Guided Bass And Flounder Fishing Trip In Cape Cod
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Guided offshore fishing targeting fluke, porgy, and seabass near NantucketCaptain Tom provides expert guidance for all skill levelsCharter accommodates up to six guests for group outings
Cape Cod's waters around Nantucket offer some of the East Coast's best bottom fishing, and Captain Tom knows exactly where the fish are biting. This charter takes you to prime fishing grounds where summer flounder and black sea bass congregate in good numbers. With room for up to six anglers, it's perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to saltwater fishing or groups of friends looking to load the cooler with quality fish. The boat's equipped with everything you need - rods, reels, bait, and tackle - so you can focus on what matters most: getting your line wet and feeling that bend in the rod when a keeper hits.
Your day starts early at the dock where Captain Tom briefs everyone on the plan and safety basics. The ride out to the fishing grounds gives you a chance to take in Cape Cod's coastline and maybe spot some seals or dolphins along the way. Once we reach the productive waters near Nantucket, it's all about finding structure - wrecks, rocky bottom, and drop-offs where fluke and sea bass like to hang out. The captain uses his fish finder and GPS to mark productive spots, then positions the boat for optimal drifting. You'll be fishing from a comfortable charter boat with plenty of deck space to spread out, so everyone gets their own section of rail without tangling lines.
This trip focuses on drift fishing and anchoring over proven bottom structure. Captain Tom rigs conventional tackle with circle hooks and enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom where these species feed. For summer flounder, we'll use bucktails tipped with squid strips or live killifish, working them with a gentle jigging motion to mimic wounded baitfish. Sea bass respond well to clams, worms, and cut bait fished right on the structure. The captain adjusts tactics based on tide, wind, and what the fish are showing on the sounder. When the bite's hot, you might double up on sea bass, and when a big fluke grabs your bait, you'll feel that distinctive head-shaking fight that makes these flatfish so popular with anglers.
Summer flounder, locally called fluke, are the bread and butter of Cape Cod's summer fishing scene. These flatfish can range from just-legal 19-inchers up to doormat-sized fish over five pounds. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud, then explode upward to grab passing prey. The best fluke fishing typically runs from late May through September, with peak action in July and August when water temperatures hit their sweet spot. What makes fluke so exciting is their unpredictability - you might catch several shorts before hooking into a keeper that peels drag and gives you a real scrap. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or a classic New England fish fry.
Black sea bass are another Cape Cod favorite that fight way above their weight class. These bottom dwellers average one to three pounds but can reach five pounds or more around deeper structure. They're aggressive feeders with big mouths, so they'll hit a variety of baits from clams to cut squid. Sea bass are most active during warmer months, with the best fishing from June through October. What anglers love about sea bass is their willingness to bite - when you find a school on a wreck or rocky bottom, you can often catch them as fast as you can drop your line. They're also delicious eating with firm, flaky meat that holds up well to grilling or baking. The daily bag limit and minimum size keep the fishery healthy while still allowing for good action.
Captain Tom's local knowledge and years of experience fishing Cape Cod waters give you the best shot at a successful trip. He knows the seasonal movements of both species, understands how weather affects the bite, and has backup spots when Plan A doesn't produce. The six-person capacity keeps the boat from getting crowded while still making it affordable when you split the cost. Summer dates fill up fast, especially weekends and prime fishing periods, so don't wait too long to secure your preferred date. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water with friends and family, this charter delivers the kind of fishing experience that keeps people coming back to Cape Cod year after year.
The Gypsy Charters motorboat cuts through Cape Cod waters with confidence, powered by a robust 480HP Volvo engine that'll get you to the best fishing spots at a steady 20 knots. Built in 1986, this reliable vessel has decades of experience navigating these productive waters near Nantucket. Captain Tom relies on the onboard fish finder and GPS to locate schools of fluke, porgy, and seabass, while the radar keeps you safe when fog rolls in. The VHF radio maintains contact with other boats sharing intel on where fish are biting. With room for six anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without getting tangled up. When nature calls or you need a break from the action, the onboard toilet and bed provide comfort during longer offshore sessions. The sturdy construction handles Cape Cod's variable conditions, keeping you steady while you focus on landing your catch.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are chunky, hard-fighting fish that love structure - wrecks, rocks, and ledges are where you'll find them. Most of what we catch runs 1-4 pounds, but the big males can push 6-8 pounds and sport a distinctive hump on their heads during spawn. They hang around 30-80 feet of water in summer, always near bottom structure where they can ambush crabs and small fish. Late spring through early fall is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What guests love about sea bass is their scrappy fight - they pull hard and don't give up easy. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Here's something cool: they're all born female and change to male as they grow larger. My local trick is to fish just off the structure, not right on it. Drop your bait about 10-20 feet away and let it drift toward the rocks - that's where the bigger fish patrol looking for an easy meal.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder, or "fluke," are masters of disguise living right on the sandy bottom with both eyes on their left side. These flatfish can change colors like chameleons to match the seafloor perfectly. Most run 15-20 inches, but we see some nice keepers up to 5-6 pounds around here. They love hanging out in 20-40 feet of water over sand and mud bottoms, especially near structure edges. Late spring through fall gives you the best shot, with September and October being prime time when they're feeding heavy before their offshore migration. What makes fluke special is their sneaky ambush style - they bury in the sand and strike fast at passing baitfish. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: when you feel that telltale tap-tap-pull, let them run with it a second before setting the hook. Fluke like to grab bait sideways and need time to turn it around.
Hyannis, MA