25 local fishing charters to get you out on Buzzards Bay

Posted April 18, 2019

Looking to land that “fish tale” worthy catch, but don’t have a boat? Whether you’re an expert angler or new to fishing, chartering a boat gives you an opportunity to fish Buzzards Bay’s deeper waters. You’ll get out on the Bay with the guidance of experienced captains, who can take you to the best spots to land a big one.

Why fish from a boat?

Boat fishing is great for catching bottom fish like this black sea bass, as you can fish over rocks and wrecks without losing your lure. (Image: Tom Richardson/New England Boating)

Although Buzzards Bay’s shorelines are known for excellent fishing, angling from a boat puts you in an entirely different league. Many more fish reside in deeper, colder waters, especially as the Bay heats up in the summer. Fishing from a boat gives you a better chance of landing many of Buzzards Bay’s iconic species: striped bass, black sea bass, bluefish, and tautog, to name a few. And the mobility of a boat allows you to chase after schools or change locations when your casts start coming up empty.

Fishing from a boat also provides access to the Bay’s different habitats. If you’re seeking out fast-moving fish that swim in deep waters, a boat allows you to target them through trolling: trailing your line and lure behind the boat as it slowly moves through an area. If bottom-dwelling fish like sea bass or tautog are your target, you can drop a line from a boat down into the rock piles and wrecks where they hide without losing your lure.

Some of the best fishing in Buzzards Bay lies around features that can only be accessed by boat. Reefs and rocks like Sow and Pigs are famous for striped bass, while Cleveland Ledge is a superior spot for sea bass. Schools of fish are known to flow along with the intense currents created by narrow passageways such as Quicks Hole and Robinsons Hole between the Elizabeth Islands

How should I choose a charter?

fishing rods on a charter boat in Buzzards Bay

Larger party boats are fun for groups, but offer less space on the rail for your cast.

When you charter a boat, you can be confident that you’re working with a captain that spends every day out on our local waters and knows where to look for the best fishing. Yet no two fishing charters will offer you the same experience. Here are a few questions you should consider when choosing a fishing charter:

What kind of fish do you want to catch? Some charters offer specific trips based on the species that you’re targeting because they require different tackle, different techniques, and driving to different locations.
What sort of fishing do you enjoy? If you’re not sure what species to go for, think about the type of experience you’d like. If you’re interested in a relaxing trip with your friends, consider going trolling while the captain directs the boat to the best spots. If you want something more hands-on, look for trips where you’ll be pursuing active fish like striped bass.
Where do you want to fish? Most charters along Buzzards Bay offer fishing trips in “inshore” waters, which generally refers to the waters within the Bay itself. These trips provide great fishing within just an hour or less from shore. However, if you’re interested in heading out into even deeper waters, ask a charter if they offer trips outside the Bay, or check with charters based on Cuttyhunk or Martha’s Vineyard.
How many people do you want with you? Charter sizes can range widely, from small boats that can only fit three anglers to large party boats of up to 100 people. Large boats are a great venue for kids or groups, but a smaller boat with fewer people will provide more mobility as well as more space to cast.
Will you need a shelter during your trip? Many small boats do not have an interior cabin, and so they may not have somewhere to warm up on a cold day or take shelter from the sun during the summer.
Do you get seasick? If you are inclined to get seasick, you’re better off in a smaller boat. Large party boats tend to drift on their anchor, rocking with the movement of the waves. A small boat can change location and position so that you’re not as affected by wave motion.

When it comes down to it, having a great charter experience is about finding a guide that you click with. We recommend calling and speaking to several captains to get a sense of their personality before booking your trip.

Where can I hire a fishing charter on Buzzards Bay?

Ready to get out on the water? We’ve rounded up Buzzards Bay’s local charter services by town so you can find the trip that’s right for you. Are we missing your favorite guide? Let us know!

Happy fishing and tight lines!