Expert-Guided 8-Hour Cape Cod Bay Fishing Trip

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Barnstable Harbor, Massachusetts, USA
$200 - $900 price range
Updated Date: September 13, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a full day of fishing adventure in Cape Cod Bay! We'll spend 8 hours on the water, targeting a variety of fish like Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, Black Sea Bass, Bonito, and Mackerel. This trip is perfect for all skill levels - whether you're a seasoned pro or trying fishing for the first time. Our expert guides will help you make the most of your time on the water, using top-notch gear on a well-maintained boat. You'll have plenty of chances to reel in some impressive catches while taking in the natural beauty of the bay. It's the ideal mix of excitement and relaxation out on the water. We usually head out between 7:00 and 9:00 AM, but be sure to check with us on the exact start time before you book. With room for up to 5 guests, it's a great opportunity to spend quality time with friends or family while experiencing the best fishing Cape Cod has to offer.

Expert-Guided 8-Hour Cape Cod Bay Fishing Trip

Reels and Catches

Nice White Bass caught using multiple techniques in clear conditions at Barnstable Harbor!

Nice striped bass on the boat today! Clear conditions made for great fishing.

Nice striped bass caught using deep sea jigging in clear conditions off Barnstable!

Nice striped bass using deep sea jigging techniques in clear conditions!

Full Day Fishing Bonanza on Cape Cod Bay

Get ready to spend a full day on the water, chasing some of Cape Cod's most sought-after fish species. This 8-hour trip with Annie Bee Sportfishing puts you right in the thick of the action, targeting everything from hard-fighting stripers to tasty sea bass. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, Captain Annie's got you covered with top-notch gear and local know-how. So grab your hat and sunscreen - it's time to hit Cape Cod Bay!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off bright and early, usually between 7 and 9 AM (be sure to check with the captain for the exact meet-up time). Once we're aboard Annie Bee's well-equipped vessel, we'll cruise out into the productive waters of Cape Cod Bay. This full-day trip gives us plenty of time to try different spots and techniques, maximizing your chances of landing that trophy catch. We'll be targeting a mix of species including striped bass, bluefish, flounder, black sea bass, bonito, and mackerel. The beauty of a longer trip is that we can adapt to what's biting and really dial in on the hot spots. Don't worry if you're new to fishing - Captain Annie's got years of experience and will walk you through everything you need to know.

Techniques & Gear Rundown

On this trip, we'll likely use a variety of fishing methods depending on what's working best. We might start off trolling for stripers along the shoreline, then switch to bottom fishing for sea bass over some rocky structure. If the bluefish are blitzing, we'll break out the casting rods and toss some topwater lures into the fray. Annie Bee Sportfishing provides all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to bait and lures. They use quality equipment that's well-maintained and suited for the species we're after. All you really need to bring is some layers (it can get chilly out on the water), snacks, and a good attitude. Oh, and don't forget your fishing license - you can grab a Massachusetts saltwater fishing permit online before the trip.

Top Catches This Season

Cape Cod Bay has been on fire lately, with anglers pulling in some impressive hauls. Striped bass have been the stars of the show, with plenty of keeper-sized fish in the 28 to 35-inch range, and even some 40-inch plus monsters for the lucky few. The bluefish action has been hot too, especially on the incoming tide around Race Point. Black sea bass have been plentiful over the wrecks and reefs, providing some great eating for those who want to take home a few fillets. As we get into the warmer months, keep an eye out for bonito - these speedsters can really make your reel sing!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped Bass: The crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing, stripers are hard-fighting and delicious. These fish can range from schoolies under 28 inches to trophy-sized 50-pounders. We typically target them around structure, using live bait or trolling with tube-and-worm rigs. Stripers are most active in the cooler months, from May through October, with peak season often in June and July.

Bluefish: Known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs, bluefish are a blast to catch on light tackle. These toothy predators usually show up in Cape Cod Bay around May and stick around until fall. We often find them busting bait on the surface - when that happens, hold onto your rod because it's about to get wild!

Black Sea Bass: These tasty bottom-dwellers are a favorite for many anglers. Sea bass typically arrive in the bay in May and stay through October. We'll target them over rocky areas and wrecks, using bait or jigs. They put up a good fight for their size and are excellent on the dinner table.

