Cape Cod Offshore Black Sea Bass and Scup Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target jumbo fluke, sea bass, blackfish, porgies, stripers and bluesAll gear, tackle and fishing licenses included in charterExperienced crew guides guests to prime Cape Cod fishing grounds
Get ready to hit some of the most productive fishing grounds along the Massachusetts coast with Strike 2 Fishing Charters. This offshore adventure takes you beyond the protected waters of Cape Cod Bay and out to the legendary fishing spots between Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. You'll be targeting the big boys – jumbo fluke, hefty sea bass, stubborn blackfish, and whatever else is biting in these fish-rich waters. With room for up to six anglers, this charter keeps things personal while maximizing your chances at landing trophy-sized catches that'll have you bragging for years.
Your day starts with an experienced crew who knows these waters like the back of their hand. We're talking about prime offshore structure – rocky bottom, ledges, and drop-offs that hold serious fish. The boat is rigged with quality gear and tackle, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your appetite for action and maybe some snacks to keep your energy up during the longer fights. The first mate will be there to help with everything from baiting hooks to netting your catch, and they work for tips – 20% is standard when they're busting their tail to put you on fish. These aren't inshore dinks we're chasing; we're heading to spots where the big fluke lay flat against the bottom and sea bass stack up like cordwood around the structure.
Offshore bottom fishing is the name of the game here, and it's all about reading the electronics and working the structure properly. You'll be using conventional reels spooled with braided line for maximum sensitivity and hook-setting power. The crew runs a mix of high-low rigs, bucktails, and jigs depending on what's working that day. When you're drifting over rocky bottom in 40-80 feet of water, you need gear that can handle the pressure – both from the fish and the snaggy terrain below. The captain will position the boat over productive spots using GPS waypoints that have produced fish year after year. Don't be surprised if you're dropping down 6-8 ounce sinkers to get your bait to the bottom quickly in the current. The key is keeping contact with the bottom while staying mobile enough to work different depths as fish move throughout the day.
Tautog, locally called blackfish, are the bruisers of this fishery and they fight like they're twice their size. These fish love rocky structure and have crushing jaws that can snap your line if you're not careful. They typically run 3-8 pounds in these waters, with doormat-sized fish pushing double digits. Spring and fall are prime time for tog, when they're feeding heavily before and after their summer spawning period. What makes them so exciting is their initial run – they'll head straight for the rocks the second they feel the hook, testing your drag and your nerves.
Black sea bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. They're aggressive biters, excellent table fare, and surprisingly strong fighters for their size. Most of the keepers you'll catch range from 1-4 pounds, but the jumbos can push 6-7 pounds and provide serious rod-bending action. These fish are curious by nature and often travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more below. They're most active during the warmer months from May through October, making them a reliable target when other species might be finicky.
Summer flounder, or fluke, are the flatfish that dreams are made of in these waters. The "doormat" fluke that cruise these offshore grounds can stretch well over 24 inches and weigh 5-10 pounds or more. They're ambush predators that lay camouflaged on sandy bottoms near structure, waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. What makes fluke fishing so addictive is the subtle bite – you might think you're just feeling bottom until you lift the rod and realize you've got a barn door on the other end. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall.
Striped bass are the iconic gamefish of New England waters, and the offshore grounds between Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard hold some serious cows. These fish can range from schoolie size up to trophy bass pushing 40+ inches. They're opportunistic feeders that will hit everything from live eels to chunk baits, and when a big striper decides to eat, you'll know it immediately. The power and stamina of a 20+ pound striper in open water is something every angler should experience at least once.
Scup, also known as porgies, might be smaller than the other target species, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. These silver-sided fighters rarely exceed 2 pounds, but they school heavily around structure and provide non-stop action when the bite is on. They're particularly active during the summer months and are perfect for keeping kids and novice anglers engaged when the bigger fish are being picky. Plus, they're outstanding table fare when prepared properly.
