5.0(5 Reviews)Boston Harbor Afternoon Fishing: Cod & Bass Action
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Halfday afternoon fishing trip targeting multiple speciesExpert captain guides beginners and experienced anglers alikeSmall group experience with maximum three guests aboard
Looking for a late-start fishing trip that delivers serious action? This half-day afternoon charter out of Boston Harbor puts you right on top of prime fishing grounds where Striped Bass, Atlantic Cod, Bluefish, and Black Sea Bass are waiting. Captain Eric knows these waters like his own backyard and has been putting anglers on fish here for years. With space for just three guests, you'll get personal attention and plenty of room to work your lines without feeling crowded. This isn't some cattle-boat operation – it's quality fishing with a captain who actually cares about putting you on fish.
You'll meet up in the afternoon when the crowds have thinned out and the fish are getting active again. Captain Eric runs a tight ship with clean gear and everything you need to be successful. The boat heads out to proven spots around Boston Harbor and the surrounding waters, areas that consistently produce keeper fish. This is classic Northeast inshore fishing – you might be working structure for stripers, dropping down for cod, or casting to feeding bluefish depending on what's biting that day. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan accordingly. Don't worry if you're new to saltwater fishing – Eric takes time to show you the ropes and makes sure everyone gets a chance to hook up. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused on fishing, perfect for anglers who want to learn while they catch.
Captain Eric provides all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you'll need for the species you're targeting. Depending on conditions and what's feeding, you might be live-lining pogies for stripers, jigging for cod and sea bass, or casting topwater plugs when the blues are busting bait on the surface. The boat carries a variety of setups from spinning gear for casting to conventional tackle for bottom fishing. You'll learn different techniques throughout the trip – how to work a jig properly, when to set the hook on a live bait bite, and reading your fishfinder to understand what's below. The captain knows which presentations work best in these waters and he's not shy about switching things up if the bite slows down. All bait and tackle is included, so you just need to bring yourself and be ready to fish.
"Our first ocean fishing trip as a family of four—two teens included—was unforgettable! Eric made everything easy with clear communication beforehand and a smooth, well-organized experience on the water. He's incredibly knowledgeable about fishing and knows Boston Harbor like the back of his hand. The boat and gear were spotless and in top condition. Eric was patient, helpful, and made sure we each landed the biggest fish we've ever handled. Whether you're brand new or experienced, you'll have a great time. And the bonus? Eric's a pro photographer, so we got some amazing shots to remember it all. Highly recommend!" - Kimberly
"Fantastic trip from the start! We were on the fish almost immediately, and Eric went above and beyond to make it all happen. Can't say enough about how great the experience was!" - John
"Such a great experience! Captain Eric is not only a skilled fisherman but also a fantastic guide and teacher. He took us to all the right spots around Boston Bay, and the striped bass action was nonstop. It was a pleasure spending quality time as a family on his boat—definitely a day to remember!" - Max
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Boston Harbor fishing and for good reason. These fish fight like freight trains and can range anywhere from schoolies up to 40-pound monsters. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action often happening during moving tides when the bass are feeding aggressively on bunker, pogies, and sand eels. What makes stripers so exciting is their unpredictability – they might be feeding on the surface one minute and hugging the bottom the next. When you hook into a keeper striper in these waters, you're in for a battle that'll test your drag system.
Atlantic Cod bring that classic New England fishing tradition to life. These bottom-dwelling bruisers love the deeper structure around Boston Harbor, especially during cooler months. Cod are aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight dirty, using their bulk to try and wrap you around structure. They're also fantastic table fare – there's nothing quite like fresh cod fillets after a successful day on the water. Size varies from smaller keepers to genuine doormat cod that'll make your arms ache.
Bluefish are the pit bulls of the ocean and when they're feeding, it's pure chaos. These aggressive predators travel in schools and absolutely demolish baitfish, creating feeding frenzies that you can see and hear from a distance. Blues hit lures with authority and fight hard right to the boat. They're active spring through fall around Boston, and when you find them feeding on the surface, it's some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience. Just watch your fingers – those teeth are razor sharp.
