Expert Guided Bass and Flounder Fishing on Cape Cod
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target fluke, porgy, and seabass with experienced Captain TomOffshore charter accommodates up to six guests near NantucketFamilyfriendly fishing adventure on scenic Cape Cod waters
Captain Tom and the Gypsy Charters crew know exactly where the fish are biting off Cape Cod's legendary waters. This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation – you'll be fishing with just five other anglers max, giving everyone plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from one of the area's most experienced captains. We're talking about prime offshore territory near Nantucket, where the continental shelf drops off and creates the perfect feeding zones for some serious bottom fish. Whether you've been chasing stripers for decades or you're still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, Captain Tom's got the local knowledge to put you on fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.
Your day starts early – and trust me, it's worth dragging yourself out of bed for. Captain Tom runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed and fun. The boat comfortably handles six anglers, so there's no fighting for rail space or tangled lines every five minutes. We'll head out to Captain Tom's proven spots where the bottom structure holds fluke and sea bass year after year. These aren't random GPS numbers he found online – we're talking about productive ledges, drops, and structure that he's been fishing for years. The ride out gives you time to get your gear sorted, grab some coffee, and soak in those classic Cape Cod views. Once we're on the grounds, it's game time. Captain Tom knows exactly how to read the conditions, whether we need to adjust our drift or move to a different piece of structure based on what the fish are telling us.
We're primarily targeting bottom dwellers here, so expect to be fishing conventional tackle with bucktails, fluke rigs, and whatever Captain Tom's got in his arsenal of proven producers. The technique is straightforward but there's definitely an art to it – you'll learn how to feel the bottom, work your bait naturally with the drift, and recognize when a fluke or sea bass is mouthing your offering versus just bumping into structure. Captain Tom provides all the tackle you need, but if you've got your own favorite fluke setup or lucky jig, bring it along. The key out here is staying in contact with the bottom while letting your bait move naturally. We'll be drifting over structure in anywhere from 20 to 60 feet of water, depending on conditions and where the fish are staging. Don't worry about being a tackle expert – Captain Tom will get you rigged up properly and show you the techniques that work in these specific waters.
Summer flounder, or fluke as we call them around here, are the main event during the warmer months. These flatfish are pure ambush predators, lying buried in the sand waiting to crush anything that swims by. What makes fluke so addictive is their unpredictability – one minute you're catching 16-inchers, then boom, a doormat over five pounds slams your bucktail. The bigger females move into Cape Cod waters from late spring through early fall, and Captain Tom knows exactly which structures they prefer. Fluke fight dirty too, using their flat profile to create maximum resistance, then they'll go airborne right at the boat if you're not ready for them. The meat is absolutely fantastic – firm, white, and mild. Even if you're not usually one to keep fish, fluke make it worth firing up the grill.
Black sea bass are the other star of the show, and honestly, they might be even more fun to catch than fluke. These chunky bottom dwellers are scrappy fighters that'll give your tackle a real workout despite their size. Sea bass are structure-oriented fish, so once Captain Tom finds them stacked up on a good piece of bottom, the action can be non-stop. They typically run one to three pounds in these waters, with the occasional bigger breeder mixed in. What's cool about sea bass is their aggressive nature – they'll often hit your bait before it even reaches the bottom. The key is getting your offering right into their strike zone around rocks, wrecks, and hard bottom. These fish are also excellent table fare, with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos or a simple pan fry. Sea bass season runs from late spring into fall, overlapping perfectly with the prime fluke months.
Cape Cod fishing doesn't get much better than this. You're getting access to Captain Tom's years of local knowledge, fishing proven grounds that produce fish year after year, and doing it all without the chaos of a packed charter boat. Six anglers max means everyone gets personal attention, plenty of space to fish comfortably, and a much better shot at consistent action. The boat is well-maintained and equipped with everything you need for a successful day – just bring yourself, some snacks, and be ready to learn from one of Cape Cod's top-rated captains. These spots near Nantucket are some of the most productive fluke and sea bass waters on the entire East Coast, and Captain Tom's track record speaks for itself. Whether you're looking to put some fresh fish on the table, introduce the kids to offshore fishing, or just spend a quality day on the water with friends, this trip delivers. Don't sleep on booking – the best dates fill up fast, especially during prime summer fishing season.
The Gypsy Charters motorboat cuts through Cape Cod waters with serious fishing power. Built in 1986 and equipped with a robust 480HP Volvo engine, this 20-knot cruiser gets you to the prime bass and flounder spots efficiently. Captain Tom knows these waters like the back of his hand, and the boat's fish finder helps locate where the action is happening. The GPS and radar keep you on course even when conditions get sketchy, while the VHF radio maintains contact with other boats sharing fishing intel. With space for six anglers, there's plenty of room to work your lines without crowding. The onboard facilities include a head and sleeping quarters for longer fishing days. Whether you're after keeper stripers or doormat flounder, this well-equipped vessel handles the offshore grounds around Nantucket with confidence. The sturdy construction means stable fishing even when the seas pick up, giving you the platform you need to land those trophy catches.
Centropristis StriataThese chunky members of the grouper family are some of the scrappiest fighters you'll find around Cape Cod's rocky structure. Most run 1-4 pounds, but we see plenty of bigger males that can hit 8+ pounds during peak season. They love hanging around wrecks, rock piles, and jetties in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is when they're most active in our area before heading south for winter. What guests love is that aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll use every rock and crevice to try breaking your line. The white, flaky meat is restaurant quality too. Here's the trick: drop your bait right to the bottom, then lift it just a foot or two. They want to see it moving but won't chase it far from cover.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are the real chameleons of Cape Cod waters - they'll change colors to match whatever bottom they're lying on. Most fluke we catch run 15-20 inches, though the bigger females can surprise you. They hang out on sandy and muddy bottoms from shallow bays to about 80 feet deep. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavy before moving offshore. What makes them special is that sneaky bite - they'll grab your bait and just sit there, so you need to stay alert. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook. They bite sideways and need time to turn the bait around.
Hyannis, MA