5.0(1 Reviews)Plymouth Charter Fishing | 4 Hour Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing trips targeting Striped Bass and CodExpert guidance with topquality gear for up to six guestsAffordable rates with productive waters near Cape Cod Bay
Looking for some serious fishing action without burning a whole day? Captain Ed's got you covered with these popular 4-hour charters out of Plymouth. You'll be working the rich waters where Plymouth Harbor meets Cape Cod Bay – some of the most consistent fishing grounds on the South Shore. This isn't your typical tourist boat ride. We're talking about real fishing with a captain who knows every ledge, drop-off, and productive structure from Duxbury Beach to the Gurnet. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a weekend warrior looking to fill the cooler, these half-day trips pack plenty of rod-bending action into a manageable timeframe.
Captain Ed runs a tight ship that's built for fishing, not just cruising around. You'll have room for up to six anglers, so it's perfect for small groups or families who want personalized attention. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle – no need to worry about bringing your own gear unless you've got favorites you can't live without. We'll be targeting the bread-and-butter species that make this area famous: hard-fighting stripers that'll test your drag and bottom-dwelling cod that know how to put up a scrap. The captain reads the water like a book, adjusting tactics based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling us. Some days we're casting to breaking fish, other days we're dropping jigs to structure – that's what keeps it interesting. Don't expect hand-holding, but do expect to learn something new about reading water and fish behavior.
Plymouth's inshore waters call for versatile fishing approaches, and Captain Ed's got the experience to put you on fish using whatever method works best. When the stripers are feeding up top, we'll be throwing topwater plugs and soft plastics around the boulder fields and drop-offs near the Gurnet. The action can get hot when schools of bait push into the shallows with bass right behind them. For cod, we're talking about bottom fishing with fresh bait – sea worms, clams, and cut bait work best on the rocky structure and sandy patches where these fish like to hang out. The tackle is sized right for the job: medium-heavy spinning gear for the stripers and conventional outfits for the cod when we need to get deep. Circle hooks are standard for the bottom fishing – better hookups and easier releases when needed. Captain Ed will show you how to feel the difference between a fish pickup and getting hung up on bottom, which is half the battle when you're learning to fish structure.
Summer flounder are the flatfish that'll keep you guessing all day long. These crafty bottom-dwellers love the sandy patches mixed with structure around Plymouth, and they're masters of the subtle bite. You'll find them from late spring through early fall, with the bigger "doormat" fluke showing up in the deeper water during summer. They hit soft baits bounced along the bottom, and the fight might not be spectacular, but the satisfaction of a cooler full of keeper fluke makes up for it. The tricky part is feeling their light bite – they'll often just swim off with your bait rather than hammering it like other species.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of New England fishing, and Plymouth's waters serve up some beauties from May through October. These fish are built for fighting, with broad shoulders and an attitude to match. School fish in the 18-28 inch range provide steady action, while the bigger cow bass of 30+ pounds show up when conditions are right. They're structure-oriented fish that love the rocky areas, drop-offs, and current breaks around Plymouth Harbor. When they're feeding on top, the action is visual and fast-paced. When they're deep, you'll feel every head shake and run. Stripers are smart fish that can be finicky about presentation, making them a favorite among serious anglers.
Atlantic mackerel might be small, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. These torpedo-shaped speedsters arrive in huge schools during spring and fall migrations, and when you find them, it's game on. They're perfect for kids or anyone who just wants to catch fish – drop a sabiki rig into a school and you'll be pulling up two or three at a time. Fresh mackerel also makes excellent bait for bigger fish, so don't overlook these scrappy little fighters. They're beautiful fish with their green and blue striped backs, and they taste great on the grill when prepared fresh.
Atlantic cod are the classic bottom fish that built New England's fishing reputation. These chunky, cold-water fish love the rocky structure and deeper water around Plymouth, especially during fall and winter months. Cod are curious fish that will investigate almost any bait presented properly, but they can be finicky about how it's presented. When you hook into a good cod, you'll know it – they use their broad body and stubborn nature to wage a bulldogging fight all the way to the boat. The bigger fish, sometimes called "scrod" when they're in the 2-5 pound range, are prized for their firm, flaky meat that's perfect for fish and chips or baked dinners.
