schools while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need to sneak up on feeding fish. GPS and radar ensure safe navigation in Cape Cod's changing conditions, plus VHF radio keeps you connected. Ice box keeps your catch fresh, and the onboard head means no cutting trips short. With room for 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rails when the bite gets hot. Captain Ross knows these waters inside and out - from the legendary Chatham bars to the productive rips off the Vineyard. Whether you're casting topwater for surface feeding blues or working live bait for trophy stripers, this boat gets you to where the fish are biting.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are pure aggression with fins - hard fighters that'll test your drag and leave your arms sore. They typically run 3-15 pounds around here, with their razor-sharp teeth and attitude to match. You'll find them in schools over sandy bottom, often mixed with stripers around bait pods. Mid-June through October is prime time, especially when pogies and silversides are thick. They're fast swimmers that hunt in packs, creating those famous "bluefish blitzes" where the water looks like it's boiling. Great table fare when fresh, with rich, flaky meat. Pro tip: always use a wire leader - their teeth will cut through mono like butter. And when the action's hot, have multiple rigs ready because they'll destroy your tackle.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of our Cape Cod fishery, running 20-40 pounds on average with some real cows pushing 50+. These silver-sided bruisers with their signature black stripes love structure - rocks, drop-offs, and tide rips where baitfish get pushed around. They're here spring through fall, but peak action happens during the migration periods when they're feeding heavily. What makes them special? They fight smart, not just hard, using their bulk and the current against you. The meat's sweet and flaky too. Local tip: when you see birds working over bait, get there fast but approach from down-current. Stripers spook easily in shallow water, so keep your distance and let your bait drift into the zone naturally.
Mashpee, MA