Cape Cod Striped Bass and Bluefish Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour morning charter targets striped bass and bluefish inshoreProfessional captain provides tackle, bait, and fish cleaning servicesSeason runs May through September with fourperson maximum capacity
Captain Bob Joyce knows Cape Cod Bay like the back of his hand, and his five-hour morning trips from Sesuit Harbor are where serious anglers go to hook into some of the East Coast's most prized gamefish. Starting at first light – 7:00 AM sharp – you'll be out on the water when the stripers and blues are most active, giving you the best shot at filling your cooler. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter operation; Bob runs a tight ship with top-shelf gear and decades of local knowledge that puts fish in the boat season after season.
You're looking at five solid hours of fishing time aboard a 27-foot Polar that's built for Cape Cod's conditions. Twin engines mean you'll get to the fish faster and have backup power when you need it most. The boat's got a private head, which is always appreciated on longer trips, and plenty of room for up to four anglers to fish comfortably without getting lines tangled. Bob provides everything you need tackle-wise – we're talking quality Shimano and Penn reels paired with rods that can handle everything from schoolie stripers to bull bluefish. The $625 rate covers your fishing license, all tackle, lures, and live bait that Bob catches fresh during the trip. Plus, he'll clean and fillet your catch right at the dock, so you're walking away with dinner-ready fillets instead of a messy cooler full of whole fish.
Cape Cod Bay's inshore waters offer multiple approaches depending on what the fish are doing. Bob starts most trips by catching fresh bait – usually mackerel or herring – which gives you a huge advantage over boats running frozen bait all day. Live-lining these baits near structure and drop-offs is deadly for big stripers, especially early in the morning when they're actively feeding. When the bluefish are around, you'll switch to wire leaders and heavier tackle since these fish have razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through mono in seconds. Depending on conditions, you might be jigging heavy metals in deeper water, trolling umbrella rigs along the edges, or casting topwater plugs when fish are busting bait on the surface. Bob reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the trip, which is why his repeat customer rate is so high.
Striped bass are the main attraction here, and Cape Cod Bay consistently produces some of the best striper fishing on the East Coast. These fish typically run 24 to 40 inches during peak season, with plenty of keeper-sized fish mixed in with larger breeder bass that you'll photograph and release. Stripers are structure-oriented predators that follow baitfish movements, so Bob's constantly adjusting locations based on where the food is. They're most active during moving water – incoming and outgoing tides – and early morning trips give you prime feeding windows. What makes stripers so special is their fight; they're powerful fish that make long runs and jump when hooked, giving you a battle that's worth the early wake-up call.
Bluefish bring a completely different energy to the trip. These aggressive predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Blues typically range from 3 to 10 pounds in these waters, with occasional larger fish pushing into the teens. They're voracious feeders that'll hit almost anything you throw at them, making them perfect for less experienced anglers who want steady action. What's exciting about bluefish is their aggression – they'll often hit lures at boatside and fight hard right to the net. They're also excellent table fare when handled properly, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
This charter runs seasonally from May 15 through September 30, hitting the prime months when both stripers and blues are most active in Cape Cod Bay. Early season offers great striper action as fish move in to feed, while mid-summer brings consistent mixed bags of both species. Bob's morning departure time puts you on the water when fish are most cooperative, and the five-hour duration gives you plenty of time to work different areas and tactics. Just remember to bring your own food and drinks – coffee and breakfast sandwiches are highly recommended for these early starts. With only four spots available per trip, weekends and prime summer dates fill up fast, so don't wait if you're serious about experiencing some of Cape Cod's best inshore fishing action.
"Tigger Too" is your ticket to Cape Cod's best inshore fishing action. This 27-foot Polar boat cuts through Cape Cod Bay waters with twin 225 HP Yamahas, getting you to the striped bass and bluefish hotspots fast. Captain Bob has rigged her with everything serious anglers need - GPS to mark those productive spots, fish finder to locate schools below, and a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on feeding fish without spooking them. The boat handles up to 4 fishermen comfortably with a private head onboard, so you can focus on what matters - working the rips and drop-offs where the big bass hunt. From the spacious fishing deck, you'll have room to cast, fight fish, and move around safely while targeting Cape Cod's famous stripers and aggressive blues that make these waters legendary.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that'll hit anything that moves, making them perfect for anglers who want non-stop action. These blue-green fighters typically run 3-15 pounds and have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through just about anything. They cruise Cape Cod Bay's open waters and sandy areas, often feeding in spectacular surface frenzies we call "bluefish blitzes." Peak season runs June through September when they're fattening up on pogies and anchovies. What guests love most? The explosive strikes and steady action - when you find one, there's usually a whole school nearby. Just remember to bring wire leaders or heavy mono; their teeth will cut through light line faster than you can say "fish on."
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of Cape Cod Bay fishing, running 20-40 pounds on average with plenty of muscle to test your drag. These silver beauties with their distinctive black stripes love structure - you'll find them around drop-offs, sand bars, and rocky areas where baitfish gather. They're most active during our season from May through September, especially early morning when the water's cooler. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great on the table, and their seasonal migration brings fresh fish through our waters all summer. Pro tip: when you see birds working the surface, cast toward the commotion - stripers are likely feeding underneath those bait schools.
Cape Cod