Plymouth's fishing season runs from May through October, with each month offering something different. Book early for prime summer dates when the kids are out of school and the weather's most predictable. Captain Ed's 4-hour trips are perfect for testing the waters before committing to longer charters, and the affordable rate makes it easy to get back out there when the bite is hot. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. These half-day trips fill up fast during peak season, especially weekends and holidays. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or visiting from out of town, this charter delivers the authentic Plymouth fishing experience without the
Step aboard this well-equipped 29-foot Shamrock Walkaround and get ready to fish Plymouth's productive waters with Captain Ed. This 2002 motorboat packs twin 320-horsepower engines that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at 27 knots, while the GPS and fish finder help locate those striped bass and cod hiding in Cape Cod Bay. The boat's got everything you need for a comfortable 4-hour trip - refrigerator to keep your catch fresh, onboard toilet and kitchen, plus outriggers for serious trolling action. With a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches and a first mate to help with gear, this setup handles up to 6 anglers whether you're dropping lines for bottom-feeding cod or battling hard-fighting stripers. Captain Ed provides expert guidance and quality tackle, making it perfect for both seasoned anglers and newcomers looking to experience some of Massachusetts' best inshore fishing without breaking the bank.
Gadus MorhuaCod are classic New England bottom fish that offer solid action and great eating. Most fish we catch run 3-8 pounds, though occasional keepers push into the teens. They stick close to rocky bottom and structure in 40-100 feet of water, especially around the hard bottom areas southeast of Plymouth. Spring and fall tend to be most productive when they move into shallower water to feed. What makes cod fishing appealing is the steady, methodical bite - they're not flashy fighters, but they pull hard and deep. The real payoff is on the dinner table - cod has that perfect white, flaky meat that's made New England famous for fish and chips. Best approach is bouncing fresh clams, sea worms, or cut bait right on the bottom with enough weight to stay down. Key tip: when you feel that gentle tapping, don't set the hook hard - just lift the rod steadily. Cod have soft mouths and you'll pull the hook right out if you're too aggressive.
Scomber ScombrusAtlantic mackerel are some of the most action-packed fish you'll encounter on our trips. These sleek, metallic-blue speedsters average 12-16 inches but make up for size with sheer numbers and aggressive feeding. They travel in massive schools through the open waters of Cape Cod Bay, usually staying in the upper water column. Best action happens late spring through early fall when they move inshore to feed on small baitfish. What guests love most is the nonstop action - when you find a school, everyone on board stays busy. They hit hard and fight with surprising strength for their size. They're also fantastic eating, with rich, flavorful meat that's loaded with healthy oils. My go-to trick is using small metal jigs or sabiki rigs with multiple hooks - just drop them down about 20-30 feet and jig fast. Once you hook up, keep your line moving because the school will follow the hooked fish right to the boat.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of our local fishing scene, and for good reason. These silver beauties with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-30 pounds in our waters, though we see plenty in the 35-40 pound range during peak season. They love structure - rocky points, drop-offs, and tide rips around Plymouth and the back side of Cape Cod Bay. May through October is prime time, especially early morning and evening when they're actively feeding near the surface. What makes them special is that hard pull when they hit - these fish know how to fight, making long runs and putting serious bend in your rod. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, sweet meat. Pro tip: watch for diving birds or bait breaking the surface - that's where you'll find hungry bass. Live pogies or chunk mackerel work great when the action gets tough.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish lie camouflaged on sandy and muddy bottoms, waiting to ambush baitfish. They typically run 15-20 inches around here, though bigger ones push 3-4 pounds. You'll find them in 20-60 feet of water near structure like drop-offs and channels throughout Cape Cod Bay. Best fishing runs from late summer through fall when they're feeding heavily before heading offshore for winter. Guests love them because they fight surprisingly hard for a flatfish, plus they're outstanding eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's tough to beat. Local tip: use a bucktail jig tipped with squid or sea worms, and work it slow along the bottom. When you feel that telltale tap, give them a second to fully take the bait before setting the hook.
5.0 out of 5.0Ed is knowledgeable and friendly and made sure we had a chance to reel on a few fish ourselves. Highly recommend spending a mornin...
Hey Ben, Really enjoyed fishing with you all. Can't wait until the next trip!
Plymouth, MA