Black Seabass/Porgies/Tautog Spring Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing trip targeting multiple speciesPeak spring season from May through early JulySmall group experience with maximum four guests
When spring rolls around and the water starts warming up, there's nothing quite like targeting some of the Northeast's most reliable and tasty bottom fish. This 6-hour inshore trip with Endeavor Sportfishing puts you right where the action is during peak season - May through early July - when scup and black seabass are feeding heavy and within easy reach. With just 4 anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work and all the personal attention you need to make the most of your day on the water.
Captain and crew know exactly where these fish stack up during spring, and they'll have you anchored over productive structure within the first hour. The beauty of this trip is the consistency - while offshore fishing can be hit or miss depending on weather and bait movement, these inshore bottom species are predictable and hungry this time of year. You'll be fishing in relatively protected waters, making it comfortable for anglers of all experience levels. The 6-hour window gives you plenty of time to work multiple spots without feeling rushed, and with only 4 people aboard, there's no elbow-to-elbow fishing or waiting for your turn at the rail. Bring your appetite because these species are some of the best eating fish swimming in our waters.
Bottom fishing for seabass and scup is straightforward but effective - you'll be using conventional rods with 20-30 lb test line and simple high-low rigs or fish finder setups. The crew provides all tackle and bait, typically using squid, clams, or sea worms depending on what's working best. Sinker weights usually range from 4-8 ounces depending on current and depth. The technique is all about finding the right drift or anchor spot over structure - rocky bottom, wrecks, or reef areas where these fish congregate. Once you find them, it's often non-stop action with doubles and triples common. The key is keeping your bait on the bottom and being ready for that distinctive tap-tap bite that seabass are known for. Scup hit harder and fight more aggressively, so you'll know the difference quickly.
Black seabass are the crown jewel of this trip, and spring is absolutely prime time for keeper-sized fish. These chunky bottom dwellers typically range from 12-18 inches during this season, with some bruisers pushing 20+ inches and 3-4 pounds. They're structure-oriented fish that love rocky bottom, wrecks, and reef areas where they can ambush prey. Black seabass have a unique personality - they're curious and often swim right up to the boat, making them fun to watch between drops. Their firm white meat is restaurant-quality, and they're one of the most sought-after table fish on the East Coast. The spring bite is phenomenal because they're feeding heavily after winter and haven't been pressured all season.
Scup, also called porgies, are the action fish of this trip. These silver-sided scrappers might be smaller than seabass, but they make up for it in numbers and fight. Spring scup typically run 8-12 inches with some larger fish mixed in, and when you find a school, it's game on. They're aggressive biters that will hit almost any bait, making them perfect for newer anglers or anyone who just wants steady action. Scup have sharp teeth and strong jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so they'll give your tackle a workout. They school heavily during spring migration, often stacking up in massive numbers over sandy and rocky bottom. While they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat, many anglers love them simply for the non-stop action they provide.
Spring bottom fishing doesn't get much better than this - reliable action, top-quality fish, and a crew that knows exactly where to find them. The May through early July window is short but incredibly productive, and spots fill up fast once word gets out about the bite. With only 4 anglers per trip, you're getting a semi-private charter experience at a fraction of the cost. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with premium table fare or just want to enjoy consistent action in a relaxed setting, this trip delivers on all fronts. The small group size means personalized attention from the crew, room to fish comfortably, and better chances at the prime spots. Don't wait - spring seabass and scup season waits for no one, and the best fishing happens fast once these fish move in.
Capt. Joey's 25' Bluefin center console is built for serious inshore fishing action. This solid boat handles the spring waters with ease while you target black seabass, porgies, and tautog during their prime feeding season. The spacious deck gives four anglers plenty of room to work, and all your gear is covered - quality rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait when conditions allow. The fish finder helps locate productive bottom structure where these species love to hang out. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 6-hour trip. The onboard head makes it comfortable for families, while GPS and radar ensure safe navigation. VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats and harbor updates. This center console design puts you right in the action - perfect for dropping lines on productive reefs and rocky bottom where seabass and tautog feed.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are one of the most reliable spring and summer targets, running 1-4 pounds with some pushing 6-8 pounds around deeper structure. These chunky, dark fish love wrecks, rocky bottom, and any hard structure in 30-120 feet of water. Peak season runs May through early July when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them special is the fight - they'll pull drag and make strong runs right to the boat, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean. The bigger males develop a distinctive hump on their head during spawning season. We fish them with squid, clam, or cut bait on a standard bottom rig. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast - they love to dive into structure and cut you off. The key is getting them up and away from the bottom quickly.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies as locals call them, are scrappy little fighters that show up in good numbers from May through July. These silvery fish with rainbow-tinted scales typically run 12-16 inches and make great table fare. You'll find them around rocky bottom, wrecks, and structure in 20-80 feet of water where they feed on clams, worms, and crabs with those powerful jaws. They're perfect for kids and beginners since they bite readily and fight hard for their size. Most folks target them with squid or clam on a simple hi-low rig. Here's the trick: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them chew on it for a second - scup have small mouths and need time to get the bait in there properly. Once hooked, they'll make several strong runs before coming to the boat.
Cape Cod