Private Fluke Fishing Cape Cod & Nantucket
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target jumbo fluke in rarely fished waters south of Nantucket.All gear, tackle, and fishing licenses included with charter.Sixguest capacity with backup black sea bass fishing available.
Looking for a fishing trip that'll put you on fish most Cape Cod anglers never even dream about? Strike 2 Fishing Charters has cracked the code on landing jumbo fluke in waters that barely see any recreational pressure. We're talking about the productive grounds south of Nantucket and the legendary Nantucket Shoals - prime real estate where doormat fluke hang out in numbers that'll make your drag scream. This isn't your typical inshore drift, we're heading to the spots where the big girls live, and trust me, you're going to love what we find out there.
This private charter takes up to six anglers to some of the most productive fluke grounds on the East Coast. We launch early and make the run south to waters that most recreational boats never touch - partly because they don't know about them, and partly because they don't have the range to get there comfortably. The Nantucket Shoals are where the magic happens, with structure and current that creates perfect ambush points for trophy summer flounder. You'll be drifting over sandy bottom mixed with patches of shell and rock where these flatfish stack up like cordwood. The boat's equipped with top-shelf electronics, so we're not just fishing blind - we can see the bottom composition, bait schools, and often the fish themselves before we even drop a line. If we limit out early on fluke (and that happens more often than you'd think out here), we shift gears and head inshore to load up on black sea bass for a mixed bag that'll fill your cooler and then some.
Fluke fishing is all about presenting your bait naturally along the bottom, and that means mastering the drift. We use a combination of traditional bucktails tipped with squid strips, gulp baits, and live bait when conditions call for it. The key is keeping your rig in the strike zone - that bottom foot of water where fluke do their feeding. We'll be using sinkers ranging from 4 to 8 ounces depending on current and depth, with most of our fishing happening in 60 to 120 feet of water. The captain adjusts boat position constantly to maintain the perfect drift speed, usually around 0.8 to 1.2 knots. All rods, reels, tackle, and licenses are included, so you don't need to worry about rigging or regulations. The spinning gear is perfectly matched to the conditions - sensitive enough to feel those subtle fluke bites but with enough backbone to handle fish pushing 8 or 9 pounds. When we transition to sea bass fishing, we switch to different rigs designed for vertical jigging around structure, using everything from diamond jigs to soft plastics depending on what the fish are telling us they want.
Summer flounder, or fluke as we call them up here, are the ultimate flatfish predator and the main target on this trip. These ambush hunters bury themselves in sand with just their eyes showing, waiting for baitfish, squid, or crabs to cruise by before exploding upward for the kill. In the deeper waters south of Nantucket, we're targeting fish in the 3 to 8 pound range regularly, with legitimate shots at doormat fluke over 5 pounds that'll make for wall-hangers and dinner table stories for years. Peak season runs from late May through September, but the summer months of July and August consistently produce the biggest fish as they feed heavily before their fall migration. What makes fluke so exciting to catch isn't just their size - it's their fight. A big fluke will make several powerful runs and has a knack for getting tangled in the leader or throwing the hook with those violent head shakes. Plus, they're absolutely fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for everything from fish tacos to beer-battered fillets.
Black sea bass round out the day when fluke action slows or we've reached our limit. These chunky, aggressive fighters love structure and will hit just about anything you put in front of them with authority. Sea bass in these waters typically run 1 to 3 pounds, with bigger fish always possible around the right structure. They're scrappy fighters that dive straight for cover when hooked, testing your drag and technique. The season peaks in summer when they're feeding heavily on crabs, worms, and small baitfish around rocky bottom and wrecks. What anglers love about sea bass is their reliability - when you find them, you can usually catch them, making them perfect for filling out a cooler when the fluke bite gets tough. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or pan-frying.
Cape Cod fluke fishing doesn't get much better than this, especially when you're targeting waters that see minimal pressure from other anglers. The combination of productive grounds, quality gear, and local knowledge makes this trip a standout choice for serious anglers looking to upgrade their typical fishing experience. Whether you're after a personal best fluke or just want to load the cooler with quality fish, the waters south of Nantucket deliver consistently throughout the season. Remember, the first mate works for tips with 20% being standard for good service, and you'll want to bring your own food and drinks for the day. This is the kind of fishing trip that separates the weekend warriors from the serious stick - book your spot with Strike 2 Fishing Charters and see why anglers keep coming back to these legendary fluke grounds year after year.
Strike 2's 30-foot Black Watch is built for serious fluke fishing in the productive waters south of Nantucket. Twin 250hp Cummins engines push this fishing machine at 22 knots, getting you to the Nantucket Shoals where jumbo fluke wait. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting fish, while the fish finder pinpoints exactly where they're holding. With GPS and radar onboard, you'll fish safely even when fog rolls in. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, with an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Your first mate knows these waters and will help you land that personal best fluke. If you limit out early on the premium-sized flatfish, you'll head inshore for black sea bass action. Everything's included except tips for the mate—20% is standard for good service on the water.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are scrappy fighters that love structure. These chunky, dark fish typically run 1-4 pounds around here, though we see some 6+ pounders on deeper wrecks. They hang around rocks, jetties, and shipwrecks in 30-120 feet of water. Spring through fall is best when they move inshore to feed and spawn. The bigger males develop a blue tint and prominent hump during breeding season. What guests love about sea bass is their aggressive strike and strong initial fight, plus they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat. They'll hit almost anything - squid strips, clams, jigs. My tip: use a two-hook rig with squid on both hooks. These guys are curious and often travel in schools, so where you catch one, there's usually more below.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are the flatfish everyone wants to catch around here. These bottom-dwelling predators use perfect camouflage to ambush prey like sand eels and crabs. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big females can hit 8+ pounds and make your drag scream. They live on sandy bottoms from 20-100 feet, especially around the Nantucket Shoals where we fish. Late spring through fall is prime time when they're actively feeding. What makes fluke special is their fight - they pull hard and stay deep, plus they're hands down the best eating fish in these waters. Here's a local trick: when you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook. Fluke bite sideways and need time to turn the bait.
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