5.0(3 Reviews)Private 5-Hour Fishing Trip - PM
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour afternoon charter targeting striped bass and bluefishFamilyfriendly trip accommodates up to six guests comfortablySeasonal availability from May through midOctober in Cape Cod
Captain Phil and his crew at Lady J Sportfishing know Cape Cod Bay like the back of their hands, and this afternoon charter proves it every single trip. Departing at 12:30 PM from Barnstable, you'll spend five solid hours targeting some of the best inshore species Massachusetts has to offer. This isn't your typical tourist trap—it's a legitimate fishing operation that consistently puts clients on striped bass, bluefish, and Atlantic mackerel. With space for up to six anglers, it's perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to get into some serious action without the crowds of larger party boats.
Once you clear Barnstable Harbor, Captain Phil heads to his proven spots in Cape Cod Bay where the fish are actively feeding. The afternoon timing works perfectly here—as the day warms up, baitfish become more active, and that means hungry stripers and blues start prowling the shallows. You'll be fishing in 20 to 60 feet of water, close enough to shore that you can still see the iconic Cape Cod lighthouses and beaches, but far enough out where the real action happens. The boat is equipped with all the gear you need, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. Captain Phil and his mates handle the technical stuff while you focus on fighting fish. They'll put you on the right spots, help with bait selection, and coach you through landing that fish of a lifetime.
Lady J runs a mix of techniques depending on what the fish are doing. Early in the trip, you might start trolling with umbrella rigs or tube-and-worm combos to cover water and locate schools of stripers. When the fish are holding tight to structure, the crew switches to live bait fishing with mackerel, herring, or sea worms on circle hooks. The boat carries quality Penn and Shimano gear that can handle everything from schoolie stripers to those 40-plus-inch cows that make your arms burn. Captain Phil reads the fish finder like a book and isn't shy about moving if the action slows down. His mates are hands-on, helping beginners with technique and making sure experienced anglers have everything they need to maximize their success.
"Captain Phil and First Mate Chris are absolutely fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and all about making sure everyone has a great time on the water!" - Mark
"We had an amazing time sport fishing with Captain Philip and Chris! Captain Philip knew exactly where to take us, and as a group of beginners, we really appreciated Chris's patience and help with setting up the rods. You can tell both of them love what they do! By the end of the trip, we took home two striped bass (around 30 inches) and two bluefish for dinner. If you've never tried sport fishing before, don't hesitate—it's a fun and exciting experience with Captain Philip and Chris!" - Yuting
"Captain Philip and mate Matt are experts at finding the monster stripers! Within just 30 minutes of leaving the harbor, with stunning views of the beaches and lighthouse, we were hooked! My 10-year-old son caught a 30" keeper, my 12-year-old niece landed another 30" keeper, my daughter caught a 32" keeper, and my brother-in-law hooked a massive 46" striper—what a catch! Then, I had the experience of a lifetime, landing a 51" striper after what felt like hours. After careful handling by Matt and some memorable pictures, we released this beauty to keep the fishery thriving. We capped it off with another round, where all five of us caught more beautiful stripers—one more keeper and the rest released. The youngsters were done, and so were the adults, so we called it a day a bit early so Matt could enjoy happy hour. Couldn't have asked for a better experience! If you're on or near the Cape, this is the boat, captain, and mate you want. Thanks, Captain Philip and First Mate Matt, for giving my son, daughter, and niece such amazing memories, and for the workouts my brother-in-law and I got! You guys were awesome! P.S. The sushi-like filets Matt expertly carved fed our group of 16 that night, with leftovers. We'll definitely be back next year!" - David
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Cape Cod Bay fishing, and for good reason. These fish range from schoolies around 20 inches all the way up to monster cows pushing 50 inches and 40-plus pounds. Peak season runs from late May through September, with the biggest fish typically showing up in June and again in early fall. Stripers are ambush predators that love structure—they'll hold around rock piles, drop-offs, and current breaks waiting for baitfish to get swept by. When you hook into a big striper, you'll know it immediately. They make powerful initial runs, then dig deep and fight with that signature head-shaking action. The 28-inch minimum size limit means you're only keeping legitimate fish, and anything over 35 inches should be released to preserve the breeding stock.
Bluefish are the pit bulls of Cape Cod Bay—aggressive, hard-fighting, and absolutely delicious when prepared right. These toothy predators typically run 3 to 8 pounds in these waters, though occasional choppers over 10 pounds show up during peak summer months. Blues travel in schools and feed voraciously, often creating surface blitzes that you can see and hear from hundreds of yards away. They'll hit almost any bait or lure, but wire leaders are essential because those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. The meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for grilling or smoking, but it needs to be
Step aboard The Lady J, a 38-foot sportfisherman that's built for serious angling off Cape Cod. Captain Philip Caliri's boat delivers the perfect setup for chasing striped bass, bluefish, and mackerel in Cape Cod Bay waters. With 120 square feet of fishing deck and four fighting chairs, there's plenty of room for your group of six to work the lines without crowding each other. The flybridge gives you elevated views to spot feeding birds and surface action, while the radar and fish finder help locate schools even when conditions get tricky. Between fishing spots, grab a cold drink from the icebox or refrigerator and stretch out in the cabin. The onboard kitchen and head keep everyone comfortable during your five-hour afternoon adventure. This sportfisher cuts through the chop with ease and gets you to productive fishing grounds quickly, giving you more time with lines in the water. Whether you're targeting keeper stripers along the flats or working bluefish blitzes, The Lady J has the electronics and deck space to make the most of your Cape Cod fishing trip.
Scomber ScombrusAtlantic mackerel are small but scrappy fighters that travel in massive schools through Cape Cod Bay. Most run about 12 inches and weigh around a pound, but they make up for size with pure aggression. These metallic blue-green speedsters cruise near the surface in open water, following the baitfish. Summer months bring the best action when schools move close to shore. Kids love catching them because they hit hard and fight like fish twice their size. They're also some of the best eating you'll find - rich, oily meat packed with omega-3s. Here's the trick: use small, shiny spoons or sabiki rigs. Once you find a school, you can fill the cooler fast since they rarely travel alone.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that put up one of the best fights pound-for-pound in Cape Cod waters. They typically range from 3-15 pounds around here, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find them in shallow bays, around sandy beaches, and over structure where they ambush baitfish. Mid-June through October brings peak action as they follow the warm water north. What guests love is their explosive strikes and bulldogging runs - they'll test every knot you tied. Smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids to learn on. They're good eating when handled right, though bigger ones get stronger-flavored. Pro tip: use wire leaders and handle with care - those teeth will slice through mono and fingers equally well.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of Cape Cod Bay fishing. These powerful fish typically run 20-40 pounds around here, with their distinctive dark stripes making them easy to spot. They love structure like drop-offs and sandbars, often feeding near the surface during dawn and dusk. Spring through fall migration brings excellent fishing as they follow baitfish north. What makes stripers special is their fierce fight - they'll make long runs and test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. My local tip: watch for diving birds and bait schools. When you see that action, get your live eels or fresh mackerel chunks ready because hungry stripers won't be far behind.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Phil and First Mate Chris are absolutely fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and all about making sure everyone has a great...
We had an amazing time sport fishing with Captain Philip and Chris! Captain Philip knew exactly where to take us, and as a group o...
Captain Philip and mate Matt are experts at finding the monster stripers! Within just 30 minutes of leaving the harbor, with stunn...
Barnstable, MA