5.0(2 Reviews)Private Half-Day Fishing Trip - PM
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon charter targeting striped bass and bluefishFamilyfriendly trip accommodates up to six guests comfortablyExpert captain guidance in scenic Cape Cod Bay waters
Picture this: it's 12:30 PM on a beautiful Cape Cod afternoon, and you're heading out into the productive waters off Barnstable with Captain Phil and his crew aboard the Lady J. This isn't your typical crowded head boat experience – it's a private charter built for up to six anglers who want to fish the prime afternoon bite without the hassle of dealing with strangers. Running from mid-May through mid-October, this four-hour trip puts you right in the heart of Cape Cod Bay's most consistent fishing grounds. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to put some keeper stripers in the cooler or a family wanting to introduce the kids to saltwater fishing, Captain Phil knows exactly where to find the action.
When you step aboard the Lady J, you'll immediately notice this boat was designed with comfort and fishing success in mind. The onboard restroom is a game-changer for families with kids or anyone planning to stay hydrated during the trip – no more worrying about cutting the day short. Captain Phil and First Mate Chris run a tight ship, meaning your lines will be in the water quickly and efficiently. They'll have you rigged up with the right tackle for whatever's biting that day, whether it's live bait for trophy stripers or smaller jigs for schoolie bass and blues. The afternoon departure time is perfect for catching the evening feed, when fish move into shallower water and become more aggressive. Fair warning though – with rising fuel costs hitting everyone in the charter business, there might be a small fuel surcharge, but trust me, it's worth every penny when you're bent over the rail fighting a 35-inch striper.
Cape Cod Bay fishing in the afternoon calls for adaptability, and that's where Captain Phil's experience really shines. You'll likely start with live bait presentations – chunked mackerel or whole sand eels work magic on big striped bass cruising the deeper channels. The crew will set you up with circle hooks and just enough weight to keep your bait in the strike zone. When the bluefish are around, they'll switch you over to wire leaders and flashy spoons or poppers – blues have razor-sharp teeth and will slice through mono in a heartbeat. For mackerel, it's often a numbers game with small diamond jigs or sabiki rigs that can put multiple fish on at once. The key is reading the water and the fish finder, something Captain Phil has mastered after years working these waters. Don't be surprised if you're drifting structure one minute and trolling the flats the next – successful inshore fishing means staying mobile and following the bait.
"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 silver-sided fighters can range anywhere from schoolie size (under 28 inches) all the way up to trophy fish pushing 40+ inches and 30+ pounds. The best action typically happens from late May through September when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 55-68 degrees. Stripers are structure-oriented predators, meaning they'll ambush baitfish around drop-offs, rocky bottom, and tidal rips. What makes them so special is their fight – a big striper will make multiple runs, often heading straight for the bottom or any nearby structure. The afternoon bite can be phenomenal, especially during moving tides when these fish move up from deeper water to feed in the shallows.
Bluefish bring pure aggression to every fight, and Cape Cod Bay sees some fantastic runs of blues from June through October. These toothy predators travel in schools and feed voraciously on baitfish, creating some of the most exciting topwater action you'll find anywhere. Blues typically range from 2-8 pounds in these waters, though larger fish do show up. They're known for their initial screaming runs and their tendency to jump – always keep your rod tip up and be ready for anything. What anglers love most about bluefish is their willingness to hit lures and their table fare when properly handled and bled immediately.
Atlantic mackerel might not win any awards for size, but they make up for it in numbers and flavor. These smaller fish, usually running 12-16 inches, show up in massive schools from late spring through early fall. They're perfect for kids and novice anglers because they bite aggressively on small jigs and provide constant action. Mackerel are also excellent bait fish – Captain Phil often uses fresh mackerel chunks to target larger stripers and blues. The key with mackerel fishing is speed – when you find a school, you can often catch them as fast as you can drop your line. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters when prepared fresh.
This private afternoon charter offers something you won't find on bigger head boats – personalized attention, flexibility, and the ability to fish at your own pace with your own group. Captain Phil's track record speaks for itself, with customers regularly reporting multiple keeper stripers and non-stop action throughout the four-hour trip. The Lady J's setup, from the onboard facilities to the experienced crew, makes this a top-rated choice for families, groups of friends, or serious anglers looking to target Cape Cod's best inshore species. With the season running from May 15 to October 15
The Lady J is a serious 38-foot sportfisherman that knows Cape Cod waters like the back of her hand. Captain Philip Caliri's pride and joy cuts through the waves with power and purpose, featuring a massive 120-square-foot deck where up to six anglers can spread out and work the water properly. Four fighting chairs mean you're ready when the big stripers hit, while the elevated flybridge gives your captain the perfect vantage point to spot feeding fish and navigate the productive waters off Barnstable. Below deck, you'll find everything needed for a comfortable afternoon on the water - a proper galley, head, and even a bunk if someone needs a break from the action. The icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold under the Cape Cod sun. Top-shelf electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate the best fishing spots where striped bass, bluefish, and mackerel are feeding. This isn't just a boat ride - it's a fishing machine designed to put you on the fish during those prime afternoon hours when the bite heats up in Cape Cod Bay.
Scomber ScombrusThese sleek, fast-moving fish arrive in Cape Cod Bay during late spring and stick around through summer. Atlantic mackerel average about 12 inches but pack surprising punch for their size - they're some of the quickest fish you'll hook, swimming over 12 mph. Look for them in huge schools near the surface in open water, especially when baitfish are thick. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit small shiny lures hard, making them perfect for kids and beginners. The meat is rich and oily, great smoked or grilled fresh. Pro tip: once you find a school, work fast with light tackle and small spoons - they move quickly but when you're on them, you can fill the cooler in minutes.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are the aggressive predators of Cape Cod waters, known for their razor-sharp teeth and feeding frenzies that'll churn the water white. These blue-green fighters typically run 2-10 pounds, though bigger ones show up regularly. They hunt in schools along beaches, harbors, and anywhere baitfish gather from mid-June through October. What guests love most? Their fierce strikes and strong runs that'll bend your rod double. They're excellent eating when prepared fresh, with firm white meat that's perfect grilled. One word of caution: always use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - they'll bite through regular line in a heartbeat. Watch for diving birds to locate feeding schools.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing - these silver-sided beauties with their distinctive black stripes can grow 20-40 pounds and put up serious fights. They love structure like drop-offs and rocky areas, often feeding near the surface during dawn and dusk. Spring through fall migration brings huge numbers through our waters, with peak action from May to October when water temps hit that sweet 55-68°F range. What makes them special? They're incredibly strong swimmers that'll test your tackle, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. Local tip: when you see birds working the surface or bait breaking water, get your lines down fast - stripers are likely feeding underneath those schools.
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