Half Day Pro-Level Fishing Trip in Cape Cod
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Professional inshore charter targeting bass, bluefish, and flounderAfternoon departure with evening fishing and Boston skyline viewsExpert crew provides gear and guidance for experienced anglers
Ready to step up your fishing game? This isn't your typical tourist charter – we're talking serious angling with Captain Bill Silva and his crew aboard Wine Down Boston's top-rated vessel. This afternoon departure at 4 pm gives you the golden hours when fish are most active, plus you'll catch some spectacular views of the Boston skyline as the sun starts to set. With room for just 6 anglers max, you're guaranteed personalized attention and prime fishing spots without the crowds. Whether you're chasing that trophy striped bass or filling the cooler with bluefish, this Cape Cod charter delivers the goods.
This is where experienced anglers come to test their skills against Cape Cod's legendary inshore fishery. Captain Silva knows these waters like the back of his hand – every structure, every tidal change, every seasonal hotspot where the fish stack up. You'll be fishing prime inshore grounds where the bottom drops off just right and the baitfish concentrate. The afternoon start time is strategic; as the day cools down and light conditions change, predator fish become more aggressive and move into shallower feeding zones. The crew provides all the tackle you'll need, but feel free to bring your favorite rods if you've got confidence in your setup. Snacks and drinks are welcome aboard – staying hydrated and fueled keeps you sharp when the bite gets hot. The vibe is relaxed but focused; everyone's here to catch fish and enjoy good company on the water.
Captain Silva runs a variety of proven techniques depending on conditions and what's biting. Live bait fishing with fresh herring, mackerel, or sea worms often produces the biggest fish, especially when targeting striped bass around structure. You'll also work artificials – soft plastics, bucktails, and topwater plugs that can trigger explosive strikes from bluefish and bass alike. The boat carries quality spinning and conventional tackle rigged for Cape Cod's diverse species mix. Expect to fish anywhere from 10 to 40 feet of water, working over sandy bottoms, rocky structure, and drop-offs where baitfish congregate. Bottom fishing for black sea bass and flounder involves different tactics – precise boat positioning over specific spots, lighter tackle, and the patience to feel those subtle taps that signal a keeper-sized fish. The crew will coach you on reading your rod tip, setting the hook at the right moment, and fighting fish effectively to boat them quickly and safely.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing, and for good reason. These powerful fighters can range from schoolie-sized fish around 20 inches up to true trophies pushing 40+ pounds. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving through Cape Cod waters following massive bait schools. What makes stripers so exciting is their unpredictability – they might crush a topwater plug in explosive fashion or subtly inhale a live eel near the bottom. When you hook into a big bass, expect multiple runs and plenty of head-shaking before you see the net.
Bluefish bring non-stop action and aggressive strikes that'll test your reflexes. These voracious predators travel in schools and can turn a quiet afternoon into a fish-every-cast frenzy. Cape Cod bluefish typically run 3 to 12 pounds, with occasional chopper blues exceeding 15 pounds showing up in late summer. They're not picky eaters – metals, plugs, cut bait, live bait – bluefish will hit almost anything with attitude. The key is keeping up with the school and having sharp hooks, since their razor teeth can dull tackle quickly.
Black sea bass offer a different challenge entirely – these bottom dwellers require precise presentation and quick reflexes. They inhabit rocky structure and wrecks, making them perfect targets for Cape Cod's varied bottom terrain. Most keeper black sea bass run 1 to 4 pounds, but 5+ pounders aren't uncommon around prime structure. They're excellent table fare, which makes landing a limit especially rewarding. The trick is getting your bait down quickly and maintaining contact with the bottom as the boat drifts.
Winter flounder might seem humble compared to flashy stripers, but don't underestimate these flatfish. Cape Cod's flounder fishing can be world-class, especially in spring when fish move into shallow water to spawn. These fish require finesse – light tackle, small hooks, and the ability to detect subtle bites. A good flounder spot can produce steady action for hours, and nothing beats fresh flounder fillets for dinner.
Cape Cod's inshore fishing scene is legendary for a reason, and this charter puts you right in the middle of it with one of the area's most experienced captains. The afternoon timing maximizes your chances during prime feeding periods, while the small group size ensures you're not fighting for rail space when the action heats up. Captain Silva's local knowledge and the crew's expertise give you every advantage – from finding fish to landing them successfully. Whether you're looking to improve your technique, target a specific species, or just enjoy some of the best fishing Cape Cod has to offer, this trip delivers. The 20% tip is well worth it when you're heading home with a cooler full of fresh fillets and stories that'll last all winter. Book now and get ready to experience why Cape Cod fishing keeps anglers coming back season after season.
The Shannon Brendan is your ticket to productive Cape Cod waters. This 28-foot Downeast motorboat cuts through chop with ease, getting you to the bass and bluefish grounds quickly. Captain Bill Silva knows these waters inside and out, and with the onboard fish finder, you'll spend more time fighting fish than searching for them. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to work without tangled lines. Between the refrigerator for keeping your catch fresh and the GPS to mark hot spots, you're set up for success. The toilet and small galley mean you can focus on fishing without worrying about comfort. Built for serious anglers who want to target black sea bass, bluefish, and flounder in Cape Cod's productive inshore waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are stocky fighters that hang around structure like wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet of water. They typically run 1-4 pounds with some reaching 6-8 pounds. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them fun is they're scrappy fighters that'll try to dive back into the rocks, plus they're among the best eating fish we catch - firm, white meat with a mild flavor. They're curious fish that often come up to investigate, making for great action. Local trick: once you hook one, stay put and keep fishing the same spot - they school up and where there's one, there's usually more.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that show up mid-June through October, and when they're here, the action is fast. Most range 3-10 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They hunt in schools around bait pods, often creating feeding frenzies at the surface that we call "bluefish blitz." These fish hit hard and fight dirty with quick runs and head shakes. They're oily fish with rich flavor that's perfect grilled fresh. The bite usually picks up during moving water, especially around structure where baitfish get pushed around. Quick tip: use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - those teeth will cut right through regular line.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the prize fish around Cape Cod, running 20-40 pounds on average with those iconic dark stripes down their silver sides. These powerful swimmers love structure - you'll find them around jetties, drop-offs, and rocky areas where baitfish gather. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their migration when they're feeding heavily. What makes them special is the fight they put up - strong, steady pulls that test your skills. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: look for birds diving on bait pods during dawn or dusk - that's where the stripers will be feeding underneath.
Pseudopleuronectes AmericanusWinter flounder are unique flatfish that swim on their sides with both eyes on the right side of their head - sounds weird but it works perfectly for bottom living. Most run 10-12 inches, though we catch some pushing 2 feet. They hide in sandy or muddy bottoms near vegetation and structure, changing color to match their surroundings. Winter and early spring are best when they move into shallow bays to spawn. Kids love catching them because they're steady biters, and they make excellent table fare with delicate, sweet meat. Pro tip: use a sensitive rod because they're nibblers - you'll feel tiny taps before they commit to the bait.
Cape Cod