Atlantic Bonito: Fast and furious, bonito are like mini tunas that pack a serious punch. They usually show up in late summer, chasing schools of bait fish. Bonito are prized for both their fight and their sushi-grade meat. When we find a school, it's non-stop action with these speedsters.

Atlantic Mackerel: While often used as bait for larger species, mackerel are fun to catch in their own right, especially for kids or beginners. These fish show up in huge schools and are relatively easy to catch. We might start the day targeting mackerel to use as live bait for stripers later on.

Time to Book Your Spot

A full day on Cape Cod Bay with Annie Bee Sportfishing is more than just a fishing trip - it's a chance to experience some of the best angling the East Coast has to offer. With a variety of species to target and plenty of time to find the hot bite, you're in for a day you won't soon forget. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or just want to enjoy a day on the water with friends and family, this trip has something for everyone. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give Annie Bee Sportfishing a call and get ready for an awesome day of fishing on Cape Cod Bay!

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Bonito

Atlantic bonito are speed demons that'll test your gear and skills. These mini tuna average 2-6 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. Look for them in open water, often chasing bait schools near the surface. They show up in Cape Cod Bay from July through September. Bonito are prized for their fast runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Their meat is dark and oily, great for sashimi. To catch them, troll small shiny lures or cast metal jigs into feeding schools. Here's a tip: Watch for birds diving on bait - that's often a sign bonito are feeding below. When you find them, work quickly. These guys don't stick around long!

Atlantic Mackerel

Mackerel are the perfect warmup fish in Cape Cod Bay. They're small - usually under 2 pounds - but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers. Schools can be massive. Look for them near the surface in open water, especially early in the season from May to July. Mackerel are fun to catch on light tackle and make great bait for bigger fish. Their oily meat is tasty smoked or grilled fresh too. To catch them, try trolling small shiny lures or jigging Sabiki rigs. Here's a local trick: If you find a school, toss out some chum and the bite can last for hours. Just watch out for bluefish crashing the party!

Black Sea Bass

Black sea bass are a fun, tasty catch in Cape Cod Bay. Most run 1-4 pounds, but can reach 8. Look for them around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and reefs in 30-120 feet of water. They're most abundant from late spring through summer when they move inshore to spawn. Sea bass put up a decent fight on light tackle and are prized for their mild, flaky white meat. Anglers enjoy targeting them for both sport and the dinner table. To catch sea bass, use squid or cut bait on a simple bottom rig. Drop it right on structure and wait for that telltale thump. Here's a local tip: If you find a good spot, mark it on your GPS. Sea bass often return to the same rocky areas year after year.

Bluefish

Bluefish are aggressive predators that put up a great fight. They typically run 3-10 pounds but can reach up to 20. Look for them near the surface in open water, often chasing bait schools. Bluefish arrive in Cape Cod Bay in June and stick around through October. They're known for their sudden feeding frenzies called "blitzes" where they churn up the water attacking bait. Anglers love bluefish for their hard strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Their meat has a strong flavor that's popular smoked or grilled fresh. To catch them, try trolling with metal lures or casting topwater plugs into feeding schools. Watch your fingers though - bluefish have razor-sharp teeth and will snap at anything, including hands reaching for hooks!

Striped Bass

Stripers are the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing. Most run 15-30 pounds, but 40+ pounders aren't uncommon. They cruise the shorelines and rips, feeding on baitfish. Look for them around structure like jetties, sandbars, and rocky points. Stripers arrive in May and peak in June-July, but you can catch them into October. Anglers love their hard runs and powerful fights. Plus, they make great eating. To land a big one, try live-lining mackerel or throwing topwater plugs at dawn and dusk. Here's a local secret: On calm nights, listen for that distinctive "pop" as they feed on the surface. Cast toward the sound and hold on tight!

About the 25' MayCraft

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Get ready for an awesome day of fishing on Cape Cod Bay! We'll spend 8 hours cruising the waters in search of striped bass, bluefish, flounder, black sea bass, bonito, and mackerel. This full-day trip gives you plenty of time to cast your line and reel in some great catches while taking in the bay's natural beauty. Whether you're a pro angler or trying fishing for the first time, you'll have a blast out on the water with us. We've got all the gear and know-how - you just need to show up ready for action. Our boat is well-maintained and comfortable for up to 5 guests. Most trips start between 7-9 AM, so be sure to check with us on the exact departure time before booking. Come join us for a fun day of fishing on the bay!

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