4.8(6 Reviews)Plymouth Fishing Charters | 6 Hour Charter Trip
4.8(6 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Six-hour inshore fishing charter in Plymouth and Cape Cod Bay watersTarget bluefin tuna and striped bass with expert Captain Ed guidanceAccommodates up to six guests with quality gear and comfortable boat
When you're looking for some serious fishing action in Massachusetts waters, Captain Ed's six-hour Plymouth fishing charters deliver exactly what you're after. These waters around Plymouth and Cape Cod Bay have been feeding New England families for centuries, and they're still packed with trophy fish that'll give you the fight of your life. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a weekend warrior looking to land that personal best, this charter puts you right where the fish are biting.
Your day starts early – that's when the fish are most active and the competition is lightest. Captain Ed knows these waters like the back of his hand, from the deeper channels where bluefin tuna cruise to the shallow flats where stripers love to ambush baitfish. The boat comfortably handles up to six anglers, so you've got plenty of room to work without bumping elbows when that big fish hits. You'll spend six solid hours on the water, moving between proven hotspots based on what's been biting lately and where the bait is showing up on the fish finder. The captain provides all the tackle you'll need, from heavy spinning gear for the bigger fish to lighter setups when the action calls for finesse. Don't worry about bringing your own gear unless you've got a lucky rod you can't leave behind – everything on board is tournament-quality and ready to handle whatever Plymouth Bay throws at you.
Out here, we're working both structure and open water depending on what's running. Early season often means trolling the deeper parts of the bay with wire line and heavy spoons, especially when the bluefin are pushing bait up from the depths. As the water warms up, we'll switch to live bait fishing around the rocky structure and drop-offs where stripers like to hang out. Captain Ed's got the electronics to mark fish and bait, but he also reads the water the old-school way – watching for bird activity, temperature breaks, and those subtle current lines that hold fish. When the bite is on, you might find yourself casting topwater plugs into feeding fish or dropping chunks of fresh mackerel down to trophy stripers holding tight to the bottom. The gear is matched to the conditions – heavy braid for deep water work, fluorocarbon leaders when the fish are spooky, and circle hooks that help ensure good releases when you're practicing catch and release.
"Would highly recommend Captain Ed. He worked hard, put us on fish, and it was a pleasure to get to know him" - John
Bluefin tuna are the holy grail of Plymouth Bay fishing, and when they're around, everything else takes a backseat. These fish show up in late spring and stick around through fall, following the massive schools of herring and mackerel that fuel their incredible growth. A typical bay bluefin runs anywhere from 40 to 200 pounds, and they'll test every inch of your tackle and technique. What makes them so special isn't just their size – it's their speed and power. When a bluefin takes your bait and makes that first run, you'll understand why anglers travel from around the world to fish these waters. The meat is incredibly valuable if you decide to keep one for the table, but many anglers are going catch-and-release these days to preserve the fishery.
Striped bass are the backbone of Massachusetts fishing, and Plymouth Bay holds some true giants. These fish move into the bay following the spring herring runs and stick around through the fall, feeding heavily to build up reserves for their southern migration. Spring fish are typically hungry after the winter spawn and will hit just about anything you throw at them. Fall fishing can be even better when the fish are gorging on bait before heading south. A good Plymouth Bay striper runs 28 to 40 inches, with fish over 40 inches not uncommon during peak season. They're smart fish that have seen plenty of lures, so having a captain who knows how to present baits naturally makes all the difference.
Summer flounder, or fluke as most locals call them, are the perfect target when you want consistent action and great table fare. These flatfish love the sandy bottom areas of Plymouth Bay, where they bury themselves and ambush passing baitfish. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish typically showing up in deeper water during the hottest summer months. A keeper fluke in Massachusetts waters needs to be at least 19 inches, but the bay regularly produces fish in the 3 to 6-pound range. They're excellent eating and great fun on light tackle – just don't let their reputation as bottom fish fool you, because big fluke will absolutely smoke drag when they want to.
Bluefish are the perfect fish for kids and beginning anglers because they're aggressive, fight hard, and aren't too picky about presentations. When the blues are blitzing bait on the surface, the action can be absolutely wild – you can literally see the water boiling with feeding fish. They show up in Plymouth Bay during the warmer months and can range from small "snapper" blues perfect for kids to tackle-busting choppers that'll weigh 10 pounds or more. Fresh bluefish is fantastic on the grill, but you want to ice them down immediately and eat them within a day or two for the best flavor.
