Buzzards Bay Black Sea Bass & Scup Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sevenhour inshore charter targeting Black Sea Bass and Scup on Buzzards BayAll fishing equipment, rods, reels, tackle and bait provided by crewMaximum six guests with expert guidance suitable for all skill levels
Looking for a solid day of inshore fishing without the hassle of long boat rides? This 7-hour charter on Buzzards Bay puts you right where the action is. Captain and crew at Fishrack Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they've got the timing down to a science for targeting black sea bass and scup when they're most active. You'll be fishing some of Massachusetts' most productive inshore grounds, where steady action meets comfortable fishing conditions. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who fishes every chance you get, this trip delivers the kind of consistent fishing that keeps you coming back for more.
This isn't a cattle boat situation – with just 6 anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to fish and the crew can actually spend time with each person. The captain sets departure times based on tides and fish behavior, not just convenience, which makes all the difference when you're trying to put fish in the box. Buzzards Bay's protected waters mean you're not getting beaten up by rough seas, so you can focus on fishing instead of hanging onto the rail. The crew provides all your tackle, bait, and gear, but they're also happy to let you use your own setup if you've got a favorite rod you like to fish with. Expect a mix of bottom fishing and some light jigging, depending on what the fish are telling you that day.
The crew runs a mix of conventional and spinning gear, matched to what's working best for the conditions. You'll be doing plenty of bottom fishing with circle hooks and natural baits – squid, sea worms, and crabs are the go-to offerings that these fish can't resist. When the bass are active and feeding higher in the water column, expect to switch over to bucktails and soft plastics for some more aggressive action. The boat's equipped with quality fish finders and GPS, so the captain can put you on structure and bottom features that hold fish consistently. Tackle gets adjusted throughout the day based on current, depth, and what size fish are biting. Don't worry if you've never used some of these rigs before – the crew will get you set up and show you the techniques that work best in these specific waters.
Black sea bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and Buzzards Bay produces some real quality fish. These guys are structure lovers, so you'll be fishing around rocky bottom, wrecks, and edges where they set up to ambush baitfish. Bass in the 2-4 pound range are common, with larger fish pushing 5-6 pounds showing up regularly during peak season. They're aggressive feeders with plenty of fight, and they make excellent table fare. Scup, also called porgy, are the perfect complement to bass fishing – they're prolific, hard fighters for their size, and they taste fantastic. These silver bullets typically run 8-14 inches, but the bigger breeding fish can hit 16 inches and really bend the rod. What makes this combo so appealing is the consistent action – when one species slows down, the other usually picks up, keeping your rod bent throughout the day.
Black sea bass are perfectly designed predators that love hanging around structure during the warmer months. From late spring through early fall, they move into Buzzards Bay's rocky areas and artificial reefs to feed and spawn. These fish are curious and aggressive, often hitting baits hard and putting up a solid fight with multiple runs toward the bottom. The 15-inch minimum size and 5-fish bag limit means you're targeting keeper-sized fish that provide excellent eating. Bass have a distinctive black and white striped pattern when they're fired up, and their large mouths can engulf surprisingly big baits. Peak fishing happens during the summer months when water temperatures hit their sweet spot and baitfish are abundant.
Scup are one of the most underrated gamefish in New England waters, combining numbers with genuine fishing excitement. These silver-sided fighters show up in large schools around the same structure that holds bass, making them perfect target species for mixed-bag fishing. Scup are incredibly curious fish that will often follow hooked fish right up to the boat, creating opportunities for multiple hookups. They spawn in late spring and early summer in Buzzards Bay, which brings large concentrations of fish into relatively shallow water where they're accessible to recreational anglers. The 9-inch minimum size ensures you're keeping fish that provide good fillets, and their firm white meat rivals anything you'll find at the fish market. When scup are feeding actively, it's not uncommon to have multiple fish on at once, creating some of the most fun fishing you'll experience in Massachusetts waters.
This top-rated charter fills up fast during peak season, especially on weekends when the weather's cooperating. The 7-hour trip length gives you real value – enough time to work different areas, try various techniques, and adjust to whatever the fish are doing that day. With all gear provided and a crew that knows how to put you on fish, you're looking at a day that delivers both action and education. Buzzards Bay's reputation as one of Massachusetts' most consistent inshore fisheries isn't just talk – it's backed up by decades of productive fishing and happy anglers. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with fresh fillets or just want a solid day on the water, this charter provides the kind of fishing experience that turns good days into great memories. Book your spot now and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing the South Coast has to offer.
The F/V Nomad is your ticket to some serious fishing action on Buzzards Bay. This 31-foot Downey lobster boat has been working these waters since 1985 and got a fresh makeover in 2021, so you're getting that classic New England fishing boat feel with modern reliability. The 260HP Cummins engine gets you to the hot spots at a steady 12 knots – no rushing, just a smooth ride out to where the black sea bass and scup are biting. With room for 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without bumping elbows. The boat's design handles Buzzards Bay's conditions like a champ, keeping you stable while you're fighting fish or just enjoying the day on the water. Built tough for commercial fishing but set up perfectly for charter work, the Nomad gives you that authentic Massachusetts fishing experience.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the bread and butter of our Buzzards Bay trips, running 1-4 pounds with the occasional 6-pounder mixed in. These chunky, dark-bodied fish love rocky bottom, wrecks, and structure in 20-80 feet of water. Peak season runs May through October when they move inshore to feed and spawn. Bass pull hard on light tackle and make excellent eating - some of the best fish you'll put on the dinner table. They're aggressive feeders that hit squid, crabs, and jigs with authority. Here's the key: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and reel fast. They'll try to cut you off in the rocks, so don't give them slack to dive back into cover.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as locals call them, are scrappy little fighters that show up in Buzzards Bay from May through October. These silver-sided fish typically run 12-16 inches and make great table fare with their firm, mild white meat. You'll find them around rocky structure and pilings in 15-40 feet of water, where they use those strong jaws to crush shells and crabs. They're perfect for kids and beginners since they bite readily on squid, clams, or marine worms. Scup fight harder than their size suggests and fill the cooler fast. Pro tip: when you find one, drop your anchor - they school tight, and where there's one scup, there's usually a dozen more waiting below.
Massachusetts