Full Day Cape Cod Striped Bass Inshore Charter
When you're ready to get serious about Cape Cod fishing, Captain Bob Joyce and the Tigger Too crew have you covered. This seven-hour deep dive into Cape Cod Bay's most productive waters is where stripers and blues come to play, and where anglers leave with coolers full of fillets and stories that'll last all winter. Departing from Sesuit Harbor at 7 AM sharp, you'll spend the day working the flats, structure, and drop-offs that make this stretch of water legendary among New England fishermen.
What to Expect on the Water
The Tigger Too is a serious fishing machine – a 27-foot Polar with twin engines that'll get you to the fish fast and keep you comfortable all day. Captain Bob knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about sharing the spots that consistently produce keeper-sized fish. The boat comes equipped with a private head, which is clutch on those long days when the bite is hot and nobody wants to head back to shore. You'll be fishing with top-shelf Shimano and Penn tackle that's perfectly matched to Cape Cod conditions, plus all the lures and live bait you'll need. Speaking of live bait – Bob catches it fresh during the trip, which makes all the difference when the fish are being picky. The $800 rate covers everything except your lunch and drinks, so pack a cooler and settle in for a day of serious fishing. Groups are kept small at just four anglers max, which means plenty of room to work and personalized attention from the captain.
Proven Techniques & Tactics
Cape Cod Bay fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Captain Bob runs a mixed bag of techniques depending on conditions – you might start the morning trolling wire line with umbrella rigs to cover water and locate schools, then switch to live eels or pogies when you mark fish on the finder. The rocky structure and eelgrass beds hold bait all season long, and that's where the big stripers set up to ambush. When the blues are around, they're usually not shy about hitting anything that moves, but the striped bass require more finesse. You'll learn to work soft plastics along the bottom, present live bait in the current, and time your retrieves to match the mood of the fish. The captain provides all the terminal tackle and will retie rigs as needed – these fish have teeth and attitude, so expect to lose some gear to bluefish or structure. The twin-engine setup on the Tigger Too gives you the power to hold position in current or move quickly between spots when the action slows down.
Top Catches This Season
Cape Cod Bay consistently delivers some of the Northeast's best inshore fishing action. The striped bass here range from schoolies up to true cows pushing 40-plus pounds, with the peak season running from late May through September when water temperatures hit that sweet spot. These fish are aggressive feeders in the bay's rich waters, gorging on sand eels, mackerel, and squid that get pushed around by the tides. Bluefish complement the striper action perfectly – they're hard fighters that'll test your drag and provide steady action when the bass get lockjaw. Blues in the 5-15 pound range are common, with occasional choppers hitting the scales at 20 pounds or more. Both species respond well to live bait presentations, and Captain Bob's fresh-caught pogies or mackerel often outfish artificials when conditions get tough. The extended seven-hour format gives you time to work different areas and techniques, maximizing your chances at both numbers and trophy fish.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing, and for good reason. These fish are built for battle – broad shoulders, powerful tails, and an attitude that'll have your reel screaming on the first run. In Cape Cod Bay, stripers feed heavily from dawn through mid-morning, then again in the evening hours, though all-day action is common during peak season in June and July. The bigger fish often cruise solo or in small groups, hugging structure where they can ambush baitfish. What makes stripers so special is their intelligence – they'll inspect your bait, follow lures without committing, and generally make you work for every fish. When you do connect, expect multiple runs and head shakes that'll test your tackle and technique. The meat is excellent too, with firm white fillets that are perfect for the grill or broiler.
Bluefish bring pure aggression to the table and are often the fish that save slow striper days. These oceanic predators arrive in Cape Cod Bay following bait schools, and when they're feeding, it's absolute chaos on the water. Blues hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up – even boat-side, they're still looking for something to bite. Their razor-sharp teeth make them notorious for cutting lines and removing fingers from lures, but that's all part of the game. Peak bluefish action typically runs from mid-June through August, with fish ranging from snapper blues perfect for kids up to gator blues that'll straighten hooks. The key with blues is having the right wire leaders and keeping your fingers clear of those teeth. They're also fantastic table fare when handled properly – bleed them immediately and keep them cold for mild, flaky fillets that rival any fish in the sea.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Bob Joyce has built his reputation on putting clients on fish and making sure everyone has a great day on the water. The seven-hour format gives you real value – enough time to explore different areas, try various techniques, and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. With the season running May 15 through September 30, you've got plenty of opportunities to hit the peak bite periods when both stripers and blues are most active. The small group size means personalized instruction for beginners and room to work for experienced anglers. Plus, having your catch professionally cleane