Cape Cod Inshore Fishing with MoonDog Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
46 hours targeting Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Bonito offshore Cape Cod.Light tackle and fly fishing options with all gear provided.Private charter accommodates up to 4 guests with drinks included.
There's something magical about working the waters around Cape Cod, and MoonDog Fishing knows exactly where the fish are biting. These 4 to 6-hour private charters target some of the most sought-after species along the Massachusetts coast—Striped Bass, Bluefish, Weakfish, Little Tunny, and Black Sea Bass. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to fill the cooler or a seasoned angler chasing that next trophy, Captain MoonDog has you covered. With quality tackle, fresh bait, and all the local knowledge you could ask for, this top-rated charter puts you right in the action. Pack your appetite too—lunch is included, so you can focus on what really matters: putting fish in the boat.
Your day starts early, meeting the crew at the dock before heading out to Cape Cod's most productive fishing grounds. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, keeping things intimate and ensuring everyone gets plenty of action. Captain MoonDog runs a tight ship but keeps the atmosphere relaxed—perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to escape the daily grind. You'll cruise to spots that have been producing consistently, from rocky drop-offs where stripers ambush baitfish to sandy flats where weakfish cruise in schools. The crew handles all the prep work—rigging lines, setting up the spread, and making sure your drag is set just right. All you need to do is grab a rod and get ready to feel that telltale thump of a fish hitting your bait. Cold drinks flow freely, and when hunger strikes, lunch keeps everyone fueled for the afternoon bite.
MoonDog Fishing caters to different angling styles, offering both conventional light tackle and fly fishing options. The conventional setup features quality spinning and baitcasting gear perfectly matched to Cape Cod's inshore species. Live bait like sand eels and pogies are staples, along with proven lures that trigger aggressive strikes from hungry gamefish. For fly anglers, the boat carries proper saltwater fly rods and reels loaded with intermediate and sinking lines. Clouser Minnows, Deceivers, and surf candy patterns are go-to flies when stripers are feeding on the surface or chasing bait in shallow water. The crew knows when to switch techniques based on conditions—maybe starting with live bait to locate fish, then switching to artificials when the bite gets hot. Water clarity, tide movement, and baitfish activity all factor into the game plan, and the captain adjusts tactics throughout the day to keep rods bent and fish coming over the rail.
Striped Bass reign supreme in these waters, and Cape Cod produces some of the best striper fishing on the East Coast. These fish average 20 to 35 pounds, with bigger cows always possible when conditions align. Spring and fall migrations bring massive schools through the area, while summer residents provide consistent action throughout the warmer months. Stripers hit live bait aggressively and put up memorable fights, making long runs and testing your drag system. The shallow water battles are pure adrenaline—watching a big bass crash topwater lures or strip line off a fly reel never gets old.
Bluefish bring raw power and attitude to every hookup. These voracious predators travel in schools and feed with reckless abandon when they're on the bite. Cape Cod blues typically run 3 to 8 pounds, though larger choppers push double digits during peak season. They're excellent table fare when handled properly, and their aggressive nature makes them perfect for introducing kids to saltwater fishing. When you find feeding blues, the action can be non-stop—just make sure your wire leaders are fresh because those razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat.
White Weakfish, also called sea trout, are prized for their delicate mouths and excellent eating quality. These silvery gamefish prefer structure and current, often holding near rocky bottom or around bridge pilings. They're typically caught in the 2 to 5-pound range, though bigger weakfish show up during their spring spawning runs. Light tackle is essential since their soft mouths tear easily—steady pressure and a good net hand are key to landing these tasty fish consistently.
Little Tunny, known locally as false albacore or albies, are speed demons that test your reflexes and tackle. These mini-tunas arrive in late summer and fall, feeding on small baitfish near the surface. They're built for speed, making blistering runs that can empty a spool in seconds. Albies rarely exceed 10 pounds but pound-for-pound they're some of the strongest fish in the ocean. Fly anglers especially love targeting these fish when they're breaking water and crashing bait pods.
