Cape Cod Offshore Black Sea Bass and Scup Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target jumbo fluke, sea bass, blackfish, and stripers offshoreSix-person capacity with experienced crew and included gearPrime fishing grounds between Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard
When you're ready to get serious about bottom fishing around Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, this offshore charter puts you right where the action is. Strike 2 Fishing Charters knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on some of the most productive fishing grounds in New England. We're talking about hitting offshore structure where the big black sea bass hang out, plus getting into schools of chunky scup that'll keep your rod bent all day. With room for up to 6 anglers, you get plenty of elbow room without feeling like you're fishing in a crowd. The crew handles all the heavy lifting – gear, tackle, bait, and even your fishing license – so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the cooler.
This isn't your typical harbor tour – we're heading offshore to where the real fish live. The captain and crew know exactly which wrecks, reefs, and ledges are holding fish on any given day, and they're not shy about moving around until they find the bite. You'll be fishing in 60 to 120 feet of water most days, working the bottom structure where black sea bass and scup love to feed. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle these hard-fighting bottom dwellers, plus all the terminal tackle you'll need. Don't worry if you've never fished these waters before – the first mate is there to help with everything from rigging up to landing fish. Just remember to bring cash for the mate's tip (20% is standard), plus your own food and drinks for the day. The fishing grounds around the Vineyard and Cape Cod are some of the most consistent in New England, but like any fishing trip, Mother Nature calls the shots on conditions.
We're fishing the bottom here, which means you'll be learning the art of reading structure and feeling the bite through your rod tip. The crew sets you up with high-low rigs and bank sinkers heavy enough to stay put in the current, typically 8 to 12 ounces depending on the drift. Fresh bait is key – squid, sea worms, and clams are the go-to choices that these fish can't resist. The trick is keeping your bait right on the bottom where the sea bass and scup are feeding, but not so tight that you're constantly snagged up. You'll learn to work the structure by dropping down, taking up slack, and feeling for that telltale tap-tap of a fish picking up your bait. When the bite is on, it's fast and furious – these fish don't mess around. The experienced crew knows how to position the boat over productive spots and will coach you through proper technique to maximize your success. GPS and fish finders help locate the underwater structure, but reading the water and understanding fish behavior is what separates a good day from a great day on these grounds.
Black sea bass are the stars of this show, and Cape Cod's offshore waters produce some真正 impressive specimens. These chunky bottom dwellers typically run 2 to 4 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 5 or 6-pounder that'll test your drag system. They're aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight harder, using their broad sides to pull against you all the way to the boat. Black sea bass are most active from late spring through fall, with peak action happening during the summer months when water temperatures are optimal. What makes them so popular with anglers is their combination of fight and flavor – they're arguably one of the best eating fish in New England waters. Scup, also known as porgy, might not get the same respect as sea bass, but they're fantastic table fare and willing biters that keep the action steady. These silvery fighters typically range from 1 to 3 pounds and school up in large numbers around the same structure that holds sea bass. They're perfect for beginners because they bite readily and fight just hard enough to be fun without overpowering lighter tackle. The best part about targeting scup is their abundance – when you find a school, you can often catch them as fast as you can drop your line.
Cape Cod offshore fishing doesn't get much better than this setup with Strike 2 Fishing Charters. You're getting experienced local knowledge, quality equipment, and access to some of the most productive black sea bass and scup grounds in New England waters. The 6-person limit means you won't be fighting for rail space, and having everything included except food and drinks makes it easy to just show up ready to fish. These offshore trips book up fast during prime season, especially when word gets out about good fishing. The combination of Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod fishing grounds gives the captain plenty of options to find fish regardless of conditions. Whether you're looking to put meat in the freezer or just want to experience some of the best bottom fishing the Northeast has to offer, this charter delivers the goods. Don't sleep on booking – the best fishing windows fill up quickly, and you don't want to be stuck on shore when the bite is hot.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our 30-foot Black Watch, perfectly rigged for Cape Cod's productive offshore waters. Twin 250HP Cummins engines cruise at 22 knots, getting you to the best sea bass and scup grounds quickly. The flybridge gives our captain excellent visibility for spotting bird activity and structure, while the fish finder pinpoints schools below. With GPS and radar onboard, we fish confidently in any conditions. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to work the rails. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and grab cold drinks from the refrigerator between fish. Our first mate rigs lines, nets fish, and keeps things running smooth so you focus on fishing. All tackle and licenses included – just bring your appetite for some serious bottom fishing action in these legendary New England waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable fighters that make great table fare around Cape Cod waters. Most fish we catch run 2-4 pounds, though the deeper wrecks hold some real doormat-sized ones pushing 6+ pounds. They hang around structure - wrecks, rocky bottom, and artificial reefs in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is prime time when they move inshore. What guests love is their aggressive strike and steady fight, plus they're some of the best eating fish we target. The white, flaky meat is perfect for the dinner table. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook immediately. Count to two, then lift firm. They often mouth the bait first before committing.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies, are the workhorses of Cape Cod fishing - reliable, abundant, and surprisingly good on the table. Most run 10-14 inches with those distinctive silver scales that flash in the sun. You'll find them around rocky areas, wrecks, and pilings from May through October, usually in 15-60 feet of water. They're bottom feeders with strong jaws built for crushing shells. What guests appreciate is how willing they bite and how they bend the rod with their scrappy fight for their size. Plus, they make excellent table fare and great live bait for stripers. Pro tip: use small hooks with squid or clam pieces, and fish right on the bottom. When one bites, stay put - scup travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the king of Cape Cod fishing - powerful, smart, and built for the fight. Most fish we see run 20-40 pounds, with those classic dark stripes down silver sides. They patrol our rips, shoals, and structure from spring through late fall, following baitfish like pogies and sand eels. What makes them special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll take line and test your drag. Plus, they're great eating when kept within regulations. The seasonal migration brings world-class fishing right to our backyard. My go-to tip: watch for birds working baitfish on the surface. When you see diving terns or gulls, get your live bait or jigs ready - the stripers are usually feeding underneath.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are the chameleons of our local waters - masters of disguise lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush baitfish. Most run 15-20 inches, but we regularly see doormat fluke over 5 pounds around Cape Cod's channels and drop-offs. They prefer sandy or mixed bottom in 20-60 feet, especially near structure edges. Peak season runs May through October when they're actively feeding inshore. Guests love the challenge - these fish can be finicky, but when they hit, it's a strong fight with lots of head shakes. Plus, they're premium table fare. Local tip: always use a bucktail jig tipped with squid or spearing, and keep it moving. A slow, steady retrieve with occasional hops works best.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called blackfish, tautog are tough fighters that love rocky structure and jetties. Most run 1-3 pounds, but we see some pushing 8+ pounds around Cape Cod's deeper rocks. They're built like tanks with thick skin and powerful jaws made for crushing crabs and mussels. Best fishing is late spring through fall when they move inshore to feed. What makes them special is their scrappy fight - they'll pull straight down into the rocks. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. My tip: use green crabs and fish right at the structure edge, not directly over it. Drop your bait, feel for bottom, then lift it just a foot or two. Too close to the rocks and you'll get snagged; too far and they won't find it.
Cape Cod, MA and Island's