Massachusetts Inshore Fishing | 4 Hour Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing charter accommodates six guests maximumSeasonal targeting includes cod, haddock, striped bass, and flukeProfessional charter operates from Massachusetts coastal waters
Looking for some solid inshore action without burning a whole day? This 4-hour charter with Flatliner Charters hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality fishing time in Massachusetts waters. You'll be targeting some of the region's best eating fish while staying close enough to shore that you're back at the dock before dinner. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for small groups who want personalized attention from the crew and plenty of elbow room at the rail.
This isn't your typical party boat experience. With just 6 spots available, you'll get the kind of hands-on guidance that makes the difference between a good day and a great one. The crew knows these Massachusetts waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish from the moment you leave the dock. Spring kicks off in April with groundfish action - think chunky cod and keeper haddock holding on structure. As the water warms up in May, things get interesting with squid runs bringing in scup and black sea bass. Come June, the inshore bite really turns on with fluke, stripers, and aggressive bluefish making their presence known. You're looking at 4 solid hours of fishing time, which gives you enough shots at multiple species without feeling rushed.
The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety of techniques you'll use throughout the trip. Early season groundfish calls for bottom rigs with circle hooks and fresh bait - clams and worms are the go-to options when cod and haddock are the target. As the season progresses, you'll switch between jigging for sea bass, drifting for fluke with bucktails and gulp, and even some light tackle action when the stripers show up. The crew provides all the gear you need, but if you've got a favorite rod setup, bring it along. Most of the fishing happens in 20-80 feet of water over rocky bottom, wrecks, and sandy flats depending on what's biting. The boat positions perfectly for each drift, and the crew knows exactly where to drop the hook based on tide, wind, and what the fish are telling them.
Haddock are the bread and butter of the early season Massachusetts inshore scene. These fish typically run 2-5 pounds and are absolute table fare champions. They hold tight to rocky bottom and structure, making them predictable targets when conditions are right. April through June is prime time, and they're aggressive feeders that'll hit clams, worms, and small jigs. What makes haddock special is their willingness to bite in cooler water when other species are still sluggish.
Scup might not win any beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters that'll keep your rod bent all day long. These porgy relatives show up in big numbers during May and June, especially around structure and wrecks. They're perfect for kids or new anglers since they bite readily and fight hard for their size. Most run 8-12 inches, and while they're smaller than other target species, they make excellent table fare and provide non-stop action when you find a school.
Pacific Cod - though it's actually Atlantic cod in these Massachusetts waters - represents some of the most sought-after fishing in the region. These fish can range from keeper size at 21 inches all the way up to genuine door-mats pushing 20+ pounds. Early season cod are feeding heavily after the spawn and will crush fresh clams and sea worms. They're structure-oriented fish, so expect to fish around rocks, ledges, and wrecks where they ambush prey.
Bluefish earn their reputation as some of the most aggressive predators in Massachusetts waters. When they're around, you'll know it - they'll hit anything that moves and fight like fish twice their size. Summer blues typically run 3-8 pounds inshore, and they're perfect for light tackle fishing. They show up in June and stick around well into fall, often feeding in massive schools that create surface commotion you can see from miles away.
Black Sea Bass are the prize of the structure fishing game. These fish are smart, territorial, and absolutely delicious. They hang around rocks, wrecks, and hard bottom where they can ambush prey and duck into cover when threatened. Most keeper bass run 2-4 pounds, but the occasional jumbo will surprise you. They're selective feeders that respond well to small jigs, cut bait, and live offerings when available.
A 4-hour charter gives you the perfect taste of what Massachusetts inshore fishing has to offer without committing to a full day on the water. You'll hit multiple spots, target different species, and learn techniques that'll make you a better angler. The small group size means personalized instruction, better fishing spots, and the kind of attention that leads to fish in the cooler. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with quality eating fish or just want to experience some of the best inshore action on the East Coast, this trip delivers. Book early for peak season dates - word gets out fast about quality charters like this one, and the best spots fill up quick.
