Extended Half Day Cape Cod Inshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5-6 hour inshore charter targeting haddock, sea bass, and flounderCaptain Bill Silva provides all gear and expert local guidanceAccommodates up to 4 guests with family-friendly experience levels
Cape Cod's inshore waters are buzzing with action, and Captain Bill Silva knows exactly where to find the fish. This 5-6 hour guided charter puts you right in the sweet spots where haddock, black sea bass, and winter flounder are feeding. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this top-rated fishing experience delivers the kind of memorable day that keeps folks coming back season after season. With room for up to 4 guests, it's perfect for families wanting to get the kids hooked on fishing or friends looking to escape the everyday grind.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Silva and his crew at the dock. They'll have all the tackle rigged and ready – rods, reels, bait, and everything you need for a productive day targeting Cape Cod's best eating fish. The boat heads out to proven inshore spots where structure, current, and depth come together to create fish highways. You'll be fishing in 20-60 feet of water, close enough to shore that you won't deal with big ocean swells but far enough out to hit the productive ledges and drop-offs where these species love to hang out. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while sharing local knowledge that only comes from years of experience. Feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks – there's nothing like cracking open a cold one when the fish are biting. Just remember to show your appreciation for the crew's hard work with a 20% tip at the end of the day.
This isn't your typical weekend warrior fishing trip. Captain Silva runs a tight ship with quality gear designed for Cape Cod's inshore fishery. You'll be bottom fishing with conventional tackle, using circle hooks and fresh bait to target structure-loving species. The crew will set you up with the right sinker weight for the current and depth, usually running 4-8 ounce rigs depending on conditions. Squid, sea worms, and clams are the go-to baits, and the crew knows which bait produces best for each species on any given day. They'll teach you how to feel the bottom, detect bites, and work your bait in the strike zone. For haddock, you'll often be fishing slightly off the bottom, while flounder prefer baits right on the sand. The captain uses GPS and fish finder technology to locate productive bottom structure, but it's his years of local knowledge that really make the difference in putting fish in the cooler.
Haddock: These white-fleshed beauties are the crown jewel of Cape Cod inshore fishing. Haddock typically run 2-5 pounds in these waters, with the occasional keeper pushing 8-10 pounds. They're structure fish, relating to rocky bottom, ledges, and drop-offs where they feed on crabs, worms, and small baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving into shallower water to feed. What makes haddock so special is their incredible table fare – sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for fish and chips or baked with a little butter and lemon. They fight harder than you'd expect for their size, making solid runs and using their broad sides to pull drag.
Winter Flounder: Don't let the name fool you – these flatfish are active well into the warmer months around Cape Cod. Winter flounder are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting for worms, small crabs, and shellfish to come within striking distance. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to match the bottom perfectly. Most keepers run 12-16 inches, but the occasional doormat flounder over 20 inches still cruises these waters. The key to consistent flounder fishing is keeping your bait on the bottom and being patient – they're not aggressive biters like bass or blues. When you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Let them take the bait and start moving off before you lift the rod tip.
Black Sea Bass: These feisty bottom dwellers are pure fun on light tackle. Black sea bass are aggressive feeders that will attack almost anything that moves near their territory. They love structure – rocks, wrecks, and hard bottom where they can ambush prey and duck for cover when threatened. Most fish run 1-3 pounds, but Cape Cod produces some real chunky bass pushing 4-5 pounds. They're curious fish that often travel in schools, so where you catch one, you'll usually find more. Sea bass have excellent table quality with firm, white meat that holds up well to grilling or frying. They're also some of the most colorful fish you'll catch inshore, with beautiful mottled patterns and the ability to change colors based on their mood and surroundings.
Captain Silva's extended half-day trips book up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is red hot. This world-class inshore fishing experience gives you the perfect taste of what Cape Cod waters have to offer without committing to a full day offshore. You'll learn new techniques, catch quality fish for the dinner table, and create memories that last a lifetime. The small group size means personalized attention from the crew and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Whether you're introducing kids to the sport or looking to scratch that fishing itch with some buddies, this customer favorite delivers exactly what Cape Cod fishing is all about. Don't wait – the best fishing days fill up weeks in advance, and you don't want to miss out on this renowned Cape Cod angling adventure.
The Shannon Brendan is a 28-foot Downeast motorboat built for serious Cape Cod fishing adventures. This well-equipped vessel comfortably handles up to 6 anglers while you target flounder, sea bass, and haddock in local waters. Captain Bill Silva knows these fishing grounds inside and out, and the boat's fish finder helps locate productive spots where the fish are biting. You'll appreciate the onboard kitchen and refrigerator for keeping your catch fresh and storing snacks during the 5-6 hour trip. The GPS ensures efficient navigation to the best fishing areas, while the head keeps everyone comfortable during longer outings. With a first mate aboard to help with lines and provide guidance, this boat offers everything needed for a productive day of inshore fishing around Cape Cod's waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky fighters that love structure - think wrecks, rocky bottoms, and old pilings in 20-120 feet of water. Most run 1-4 pounds, but the bigger males can hit 8+ pounds and develop a distinctive hump during spawning season. Late spring through summer is when they move inshore and stack up around Cape Cod's underwater features. Guests really enjoy these fish because they hit hard, fight well until they break the surface, and make excellent table fare. They're also unique - all start as females and change to males as they grow larger. For best results, fish squid strips or live bait on a two-hook rig right on bottom near structure. The key is to get your bait down fast and keep it there - they're opportunistic feeders but won't chase something drifting away from their cover.
Melanogrammus AeglefinusHaddock are solid bottom dwellers that run 14-30 inches and typically weigh 2-7 pounds around Cape Cod. You'll find them in cold water over sandy or rocky bottoms, usually in depths where the temp stays between 36-50°F. They're part of the cod family but easy to spot with that distinctive black "thumbprint" mark above their pectoral fins. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavy on crabs, worms, and sea urchins. What makes them popular with guests is they're great table fare and put up a decent scrap on the way up. Pro tip: use fresh clams on a simple two-hook rig and fish it right on bottom - they're not shy about hitting a well-presented bait, and that black lateral line makes them easy to identify once you boat one.
Pseudopleuronectes AmericanusWinter flounder are one of those species that really test your patience and technique. These flatfish typically run 10-12 inches but can push 25 inches if you're lucky. They lie right on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow bays and estuaries, perfectly camouflaged since they change color to match their surroundings. The name says it all - they're most active in cooler months when other species have moved on. What guests love is they're fantastic eating, with sweet white meat that's hard to beat. They're tricky though - they'll nibble and test your bait before committing. My advice is to use a sensitive rod tip and big sea worms or clams. When you feel those little taps, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run a bit - patience pays off with these guys since they feed by sight in the morning.
Cape Cod