4.8(6 Reviews)Plymouth's Premier 6 Hour Fishing Charter Experience
4.8(6 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Sixhour inshore charter targets bluefin tuna and striped bassCaptain Ed provides expert guidance and quality gear for six guestsPlymouth and Cape Cod Bay fishing with comfortable boat experience
If you're looking for some of the best fishing Massachusetts has to offer, you've come to the right place. Captain Ed runs a top-rated charter operation out of Plymouth that'll put you right where the fish are biting. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – we're talking about a serious six-hour adventure targeting trophy bluefin tuna, hefty striped bass, and whatever else is running hot in Plymouth and Cape Cod Bay. With room for up to six anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without feeling crowded, and Captain Ed knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the bite, this charter delivers the real deal.
Captain Ed's operation is built around putting his guests on fish, plain and simple. You'll start your day meeting at the dock in Plymouth, where you'll get a quick rundown of the plan and safety brief before heading out. The boat is set up with quality gear that can handle everything from schoolie stripers to monster bluefin, so you won't be fighting fish with subpar equipment. Plymouth and Cape Cod Bay offer some of the most productive fishing grounds on the East Coast, with underwater structure, tidal rips, and baitfish concentrations that draw predators from miles around. Captain Ed reads the water conditions, weather patterns, and seasonal movements to position you where the action is hottest. This is inshore fishing at its finest – close enough to see the shoreline but far enough out to get into the good stuff. You'll spend six solid hours working different spots, adjusting tactics as needed, and learning why these waters have such a stellar reputation among serious anglers.
The beauty of Plymouth's inshore fishing scene is the variety of techniques that produce results. Captain Ed runs a mix of trolling, live bait fishing, and jigging depending on what the fish are telling him on any given day. When the bluefin are around, you might find yourself trolling spreader bars and cedar plugs through temperature breaks where the big fish cruise. For striped bass, live mackerel or pogies often get the job done, especially when you're working structure or drop-offs where these fish like to ambush prey. The boat carries spinning gear and conventional tackle to match whatever situation develops. Summer flounder fishing means working the bottom with bucktails and gulp baits, while bluefish call for wire leaders and anything that moves fast enough to trigger their aggressive feeding response. Captain Ed provides all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you'll need, but if you've got a favorite setup, feel free to bring it along. The key here is adaptability – successful inshore fishing means being ready to switch gears when the fish demand it, and that's exactly how this operation runs.
"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 crown jewel of Plymouth fishing, and when they're in the area, everything else takes a backseat. These fish show up in late spring and can stick around through fall, with peak action typically happening during summer months. Bluefin in these waters range from school fish in the 30-50 pound range up to giants that'll test every ounce of your strength and stamina. What makes them so special is their speed and power – a hooked bluefin can peel off 200 yards of line in seconds and jump completely out of the water. They're also incredibly smart fish that will test your drag settings, knots, and technique. Landing one is a badge of honor that serious anglers remember for years.
Striped bass are the backbone of New England fishing, and Plymouth waters hold some absolute monsters. These fish are structure-oriented predators that love rocky bottoms, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish get pushed by the current. Stripers can be caught year-round in Massachusetts, but spring and fall migrations bring the biggest numbers through Plymouth Bay. A 20-pound striper is a nice fish, 30 pounds is a great fish, and anything over 40 pounds is trophy territory. What makes striped bass fishing so addictive is their intelligence – they can be incredibly finicky one day and absolutely destroy anything you throw at them the next.
Summer flounder, or fluke as most anglers call them, are the premier bottom fish in these waters. They're masters of camouflage that bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms, waiting to ambush prey swimming overhead. The state record fluke came from Massachusetts waters, and Plymouth Bay consistently produces doormat-sized fish that push the scales past 5-6 pounds. Fluke season runs from spring through early fall, with the biggest fish typically caught during summer months. They're excellent table fare and put up a surprisingly good fight for a flatfish.
Bluefish are the aggressive bullies of the inshore world, and when they're feeding, you'll know it. These fish travel in schools and attack baitfish with such ferocity that you can often see the commotion from hundreds of yards away. Blues in Plymouth waters typically run 3-10 pounds, though larger specimens show up regularly. They're perfect for anglers who want consistent action and aren't too picky about technique – if it moves and looks like food, a bluefish will hit it. They're also outstanding on the dinner table when prepared fresh.
