5.0(1 Reviews)Cape Cod Inshore Black Sea Bass and Bluefish Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Familyfriendly inshore fishing targeting sea bass and bluefishAll fishing gear and licenses included in charter priceProfessional first mate assistance with 6guest maximum capacity
There's nothing quite like the excitement of pulling up a feisty black sea bass or battling a hard-fighting bluefish in Cape Cod's legendary inshore waters. Captain Bruce and the Strike 2 Fishing Charters crew know exactly where to find the action, whether you're a seasoned angler or introducing the kids to their first real fishing adventure. These productive waters have been feeding families for generations, and now it's your turn to experience what makes Cape Cod fishing so special. With all gear and licenses included, you can focus on what matters most – making memories and maybe landing dinner for the whole family.
This family-friendly charter targets the best of Cape Cod's inshore fishery, adjusting to the tides and conditions to put you on the most active fish. You'll be fishing for a mixed bag that includes black sea bass, scup (also known as porgies), striped bass, and bluefish – all species that fight hard and taste even better. The crew handles up to six guests comfortably, making it perfect for families or small groups who want personalized attention without the crowds of larger party boats. Captain Bruce reads the water like a book, moving between productive spots based on tide changes, bait movements, and seasonal patterns that only come from years of experience in these waters. The atmosphere stays relaxed and educational, especially when kids are aboard, but don't mistake that for boring – when the fish are biting, everyone gets caught up in the action. Since meals aren't provided, pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up during the fishing peaks.
Inshore fishing around Cape Cod means working structure – rocky bottoms, ledges, and drop-offs where baitfish congregate and predators follow. You'll primarily be bottom fishing with traditional rigs, using everything from high-low rigs for sea bass and scup to live bait presentations when the stripers are around. The crew provides all the tackle you'll need, from lightweight spinning gear perfect for kids to heavier setups when the bluefish are running thick. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself drifting over rocky bottom for sea bass, anchoring up on a productive spot, or even doing some light trolling if the blues are scattered. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you're pulling up dinner-plate-sized scup, the next you're fighting a striper that's testing your drag. Captain Bruce and the crew will coach you through proper technique, from setting the hook to fighting fish effectively, making sure everyone from first-timers to experienced anglers has the skills to make the most of every bite.
"Thank you to Capt Bruce for a great fishing experience! Our group had a fantastic time! We traveled all the way from Sunapee, NH. He got us on the fish and caught about 8 pds of black sea bass and a couple of scup. Every time I put my hook in the water I caught a fish...even if some weren't keepers I had a blast catching them! My goal was to catch a shark and I did!!! It was a sand shark, but still...lol...thanks again for an awesome trip! Definitely recommend!!" - Kimberly
Black sea bass are the bread and butter of Cape Cod inshore fishing, and for good reason. These chunky, aggressive fish live around rocky structure and hit baits with authority that'll wake you up if you're daydreaming. They typically run 1-3 pounds in these waters, with bigger specimens pushing 4-5 pounds if you're lucky. Sea bass are most active from late spring through fall, and they're notorious for their curiosity – they'll often investigate anything that moves near their territory. What makes them so popular with families is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare. The meat is firm, white, and mild, making it perfect for picky eaters. Plus, they're relatively easy for kids to handle once they're in the boat.
Scup, or porgies as many locals call them, might be smaller than sea bass, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and scrappy attitudes. These silvery fish school heavily around structure and can provide non-stop action when you find them. They're perfect for keeping kids engaged since the bites come fast and furious. Scup typically run 8-14 inches, and while they're not the biggest fish in the ocean, they're incredibly tasty when prepared right. Many veteran anglers target them specifically for fish cakes and fish tacos. They're most active during the warmer months and often feed aggressively during tide changes.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of New England fishing, and Cape Cod's inshore waters hold some beautiful fish. These silver-sided fighters can range from schoolie-sized fish around 20 inches to keeper-sized stripers that'll test your tackle and your skills. Stripers are incredibly smart and can be finicky feeders, making them a rewarding challenge for more experienced anglers while still being catchable for beginners when they're feeding actively. They're most active during dawn and dusk periods, and their seasonal migrations bring them through Cape Cod waters in good numbers from spring through fall.
