5.0(2 Reviews)Private Half-Day Fishing Trip - AM
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Morning fishing trip targeting striped bass and bluefishFourhour charter accommodates up to six guests maximumSeasonal operation runs May through October in Cape Cod
There's nothing quite like getting on the water early when the fish are actively feeding and the Cape Cod Bay is at its calmest. This private morning charter with Lady J Sportfishing puts you and up to five buddies right in the heart of some of Massachusetts' best inshore action. Captain Phil and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not about following the crowd—they make their own calls based on current conditions, tides, and where the fish are actually biting. You'll launch from Barnstable and spend four solid hours targeting the stripers, blues, and mackerel that make Cape Cod Bay a magnet for serious anglers.
Your morning kicks off bright and early, with departure times starting at 6:00 AM, though you can push it back to 7:00 or 8:00 AM if that works better for your crew. The beauty of a private charter is flexibility—this is your boat for four hours, and Captain Phil tailors the trip to what you're after. Whether you've got seasoned anglers looking to load the cooler or kids who've never held a rod, the crew adapts their approach to make sure everyone gets in on the action. The season runs from mid-May through mid-October, perfectly timed to hit the peak migrations and feeding patterns of Cape Cod's top gamefish. Keep in mind there might be a fuel surcharge depending on current gas prices, but that's pretty standard across the charter fleet these days. The boat handles six people comfortably, so it's perfect for families, small groups of friends, or corporate outings where you actually want to catch fish instead of just riding around.
Captain Phil and First Mate Chris come loaded with all the gear you need, from rods and reels to terminal tackle and bait. They typically run a mix of techniques depending on what's working—live lining pogies for stripers, casting metals for blues when they're busting bait on the surface, or dropping jigs when the mackerel are schooled up tight. The inshore waters around Barnstable offer everything from shallow flats where you can sight-cast to stripers cruising the surface, to deeper channels where the big bass stack up during tide changes. Don't worry if you're new to saltwater fishing—the crew handles all the rigging, shows you how to work the baits, and nets your fish when you get them to the boat. They're also happy to teach knots, share local fishing intel, and explain what they're doing so you can apply it on your own trips later. Chris's filleting skills are top-notch too, so you'll go home with properly cleaned fish ready for the dinner table.
"We had an awesome family day on the water with Captain Phil and First Mate Chris! We started catching fish right away and kept it going the entire trip, with a mix of sizes and five solid keepers. Phil and Chris were friendly, funny, and knew their stuff—their main goal was getting us on the fish, no matter what. Captain Phil doesn't follow the crowd; he makes his own calls, and that definitely paid off. We'll absolutely be booking with them again. Big thanks to both of you!" - John
"What an incredible experience for all three generations! Captain Phil was outstanding—he knew exactly how to connect with everyone, shared great stories, and made sure the whole trip was fun and relaxed. He was great with our 6-year-old (who landed the biggest fish of the day!) and just as attentive with the 66-year-old. The action started right away, and we even had to release some because they were too big! First Mate Chris was nonstop—setting lines, unhooking fish, snapping photos, and his fillet skills were top-notch. Go early when the fish are most active. Truly a top-tier charter!" - Karl
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Cape Cod Bay fishing, and for good reason. These fish show up in serious numbers during the spring and fall migrations, with some real bruisers mixed in among the schoolies. Stripers are smart, moody fish that can be picky one day and absolutely crushing anything you throw at them the next. They typically range from schoolie size around 20-24 inches up to keeper-sized fish in the 28-35 inch range, with the occasional trophy pushing 40+ inches. Early morning is prime time since they often feed heavily at dawn before moving to deeper water as the sun climbs. What makes stripers so addictive is their fight—they make long, powerful runs and have a habit of jumping when they're hooked, especially the bigger ones. Plus, they're fantastic table fare when prepared right.
Bluefish bring the aggression factor to your trip, and when they're around, you know it. These toothy predators travel in schools and feed with an intensity that's honestly pretty wild to witness. Blues typically run anywhere from 2-8 pounds in these waters, though bigger choppers show up later in the season. They hit hard, fight dirty, and will absolutely destroy anything that looks like baitfish. The key with blues is being ready when they turn on—they can appear out of nowhere, feed aggressively for 20-30 minutes, then disappear just as fast. They're also excellent eating if you bleed them immediately and get them on ice, despite what some people say about oily fish.
Atlantic Mackerel might not get the glory of stripers or blues, but they're pure fun on light tackle and make fantastic bait for bigger fish. These silver bullets show up in massive schools, especially during the late spring and early summer months. When you find a school of mackerel, it's not unusual to have multiple hookups on every drop—they're that aggressive. They typically run 12-16 inches and put up a scrappy fight for their size. Mackerel are also one
The Lady J is Captain Philip Caliri's pride and joy—a solid 38-foot sportfisherman built for serious fishing off Cape Cod. Her spacious 120 square foot deck gives you plenty of room to work, with four fighting chairs ready for when those stripers and blues start hitting. The flybridge seats three and offers great visibility for spotting birds and baitfish. Down below, you'll find a comfortable cabin with a kitchenette, head, and even a bed if someone needs a break from the action. She's loaded with top-shelf electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder to put you on the fish. The onboard fridge and icebox keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot summer mornings. USCG licensed and built for Cape Cod waters, this boat handles the chop with ease while you focus on landing dinner. Perfect setup for up to six anglers looking to get into some real fishing action in Barnstable's productive waters.
Scomber ScombrusThese speedy little fighters are pure fun on light tackle. Mackerel run about a foot long and travel in massive schools that can stretch for miles. They show up in our waters during the warmer months, usually late spring through early fall, staying in the upper water column where they chase small baitfish. What guests love about them is the non-stop action - when you find a school, everyone on board stays busy. They're also fantastic eating with that rich, oily meat that's perfect smoked or grilled fresh. Pro tip: use small, shiny jigs and work them fast through the water column. Mackerel are aggressive feeders, so keep your lure moving and be ready for multiple hookups when the school moves through.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are the bullies of Cape Cod waters and guests love the attitude these fish bring to the fight. Running 5-15 pounds on average, they hunt in packs and hit lures with serious aggression. You'll find them around bait schools in open water, often creating those surface feeding frenzies that make the water look like it's boiling. Mid-June through October is prime season here, with the best action during moving tides. They're excellent table fare when handled right - just get them on ice quick. Word of caution: watch those razor-sharp teeth when unhooking. My go-to setup is wire leaders with cut bunker or poppers on top. When blues are feeding, almost anything shiny will work, but fresh oily baits like mackerel chunks drive them crazy.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing - these silver beauties with their distinctive black stripes can weigh anywhere from 20-40 pounds, though we've seen bigger. They love structure like drop-offs, rocky ledges, and tide rips where baitfish gather. Spring through fall is prime time as they migrate up our coast, with early morning and late evening bites being strongest. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great, and give you that heart-pounding moment when your drag starts screaming. Here's a local trick: when you see birds diving and bait splashing on the surface, get there fast. Those feeding frenzies don't last long, but when you hit one right, you'll fill the cooler quick.
5.0 out of 5.0We had an awesome family day on the water with Captain Phil and First Mate Chris! We started catching fish right away and kept it ...
What an incredible experience for all three generations! Captain Phil was outstanding—he knew exactly how to connect with everyone...
Barnstable, MA