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Premium Cape Cod Charter Fishing | Wine Down
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Cape Cod
- $650 - $850 price range
- Updated Date: November 22, 2025
Summary
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Reeling Them In
Reel In Cape Cod's Best: Half-Day Fishing
Ready to get your hands on some of Cape Cod's tastiest fish? Wine Down Boston's extended half-day trip is your ticket to hauling in haddock, black sea bass, and flounder. We're talking 5-6 hours of prime fishing time, perfect for getting your sea legs or showing off your angling skills. Captain Bill Silva knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on the fish. Whether you're bringing the family, a group of buddies, or flying solo, we've got room for up to 6 aboard. No need to fuss with gear - we've got you covered from rod to reel. Just bring your game face and maybe a sandwich or two.
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're cruising out of the harbor as the sun's coming up, coffee in hand, with nothing but open water ahead. Captain Bill's at the helm, scoping out the best spots while you and your crew get the lowdown on the day's game plan. We'll hit a mix of spots - maybe some rocky structure for sea bass, or smooth bottom for those tasty flounder. The beauty of inshore fishing is you're never too far from the action, and the fish are almost always biting. You'll be hands-on, dropping lines, feeling for bites, and reeling in your catch. And let me tell you, there's nothing like the rush of that first big pull on your line.
Fishing Tricks of the Trade
We're not messing around with fancy gear here - just good old-fashioned bottom fishing that gets results. You'll be working with sturdy rods and reels, dropping weighted rigs to the seafloor where the fish are hanging out. For haddock and flounder, we'll use bait like clams or squid. When we're after sea bass, jigs are the name of the game. Captain Bill will show you how to feel for that telltale tap-tap of a fish checking out your bait. It's all about timing that hookset just right. And don't worry if you're new to this - by the end of the day, you'll be jigging and setting hooks like a pro.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Haddock is the rock star of the Cape Cod fishing scene. These cousins of cod put up a great fight and taste even better on the plate. They love hanging out near the bottom in cooler waters, so spring and fall are prime time for these beauties. When you hook one, you'll feel that distinctive head shake all the way up the line. They average around 3-5 pounds, but don't be surprised if you snag a 10-pounder - it happens more often than you'd think!
Black sea bass are the bruisers of the inshore crowd. These fish are aggressive feeders and will hit just about anything that looks tasty. They love structure, so we'll target them around reefs and wrecks. The males get a beautiful blue hue during spawning season, which makes for some great photos. They're not huge - usually 2-4 pounds - but what they lack in size, they make up for in attitude. Plus, they're delicious grilled with a little lemon and butter.
Winter flounder, also known as blackback, might not win any beauty contests, but they're a blast to catch and even better to eat. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom. We'll drift along, feeling for that subtle bite. They're not big fighters, but landing a keeper-sized flounder (usually around 14-16 inches) is always satisfying. Spring is the golden time for flounder fishing, as they move into shallower waters to spawn.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Let's be real - Cape Cod fishing is addictive. There's something about the salty air, the rhythm of the waves, and the anticipation of that next big catch that keeps folks coming back year after year. Our regulars love the variety - one day you might be filling the cooler with haddock, the next it's all about the sea bass. And it's not just about the fish. It's about swapping stories, learning new tricks, and maybe spotting a whale or two along the way. Plus, with Captain Bill at the helm, you're not just catching fish - you're getting a slice of local history and some of the best fish tales this side of the Atlantic.
Time to Book Your Spot
So, what are you waiting for? This isn't just another fishing trip - it's your chance to get in on some of the best inshore action Cape Cod has to offer. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water with good company, we've got you covered. Remember, we provide all the gear, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a camera for those "big fish" stories). Don't forget to pack some snacks and drinks - trust me, all that reeling works up an appetite. And hey, if you had a great time (which we know you will), a 20% tip for the crew is always appreciated. So grab your spot on the boat, and let's make some waves - Cape Cod style!
Learn more about the species
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are a real treat to catch around Cape Cod. These guys typically run 1-4 pounds, but you might hook into an 8-pounder if you're lucky. They love structure, so we target them around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. Anglers love 'em for their hard fights and excellent table fare. Plus, it's cool to see the males turn bright blue during spawning season. To catch 'em, I like using a simple two-hook rig with squid or cut bait. Drop it right to the bottom and get ready for some action. Here's a local trick: if you're not getting bites, try reeling up a few feet. Sometimes they suspend off the bottom a bit. Sea bass are a blast to catch and even better to eat - you can't go wrong with these guys.
Haddock
Haddock's a real favorite around Cape Cod. These cousins of cod typically run 2-7 pounds, though you might land a 10-pounder if you're lucky. They hang out near the bottom in cooler waters, so we'll be dropping lines 100-300 feet down over sandy or rocky areas. Spring's prime time, but we catch 'em year-round. Folks love haddock for their mild, slightly sweet taste - makes great fish and chips. They put up a decent fight too, especially the bigger ones. When we're after haddock, I like using fresh clams or sea worms on a simple two-hook rig. Keep your bait close to the bottom and be ready for that telltale bite. These guys can be a bit finicky, so sometimes a slow retrieve works best to entice 'em. It's always a good day when we're pulling up haddock.
Winter Flounder
Winter flounder, or blackbacks, are a fun catch here in Cape Cod. They're not huge - usually 1-3 pounds - but they make up for it in taste. These flatfish hang out on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallower waters, often near estuaries. Early spring's the best time to target them, right as the water starts warming up. They're ambush predators, so look for them around structure. Folks enjoy going after winter flounder because they're great eating fish with a delicate, sweet flavor. Plus, they're perfect for kids or new anglers since they're not too challenging to catch. My go-to rig is a simple bottom setup with small hooks and sandworms or clam strips for bait. Here's a local tip: try chumming with crushed mussels to draw them in. It's a blast watching them come up to the surface to feed.
About the Shannon Brendan (Downeast)
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Detroit engines
Maximum Cruising Speed: 22
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 250
