Top-Rated Boston Inshore Fishing Charters

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Cape Cod
$650 - $850 price range
Updated Date: September 7, 2025

Summary

Head out on the waters of Cape Cod for an afternoon of laid-back fishing with Wine Down Boston. This trip is perfect if you're new to fishing or just want a relaxed outing. You'll be targeting black sea bass, bluefish, and flounder as you cruise the inshore waters. The 4 pm departure means you'll get to enjoy some beautiful evening light and watch the Boston skyline light up as the sun sets. Captain Bill and the crew will set you up with all the gear you need and show you the ropes. They know these waters well and can put you on the fish while sharing local knowledge. Feel free to bring along some snacks and drinks to enjoy on board. It's a great way to get your hands on a rod, learn some new skills, and hopefully reel in a few good catches. With room for up to 6 people, it's an ideal trip to share with friends or family who want to give fishing a try in a stunning coastal setting.

Top-Rated Boston Inshore Fishing Charters

Reeling Them In

Energetic sendoff from Boston aboard Wine Down!

Fresh ride, Boston fishing charter ready!

Focused action on this Boston fishing charter!

Pumped catch on Boston fishing charter!

Cape Cod's Beginner Inshore Fishing Adventure

Ready to wet a line and reel in some of Cape Cod's most exciting inshore species? Wine Down Boston's beginner-friendly charter is your ticket to an afternoon of rod-bending action. We're talking black sea bass, bluefish, flounder, and more – all just a cast away from Boston's iconic skyline. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to sharpen your skills, Captain Bill Silva and crew have got you covered with all the gear and know-how you'll need. So grab your shades and let's hit the water for some wicked good fishing!

What's the Deal with This Trip?

Picture this: You're cruising out of Cape Cod as the afternoon sun starts to dip, the Boston skyline shimmering in the distance. That's the backdrop for your 4 PM fishing adventure with Wine Down Boston. This isn't some cattle boat situation – it's just you and up to five of your buddies, getting the VIP treatment from Captain Bill and his crew. They'll set you up with all the fishing gear you need, so no worries if you don't know a jig from a johnnycake. The crew's got tons of local knowledge, so you'll be fishing the hotspots and learning the ropes in no time. And hey, if you want to bring some snacks or drinks to keep your energy up, that's cool too. Just remember to toss the crew a 20% tip at the end – trust me, after the fish they'll put you on, they'll have earned it!

Rods, Reels, and Rookie-Friendly Tactics

Alright, let's talk fishing. This trip is all about inshore action, which means we're sticking close to the coast where the water's a bit calmer and the fish are plentiful. You'll be using light to medium tackle – perfect for beginners who don't want to wrestle with heavy gear. The crew will show you how to rig up with bait or lures, depending on what's biting. Expect to do some bottom fishing for sea bass and flounder, maybe some drift fishing if the bluefish are running. Don't know what those terms mean? No sweat! Captain Bill and the team will walk you through everything step-by-step. You might even try some light jigging or casting if conditions are right. The best part? As the sun sets, you might just hook into something special – there's nothing like the silhouette of a bent rod against the twilight sky.

Fish Tales from the Cape

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The Catch of the Day Lineup

Black Sea Bass: These bruisers might not look like much, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the toughest fighters in the bay. Typically ranging from 2-5 pounds, with bigger ones pushing 8 pounds, sea bass love structure and will hit just about any bait you drop their way. They're most active from late spring through fall, and once you get them topside, you'll see why anglers love 'em – those big red eyes and spiny dorsal fins make for some great photos. Plus, they're delicious if you're into keeping a few for dinner.

Bluefish: Hold onto your hats, folks – bluefish are the speed demons of the inshore world. These toothy critters can hit 20 pounds or more, and when they're in a feeding frenzy, it's non-stop action. Blues show up in Cape Cod waters from spring to fall, with the biggest ones (we call 'em "gators") arriving in the heat of summer. They'll chase down just about any lure you throw, and when they hit, it's like hooking a freight train. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!

Winter Flounder: Don't let the name fool you – these flatfish are a year-round treat in Cape Cod. They might not be the biggest (usually 1-3 pounds), but what they lack in size, they make up for in taste. Flounder fishing is perfect for beginners because it's all about patience and feeling for that subtle bite. They love hanging out on sandy or muddy bottoms, so we'll drift along likely spots and let our baits do the work. The best part? When you hook one, it's like reeling in a dinner plate – they put up a unique fight as they flap their way to the surface.

