Cape Cod 8-Hour Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday 8hour Cape Cod fishing charter experienceTarget Striped Bass, Bluefish, Bonito, and Weakfish speciesAll gear, lures, bait, and drinks included onboard
You want a serious day of fishing? This 8-hour charter with MoonDog Fishing puts you right in the heart of Cape Cod's most productive inshore waters. We're talking about a full day targeting some of the Atlantic's most sought-after species – Striped Bass, Bluefish, Little Tunny, Weakfish, and Black Sea Bass. This isn't a quick trip around the harbor; it's a genuine fishing adventure that gives you the time to really dial in on what's biting and where they're holding.
Your day starts early, but trust me, it's worth every minute. Cape Cod's inshore waters are legendary for a reason – the structure, bait, and tidal flow create perfect conditions for multiple species throughout the season. We'll work everything from sandy flats to rocky structure, following the fish and adjusting our approach based on what's happening that day. The boat handles up to 4 anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with crowds. Captain and crew know these waters inside and out, from the subtle depth changes that hold stripers to the current breaks where bluefish ambush baitfish. Weather can change fast out here, so dress in layers and bring that rain jacket – you'll thank yourself later when everyone else is soaked and miserable.
Everything you need is already on board and ready to fish. We're set up for both conventional tackle and fly fishing – just let us know your preference when you book. The conventional setups include spinning and baitcasting rigs matched to whatever we're targeting that day. Light tackle for finicky weakfish, heavier gear when the big stripers are running, and everything in between. Fly anglers get the full treatment too – we carry a selection of rods, reels, and flies that work in these waters. Live bait, fresh cut bait, and a tackle box full of proven lures mean we can adapt to whatever the fish want. Technique-wise, we'll cover it all: jigging structure for black sea bass, working topwater when the bluefish are busting bait on the surface, and sight fishing to cruising stripers in the shallows. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is having time to really work different approaches and locations.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing, and for good reason. These fish can range from schoolies in the 18-28 inch range all the way up to cows pushing 40+ inches and 30+ pounds. Peak season runs from May through October, with the largest fish typically showing up during the spring and fall migrations. What makes stripers so special is their fight – they'll make long, powerful runs and use their broad sides to pull drag. Plus, they're incredibly smart fish that will test your skills and patience. You'll find them around structure, in the surf, and cruising the flats looking for an easy meal.
Bluefish bring pure aggression to your fishing day. These toothy predators hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up until they're in the boat. Peak bluefish action typically runs from June through September, and when they're feeding, it's some of the most exciting fishing you'll find anywhere. They travel in schools and when you find them busting bait on the surface, it's game on. Bluefish in the 3-10 pound range are common, with larger choppers showing up throughout the season. Fair warning – they've got serious teeth, so we handle them with respect and the right tools.
Little Tunny, also called false albacore or albies, are speed demons that'll test your drag system and your arms. These fish show up from late summer into fall, and they're absolute rockets. When hooked, they make blistering runs and jump like crazy. Most albies run 5-12 pounds, but don't let the size fool you – they fight like fish twice their weight. They're also extremely finicky eaters, which makes catching them on light tackle or fly gear especially rewarding.
White Weakfish are the ghosts of the inshore waters – beautiful, silvery fish that require finesse and patience. They've got soft mouths that earned them their name, so you need to fight them carefully or risk pulling the hook. Weakfish are most active during dawn and dusk, and they love structure and current breaks. When you hook into a good one in the 3-8 pound range, they make strong runs and have a habit of jumping when they get close to the boat.
Black Sea Bass might not be the flashiest fish in these waters, but they're absolutely delicious and fun to catch around structure. These chunky bottom dwellers love rocky areas, wrecks, and artificial reefs. They're aggressive biters that'll slam a jig or bait, and once hooked, they dive straight for the rocks trying to break you off. Most sea bass run 1-4 pounds, with larger fish becoming more common as regulations have allowed the population to recover.
