Premier Cape Cod Fishing | MoonDog Inshore Trip

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

New Jersey
$450 - $1,500 price range

Summary

Looking to hook into some of Cape Cod's legendary fishing? MoonDog Fishing offers private charters that'll have you targeting the area's prized catches. You and up to three buddies can spend 4 to 8 hours on the water, casting for striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, and bonito. Whether you're into fly fishing or prefer light tackle, Captain MoonDog's got you covered. These inshore trips give you a shot at some of the best fishing spots around the Cape, without having to venture too far out. You'll be right in the thick of the action, with a good chance of reeling in some impressive fish. It's a great way to experience the local waters and maybe land that trophy catch you've been dreaming about. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for a productive day on the boat. Grab your hat and sunscreen, and get ready for some quality time on Cape Cod's fish-rich waters.

Premier Cape Cod Fishing | MoonDog Inshore Trip

Cape Cod's Finest Catches

Angler with big fish caught in Keansburg

New England Flounder

Clear water in New England

Scenic view of Keansburg coastline during a fishing trip

Flounder fishing in New England

Flounder in New England

Cape Cod Fishing: Stripers, Blues & More

Trip Overview

Hey there, anglers! Ready for some serious action in the legendary waters off Cape Cod? MoonDog Fishing's got you covered with our 4 to 8-hour private charters. We're talking prime fishing grounds where stripers, blues, and weakfish are just waiting to bend your rod. Whether you're a fly fishing fanatic or prefer the finesse of light tackle, we've got the gear and know-how to put you on the fish. And with a max of 4 guests, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work those lines. Oh, and did I mention we throw in lunch? Nothing beats a sandwich while you're reeling in the big one.

What to Expect on the Water

Once we push off from the dock, we're heading straight for the hotspots. Cape Cod's waters are a mix of sandy flats, rocky structures, and deep channels - each holding different species throughout the day. We might start off chasing schools of bluefish busting on the surface, then switch gears to work the bottom for some hefty black sea bass. If the bonito are running, hold onto your hats - these little torpedoes will test your drag and your stamina. And let's not forget the stripers - the crown jewel of Cape Cod fishing. We'll use everything from live eels to topwater plugs to entice these bruisers to bite. Just be ready when they do - a 40-pounder will make you earn every inch of line!

Top Catches This Season

Alright, let's talk tactics. For you fly guys, we're slinging 9-weights loaded with sinking lines to get down to where the big boys hang out. Clouser minnows in olive and white have been money lately, but always pack a few poppers for those early morning blitzes. Light tackle anglers, we're talking 15-20 lb braid on spinning setups. Soft plastics like Hogy's and Sluggos are crushing it, especially when we're sight-casting to cruising stripers in skinny water. And for you old-school trollers, we'll drag some tube-and-worm rigs that the cow bass just can't resist. Remember, it's all about matching the hatch and reading the water - that's where your captain's local knowledge really pays off.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped Bass: The undisputed king of the Northeast coast. These silver-sided bruisers can top 50 pounds, and they fight like their life depends on it. Stripers love structure, so we'll be working jetties, rips, and rocky shorelines. They're here from May through October, with the biggest fish usually showing up in June and July. There's nothing quite like the sound of a striper crushing a topwater lure at dawn - it'll get your heart racing every time.

Bluefish: These toothy critters are the bullies of the bay. Weighing in anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds, blues are all muscle and attitude. They'll hit just about anything that moves, and once hooked, they go airborne like mini marlin. Blues usually show up in force by June and stick around through September. Pro tip: bring an extra rod. When the blues are in a feeding frenzy, they've been known to bite through leader material like it's dental floss.

White Weakfish (Squeteague): Don't let the name fool you - there's nothing weak about these fish. Also known as sea trout, weakfish are prized for their delicate flavor and hard-fighting spirit. They typically range from 1 to 5 pounds, but we occasionally tangle with 10-pounders. Weakfish are most active at night, so evening trips can be incredibly productive. These guys have paper-thin mouths, so a gentle touch on the hookset is crucial.

Little Tunny (False Albacore): If you want to test your drag system and your stamina, "albies" are your fish. These mini tuna show up in late summer and stick around through fall, providing some of the most exciting light tackle fishing you'll ever experience. They're fast, they're strong, and they're picky eaters. When we find a school of albies busting on bait, it's controlled chaos on the boat. Be ready to cast quickly and accurately - these speedsters don't give second chances.

