Cape Cod Fishing Charters | 8 Hour Charter Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target cod and striped bass in Cape Cod Bay watersEighthour charter accommodates up to six guests comfortablyExpert Captain Ed guides trips with potential whale sightings
When you're ready to fish some of the most productive waters on the East Coast, Captain Ed's got you covered. Plymouth and Cape Cod Bay offer world-class fishing opportunities that'll have you talking about this trip for years. This isn't your typical half-day run—we're talking eight solid hours to really get into the fish and make the most of these legendary waters. With room for up to six anglers, it's perfect whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned crew looking to put some serious fish in the box.
Captain Ed knows these waters like the back of his hand, and that experience shows from the moment you step aboard. You'll be fishing some of the most consistent spots in Plymouth and Cape Cod Bay, where the mix of structure, current, and baitfish creates perfect conditions for multiple species. The boat's equipped with everything you need—quality rods and reels, tackle, and all the terminal gear. Eight hours gives you the luxury of time most charters can't offer. We can hit different spots as conditions change, follow the bite, and really dial in what's working. Don't be surprised if you spot some whales or even sharks during the trip—these waters are alive with marine life, and Captain Ed's always got his eyes open for the bonus wildlife encounters that make a good day great.
The beauty of fishing Plymouth and Cape Cod Bay is the variety of techniques that produce fish here. Depending on the season and what we're targeting, you might be jigging over structure for cod and haddock, working live bait for stripers, or even getting into some bottom fishing for black sea bass. Captain Ed switches up the approach based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. The tackle gets matched to the target—heavier gear when we're after bigger fish, lighter setups when the action calls for finesse. Bait selection varies with the season and species, but you can count on having the right stuff in the box. The captain handles all the rigging and re-rigging, so you can focus on fishing instead of fumbling with knots. Eight hours means we can try different approaches and really work the water thoroughly.
Striped Bass are the bread and butter of these waters, and for good reason. These fish are aggressive, fight hard, and show up in good numbers throughout much of the season. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily during their migrations. You'll find them around structure, in the rips, and often chasing bait right to the surface. What makes stripers special is their attitude—they hit hard and don't give up easy. A good keeper striper in the 28-32 inch range will give you a fight you won't forget.
Atlantic Cod bring that old-school New England fishing experience to life. These bottom dwellers love the rocky structure and cooler water temperatures that Plymouth Bay offers in abundance. Winter and early spring are your best shots at cod, when they move into shallower water to feed. They're not the flashiest fighters, but there's something deeply satisfying about hooking into a solid cod. Plus, they're fantastic eating, which makes them a customer favorite for good reason.
Haddock fishing here can be lights-out when you hit them right. These fish school up tight and when you find them, you really find them. They prefer slightly deeper water than cod and have a preference for sandy or muddy bottoms near rocky areas. Haddock have a delicate bite, so you need to pay attention to your rod tip. They're smaller than cod typically, but they make up for it in numbers and taste. Many anglers consider haddock the best eating fish in these waters.
Black Sea Bass are the scrappy underdogs that always deliver excitement. These fish are structure-oriented and aggressive, making them a blast to catch on lighter tackle. Summer and early fall are peak season when they're most active in the bay. They're not huge—most run 1-3 pounds—but they fight like fish twice their size. Sea bass are also excellent table fare and pretty much everything you catch will be a keeper size.
Bluefin Tuna represent the big game opportunity that keeps serious anglers coming back. These fish are seasonal visitors but when they show up, they can turn an ordinary day into something legendary. Bluefin move through these waters following the bait, typically in late summer and fall. Landing one requires patience, skill, and a bit of luck, but the payoff is massive. Even a small bluefin will test your tackle and your endurance like nothing else swimming in these waters.
Captain Ed's eight-hour charters fill up fast, especially during prime season, and there's good reason for that. You're getting access to some of the best fishing on the East Coast with a captain who knows how to put you on fish. The extended time on the water means better odds, more opportunities to try different techniques, and the chance to really make the most of your day. Whether you're after a family adventure or serious fishing action, this trip delivers. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before you commit. But once you experience what Plymouth and Cape Cod Bay have to offer, you'll be planning your next trip before this one's even over.
Step aboard this well-equipped 29-foot Shamrock Walkaround that's built for serious fishing in Plymouth and Cape Cod Bay waters. Twin 320-horsepower engines get you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at 27 knots to maximize your time with lines in the water. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools of cod and striped bass, while GPS keeps you on the productive spots Captain Ed knows best. When you need a break from reeling in fish, grab a cold drink from the refrigerator or use the onboard toilet and kitchen facilities. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking the fish below. With comfortable sleeping quarters and room for up to 6 anglers, this boat handles everything from family fishing trips to serious angling adventures. The first mate is there to help with nets, bait, and getting your catch ready for the cooler.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic cod are the classic New England groundfish - chunky, mottled brown fish with that telltale barbel under their chin. Most run 10-30 pounds, though bigger ones are out there. They stick to the bottom around rocky areas and structure, usually in 60-200 feet of water. Best fishing happens in cooler months when they move closer to shore. Cod are prized for their firm, white meat that's perfect for fish and chips. They're not flashy fighters but they're solid fish that'll keep your rod bent. Here's a local trick: bounce your jig or bait right off the bottom - cod are lazy and won't chase far for a meal.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, dark-colored bottom dwellers that typically run 1-4 pounds, though the bigger males can hit 6-8 pounds. They love structure - wrecks, rocky bottom, jetties, and old pilings in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore, making them perfect for our local trips. Anglers love them because they bite readily and are some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, sweet meat that's hard to beat. They'll fight hard until they break the surface, then give up quick. Try squid strips on a two-hook rig and keep it right on the bottom where they feed.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the apex predators of our waters - massive, torpedo-shaped fish that average 200-400 pounds but can hit over 600. These silver bullets cruise open water and offshore edges, diving deep or chasing bait at the surface. Late spring through early fall brings them through Cape Cod Bay following herring and mackerel. What draws anglers? The fight of a lifetime - they'll make blistering runs and dive deep, testing every inch of your tackle. The meat is world-class sashimi grade too. Key tip: troll at dawn and dusk when they're most active, and be ready for heavy tackle - 50-80 pound gear minimum for these bruisers.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are fantastic bottom fish that most anglers recognize by their distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind the pectoral fin. These cod family members typically run 2-7 pounds and love cold water around 36-50°F, hanging over sandy or rocky bottoms. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they move inshore to spawn. They're popular because they're reliable biters and excellent table fare - sweet, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Unlike cod, haddock have softer mouths, so keep steady pressure but don't horse them up. Fresh clams on a simple two-hook rig works best in our local waters.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of Cape Cod fishing - these silver-sided beauties with their distinctive black stripes run 20-40 pounds on average and put up a serious fight. You'll find them cruising shallow waters near structure, especially around drop-offs and rocky areas where they hunt baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, with the migration bringing massive schools right through our waters. What makes them special? They're strong swimmers that'll test your drag, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Pro tip: watch for diving birds - that's where the stripers are feeding on bait schools below.
Plymouth, MA