5.0(1 Reviews)Cape Cod Striped Bass & Bluefish Charters
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fivehour fishing adventure targeting Striped Bass and BluefishExpert Captain Chris guides trips near Monomoy Island watersAccommodates six guests with trolling and spinning techniques provided
Captain Chris and the Meat Wagon Fishing Charters crew know exactly where the fish are biting around Cape Cod's legendary waters. This 5-hour morning charter takes you to the productive grounds off Monomoy Island and Chatham, where striped bass and bluefish feed aggressively in the nearshore waters. Running from May 20th through October 30th, these trips hit the sweet spot when Cape Cod fishing is at its absolute best. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, Captain Chris's local knowledge and proven approach will put you on fish. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, making it perfect for friends, families, or small groups looking to experience some of the East Coast's most consistent fishing action.
Your morning starts early as Captain Chris navigates to the day's hottest fishing spots around Monomoy Island and the waters off Chatham. These aren't random locations – they're carefully chosen based on current conditions, baitfish activity, and where the stripers and blues have been feeding. The Meat Wagon is equipped with quality gear and electronics to locate fish quickly, but it's Captain Chris's years of fishing these waters that really make the difference. You'll be fishing productive structure and current breaks where predator fish ambush baitfish throughout the tide changes. The nearshore location means you're never too far from land, so even those prone to seasickness can usually handle the ride comfortably. Expect to see other boats in the area during peak season – that's actually a good sign that you're fishing the right waters. The 5-hour duration gives you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques without feeling rushed.
Captain Chris employs two main techniques that consistently produce fish in these Cape Cod waters. Trolling involves pulling lures behind the moving boat at specific speeds to mimic fleeing baitfish – it's deadly effective for covering water and locating active schools of striped bass and bluefish. You'll use a variety of trolling lures depending on conditions, from tube and worm rigs to umbrella rigs with surgical tubes. When fish are located or marking on the electronics, the boat switches to spinning tactics using conventional and spinning reels with live bait, soft plastics, or topwater lures. This is where the action really heats up as you cast directly to feeding fish or work likely structure. Captain Chris provides all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to a full selection of lures and terminal tackle. He'll teach you proper technique for both methods, adjusting the approach based on what's working best that day. The key is staying flexible – sometimes the fish want fast-moving trolled lures, other times they prefer a slow-sinking soft plastic worked around structure.
Previous guests consistently praise both Captain Chris's skills and the quality of the Meat Wagon fishing experience. "Very nice captain. And a very very good fishing boat... see you guys again next year for sure." - Wagner. This kind of repeat business speaks volumes about the consistent quality fishing and professional service you can expect on every trip.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing, and the waters around Monomoy Island and Chatham host some of the most reliable striper action on the East Coast. These fish typically range from schoolie size around 18-24 inches up to keeper bass of 28 inches and larger, with the occasional cow striper over 40 inches providing heart-stopping action. Stripers are structure-oriented predators that feed heavily on the abundant baitfish in these waters, including sand eels, herring, and mackerel. Peak activity often occurs during tide changes when baitfish get swept along current breaks and structure. What makes stripers so exciting to catch is their aggressive strike and powerful runs – they'll test your drag and give you a real fight. The season runs strong from May through October, with late spring and early fall often producing the largest fish as they migrate along the coast.
Bluefish are the other primary target species and they're absolutely notorious for their aggressive feeding behavior and razor-sharp teeth. These fish travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop with multiple hookups happening simultaneously. Bluefish in these Cape Cod waters typically run from 2-8 pounds, though larger fish are always possible. They're incredibly aggressive feeders that will hit almost any moving lure or bait, making them perfect for beginning anglers who want consistent action. Blues are also excellent table fare when properly handled and bled immediately after catching. Their feeding frenzies are legendary – when a school moves through an area, the water can literally boil with activity as they chase baitfish to the surface. Peak bluefish action often occurs from mid-summer through early fall when large schools migrate through Cape Cod waters.
Cape Cod fishing trips book up fast, especially during peak summer months and the prime fall fishing season when the big stripers are moving. Captain Chris runs a top-rated operation with repeat customers who book the same weeks year after year, so prime dates disappear quickly. The 5-hour morning format is perfect for families with kids or groups that want to fish hard without committing to a full day on the water. You'll be back at the dock with time to explore Cape Cod's other attractions or get your fish cleaned and packed for the trip home. These nearshore waters around Monomoy Island and Chatham offer some of the most consistent fishing action you'll find anywhere, backed by a captain who knows exactly how to put you on fish. Whether you're looking to check striped bass off your bucket list or introduce kids to saltwater fishing, this charter delivers the goods. Don't wait until you arrive on Cape Cod to book – call Meat Wagon Fishing Charters now and secure your spot for what could be the fishing
Captain Chris's 34' SeaVee center console is built for serious fishing around Monomoy Island and Chatham's productive waters. This solid boat handles the Cape Cod currents with ease while you target stripers and blues from May through October. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish, with space for up to six anglers. You'll have GPS and fish finder tech to locate the best spots, plus radar for those foggy Cape mornings. The live bait well keeps your bait fresh all day, while the icebox handles your catch and cold drinks. Whether you're trolling the drop-offs or spinning around structure, this SeaVee gets you to the fish and back safely. Perfect setup for family trips or serious fishing crews looking to make the most of Cape Cod's legendary fishing grounds.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are pure energy on the end of your line - these aggressive feeders show up mid-June through October in our Cape waters. Most run 3-8 pounds, but the occasional 15-pounder will test your drag system. They school up in open water and around bait pods, creating feeding frenzies that'll get your heart racing. What's great about targeting blues? They hit hard, fight dirty, and aren't picky about lures - spoons, poppers, or wire line rigs all work. Fresh blues are excellent table fare when bled and iced immediately. Pro tip for Chatham waters: look for diving birds and surface commotion - that's where the bluefish blitz is happening. Use wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through mono in seconds.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter around here - these silver beauties with their signature dark stripes can reach 20-40 pounds regularly. They love structure like drop-offs and sand bars in 15-40 feet of water, especially during moving tides. Best fishing runs from late spring through fall when they migrate through our waters. What makes them special? They fight hard, pulling drag and making long runs. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. Around Monomoy, I always tell folks to focus on the rips and current breaks - that's where stripers ambush baitfish. Early morning and evening bites are usually best, and live eels or chunk herring work magic here.
5.0 out of 5.0Very nice captain. And a very very good fishing boat... see you guys again next year for sure.
cape cod