Extended Half Day Cape Cod Inshore Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
56 hour inshore charter targeting haddock, sea bass, and flounderCaptain Bill Silva provides all gear and expert guidanceSmall group experience accommodating up to 4 guests maximum
Looking for a solid day on the water without committing to a full 8-hour grind? This 5-6 hour inshore charter with Wine Down Boston hits that sweet spot perfectly. Captain Bill Silva knows these Cape Cod waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some quality fish. We're talking haddock, black sea bass, and winter flounder – the kind of fish that make for great table fare and even better fish stories. With room for up to 4 anglers, this trip keeps things intimate so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized attention from the crew.
Captain Silva runs a tight ship but keeps the atmosphere relaxed and fun for everyone aboard. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing experience or you're a weekend warrior looking to dial in your technique, this crew adapts to your skill level. All the gear comes included – rods, reels, tackle, bait, the works – so you can travel light. The boat heads out to productive inshore grounds where structure and current create the perfect conditions for our target species. Expect to move around a bit throughout the day as the captain reads the conditions and adjusts tactics. You're welcome to bring your own cooler with snacks and drinks, which is always a smart move on longer trips like this. The crew appreciates a 20% tip if they put you on fish and keep the day running smooth.
Inshore fishing around Cape Cod means working a variety of bottom structure, from sandy flats to rocky ledges where these fish like to hang out. Captain Silva typically runs a combination of bottom fishing with conventional tackle and lighter spinning setups depending on what's biting. The crew rigs everything for you – expect to see hi-lo rigs with circle hooks for the bottom fishing, tipped with fresh bait like sea worms, squid, or clams. When the sea bass are active, you might switch to jigs or small soft plastics that mimic the baitfish they're crushing. Water depth usually ranges from 20 to 80 feet, perfect for feeling every bite and fighting fish on lighter tackle. The captain reads his electronics constantly, marking fish and structure, then positioning the boat for optimal drift or anchor fishing depending on conditions.
Haddock are the bread and butter of Cape Cod inshore fishing, and for good reason. These silvery fighters typically run 2-5 pounds in these waters, with the occasional doormat pushing into double digits. They're bottom dwellers that love structure and current, making them perfect targets for this style of fishing. Spring through fall offers the best action, with peak times often coinciding with moving tides. What makes haddock special is their willingness to bite and their excellent table quality – firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for beginners since they don't require super finicky presentations.
Winter flounder might be called "winter" but they're actually most active during the warmer months in these inshore waters. These flatfish are the ultimate light tackle challenge, requiring patience and a gentle touch to detect their subtle bites. They typically range from 12-18 inches with the occasional keeper pushing over 20 inches. Flounder fishing teaches you to really feel your bottom rig and detect those soft taps that signal a fish mouthing your bait. They're notorious for stealing bait, so expect to check and refresh your hooks regularly. When you do connect, that side-to-side fight on light tackle is addictive, and the fillets are absolutely top-tier eating.
Black sea bass are the scrappy fighters of this trio, pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in these waters. They typically run 1-3 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, using rocks and structure to try breaking you off. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when they're most active and aggressive. These fish respond well to both bait and artificials, making them exciting targets for anglers who like to mix up their presentations. Sea bass have a distinctive appearance with their dark coloration and prominent dorsal spines, and they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. The daily limit and size restrictions keep the population healthy, so expect the crew to be on top of regulations.
This extended half-day format gives you the best of both worlds – enough time on the water to really get into the fish without burning an entire day. Captain Silva and his crew have built a solid reputation putting anglers on quality Cape Cod fish while keeping the experience fun and educational. The 4-person capacity ensures everyone gets individual attention and plenty of chances at the rod. With all gear included and expert local knowledge guiding every decision, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. Cape Cod's inshore waters are some of the most consistent and productive on the East Coast, and this trip puts you right in the heart of the action. Book your spot with Wine Down Boston and get ready for some serious New England fishing.
The Shannon Brendan is a solid 28-foot Downeast motorboat that's built for productive fishing days around Cape Cod waters. Captain Bill Silva runs a tight ship with room for up to 6 anglers, though this particular trip caps at 4 guests for extra space while targeting flounder, sea bass, and haddock. The boat comes loaded with everything you need - GPS and fish finder to locate the best spots, plus a refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and any drinks you bring along cold. There's a full kitchen onboard and a head for convenience during those 5-6 hour trips. The crew handles all the fishing gear and knows these local waters inside and out, so whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, you'll have everything needed for a successful day of inshore fishing off Cape Cod.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are scrappy fighters that love structure around Cape Cod. These chunky fish typically run 1-4 pounds, though we get them up to 8 pounds and 25 inches. They're grouper family members with a serious attitude - dark coloration with white-centered scales and spiny dorsal fins. You'll find them around wrecks, rocky bottom, and jetties in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore after winter migration. What guests love most is their aggressive strike and strong initial fight, plus they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Here's something cool - they're all born female and change to male as they grow larger. Local tip: use squid strips or cut bait on a simple bottom rig near structure. When you hook one, keep steady pressure - they'll try to cut your line on rocks or wrap around structure.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are bottom-dwelling members of the cod family that we consistently find around Cape Cod. These fish typically run 14-30 inches and 2-7 pounds, with that distinctive black "thumbprint" marking above their pectoral fins. They love cold water between 36-50°F and hang out over sandy or rocky bottoms. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most active after spawning season. What makes haddock special is their excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They'll give you a solid fight on the way up from the bottom too. Here's a local tip: use fresh clams on a simple two-hook rig and keep your bait right on the bottom. Haddock are picky eaters and prefer natural baits over jigs, so patience pays off when you feel those light taps.
Pseudopleuronectes AmericanusWinter flounder are one of Cape Cod's most prized table fish, and for good reason - their sweet, delicate meat is tough to match. These flatfish typically run 10-12 inches, though we see them up to 25 inches and 8 pounds. They're bottom huggers that love sandy and muddy areas in shallow bays and estuaries. The name says it all - they're most active in cooler months, making spring our best season before they head to deeper water. What's unique is they lie on their right side with both eyes facing up, perfectly camouflaged against the bottom. They're cautious biters that nibble before committing, so you need patience. Local trick: use a sensitive rod with sea worms or clams, and when you feel those light taps, give them time to take the bait fully before setting the hook. Size up your bait - bigger offerings attract the keeper-sized fish.
Cape Cod