Cape Cod 3 Hour Inshore Trip 17' Boat
Private Trip
Fishing
Threehour inshore fishing adventure on Cape Cod watersRecently upgraded 17foot boat with advanced trolling motorPrivate charter experience accommodating single guest
Looking for a solid half-day fishing adventure without the hassle of a big crowd? This 3-hour inshore trip puts you right in the heart of Cape Cod's best shallow water fishing grounds. With just you on board our upgraded 17-foot boat, you'll have the flexibility to chase whatever's biting in the protected waters around the Cape. We've just installed a brand new Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor, which means we can work structure quietly and position ourselves perfectly for those finicky fish that spook easily.
This isn't your typical charter boat experience - it's more like fishing with a buddy who knows every productive spot from Buzzards Bay to Cape Cod Bay. The 17-foot boat gives us the perfect balance of stability and maneuverability to access those shallow flats and protected coves where bigger boats can't go. You'll be casting to structure, working the edges of grass beds, and targeting the kinds of spots where inshore species love to ambush baitfish. The Minn Kota Terrova is a game-changer here - we can ghost along the shallows without spooking fish, hold position in current, or work a productive area methodically without constantly adjusting the main engine. With Cape Cod's variable wind and tide conditions, having that level of boat control makes all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
We'll be running light to medium tackle perfectly matched to Cape Cod's inshore fishery. The new trolling motor opens up a whole range of techniques that weren't possible before - we can slowly troll live bait along drop-offs, position ourselves for precise casts to structure, or hold steady while you work a productive piece of bottom. Depending on conditions and what's feeding, we might be throwing soft plastics on jig heads, working topwater plugs during the early morning bite, or drifting live bait near structure. The shallow draft of our 17-footer means we can get into those back bay areas and tidal creeks where the action often heats up when the main fishing grounds go quiet. Cape Cod's inshore waters are all about reading the conditions - wind direction, tide phase, water temperature, and bait movement all play into where we'll focus our efforts.
Striped bass are the bread and butter of Cape Cod inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are incredibly smart and adaptable, which makes every encounter a chess match. In the shallows around the Cape, you'll find schoolies in the 18-28 inch range mixed with keeper-sized fish that can push 10-15 pounds or more. Spring and fall are prime time when the bass are actively feeding and moving through our waters in big numbers. What makes stripers so exciting is their unpredictability - they might be crashing bait on the surface one minute and hugging bottom structure the next. The Terrova trolling motor gives us a huge advantage here since stripers are notoriously boat-shy in shallow water.
Fluke are another target that makes Cape Cod inshore fishing so productive. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and can be incredibly aggressive when they're feeding. Summer months bring the best fluke action, with fish ranging from shorts that keep you busy to doormat-sized fish that can easily hit 5-8 pounds. Fluke fishing is all about feel and boat positioning - you need to maintain contact with bottom while covering water, and the trolling motor lets us drift at the perfect speed regardless of wind conditions. When you hook into a good fluke, they fight like they're twice their size, making long runs and using their flat profile to leverage against the current.
Scup and black sea bass round out the inshore mix and are perfect for keeping the action steady when the bigger fish are being picky. These species are structure-oriented and incredibly abundant around Cape Cod's rocky bottom and artificial reefs. Sea bass are curious and aggressive, often competing with each other to hit your bait first. They're also excellent eating, making them a favorite target for anglers who want to take home dinner. Scup might not be the biggest fish in the bay, but they're scrappy fighters that will bend your rod and keep you entertained between the bigger bites.
Cape Cod's inshore fishing scene is as good as it gets on the East Coast, and this 3-hour trip gives you a real taste of what makes our waters so special. With the new Minn Kota Terrova and the intimate setting of fishing solo, you'll have every advantage to make the most of your time on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new techniques or someone who wants to learn the ins and outs of inshore fishing, this trip delivers the personalized experience you won't find on crowded party boats. The Cape's inshore fishery is productive year-round, with each season offering its own opportunities and challenges. Don't wait for the perfect conditions - some of the best fishing happens when you least expect it, and three hours is just enough time to hit multiple spots and dial in what's working.
Cape Cod