Full Day Scup & Tautog Cape Cod Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour nearshore trip targets Scup and Tautog speciesAll equipment, bait, tackle, and licenses included in bookingFirst Mate provides handson assistance for beginner anglers
Looking for a perfect introduction to Cape Cod's top-rated inshore fishing scene? This six-hour guided trip with 'Ohana Sportfishing Charters puts you right where the action is, targeting two of the area's most reliable and rewarding species. We're talking about a genuine Cape Cod fishing experience that's built from the ground up for beginners and families who want to learn the ropes without feeling overwhelmed. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with a dedicated first mate handling the details, you'll spend your time focused on what matters most – getting fish in the boat.
Your day kicks off at 5:30 AM sharp – yeah, it's early, but trust me, that's when the fish are biting best. We're heading to Cape Cod's renowned nearshore grounds where scup and tautog hang out around structure and rocky bottom. This isn't some rushed half-day deal; six hours gives us real time to work different spots and put you on fish. The $800 base rate covers up to four anglers, and if you've got a fifth person itching to join, we can make it happen for an extra $75. Everything you need is included – premium rods and reels that won't let you down, fresh live bait that these fish can't resist, all the tackle you'll use, and your fishing licenses are sorted. The first mate is there to bait your hooks, untangle any bird's nests in your line, and safely handle whatever you bring up from the bottom. Got kids coming along? We've got child-sized life vests ready to go, so the whole family can get in on the action comfortably.
This trip is all about mastering two bread-and-butter techniques that every Cape Cod angler needs to know – bottom fishing and jigging. We're not throwing you into the deep end with complicated setups or fancy lures you've never seen before. Bottom fishing is exactly what it sounds like: we drop your bait down to where these fish live and let them come to you. The first mate will show you how to feel for the bottom, set your drag properly, and recognize when a fish is mouthing your bait versus just picking at it. Jigging adds a little more action to the mix – you're working a jig up and down near the structure where tautog love to hide. These fish are smart and can be picky, so learning to vary your retrieve and feel the difference between a bite and a snag is part of the game. The gear we provide is chosen specifically for these techniques and these species, so you're not fighting your equipment while you're learning. Our first mate has rigged thousands of these setups and will make sure you're fishing effectively from the first drop.
Scup, also known as porgy, are the perfect species for building confidence on your first saltwater fishing trip. These feisty little fighters are abundant around Cape Cod's nearshore waters, especially during the warmer months from late spring through early fall. They typically run 8 to 14 inches, with the bigger ones putting up a surprising fight for their size. What makes scup so great for beginners is their aggressive feeding behavior – when you find a school, you can often catch them one after another. They're not shy about taking bait, and you'll feel every head shake and run as they try to get back down to the bottom. Plus, scup are excellent table fare with sweet, white meat that makes for a perfect fish dinner back home.
Tautog, or "tog" as the locals call them, are a completely different challenge and exactly why experienced Cape Cod anglers keep coming back for more. These fish are the bulldogs of the nearshore waters – thick, powerful, and absolutely relentless when they want to get back to their rocky hideouts. Tautog can range from keeper size around 16 inches up to genuine bragging-rights fish over 20 inches and several pounds. They're structure-oriented fish, meaning they live around rocks, wrecks, and reefs where they feed on crabs, mussels, and other shellfish. This makes them incredibly strong fighters – when you hook a good tog, it's going to try to wrap your line around every piece of structure it can find. The best tautog fishing on Cape Cod typically runs from late spring through late fall, with some of the biggest fish caught during the cooler months when they're feeding heavily before winter.
This beginner-friendly guided trip represents everything that makes Cape Cod fishing special – knowledgeable local guides, productive fishing grounds, and species that reward both newcomers and seasoned anglers. You're getting a genuine introduction to saltwater angling without the intimidation factor, plus all the gear and expertise you need to be successful. The six-hour duration gives you real time on the water to learn, practice, and hopefully fill the cooler with some quality fish. Whether you're a family looking to create lasting memories or an individual wanting to break into Cape Cod's world-class fishing scene, this trip delivers the perfect foundation. The 5:30 AM start time puts you on the water when conditions are typically at their best and the fish are most active. With everything included and a first mate dedicated to your success, all you need to bring is enthusiasm and maybe a camera for the fish photos. Don't let another season slip by – book your spot with 'Ohana Sportfishing Charters and discover why Cape Cod's nearshore fishing keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Our 23' SeaCraft Center Console is built for Cape Cod's inshore waters and perfect for targeting scup and tautog. This motorboat comfortably handles up to 5 anglers with plenty of deck space for bottom fishing and jigging. The boat comes equipped with a fish finder to locate those rocky bottom structures where tautog love to hide, plus GPS and radar for safe navigation around Cape Cod's waters. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 6-hour trip. The center console design gives everyone easy access to the fishing action while providing a stable platform for beginners learning saltwater techniques. With a experienced captain and first mate aboard, this vessel has everything needed for a successful day chasing these tasty bottom fish in Cape Cod's productive inshore grounds.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as locals call them, are perfect for beginners and families. These silver, deep-bodied fish typically run 10-14 inches and put up a scrappy fight for their size. You'll find them near structure and sandy bottoms from spring through fall when they migrate inshore. They're bottom feeders with strong jaws, crushing clams, worms, and small crabs. What guests love most is how cooperative they are - great action keeps kids engaged, and they're some of the best eating fish around here. The meat is firm and mild, perfect for the table. Pro tip: when bottom fishing, keep your bait moving with gentle jigs. Scup are curious and that subtle motion often triggers the bite when they're being picky.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called blackfish, tautog are chunky, hard-fighting fish that live around rocks, jetties, and structure near shore. They average 1-3 pounds but can reach over 20 pounds with age. These guys have powerful jaws built for crushing crabs, mussels, and barnacles. Spring through fall offers the best action when they move inshore. What makes them special is their stubborn fight - they'll dive straight back to the rocks when hooked. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. My tip: use green crab bait and crush up some shells around your spot to create a scent trail. Change your bait every few minutes since fresh crab is key to triggering strikes.
Cape Cod