Spring Porgies/Tautog Combo in Buzzards Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target scup in productive Buzzards Bay watersTransition to premium tautog spawning areas midtripAll bait and tackle provided for convenience
This top-rated combo trip with Endeavor Sportfishing puts you right in the heart of Buzzards Bay's most productive spring fishing grounds. We're talking about a full day targeting two of New England's most sought-after species – scup (porgies) and tautog – in waters that have been producing consistent action for decades. You'll get the best of both worlds: fast-paced porgy fishing to get your arms warmed up, then switch gears to the tactical challenge of blackfish hunting. All your bait and tackle comes included, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the cooler.
We kick off this customer favorite trip by heading straight to the proven scup grounds that make Buzzards Bay famous among Northeast anglers. These waters have been consistently producing quality porgies for generations, and spring is when they're at their hungriest after the long winter. You'll be fishing in depths ranging from 20 to 40 feet over sandy bottom structure where these fish congregate in impressive numbers. After we've loaded up on porgies, we make our move to the rocky bottom areas and structure where tautog set up their spawning territories. The transition from one fishery to another keeps things interesting – you're basically getting two distinct fishing experiences rolled into one trip. The single-angler capacity means you get personalized attention and coaching throughout the day, plus you don't have to share prime fishing spots with a crowd.
For the porgy portion, we'll be using light to medium spinning gear with high-low rigs and small hooks – typically size 6 to 8 depending on what the fish are telling us. Clams, worms, and squid are the go-to baits, and we'll adjust based on what's working best that particular day. The beauty of porgy fishing is the constant action – these fish are aggressive feeders and you'll often have multiple hookups. When we transition to tautog fishing, we switch to heavier tackle and different techniques entirely. We're talking about bottom fishing with specialized tautog rigs, using green crabs and Asian shore crabs as bait. Blackfish are structure-oriented, so we'll be working rocky areas, boulder fields, and artificial reefs where these fish hold tight. The key is getting your bait right to the bottom and keeping it there – tautog don't chase baits up in the water column like porgies will.
Tautog, or blackfish as locals call them, are hands-down one of the most challenging and rewarding fish to catch in these waters. These bruisers can range from keeper-sized fish around 16 inches up to trophy specimens pushing 8-10 pounds or more. Spring is prime time because they're moving into shallow water spawning areas and feeding aggressively to fuel up for reproduction. What makes tautog so special is their fighting ability – pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish you'll encounter. They use their broad bodies and powerful tails to leverage against structure, making even smaller fish feel like submarines. Plus, they're absolutely delicious table fare with firm, white meat that's prized by chefs throughout New England.
Scup, commonly known as porgies, might not get the same respect as tautog, but they're world-class fun on light tackle and produce some of the best eating you'll find. These silvery fighters typically run from pan-sized fish up to 2-3 pounders, with the occasional jumbo pushing even bigger. Spring scup fishing in Buzzards Bay is renowned for fast action – it's not uncommon to catch 20, 30, or even more fish during a good bite. They're curious, aggressive feeders that will often compete with each other for your bait. What guests love most is the steady action that keeps rods bent all day long. Scup are also fantastic for building confidence if you're newer to saltwater fishing, since they're willing biters that don't require perfect technique to catch consistently.
This trending spring combo trip delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – variety, action, and the chance to target two distinct species in their prime seasons. You're getting access to decades of local knowledge about Buzzards Bay's best fishing spots, plus all the gear and bait you need for a successful day. The single-angler format means you'll get hands-on instruction and won't have to compete for fishing time or prime spots on the boat. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with quality eating fish or just want to experience some of the best inshore fishing New England has to offer, this trip checks all the boxes. Spring weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and bring rain gear just in case. The fishing, however, is as reliable as it gets during this season.
Capt. Joey's 25' Bluefin center console is your ticket to productive spring fishing in Buzzards Bay's rich waters. This stable, well-equipped boat handles the choppy inshore conditions with ease while you target hungry porgies and feisty tautog. The spacious layout comfortably accommodates up to six anglers with room to move around when the fish are biting. Everything's included - quality rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait so you can focus on fishing. The fish finder helps locate productive structure where tautog hang out, while the GPS keeps you on the best scup grounds. An onboard head makes longer trips comfortable for the whole family. The icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh for the ride back to the dock.
Stenotomus ChrysopsThese silver-sided porgies are perfect for action-packed days, running 12-18 inches and hitting anything you drop. They're bottom feeders that love worms, squid, and clams around structure. Spring through fall they're thick in Buzzards Bay's productive waters, especially May through August. What guests love is the constant bites - great for kids and anyone wanting steady fishing. They're also tasty table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The real bonus is they make killer live bait for stripers later in the day. My tip: when you find a school, work it hard with small hooks and light tackle. They'll hit fast so keep your bait moving vertically off bottom. Squid strips work best here in the Bay.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called blackfish, these chunky wrasse run 1-3 pounds on average but can hit 28 pounds if you're lucky. They live around rocky structure - jetties, boulders, and outcrops where they crush crabs and mussels with powerful jaws. Spring through early summer is prime time when they move into spawning areas. What makes them fun is they're tough fighters that test your drag, plus they're territorial so you know where to find them. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's the trick - use green crab bait but crush the legs and let the pieces fall around your spot. The scent drives them crazy, but swap your bait every 5 minutes or it loses effectiveness. Fish tight to structure but expect to lose some tackle.
Cape Cod