Atlantic mackerel might be smaller than the other species, but they're incredibly important to the local ecosystem and provide fantastic light-tackle action. These fish show up in massive schools during their spring and fall migrations, and when you find them, you can literally catch one on every drop. Mackerel also serve as premium live bait for larger predators, so Captain Ed often targets them specifically to use for striped bass and bluefin tuna. They're excellent eating and perfect for anglers who want to
This 29-foot Shamrock Walkaround is your ticket to Plymouth's best fishing grounds. Built for serious anglers, she's powered by twin 320-hp engines that'll cruise at 27 knots to get you on the fish fast. The GPS and fish finder help Captain Ed locate those productive spots where striped bass and bluefin tuna are feeding. With comfortable seating for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work those rods without bumping elbows. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need stealth, while outriggers spread your lines wide for maximum coverage. Between bites, grab a cold drink from the onboard fridge or take a break in the cabin with kitchen facilities, toilet, and even a bed for anyone needing a quick rest. The first mate keeps your gear ready and helps land those trophy fish you came to catch in Cape Cod Bay's productive waters.
Scomber ScombrusAtlantic mackerel travel in massive schools that can stretch for miles - when you find them, the action is fast and furious. These sleek fish average 12-14 inches with brilliant blue-green backs and distinctive wavy bars. They're pelagic, meaning they roam open water but move closer to shore during summer months. Best fishing is June through September when schools chase bait near the surface. Guests love mackerel because they're aggressive biters that provide nonstop action, especially for kids and beginners. They're also loaded with healthy omega-3s and taste great smoked or grilled fresh. Speed is key with these fish - use small jigs or sabiki rigs and work them quickly through the school. Once you locate them on the fish finder, everyone onboard will be hooked up within minutes.
Thunnus ThynnusThese are the giants you dream about - bluefin can reach 6+ feet and 550 pounds, though most we see run 200-400 pounds. They're built like torpedoes with that distinctive metallic blue back and silver belly. We find them in deeper waters offshore, usually 20+ miles out where they hunt schools of mackerel and herring. Peak season here is June through October when water temps are right. What makes bluefin special is the fight - they'll make blistering runs and deep dives that'll test your stamina. The meat is world-class, especially for sashimi. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, let it run initially. Don't try to muscle it right away or you'll just tire yourself out. Use that fighting belt and settle in for the battle of a lifetime.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that'll hit just about anything you throw at them. Most run 2-10 pounds around here, with their distinctive blue-green backs and razor-sharp teeth. You'll find them in schools along beaches, around structure, and in the bay during summer months. They show up in June and stick around through October, with some of the best action during dawn and dusk. What guests love is the nonstop action - when you find a school, everyone gets bent. They fight hard for their size and make great table fare when prepared fresh. Just watch those teeth when handling them. Pro tip: when bluefish are feeding on the surface and you see birds diving, cast poppers or small spoons right into the frenzy. The action can be non-stop for an hour.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of New England fishing - these silver beauties with their distinctive black stripes can reach 40+ pounds, though most catches run 20-35 inches. They love structure like rocky points, drop-offs, and around bait schools in 10-50 feet of water. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, with consistent summer fishing near shore. What makes stripers special is their intelligence - they're selective feeders that require skill to consistently catch. The fight is strong and steady, and they make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. They're also perfect for catch-and-release conservation. Here's what works: during moving water on the tide changes, work live eels or chunk herring near bottom around structure. Patience pays off with these fish.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the chameleons of the seafloor - these flatfish blend perfectly with sandy and muddy bottoms where they ambush prey. Most run 15-20 inches, but we regularly see "doormat" fluke pushing 5+ pounds. They hang out on structure like wrecks, drop-offs, and channel edges in 20-80 feet of water. Best fishing is May through October when they're feeding actively before heading offshore. Guests love the challenge of reading bottom structure and the excellent eating - flounder has sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're also great for kids since they don't fight too hard. Local secret: use a bucktail jig tipped with squid or sea robin belly, and work it slow along the bottom with gentle lifts and drops.
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