Black Sea Bass are the perfect target species for anglers who love precision fishing. These structure-oriented fish live around rocks, wrecks, and reefs where they ambush prey. They're not the biggest fish in the harbor, but they make up for size with attitude and excellent eating quality. Sea bass fishing requires skill – you need to get your bait or lure right into their strike zone and be ready for a quick hookset. They're most active during warmer months and provide steady action when conditions are right.
With only three spots available per trip, this isn't the kind of charter that stays open for long. Captain Eric's reputation for putting anglers on fish and his attention to detail keeps his calendar busy, especially during peak fishing season. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters or someone who's ready to try saltwater fishing for the first
Hit the waters around Boston aboard our reliable 28' Contender center console, powered by twin 300HP Suzuki engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. This 2010 boat handles the chop with ease and gives you plenty of room to work your lines while targeting cod, striped bass, and bluefish in the afternoon bite. The center console design means easy access to all sides for casting and fighting fish, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the action is hot. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox, and let the GPS and radar handle navigation so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's room to spread out without crowding each other's lines. Perfect for those who want to skip the early morning rush and still get into some solid afternoon fishing action around Boston Harbor.
Gadus MorhuaCod are the bread and butter of Boston fishing - steady, reliable, and absolutely delicious on the table. Most of what we catch runs 2-4 feet long, though the occasional big one still cruises our deeper waters. They hug the bottom around rocky areas and ledges, typically 60-200 feet down where they hunt crabs, worms, and small fish. Fall through early spring is your best bet when they're most active in cooler water. Guests love them because they're great for beginners - steady pullers rather than wild fighters - and the meat is about as good as it gets. Pro tip: use a heavy sinker to stay on bottom and keep your bait moving slightly. Dead still won't get their attention like a little movement will.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the perfect "keeper" fish for our half-day trips. These chunky, dark-bodied fish typically weigh 1-4 pounds and love hanging around structure like wrecks, rocky bottom, and old pilings in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What guests really appreciate is they're reliable biters and absolutely delicious - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. They'll put up a decent scrap on the way up, but once they hit the surface they're done fighting. Here's the key: fish right on the bottom with squid or clam strips. They're not shy about taking bait, but you need to be where they are - tight to structure.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are pure aggression with fins - and that's exactly why people love fishing for them. These torpedo-shaped fighters usually run 3-15 pounds in our waters, with razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through anything. You'll find schools of them chasing bait in shallow waters, around jetties, and along the surf line from summer into fall. When they're feeding, the action is fast and furious - water churning, birds diving, total chaos. They hit hard and fight dirty, making long runs that'll test your drag. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids, while the bigger ones give seasoned anglers a real workout. Quick tip: bring a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - their teeth will cut through regular line like butter.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of our local waters, and for good reason. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds around Boston, though we see bigger ones during migration season. They love structure - rocky ledges, drop-offs, and anywhere the current moves bait around. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during dawn and dusk when they push baitfish to the surface. What makes them special is that powerful run when they first feel the hook, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. My local trick? When you see birds working the water, get your line down fast - those stripers won't stay on top long once they scatter the bait.
5.0 out of 5.0Our first ocean fishing trip as a family of four—two teens included—was unforgettable! Eric made everything easy with clear commun...
Fantastic trip from the start! We were on the fish almost immediately, and Eric went above and beyond to make it all happen. Can’t...
Such a great experience! Captain Eric is not only a skilled fisherman but also a fantastic guide and teacher. He took us to all th...
Eric served as an outstanding guide and an exceptional captain. His extensive understanding of the water and knowledge of prime fi...
Chartered Snap Shot Charters and Eric very experienced and had a great boat. Almost had a very disappointing day few hours as we f...
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