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Top-Rated Boston Inshore Fishing Charters
- 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 Finest on a Beginner-Friendly Trip
Ready to wet a line in some of the best inshore fishing waters on the East Coast? Wine Down Boston's half-day charter out of Cape Cod is the perfect introduction to the thrills of saltwater angling. Whether you're a total newbie or looking to brush up on your skills, Captain Bill Silva and his crew have got you covered. We'll cruise out in the late afternoon, chasing stripers, blues, and more as the sun starts to dip. With all the gear provided and expert guidance at your side, you'll be hauling in fish in no time - and soaking in some killer views of the Boston skyline to boot.
What to Expect on the Water
Our trips kick off at 4 PM, right when the fish start getting frisky. We'll motor out of the harbor and hit some of Captain Bill's favorite honey holes, where the action tends to heat up as evening approaches. The beauty of inshore fishing is you're never too far from land, so the ride's smooth and comfortable. We can accommodate up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for small groups or families. Don't sweat it if you've never held a rod before - we'll walk you through everything from baiting hooks to setting the hook when you get a bite. And if you're more experienced? Captain Bill's always got a few tricks up his sleeve to help you land that trophy catch.
Rigs, Reels, and Relaxation
We keep things simple and effective out here. Depending on what's biting, we might do some light trolling, cast lures towards the shoreline, or drop bait to the bottom. The crew will set you up with sturdy rods and reels loaded with strong line - all you need to do is be ready when that rod tip starts bouncing! We use a mix of artificial lures and live bait to target different species. Don't be surprised if you find yourself switching tactics throughout the trip as we figure out what the fish are in the mood for. Between casts, kick back and enjoy the ride. There's nothing quite like the golden hour light on Cape Cod Bay.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Striped Bass: The crown jewel of Northeast inshore fishing, stripers are hard-fighting and delicious. These silver-sided bruisers can top 50 pounds, though more typical catches run 5-15 pounds. They love to hang around structure and ambush bait fish. The satisfaction of feeling that telltale thump when a striper hits your lure is unbeatable.
Bluefish: Pound for pound, blues might be the hardest fighting fish in these waters. They're aggressive predators with a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth, so watch those fingers when unhooking! Bluefish often travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're great smoked or grilled fresh.
Black Sea Bass: These tasty bottom-dwellers are a summertime favorite. With their distinctive black and white coloration, they're a beautiful fish to catch. Sea bass tend to hang around rocky areas and reefs. They put up a good scrap for their size and are absolutely delicious eating.
Winter Flounder: Don't let the name fool you - we catch these flatfish well into the warmer months. They're not the biggest fighters, but they more than make up for it with their buttery-sweet fillets. Flounder love sandy or muddy bottoms, so we'll target them with bottom rigs tipped with worms or clams.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing Cape Cod waters. Maybe it's the way the light plays on the waves as evening sets in. Or how you can go from casting towards rocky shorelines to drifting over sandy flats in the span of minutes. But mostly, it's the variety and quality of the fishing. One minute you might be battling a hard-charging bluefish, the next you're finessing a flounder off the bottom. Captain Bill's local knowledge means we're always on top of the bite, adjusting tactics to make sure lines stay tight. And let's be real - that Boston skyline at sunset is pretty hard to beat as a backdrop for your fishing photos.
Time to Book Your Spot
Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, want a laid-back afternoon on the water with friends, or are dead-set on landing your personal best striper, our Cape Cod half-day trip fits the bill. We provide all the gear, knowhow, and good vibes - you just need to bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a few snacks). Remember, while we welcome beginners with open arms, even seasoned anglers walk away having learned a thing or two from Captain Bill. Spots fill up fast, especially as we get into prime summer fishing season. So don't wait - get in touch with Wine Down Boston today and let's get you out on the water. Who knows, you might just catch the fishing bug for life!
Learn more about the species
Black Sea Bass
These feisty bottom-dwellers are a Cape Cod favorite. Most run 1-3 pounds, but 5-pounders aren't rare. You'll find them around rocky structures and wrecks in 30-120 feet of water. They're here from late spring through fall, with peak season in July and August. Sea bass put up a good scrap, especially on light tackle. And they're delicious - some of the best-eating fish in these waters. Anglers love catching them for their tasty fillets and the fun of bottom fishing. To up your odds, use squid strips or small jigs tipped with bait. Here's a local secret: when you find one, you've found a bunch. They school up tight, so work that spot thoroughly. Just watch out for their sharp spines when unhooking!
Bluefish
Blues are the bad boys of Cape Cod. These aggressive fighters show up in June and stick around till October. Most run 3-10 pounds, but 20-pounders aren't uncommon. You'll find them churning up bait schools near the surface - look for birds diving. They'll hit just about any lure, but watch those razor-sharp teeth! Blues give an awesome fight, often jumping and thrashing. While not everyone's favorite for eating, they're great smoked. For pure excitement, nothing beats a bluefish blitz. My local tip: use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. And when the choppers are in thick, try topwater lures for some explosive strikes. Just be ready for a workout - these guys don't give up easy!
Striped Bass
Cape Cod's trophy fish, stripers are a blast to catch. These powerful swimmers can top 40 pounds, though most are in the 20-30 pound range. Look for them around rocky structures, jetties, and sandbars. They love moving water, so tide changes are prime time. Stripers migrate through our waters spring through fall, with the best action in June and September. Anglers love their hard-fighting nature - they'll give you a real workout on the line. Their taste is excellent too, with firm white meat. For the best shot at a big one, try live eels or chunked mackerel at night. My local tip: fish the incoming tide at Race Point for some of the biggest bass around. Just watch those rips!
Winter Flounder
These tasty flatfish are a Cape Cod staple. Also called blackbacks, they average 1-3 pounds but can reach 8 pounds. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in depths of 20-60 feet. They're most active in cooler months, making them a great spring and fall target. Winter flounder are bottom feeders, so fish your bait right on the seafloor. They put up a decent fight for their size and are excellent eating. Locals love catching these for a fresh fish fry. To boost your odds, use sea worms or clams on a simple bottom rig. Here's a trick - flounder have small mouths, so use smaller hooks. And keep your rod tip up to detect those subtle bites. Patience is key with these guys!
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