Black Sea Bass provide steady action around rocky structure and wrecks. These bottom dwellers are curious and aggressive, readily taking both bait and lures. They're perfectly sized for the dinner table, typically running 1 to 3 pounds with occasional jumbo fish pushing 5 pounds or more. Sea bass fishing peaks in late spring through early fall, and they're often caught while targeting other species, making them a welcome bonus fish that rounds out a mixed bag.
Cape Cod's inshore waters offer world-class fishing just minutes from the dock, and MoonDog Fishing has the experience to put you on fish consistently. The combination of quality tackle, local knowledge, and personalized service creates an authentic New England fishing experience that keeps customers coming back season after season. Whether you're planning a bachelor party, family outing, or solo fishing adventure, this customer favorite delivers the goods. The boat books up quickly during peak season, especially weekends and holidays, so don't wait to secure your dates. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, an
Perfect for targeting stripers, blues, and bonito in Cape Cod's rich waters, this clean-layout inshore boat puts function first for serious anglers. Built for fly and light tackle fishing, the comfortable seating lets you fish hard for 4-6 hours without fatigue. GPS navigation gets you to the hot spots while the fish finder helps locate schools holding in structure. With space for 4 anglers, there's room to work flies or cast lures without crowding. The simple, smart design means less time fussing with gear and more time with lines in the water chasing Cape Cod's legendary coastal species.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the perfect bottom fish for structure fishing around Cape Cod. These chunky, dark-bodied fish typically run 1-4 pounds, though keepers over 5 pounds make your day. They love hanging around wrecks, rocky bottom, and old pilings in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime season when they move inshore. What makes them popular? Steady action, good table fare with sweet white meat, and they're great for beginners. Males turn bright blue during spawning and develop that distinctive hump on their heads. Drop squid strips or clams on a high-low rig right to the bottom near structure. Keep your bait moving slightly - they like a little motion.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are the ultimate aggressive predator around Cape Cod waters. These voracious fighters average 5-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They show up mid-June through October, roaming shallow bays, surf beaches, and open water chasing schools of baitfish. When they're feeding, it's pure chaos - water churning like a washing machine. Anglers love their hard fight and decent eating when prepared fresh. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids learning to fish. Watch your fingers - those teeth are serious business. Best approach: wire leaders are a must, and chunk bait like bunker or mackerel works great. Look for diving birds to locate feeding schools.
Euthynnus AlletteratusAlso called false albacore or bonito, these torpedo-shaped speedsters are pure adrenaline on light tackle. Most run 10-15 pounds but pack the punch of much larger fish. You'll spot them busting bait near the surface around jetties, points, and drop-offs during summer and early fall. They travel in schools chasing anchovies and sardines, making quite a commotion when feeding. What draws anglers back? That blistering first run and their acrobatic jumps. The meat's darker than regular tuna but tasty when prepared right. My go-to technique: small silver spoons or feathers trolled fast through the feeding schools. When they're up feeding, work the edges - not the center of the chaos.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of our Cape Cod fishing scene. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds here, though we've seen monsters push 50+. They're structure lovers - you'll find them around rocks, drop-offs, and sandy flats where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time as they follow the migration north from Chesapeake Bay. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste amazing, and give everyone from kids to seasoned anglers a real thrill. Pro tip: when the tide starts moving and you see birds working, cast to the edges of the baitball - that's where the big girls hunt.
Atractoscion NobilisWhite weakfish are actually more croaker than weakfish, despite the name. These silvery beauties with blue-grey backs can hit impressive sizes - we're talking 28+ inches and 7+ pounds regularly. They love deeper structure around 50-200 feet, hanging near wrecks and rocky bottom where they hunt squid and smaller fish. Summer months are your best bet when they move inshore to feed. Don't let the "weak" name fool you - they put up a solid scrap and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's the trick: use squid strips on a fish-finder rig and let it drift naturally near bottom structure. They're cautious biters, so patience pays off.
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