Striped Bass: The crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing, stripers are what dreams are made of. These silver-sided beauties can range from schoolies of a few pounds to trophy fish pushing 50 pounds or more. They start showing up in spring and stick around into the fall, with the biggest fish usually caught in the heat of summer. Stripers love to hang around structure, so we'll target jetties, rips, and drop-offs. The thrill of watching a big striper crush a topwater lure or feeling that telltale thump on your line is something every angler should experience at least once.

Time to Get Your Fish On!

Alright, let's recap what we've got here: A beginner-friendly fishing trip right off Cape Cod, targeting some of the most exciting inshore species around. You've got expert guides, all the gear you need, and the chance to learn some real fishing skills while soaking in those killer Boston skyline views. Whether you're looking to bend a rod for the first time or just want a laid-back afternoon on the water, this trip's got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on Captain Bill's boat and get ready for some serious Cape Cod fishing action. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on your line, you'll be hooked for life!

Learn more about the species

Black Sea Bass

Black sea bass are a favorite target around Cape Cod, typically weighing 1 to 4 pounds. These bottom-dwellers love structure, so look for them around wrecks, reefs, and rocky areas in 30 to 120 feet of water. They're most active from late spring through summer when they move inshore. Sea bass put up a decent fight and are excellent eating, with mild, flaky white meat. They're not too picky, hitting both bait and artificial lures. A simple two-hook rig with squid strips works great. For a fun challenge, try jigging with small bucktails or soft plastics. Local tip: when you find a good spot, don't leave fish to find fish. Sea bass often school up, so if you're catching them, stay put and work the area thoroughly. Remember, bigger fish tend to hang in slightly deeper water, so don't be afraid to move out a bit for trophy-sized bass.

Bluefish

Bluefish are the bulldogs of Cape Cod waters – aggressive, hard-fighting, and always hungry. These toothy predators usually run 3 to 10 pounds but can top 20. You'll find them chasing bait in open water or prowling the surf from June through October. Blues are known for their spectacular feeding frenzies called "blitzes" where they churn up the water's surface. They'll hit just about any lure or bait, making them great for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. The fight is the main attraction – blues never give up, even out of the water. Wire leaders are a must to prevent bite-offs. Local tip: when blues are feeding on the surface, try "walking the dog" with a Zara Spook or similar topwater lure. The side-to-side action drives them crazy and often triggers explosive strikes.

Striped Bass

Striped bass are a prized catch on Cape Cod, typically ranging from 20 to 40 pounds. These powerful swimmers love structure, hanging around rocky areas and drop-offs. You'll find them in coastal waters from spring through fall, with the best action often at dawn and dusk. Stripers put up a great fight and taste delicious, making them a favorite for both sport and the dinner table. They're structure-oriented, so focus on areas with current near jetties, bridges, or sandbars. Live bait like herring or mackerel works well, but don't overlook big soft plastics either. One local trick: on calm days, look for "blitzes" where stripers are chasing bait to the surface. Cast into the frenzy with a topwater plug for explosive strikes. Remember, these fish can be finicky, so be prepared to change up your presentation if they're not biting.

Winter Flounder

Winter flounder are bottom-dwellers you'll find in Cape Cod's estuaries and shallow bays. They typically run 10 to 12 inches, but can reach up to 25 inches. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, changing color to match their surroundings. Look for them in depths under 20 feet, especially near eelgrass beds or sandy bottoms. Spring is prime time as they move inshore to spawn. Flounder aren't known for their fight, but they're fun to target and great eating. Use a light rod with sensitive tip to detect their subtle bites. They're sight feeders, so fish early morning when they're most active. A simple rig with a small hook and piece of seaworm or clam works well. Local tip: try drifting slowly and bouncing your bait along the bottom – when you feel that telltale tap, set the hook!

About the Shannon Brendan (Downeast)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Detroit engines

Maximum Cruising Speed: 22

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Hop aboard for a laid-back afternoon of fishing off Cape Cod with Wine Down Boston. We'll be going after black sea bass, bluefish, flounder, and whatever else is biting in the local waters. Perfect for beginners, this trip lets you learn the ropes of inshore fishing with helpful guidance from Captain Bill Silva and crew. They'll set you up with all the gear you need and share their local know-how to get you reeling in fish in no time. As the day winds down, you'll be treated to amazing views of the Boston skyline. Feel free to bring some snacks and drinks to enjoy on board. With room for up to 6 people, it's a great way to spend quality time on the water with friends or family. A 20% tip for the hardworking crew is always appreciated. Come join us for some hands-on fishing fun in beautiful Cape Cod!

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