Our 28-foot Whitewater center console is your ticket to productive Massachusetts inshore fishing. Built in 1997 with a Mercury 300HP engine, this reliable workhorse handles six anglers comfortably while delivering smooth rides to prime fishing spots. The spacious layout gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up in lines. Modern electronics keep you on the fish - GPS guides you to productive waters while the fish finder marks schools of cod, haddock, and striped bass below. When fog rolls in off the Massachusetts coast, onboard radar keeps you safe and fishing. The built-in icebox ensures your catch stays fresh from hook to dock, whether you're targeting spring groundfish or summer fluke and bluefish. This versatile fishing platform puts you in the action from April through fall, accessing the rich waters where Massachusetts anglers have pulled in keeper stripers, tasty scup, and keeper sea bass for generations. Ready to get lines wet?
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are one of our most reliable targets from late spring through summer, running 1-4 pounds with some pushing 8 pounds or more. They love structure - wrecks, rocks, jetties - in 20-120 feet where they feed on crabs and squid. What makes them special is they're born female and change to male as they grow, with the big males developing a distinctive hump on their heads during spawning. They fight hard until they break the surface, then tend to give up. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and sweet. You'll find them stacked up around any good bottom structure. Use a simple two-hook rig with squid strips or sea worms, and keep it tight to the bottom. The trick is feeling the difference between a bite and getting hung up on structure - bass bites feel more like a series of taps. Set the hook firm but don't yank, and reel steady to pull them away from the rocks.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are pure aggression with fins - they show up in our waters from mid-June through October, running anywhere from 2-20 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find them in feeding frenzies around bait schools, often right in the surf or around structure in 10-60 feet. They're fast, strong fighters that will test your drag and make some serious runs. The meat is rich and oily - fantastic when fresh, but clean them quick and ice them down. Summer evenings are prime time when they're chasing pogies and sand eels. Here's the thing with blues - use wire leaders or heavy fluorocarbon because they'll cut through regular line in a heartbeat. Chunk bait, spoons, or poppers all work great. When you see birds diving and water churning white, that's a bluefish blitz - get your lure in there fast and hold on tight.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are solid groundfish that run 2-7 pounds and 14-30 inches, though we see some pushing closer to three feet. They're bottom dwellers that love rocky, sandy areas in 60-300 feet of cold water. What sets them apart from cod is that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark behind their pectoral fin and the dark lateral line. We target them heavily from April through early summer when they're feeding actively after spawning. They fight well for their size and make excellent table fare - really sweet, flaky white meat. The key with haddock is using fresh clams or squid on a simple two-hook rig and keeping it right on the bottom. They're not shy biters, but they have soft mouths, so don't horse them up. A steady, gentle retrieve works best once you feel that initial tap.
Gadus MacrocephalusPacific cod aren't actually found in Massachusetts waters - they're a West Coast species living in the Pacific from California up to Alaska. These fish prefer the cold waters of the continental shelf in 60-1500 feet, staying in temperatures around 30-50°F. They're bottom dwellers that can reach up to 46 inches and 50 pounds, though most run smaller around 11 pounds. What makes them interesting is they're aggressive feeders that will hit almost anything - squid, mackerel, even colorful jigs. They don't fight as hard as some species, but they're plentiful and make excellent eating with mild, flaky white meat that's high in omega-3s. The key is getting your bait down to the bottom where they feed. Use heavy jigs or weighted rigs with 2/0 to 7/0 hooks. They're greedy fish, so don't be subtle about it.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as some call them, are great action fish that show up in good numbers from May through October. They typically run 8-18 inches and up to 4 pounds, with those silver-bronze scales that really catch the light. You'll find them around structure - rocks, pilings, wrecks - in anywhere from 20-80 feet, feeding on crabs and shellfish with those strong crushing jaws. They're perfect for families because they bite readily and put up a scrappy fight for their size. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. The trick with scup is using small hooks and light tackle - they have small mouths but don't let that fool you. Drop squid strips or sea worms right to the bottom near structure and jig it gently. They often bite on the drop, so stay alert. Once you find a school, you can usually pull several before they move on.
Hyannis