Black Sea Bass: For those who like their fish fried, blackened, or baked, sea bass are hard to beat. These bottom-dwellers are structure-oriented, so we'll be dropping jigs and bait around wrecks and reefs. Sea bass hit hard and pull even harder, especially the big "knuckleheads" that can top 5 pounds. They're here from May through October, with the biggest fish typically caught in the early part of the season.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I could go on all day about the fish, but it's more than that. It's about the way the sun comes up over the Atlantic, painting the sky in colors you didn't even know existed. It's about the moment when a pod of dolphins decides to ride our wake, or when we spot a whale breaching in the distance. It's the stories and laughs shared over sandwiches between bites. And yeah, it's about that rush you get when your rod doubles over and the reel starts singing. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, there's something special about fishing Cape Cod waters that keeps folks coming back year after year.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, what do you say? Ready to make some memories and maybe catch the fish of a lifetime? MoonDog Fishing's got the local knowledge, the right gear, and the passion to make it happen. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want to enjoy a day on the water with friends and family, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call, and let's get you out on the water. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss this!

Learn more about the species

Black Sea Bass

Black sea bass are bottom-dwellers with attitude. They typically run 1-3 pounds but can reach 8 or more. Look for them around structure like wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms, usually in 60-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time as they move inshore to spawn. Anglers enjoy targeting sea bass for their tasty white meat and the challenge of extracting them from structure. They put up a decent fight for their size too. Use medium tackle with bait like squid or cut fish. Drop it right into the structure and be ready - they hit hard and fast. A local tip: when you find one, you've likely found many. They often gather in big groups, so it's a great species for filling the cooler. Just mind the regulations - seasons and limits can be strict to protect the population.

Bluefish

Bluefish are the bullies of the ocean - aggressive, toothy, and always ready for a fight. They average 7-10 pounds but can top 20. You'll find them in coastal waters, often in big schools creating fierce feeding frenzies called "blitzes." Summer and early fall are prime time as they follow bait fish inshore. Anglers love blues for their hard strikes and powerful runs. They'll hit just about anything that moves. Use wire leaders though - those teeth are no joke. For a real thrill, try topwater lures during a blitz. Just be careful handling them - even out of water, they can deliver a nasty bite. Blues make good eating when prepared right, especially smaller ones. A local tip: bleed them immediately and get them on ice for the best flavor. Whether you keep them or not, blues always deliver an exciting fight.

Little Tunny

Little tunny, also called false albacore or bonito, are small but mighty. They typically weigh 10-12 pounds but can hit 20 or more. You'll spot them near the surface in warm, coastal waters, often around points, inlets, and sandbars. They travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Fall is prime time as they fatten up for migration. Anglers love these fish for their speed and fight - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest swimmers out there. They'll give your light tackle a real workout. For best results, try trolling with feathered jigs or casting small, shiny lures into feeding frenzies. Listen for splashing - these guys are noisy eaters. Just remember, they're more about the sport than the table fare. Their red meat is strong-tasting, but some folks enjoy it fresh off the grill.

Striped Bass

Striped bass are powerful fighters that'll test your skills. These fish typically run 20-40 pounds but can grow much larger. Look for them near structure along shores and in moving waters. They're most active at dawn and dusk when the water's cooler. Stripers migrate seasonally, so timing is key. Spring and fall are prime, as they follow bait fish. Anglers love stripers for their strong runs and the challenge of landing them. Their meat is also prized - sweet and flaky. To up your chances, try live bait like herring or eels. Cast near bridges or jetties where stripers ambush prey. Be ready for a battle - these fish don't give up easily. Remember, patience pays off with stripers. Sometimes you need to wait them out, but the fight is worth it.

White Weakfish

White weakfish, also called white seabass, are the largest of the croaker family. They average around 28 inches and 7-8 pounds, but can reach over 5 feet and 80 pounds. You'll find them from the surface down to about 400 feet, often near squid nests. They're lazy eaters, so using chum helps attract them. Spring through early summer is prime time, when they're spawning. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their size and the challenge - they put up a good fight despite the "weak" name. Their meat is red and strongly flavored, similar to yellowfin tuna. For best results, use live bait like squid or small fish. Let your bait drift and be patient. When you hook one, get ready for a tussle - these fish have some muscle behind them.

About the MoonDog

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 175

Ready for some serious fishing action in Cape Cod? MoonDog Fishing's got you covered with their 4 to 8 hour private charters. You and up to three buddies can hit the legendary waters around the Cape, targeting a variety of gamefish like striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, and bonito. Whether you're into flyfishing or prefer light tackle, they've got the gear and know-how to put you on the fish. The captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a productive day on the water. Bring your A-game and get ready to reel in some monsters. With MoonDog, you're not just fishing - you're experiencing Cape Cod's rich maritime heritage firsthand. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's see what's biting out there. It's the perfect way to spend a day, whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to wet a line and have some fun.

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