The offshore waters between Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard represent some of the most consistent and productive fishing grounds in New England. With Strike 2 Fishing Charters, you're getting access to decades of local knowledge, quality equipment, and fishing spots that consistently produce memorable catches. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next personal best or someone wanting to experience world-class offshore fishing for the first time, this charter delivers the goods. The small group size means personalized attention, more fishing time, and better chances at landing the fish of a lifetime. Don't wait around hoping for the perfect conditions – book your trip now and get ready to see why Cape Cod's offshore fishing grounds have earned their reputation as some of the best on the East Coast.
Jump aboard Strike 2's solid 30-foot Black Watch and get ready to chase some serious fish in Cape Cod waters. This motorboat packs twin 250hp Cummins engines that'll cruise you out to the productive grounds at 22 knots, putting you on the fish fast. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting activity, while the fish finder does the heavy lifting to locate schools of black sea bass and scup hiding below. Your first mate knows these waters inside and out and will keep you on the bite all day. The boat handles six anglers comfortably with an onboard head, icebox and fridge to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. GPS and radar keep you safe when weather moves in. All your gear, tackle and licenses are covered - just grab some snacks and you're set. The mate works for tips, with 20% being standard for good service. These offshore waters around Martha's Vineyard hold some chunky sea bass and keeper scup, so come ready to fill the cooler.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are solid fighters that live around structure in 20-120 feet of water. These chunky fish average 1-4 pounds but can hit 8+ pounds around deeper wrecks and rocky bottom. They're plentiful from late spring through fall when they move inshore to feed. What makes them popular is their aggressive strike and excellent eating - firm white meat that's hard to beat. Males turn brilliant blue during spawning and develop that distinctive hump on their heads. They'll hit squid, clams, and jigs worked near bottom. Pro tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run a bit - they like to mouth the bait before committing.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies, are scrappy little fighters that show up in big numbers from May through October. They average 8-12 inches but can reach 18 inches and 4 pounds. These silver-scaled fish love rocky bottom and structure where they root around crushing shellfish with powerful jaws. While they're not the biggest fish we target, they're incredibly fun on light tackle and make excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's underrated. They also work great as live bait for bigger stripers. Best part is they're usually cooperative when other fish aren't biting. Simple setup works best: small hooks, light sinkers, and pieces of squid or clam. Fish right on bottom and be ready - they hit fast and fight hard for their size.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of our waters - powerful fighters that can reach 20-50 pounds around Cape Cod. These silvery predators with distinctive black stripes roam both shallow and deep water, following baitfish along rips, bars, and structure. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their raw power and stamina - they'll peel drag and test every knot. The meat is excellent too, with firm texture and mild flavor. They're smart fish that require different tactics daily. During our trips, watch for diving birds or surface activity - that's where the feeding bass are. When the bite gets tough, switch to live bait like mackerel or herring.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer fluke are the ultimate ambush predators - flat, camouflaged hunters that can grow massive. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big females can push 10+ pounds and make for lifetime memories. They bury in sand near structure, waiting to crush baitfish, squid, and crabs. Best fishing is May through October in 15-60 feet over mixed bottom. What guests love is the fight - they're strong swimmers that use their flat bodies like a sail underwater. Plus, fluke are premium table fare with delicate, sweet meat. Fall fishing is peak when they're fattening up before moving offshore. Key trick: use a slow drift with your bait just off bottom. They strike from below, so keep that offering moving naturally in the current.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, or blackfish, are tough customers with thick skin and serious attitude. These wrasse hang tight to rocky structure year-round - jetties, boulders, wrecks - where they crunch shellfish all day. Most run 1-3 pounds, but we've seen 6-8 pounders that'll test your gear. They're territorial fighters that don't give up easy, plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. Peak season here is late April through November when they're feeding heavy before winter. Green crabs work best - remove the legs and claws, then crush them up around your fishing spot to get them fired up. The scent drives them crazy. Just watch your tackle around those rocks.
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