Sportfishing Charters
The waters around Cape Cod are among the best in the Northeast for fishing- after all, Cape Cod was named after a fish! With over 350 ponds dotting this peninsula, and the lovely blue ocean that surrounds us, visitors who like to fish are happy campers here.
Charter boats and party fishing boats are available to everyone who wants to stop looking at the water and finally be on the water. You don't have to worry about fishing licenses, and you don't need to worry about gear. The charter boats do their best to help you have memories that will last a lifetime. her. Also remember the Massachusetts law requiring helmets on children 12 and under.
While shore fishing is a big attraction on Cape Cod, to get a shot at some of the bigger fish, namely tuna, you need to head to sea. It also helps to heed the guidance of someone that knows the area and also knows current regulations.
That's why a fishing charter is a great idea—whether you're looking for a family activity or an afternoon of competitive fishing among friends, you'll be able to find a boat and captain to accommodate you and your party.
You will also find that boats vary greatly in size. Most small group charters take a maximum of six guests, and in several cases the captain will charge you the full rate even if there are less than six in your party, or he will at least try to pair you with other folks so that he has a full boat. The larger-party boats vary greatly in the number of people they can take. Larger boats generally are less expensive per person, but you don't get the individual attention you receive on a small charter. Depending on the boat's size, the number of passengers is set by Coast Guard regulations and boat captains cannot bend the rules for you.
Most of the common game fish are found within an hour's ride from a Cape port. Many are found considerably closer and, of these, some can be taken from skiff or shore. But whatever fish you wish to chase, there are experienced charter skippers who can guide you. Below is a list of recommendations.
High Hopes Fishing
Falmouth Harbor, Falmouth• (508) 457-9014
Operating out of Falmouth Harbor, Captain Jim Stevens' 31-foot Bertram High Hopes has been going after stripers, blues, and bonita for the past nine seasons. A half-day charter lasts about six hours and cost $450, while a full day can run from 8 to 10 hours. Jim, who is U.S. Coast Guard-licensed, and his mate will even fillet and package your catch. High Hopes can take up to six people at a time and operates from April to the end of October.
Patriot Party Boats - Falmouth Inner Harbor
227 Clinton Ave, Falmouth
• (508) 548-2626, (800) 734-0088 • http://www.patriotpartyboats.com
These family-owned and operated boats depart from the entrance of Falmouth Harbor for half- or full-day deep-sea fishing trips with bait and tackle included. The fleet includes three party boats, the Minuteman, the Doughboy, and the Patriot II. These boats take anywhere from 36 to 49 passengers. There is plenty of room, outside seating, and a snack bar. The fare for adults is $25 per half-day, $40 all day. The fare for children 12 and under is $17 per half-day and $30 all day. Or you may want to book a Patriot Boats charter, which takes up to six people. Services include a water-taxi service and excursions on board the Libertי, a replica of a 1750s pinky schooner.
Lee Marie Sport Fishing - Falmouth Inner Harbor
187 Kompass Drive, Falmouth• (508) 548-9498
www.lee-marie.com
Do you enjoy sport-fishing but not the cramped quarters on small boat charters? Try Lee Marie Sport Fishing. For the past 18 years, Don Oliver has been bringing fishing enthusiasts to the bass, blues, and bonito in the waters of the South Cape and Islands. His 31-foot boat, complete with living quarters, won't leave you feeling confined. Don can take a maximum of six people on four- or six- hour charters, depending on how much fishing you want to do, at $100 per hour.
Hy-Line Fishing Trips
Ocean St. Docks, Hyannis• (508) 778-2600, 790-0696
www.hy-linecruises.com
Hy-Line offers a variety of fishing trips that leave throughout the day. Within a 45-minute cruise into Nantucket Sound, you will find yourself in one of the best areas on the East Coast for bottom fishing. This is your chance at the scup (porgy), fluke, and tautog found in these waters. Vessels are equipped with fish-finding electronics, and though they can't guarantee you a catch, we will assure you that it's fun for the whole family. Half-day trips leave three times a day and cost $22 for adults and $14 for children 12 and under. A rod-rental fee is $2. All day trips cost $40 for adults and $24 for children.
Hy-Line also offers Blue Fishing with each trip four and a half hours in length. This is the most talked about fishing trip on the docks, probably because bluefish are the strongest fighting fish found in these waters. The trip costs $26 for adults and $16 for children. A rod rental fee is $2.
Cape Cod Bay Charters
Mill Way, Barnstable Harbor• (508) 362-1249
http://www.ccbcharters.com
Enjoy Cape Cod's finest fishing aboard the fully-equipped "Lucky Lady II" with Captain John Carty, USCG licensed Captain. Enjoy all the comforts, including galley, head and comfortable seating. Ideal for groups or families. Join him on beautiful Cape Cod Bay for the best fishing available. They can have groups and families of up to six people for full or partial day trips. No one is too young or too old to enjoy a day of fishing!
Bluefish Sportfishing Charter
Sesuit Harbor, Dennis• (508) 385-2361 (774) 454-3170
www.sunsol.com/bluefish
Sailing aboard the 37-foot custom-built sportfisherman Bluefish provides you plenty of room, especially in the larger comfortable salon. This makes it ideal for family fishing trips. Captain George Mabee is a Coast Guard Licensed captain, with over 25 years experience on these waters. He provides all the fishing equipment, some foul weather gear, and will clean and package all the fish you catch. The rate for one to six persons for four hours is $350. Each additional hour is $30 per hour.
