5.0(3 Reviews)Private 5-Hour Afternoon Fishing in Barnstable
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Five-hour afternoon charter targets striped bass, bluefish, and mackerelFamily-friendly trip accommodates up to six guests with experienced captainSeasonal availability from May through October in Cape Cod Bay
Cape Cod Bay serves up some of the best inshore fishing on the East Coast, and this afternoon charter with Lady J Sportfishing puts you right in the middle of the action. Captain Phil and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, running a top-rated operation that consistently delivers solid catches and good times. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to bend some rods, this 5-hour trip covers all the productive spots where striped bass, bluefish, and mackerel are feeding.
Your adventure kicks off at 12:30 PM from Barnstable Harbor, giving you prime afternoon fishing when the bite often heats up. The Lady J handles up to six anglers comfortably, making it perfect for families or small groups who want personalized attention from the crew. You'll be targeting the bread-and-butter species of Cape Cod Bay - striped bass that can range from schoolies to trophy-sized fish pushing 40+ inches, aggressive bluefish that put up a serious fight, and fast-moving Atlantic mackerel that keep the action steady. The boat comes equipped with quality tackle and all the gear you need, though experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own rods if they prefer. Captain Phil reads the conditions daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly, whether that means working the flats for feeding stripers or finding the bait schools that draw in the blues. The seasonal window runs from May 15 through October 15, covering the prime months when these fish are most active in local waters.
The crew on Lady J runs a variety of techniques depending on what the fish are doing that day. Live bait fishing with pogies or herring often produces the biggest stripers, especially when they're holding deep or being selective about their meals. When the fish are aggressive, chunk baiting with fresh cut bait can trigger explosive strikes from both stripers and bluefish. The captain also keeps an eye on bird activity and bait schools visible on the fish finder, positioning the boat where the action looks most promising. For mackerel, smaller jigs and sabiki rigs work great, and these fish make excellent bait for the larger predators. The crew handles all the rigging and bait preparation, but they're also happy to teach anyone who wants to learn proper knots, hook sets, or how to read the electronics. First-time saltwater anglers get plenty of hands-on guidance, while experienced fishermen can pick up local knowledge about seasonal patterns and productive techniques specific to Cape Cod Bay.
"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 fishing, and these waters produce some real monsters. The resident population stays active from late spring through fall, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized 18-inchers up to true cows that can exceed 50 pounds. Stripers are smart and moody - they might slam anything you put in front of them one day, then turn finicky the next. That's what makes them so addictive to target. The best fishing often happens around structure, tide changes, or when they're herding bait schools in open water. Keeper-sized fish at 28 inches and above provide excellent table fare, while the larger breeders are typically released to maintain the fishery. These fish fight hard with powerful runs and headshakes that'll test your drag system.
Bluefish bring non-stop action and attitude to every trip. These aggressive predators travel in schools and compete fiercely for food, meaning when you find them, multiple hookups are common. Blues in Cape Cod Bay typically run from small snappers up to chopper bluefish that can hit 15 pounds or more. They're not subtle about feeding - you'll
Captain Philip Caliri's Lady J is a serious fishing machine built for Cape Cod waters. This 38-foot sportfisherman combines comfort with performance, featuring a massive 120 square foot deck with four fighting chairs where you can battle striped bass and bluefish. The flybridge seats three and gives you commanding views of the bay while the fish finder pinpoints your targets below. When you need a break from the action, retreat to the cabin's kitchenette and grab cold drinks from the fridge or icebox. Modern electronics including GPS and radar keep you safe and on the fish, while the onboard facilities mean no rushed trips back to shore. With space for six anglers, the Lady J delivers the perfect platform for afternoon fishing adventures in some of New England's most productive waters.
Scomber ScombrusMackerel are the speed demons of Cape Cod Bay - small but lightning fast with beautiful blue-green backs and silver sides. Most run 12-16 inches and maybe a pound, but they make up for size with pure aggression. They travel in massive schools that can stretch for miles, so when you find them, it's game on. Peak season runs June through September when they move into our shallow waters to feed. Kids love catching them because they hit hard and fight above their weight class. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish around - rich, oily meat packed with flavor. Pro tip: use small shiny spoons or sabiki rigs and fish them fast. Mackerel won't chase slow-moving baits.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are the bullies of Cape Cod waters - aggressive predators with razor-sharp teeth and serious attitude. They typically run 3-15 pounds around here, with the occasional chopper hitting 20+. You'll find them in shallow bays, along beaches, and anywhere baitfish are schooling. Summer and early fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily before heading south. What guests love about blues is the pure chaos - they attack in packs, creating feeding frenzies that'll get your heart racing. They fight dirty and taste great when fresh, with rich, flaky meat. Just watch those teeth when landing them! Local secret: when you hook one, keep your line in the water. Where there's one blue, there's usually a whole school waiting.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing, and for good reason. These silver beauties with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds in our waters, though we see some real monsters push 50+. They love structure - rocky bottom, drop-offs, and tide rips where baitfish get confused. Best fishing happens during the spring and fall migrations when they're feeding heavily. What makes them special? They fight hard, strip drag, and taste amazing. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for the grill. Here's a local trick: when you see birds working the surface, get there fast. The stripers are usually pushing bait up from below. Use live eels at night near structure for the biggest fish.
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