Atlantic mackerel might not be the biggest fish in the bay, but they're incredibly important to the ecosystem and can provide fast action when the bigger fish aren't cooperating. They travel in huge schools and are a primary food source for just about every predator fish in these waters. When you find a school of mackerel, you can often catch them as fast as you can drop your line, and they make excellent live bait for bigger fish. They're also surprisingly good eating when they're fresh – much better than most people expect from what they consider a "
Jump aboard this well-equipped 29-foot Shamrock Walkaround that's ready to take you after Plymouth's best fish. Twin 320-horsepower engines get you to the productive waters of Cape Cod Bay quickly, while the fish finder helps locate schools of striped bass and bluefin tuna. Captain Ed knows these waters inside and out, putting you on fish whether you're targeting bottom dwellers or working the surface for bigger game. The boat comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - GPS navigation, wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches, plus creature comforts like a galley, head, and even a bunk if someone needs to rest between bites. With space for six anglers and a first mate to help with lines and landing fish, you'll have plenty of room to work without getting tangled up. The 27-knot cruising speed means more time with lines in the water and less time getting there.
Scomber ScombrusAtlantic mackerel are fast, scrappy fish that travel in massive schools, usually running 12-16 inches and 1-2 pounds. You'll find them in mid-water from 20-60 feet, often near the surface chasing bait. They show up late spring through early fall, with summer being peak season when schools move close to shore. What makes them fun is the non-stop action - when you find a school, everyone on the boat stays busy. They're also fantastic eating, rich in omega-3s and great smoked or grilled fresh. The metallic blue-green backs with wavy black bars make them beautiful fish. Local tip: when you mark a school on the fish finder, use small shiny lures like tiny spoons or sabiki rigs - they're aggressive and will hit almost anything that flashes.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the giants of our waters - we're talking 6+ feet and 500+ pounds of pure muscle. These torpedo-shaped fish are built for speed and power, with that distinctive blue-black back and silver belly. They hunt in deeper offshore waters, usually 20-100+ feet, chasing schools of mackerel and herring. Best fishing happens late spring through fall when they follow baitfish into our area. What makes them special? The fight is legendary - expect screaming runs and deep dives that'll test your limits. Plus, the meat is world-class sushi grade. My tip: when you hook one, tighten that drag gradually as they tire - too much pressure early and they'll snap your line on their first rocket run.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive feeders that show up in our waters mid-June through October, averaging 3-10 pounds with some reaching 15+. They travel in schools and aren't picky about depth - we find them from 10 feet to 60+ feet, often chasing baitfish near structure or in open water. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and a nasty attitude, making them a blast to catch. They hit hard and fight dirty with quick runs. The meat is excellent eating when fresh, especially smaller "cocktail blues." Summer and early fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily before heading south. Here's my go-to trick: when they're being finicky, try a small silver spoon or white bucktail - the flash drives them crazy.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of our local fishing, running 20-40 pounds on average with those iconic dark stripes. These structure-loving fish hang around rocks, drop-offs, and current breaks from 10-50+ feet deep. Spring through fall migration brings the best action, especially dawn and dusk when they move shallow to feed. They're tough fighters with powerful runs that'll bend your rod. The sweet, flaky meat makes them perfect for the dinner table. What I love about stripers is their predictability - they follow bait and stick to structure. Pro tip: when fishing live eels at night around rocky areas, let them swim naturally near the bottom. The bigger bass can't resist a slow-moving eel in the current.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These "doormats" average 15-20 inches but can reach 26 pounds. We find them in 15-80 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and current edges throughout the bay. They're active May through October, with fall being prime time as they fatten up before moving offshore. What's fun is their unique sideways bite and strong pull once hooked. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find. Both eyes on one side makes them fascinating to watch. My local secret: use a slow drift with squid and minnow combo on a bucktail jig, and give them time to fully take the bait before setting the hook.
4.8 out of 5.0
Thanks for fishing with me, Matthew! Let's do it again soon.
Would highly recommend Captain Ed. He worked hard, put us on fish, and it was a pleasure to get to know him
Thanks for coming out John, Had a great time as always!
Fantastic fishing charter! Captain Ed was knowledgeable and it great fun for all of us. And of course we caught our fill of strip...
Thanks for coming along, Brian! I enjoyed spending the day with you all! Ready for the next one?
Had an awesome time! Would absolutely love to go again.
Hi Bernadette, the feeling is mutual! What a great day. Looking forward to our next adventure!
I would strongly recommend Ed and his son Nolan. They were very knowledgeable and friendly. I had a two week vacation with my two...
Thank you Reynold, I appreciate your kind words and trusting me and my crew to provide a great fishi...
I enjoyed fishing with the Guidesly crew very much! Thanks for the good memories and can't wait to h...
Plymouth, MA