Party Boat Fishing on Cape Cod
Google Cape Cod Fishing
When looking for the right Cape Cod fishing trip, there are some things to take into consideration when finding the best option for you and/or your group. You’ll want to research the type of species that you’re fishing for. Will you be fishing for black sea bass, or scup? Or are you looking for something with a little more action like bluefish? You’ll want to explore your trip length options. Around here you’ll find trips anywhere from 2.5-hours up to 6 or 8-hours. There are multiple locations for fishing trips on the Cape, so make sure to select what works best with where you are staying. Also on Cape Cod, you’ll have the flexibility to choose a public party boat fishing (larger vessel) or a private charter boat (smaller vessel). What’s the best piece of advice we can give you when it comes to fishing on the Cape this summer? Make advanced reservations!
Are you thinking about some Cape Cod fishing this summer? We are too! As we get “geared” up to start our party boat fishing season this weekend, we can assure you that it’s a truly unique and fun experience. We did the math and Hy-Line has been fishing Nantucket Sound for 59 years, since 1966 – holy mackerel (pun intended)! The first fishing boat of our fleet was the Beach Queen. This is the only picture we have of her, and we love it.
Cape Cod Fishing Experience
Our boat crew is really helpful and will show you the ropes – how to bait your hook, cast your line, and even reel in your catch. It’s also a social experience. You’ll be out there with other people who are all hoping to land a big one, so there’s a great sense of camaraderie. It’s a fun way to spend a few hours on the water with friends or family, and who knows, you might even bring home some fresh fish for dinner!
Ask the Captain
Our favorite part! We had the pleasure of working with Captain Ian this spring to kick off our fishing season and asked him questions that people were asking our agents.
How far out do you go? We typically fish between 3-15 nautical miles offshore, the ride out to the fishing grounds ranges from 30-60 minutes. Where we fish depends on a number of factors… what species of fish we’re going after, the tide, the speed of the current, the wind direction, what types of bait fish are present in the area, as well as temperature of the water. All these get taken into consideration when determining “how far out” and what location we will be fishing on any given trip.
What about bait? Do you use different kinds to attract different fish? What are some examples? We use different bait, depending on the fishing. We typically use clam when fishing for porgy and black sea bass. Squid is used for fluke. Clam belly and lures for striped bass. We use crab when fishing for tautog. For bluefish and bonito, we tend to primarily use jigs.
What is the craziest thing you’ve seen someone pull up out of the ocean? Last season we hooked a sand tiger shark, which is protected so we don’t bring it on the boat. We also caught a few puffer fish, triggerfish, and bonito.
What is your favorite fish to fish for? Personally, I love fishing for bonito. Both for the fight and finesse that it takes to land, but especially to eat.
What is your favorite fish to eat? I’m a huge fan of both black sea bass and tautog (blackfish).
Can you tell us about (one or more) memorable experiences onboard? One afternoon on our way back in from the first trip of the day, I, along with a few passengers sitting forward on deck, saw a great white shark breach fully about 100 yards off the bow. It was incredible. However, when the crew heard about it they thought we “were seeing things.” Less than a week later myself, the disbelieving crew, and the entirety of the passengers fishing off the port side of the boat saw an even larger great white breach not once, but twice! Both times the white shark was within 50 feet of the boat. It was easily my favorite day of the season.
How long have you worked at Hy-Line and in what positions? This will be my 5th year working at Hy-Line. I started as a part-time deckhand on Grey Lady and Grey Lady IV in 2021. I began working as a full-time employee in 2022. I’ve worked as the First Mate aboard the island ferries. In 2024, I worked as the Captain of the Sea Queen II and will be again this season.
