5.0(2 Reviews)Private Half-Day Fishing Trip - PM
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour afternoon charter targets striped bass, bluefish, and mackerelAccommodates up to six guests with experienced captain guidanceOperates seasonally from May through October in Cape Cod Bay
If you're looking for a solid afternoon on the water targeting some of Cape Cod's most sought-after species, this private half-day charter with Lady J Sportfishing hits all the right marks. Running out of Barnstable from May through mid-October, Captain Phil and his crew know exactly where to find striped bass, bluefish, and mackerel when the afternoon bite gets hot. You'll have the boat to yourselves with up to six anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work and fish without feeling crowded. The 12:30 PM departure puts you right in the sweet spot when fish start getting active in the warmer afternoon waters of Cape Cod Bay.
This four-hour charter gives you plenty of time to get into fish without feeling rushed. Captain Phil runs a tight operation and knows these waters like the back of his hand - he's been putting clients on quality fish for years and has dialed in the best spots around Barnstable. The boat comfortably handles six guests and comes equipped with a restroom, which is always appreciated on longer trips. You'll be fishing prime inshore waters where stripers cruise the flats and bluefish roam in schools. The seasonal timing from May 15 to October 15 perfectly captures the migration patterns when these species are most active in local waters. Fair warning though - with fuel costs being what they are these days, there might be a small surcharge, but it's worth every penny when you're hooking into 30-plus inch stripers.
Captain Phil and his first mate Chris know how to adapt their approach based on conditions and what's biting. Some days you'll be drift fishing with live bait over structure where big stripers like to hang out, other times you might be trolling umbrella rigs or casting topwater plugs when the fish are busting bait on the surface. The boat comes rigged with quality tackle, but if you've got favorite rods or specific lures that have been producing for you, bring them along. The inshore waters around Barnstable offer great variety - you might work sandy flats in the morning and then move to rocky structure or drop-offs where bigger fish tend to patrol. Chris does a great job keeping baits fresh and making sure everyone's rigged up properly, so even if you're new to saltwater fishing, you'll be in good hands.
"Captain Phil and First Mate Chris put in the effort to get us on the fish, and it paid off—we had a fantastic day! The boat was perfect for our group of six and having a restroom onboard was definitely a bonus." - Lyle
"Captain Phillip had us on the fish all afternoon with nonstop action! Chris took great care of us throughout the trip. We landed over 20 striped bass ranging from 30 to 38 inches—couldn't have asked for a better day!" - Paul
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing, and for good reason. These fish are aggressive fighters that will test your drag and give you a battle from the moment they hit your bait. In the waters around Barnstable, you'll typically find them ranging from schoolie size up to solid keepers in the 28 to 38-inch range. Spring and fall tend to produce the biggest fish as they migrate along the coast, but summer fishing can be absolutely lights-out when conditions are right. What makes stripers so special is their unpredictability - one minute they're sipping bait delicately on the surface, the next they're crushing topwater plugs with explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing.
Bluefish bring a completely different energy to the trip. These are some of the most aggressive predators in the ocean, and when you hook into a school of hungry blues, the action can be absolutely non-stop. They hit hard, fight dirty, and their razor-sharp teeth mean you better have your wire leaders ready. Blues typically show up in good numbers during the warmer months, and they're perfect for keeping kids and new anglers engaged because they're usually willing biters. Just watch your fingers when handling them - those teeth aren't just for show.
Atlantic mackerel might be smaller than the stripers and blues, but they're incredibly fun on light tackle and often save the day when bigger fish aren't cooperating. These silver bullets travel in massive schools and when you find them, you can catch them as fast as you can drop your line. They're most active during the spring and early summer months, and they make excellent bait for bigger predators later in the trip. Plus, they're fantastic eating if you want to take a few home for dinner.
Cape Cod fishing doesn't get much better than this - you've got an experienced captain who knows where the fish are, a well-equipped boat, and prime fishing grounds right outside your door. The afternoon departure time is perfect for families or anyone who wants to sleep in a bit before hitting the water. With the boat limited to six guests, you're guaranteed a personalized experience without feeling like you're on a cattle boat. The season runs through mid-October, so you've got plenty of opportunities to get out there, but the best dates fill up fast once word gets around about the quality of fishing Captain Phil's been producing. Don't wait too long to secure your spot - when the fish are biting like Paul experienced with over 20 stripers in one afternoon, you'll want to be on that boat.
The Lady J is Captain Philip Caliri's 38-foot sportfisherman, built to chase striped bass, bluefish, and mackerel in Cape Cod Bay. This boat means business with her spacious 120 sq. ft. deck featuring four fighting chairs where you can battle your catch. The flybridge seats three and gives you a perfect view of the water while the captain works his magic with top-tier fish finders and radar. When you need a break from the action, duck into the cabin with its kitchenette, bed, and head. The onboard refrigerator and icebox keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh. With GPS navigation and USCG licensing, she's ready to get you on the fish safely during those prime afternoon hours off Barnstable.
Scomber ScombrusThese sleek speedsters are perfect for families and first-time anglers. Mackerel average about a foot long with beautiful metallic blue-green backs and wavy black stripes. They travel in massive schools in open water, so when you find them, the action gets fast. Peak season runs May through September when they move close to shore to feed. They're incredibly quick swimmers and aggressive feeders, making them a blast on light tackle. Kids love them because they bite readily and fight surprisingly hard for their size. Plus, they're delicious - rich, flaky meat that's perfect grilled. Pro tip: small shiny lures work best, and once you hook one, keep your line in because the whole school is usually right there.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that put up a serious fight. Most run 3-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They roam open waters and sandy beaches, often creating feeding frenzies called "bluefish blitz" that churn the surface white. Summer into early fall is your best bet when they're chasing baitfish in Cape Cod Bay. Anglers love them because they hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up easy. Fair warning - they'll bite anything, including your fingers, so handle with care. The smaller "cocktail blues" are excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. My advice: bring wire leaders because those teeth will cut through regular line, and chunk baits work better than you'd think.
Morone SaxatilisThese iconic fighters are what Cape Cod fishing is all about. Stripers typically run 20-40 pounds around here, with those distinctive dark stripes running down their silver sides. They love structure - rocky bottoms, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish gather. You'll find them cruising the shallows during our afternoon trips, especially when the tide's moving. Spring through fall is prime time, but they really turn on during the summer migration when they're feeding heavily before heading south. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great, and every angler has a striper story. Local tip: watch for diving birds - they'll lead you right to feeding fish underneath.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Phil and First Mate Chris put in the effort to get us on the fish, and it paid off—we had a fantastic day! The boat was pe...
Captain Phillip had us on the fish all afternoon with nonstop action! Chris took great care of us throughout the trip. We landed o...
Barnstable, MA