Bluefish bring the raw power that gets every angler's heart pumping. These toothy predators are pure aggression, hitting baits hard and fighting all the way to the boat. Blues can range from snapper-sized fish perfect for kids to chopper blues that'll challenge even experienced anglers. They're incredibly strong for their size and known for their bulldogging runs that'll have your drag screaming. While they're not everyone's favorite table fare due to their oily, strong-flavored meat, fresh bluefish prepared properly is actually delicious – and the fight alone makes them worth targeting. They're most active during warmer months and often travel in schools, so when you find one
Get ready to chase black sea bass and bluefish around Cape Cod's productive inshore waters aboard Strike 2's 30-foot Black Watch. This solid fishing platform runs on twin 250hp Cummins diesels that'll cruise you to the hotspots at 22 knots, while the flybridge gives your captain perfect visibility to spot working birds and structure. The fish finder will help locate those bass holding tight to bottom, and when the fog rolls in, radar keeps you safe and on fish. Your first mate handles the details so you can focus on getting bent rods. The boat's icebox and fridge keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh, plus there's a head onboard for comfort during longer trips. All your tackle and licenses are covered, and with room for six anglers, it's perfect for family fishing where the kids might just out-fish the adults. These Cape Cod waters are loaded with cooperative porgies, scrappy sea bass, hard-fighting stripers, and aggressive blues depending on the tide - you'll head home with dinner and stories.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting bottom dwellers that love structure - wrecks, rocky ledges, and old pilings are prime spots. Most run 1-4 pounds, with their distinctive black coloration and that big mouth ready to inhale your bait. They're available late spring through fall in 30-100 feet of water. What guests love is the steady action and fantastic eating quality - firm, white, sweet meat that rivals any restaurant fish. They'll hit squid strips, clams, or jigs worked near bottom. The fight is strong and bulldogging until they reach the surface. My go-to tip: use a fish finder rig with squid and be ready to set the hook quickly. Sea bass have those crushing jaws, so once they grab your bait, they're usually hooked solid.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are pure aggression with fins - these blue-green torpedoes show up in Cape Cod waters from June through October and provide some of the most exciting fishing around. They typically run 2-10 pounds here, with those razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through wire if you're not careful. Look for them in feeding frenzies near baitfish schools, often giving away their location when birds start diving. They hit hard and fight dirty, making long runs and jumping. Fresh blues under 5 pounds are delicious - oily, rich meat that's perfect grilled. Larger ones can be strong-tasting. Best tip: when you find a blitz, work fast with spoons or poppers. Blues travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually many more.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies as most folks call them, are perfect for families and kids learning to fish. These silver-sided bottom dwellers run 1-3 pounds typically and have those sharp dorsal spines that'll get you if you're not careful. They hang around rocky areas, wrecks, and pilings in 20-60 feet of water from May through October. What makes them great is they're easy to catch and excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're also fantastic live bait for stripers. Scup will hit squid, clams, or marine worms readily. Pro tip: use a light touch when they bite. They have small mouths and will drop the bait if they feel too much pressure. A slow, steady lift usually hooks them perfectly.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing - these silvery bruisers with distinctive black stripes can grow massive, sometimes hitting 40+ pounds around here. They love structure like rocky points, drop-offs, and rips where baitfish get pushed around. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their migration runs when they're fattening up on pogies and sand eels. What makes them special is the fight - they'll make long runs and really test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating when prepared fresh. The meat is sweet and flaky. Local tip: focus on moving water during tide changes, especially dawn and dusk. Stripers are ambush predators, so look for current breaks where they can pin baitfish against structure.
5.0 out of 5.0Thank you to Capt Bruce for a great fishing experience! Our group had a fantastic time! We traveled all the way from Sunapee, NH. ...
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