An 8-hour charter gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Cape Cod's inshore waters have to offer. You're not rushed, you can try different techniques, and you have time to really get into the fish when they're biting. The boat's equipped, the crew knows where to find them, and lunch is included so you can stay focused on fishing. Bring your camera, pack some snacks for between meals, and don't forget that sunscreen – the reflection off the water will get you even on cloudy days. This is the kind of trip that reminds you why you love fishing in the first place. Book now and get ready for a day you'll be talking about all season.
Get ready to fish Cape Cod's productive waters aboard this perfectly rigged inshore boat designed for serious anglers. The clean, functional layout gives you plenty of room to work whether you're casting flies or throwing light tackle at stripers and blues. Comfortable seating keeps you fresh during those long 8-hour days on the water. The onboard GPS navigation system helps locate prime fishing spots, while the fish finder takes the guesswork out of finding where the action is happening. With space for up to 4 anglers, this boat handles Cape Cod's inshore waters like a dream, getting you to the fish efficiently so you can spend maximum time with lines in the water. The setup is built for anglers who want to focus on fishing, not fighting uncomfortable gear or cramped conditions.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky bottom dwellers that love structure - wrecks, rocky areas, and old pilings are prime spots. Most run 1-4 pounds, but the bigger males can hit 6-8 pounds and develop that characteristic hump on their heads during spawning. Late spring through summer is peak season when they move inshore to depths under 120 feet. These guys are part of the grouper family and fight harder than their size suggests, especially until they break the surface. The meat is sweet and firm - some of the best eating you'll find. Interesting fact: they start as females and change to males as they grow. Best technique is bottom fishing with squid or clam strips near structure. Here's my tip: use a two-hook rig and be ready - they bite fast and head straight back to cover.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the pit bulls of Cape Cod waters - aggressive predators that'll hit almost anything you throw at them. Most run 3-8 pounds, though we see some 15+ pounders that'll really test your drag. They show up mid-June and stick around through October, traveling in schools that create feeding frenzies we call "bluefish blitz." You'll find them anywhere there's bait - shallow harbors, surf beaches, or open water. What makes them popular? They're scrappy fighters, easy to catch, and excellent eating when fresh (the smaller ones taste best). Late summer brings "snappers" - baby blues perfect for kids to catch. Watch your fingers though - those razor-sharp teeth mean business! Pro tip: look for churning water and diving birds - when blues are feeding, the action is non-stop.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle tunny, also called false albacore or bonito, are 10-12 pound torpedoes that show up in schools during warmer months. These dark blue-green speedsters have distinctive black spots that look like fingerprints - that's how you tell them apart from Atlantic bonito. They cruise near the surface around jetties, inlets, and anywhere baitfish gather. Summer and early fall are prime time when they're chasing schools of small fish, making a racket you can hear from distance. Anglers love them because they fight like fish twice their size - pure speed and power. The red meat has a strong tuna flavor that's actually quite good when handled right. Here's the key: when trolling, use bright feathers or small lures, and listen for feeding sounds - these guys get loud when they're eating.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing, running 20-40 pounds on average with some monsters pushing 50+. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive black stripes migrate through our waters spring through fall, following baitfish along shorelines and structure. They love rocky bottoms, drop-offs, and anywhere current moves food around. Peak action happens at dawn and dusk when they push bait to the surface. What makes them special? They fight hard, grow big, and taste fantastic - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. The fall migration is pure magic when schools of hungry stripers chase pogies and bunker. Pro tip: when you see birds working the surface, get your line in fast - those stripers won't stay up long.
Atractoscion NobilisWhite weakfish are actually white seabass - part of the croaker family, not true bass at all. These silver-grey beauties average 7-8 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds when you find the right spot. They hang in mid-water column from surface down to 400 feet, rarely hitting bottom, which makes them tricky to target. Spring through early summer is prime time when they move inshore to feed on squid and small baitfish. What draws anglers? They're strong fighters despite the "weak" name, and their white, flaky meat is top-shelf eating. These fish are pretty lazy, so chumming really helps get their attention. Best trick I can share: suspend your bait between bottom and surface - if it hits the sand, reel up and try again.
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