Albatross Deep Sea Fishing - Sesuit Harbor
351 Sesuit Neck Rd, E. Dennis• (508) 385-3244
http://www.albatrossfishing.com
Flounder is our specialty. A great family trip since 1965. Daily trips in Cape Cod Bay. Fare includes rod, reeel and bait.
Helen H Deep Sea Fishing
137 Pleasant St, Hyannis• (508) 790-0660
http://www.helen-h.com
Helen H Deep Sea Fishing is New England’s premier passenger fishing operation. With our location on Cape Cod we have access to the best fishing on the East Coast. Our fleet can handle inshore and offshore open boat trips as well as private charters.
Charters can be arranged for groups of 3 – 100 passengers. In addition you can choose from several other diverse excursions offered throughout the summer season on Cape Cod including a Monomoy Seal & Lobster Cruise or a delightful Kid Sea-Fari tour.
Adventurer Cape Cod Sport Fishing Charters
33 Rocky Way, Harwich• (508) 237-9796
(800) 848-TUNA [8862]
http://www.capecodsportsman.com
Great summer family fun! Look at the seals while you enjoy charter fishing for striped bass, bluefish, fluke, sea bass or scup.
Clamneck Charters
Ocean Street Docks, Hyannis• (508) 428-5108
http://www.clamneckcharters.com
Yankee Deep Sea Fishing
Saquatucket Harbor Docks, Harwichport• (508) 432-2520
http://www.capecodtravel.com/yankeefishing
Deep Sea Fishing aboard the 65 foot Partyboat YANKEE.
Golden Eagle - Wychmere Harbor
(Harbor Rd.), Harwich• (508) 432-5611
Once a day during weekdays and twice on weekends, Captain Paul Donovan takes the Golden Eagle into the waters of Nantucket Sound on expeditions for scup, sea bass, and tautog. The 42-foot boat holds 33 anglers and leaves at 8 AM and returns at 2 PM weekdays. The cost of this six-hour charter is $30 for adults and $20 for those under 12 years of age. On the weekends, Captain Paul runs two four-hour charters at 8 AM and again at 12:30 PM. The cost is $21 for adults and $16 for children. Fish-cleaning service is available, and the Golden Hook Award is given for the largest fish caught each trip. The Golden Eagle operates from mid-May to mid-October.
The Headhunter Fishing Charter
Stage Harbor Marina, Chatham• (508) 430-2312• www.capecodfishingcharters.com
Capt. Bob Miller has over 20 years experience fishing the waters around Chatham and Nantucket. He is very patient with novice anglers and can challenge the expert. He fishes all year round so he know what is happening and where to go. His boat, The Headhunter, is a fully equipped and comfortable sportfishing boat. It is able to accommodate a six-person charter easily. Catch Striped Bass, Bluefish, Cod, Haddock and Pollock.
Rock Harbor Charter Fleet
Rock Harbor, Rock Harbor Rd., Orleans
• (508) 255-9757, (800) 287-1771 •
http://www.rockharborcharters.com
With its 18 boats, Rock Harbor is home to one of the Cape's largest charter fleets. Ranging in size from 35 to 42 feet, each boat can take parties of six. They will also pair smaller groups into six to help spread the cost. From mid-May through mid-October, U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captains offer four- and eight-hour bluefish and striped bass fishing expeditions.
Sea Charters
Pleasant Bay, South Orleans• (508) 255-1370
http://www.fishing-capecod.com
Sportfishing on a 30 ft. Blackwatch. Fish guaranteed! Charters by appointment. All bait and tackle provided. Captain Charles Gallagher - licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Local Inshore Trips: Calm Water, Striped Bass & Blues. Offshore Trips: Cod & Tuna.
Watanye
Rock Harbor, Orleans• (508) 240.1009• (774) 722-0648
http://www.watanyesportfishing.com
For over 32 years, guests have tried fly fishing, light tackle, spin casting, or regular trolling gear aboard the Watanye. Capt. Steve Ellis leaves daily May through October from Rock Harbor into Cape Cod Bay with its variety of bluefish, flounder, mackerel, and striped bass. He offers half- and full-day charters for up to six people for $100 per hour.
Captain Ramon Rustica
Wellfleet Harbor, Wellfleet• 508-349-0066, 413-329-8848
http://www.captramoncharters.com
Enjoy sportfishing and more aboard the "Close Enough", sailing daily from Wellfleet Harbor. Offering sportfishing charters, Wellfleet Sunset Bay Cruises and Jeremy Point Picnics. Captain Ramon has been fishing (and catching) striped bass, bluefish and other inshore species for more than 25 years. The Captain offers you everything you need whether you're a novice or a seasoned fisherman. All tackle supplied.
The Naviator
Town Pier, Wellfleet• (508) 349-6003
www.naviator.com
Some say the star of The Naviator is its captain, Rick Merrill, a 32-year veteran of Cape Cod waters. Others say it's the 60-foot, 49-passenger boat herself. Four-hour fishing trips leave Wellfleet from late June through Labor Day twice a day at 8 AM and 1:30 PM; the cost for adults is $25, for seniors it's $22, and for children under 12 it's $17. The Naviator departs on weekends only in May, and offers one trip daily during June and September. In conjunction with the Massachusetts Audubon Society, The Naviator also hosts cruises to view seals and sea birds from Columbus Day until December. Call Wellfleet Bay Audubon at (508) 349-6003 for reservations on a Marine Life Cruise.