Chatham Fishing Charters
Chatham fishing charters work the rips, shoals, and offshore canyons for striped bass, bluefin tuna, bluefish, and bottom fish in the waters off Cape Cod.
Top Rated Charters in Chatham
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Chatham, MA Fishing Guide
Chatham, Massachusetts, sits on the elbow of Cape Cod, with direct access to both Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic. Local captains run everything from short half-day inshore trips for striped bass and bluefish to full-day or extended offshore runs chasing bluefin tuna and mahi. The fishery is shaped by tidal rips, sandy shoals, and deeper channels—places where bait stacks up and predators feed. Popular starting points include the Chatham Fish Pier and nearby Stage Harbor ramps, with runs ranging from quick 10–15 minutes to the inshore rips, up to 60+ miles for offshore tuna grounds. The waters east of Monomoy Island are famous for their striped bass and bluefish action, while the Great South Channel and Georges Bank draw tuna crews in season.
Spring kicks off with migrating bass moving up the coast, and summer brings a mix of warm-water pelagics and inshore action. Fall sees baitfish push south, keeping the bite strong until colder weather sets in. Inshore trips often use light tackle with soft plastics, topwater plugs, or live eels, while offshore runs rely on trolling spreader bars, chunking, and jig-and-pop for tuna. Bottom fishing for black sea bass and scup is also productive in Nantucket Sound during warmer months.
Many captains offer specialized trips like fly fishing for bass on the Monomoy flats, or shark fishing east of the Cape. The proximity to both open Atlantic and sheltered waters means charters can often adapt to weather and target multiple species in a single day. For those looking for variety, nearby spots like Pleasant Bay, Nauset Inlet, and the shoals off Monomoy provide plenty of options. Chatham’s unique location and experienced fleet make it one of Cape Cod’s most versatile fishing hubs.
Fishing Seasons in Chatham
Spring (March–May)
Spring in Chatham starts with striped bass arriving in May, feeding along the rips off Monomoy and inside Pleasant Bay. Bluefish follow shortly after. Many charters run light tackle trips in the mornings, using soft plastics and swimming plugs along current seams. Offshore action can be slow early in the season, but haddock and cod are available on longer runs. Water temperatures rise quickly in the Sound, making it possible to mix in bottom fishing for black sea bass by late May.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is peak season, with striped bass spread across the shoals, bluefish thick in the rips, and bluefin tuna showing east of the Cape. Many trips run to Crab Ledge, Regal Sword, and even to the Great South Channel for big tuna. Inshore, live-lining mackerel or trolling deep-divers keeps rods bent. Black sea bass and fluke fishing stays strong in the Sound. Warm water also brings the chance for mahi or even wahoo on the far offshore edges. Calm mornings are ideal for fly fishing the Monomoy flats.
Fall (September–November)
Fall brings heavy bait runs, especially sand eels and peanut bunker, keeping stripers and blues aggressive into October. Tuna fishing east of Chatham is often at its best, with jig-and-pop action on clear-weather days. The cooler air and lighter boat traffic make this a favorite season for seasoned anglers. Bottom fishing remains steady, and some captains target tautog in rocky spots. Many charters shorten trip lengths as weather windows tighten but fishing quality stays high until the first real cold snaps.
Winter (December–February)
Winter sees most offshore species gone, but a handful of boats still run for cod and haddock on good-weather days. These trips are entirely weather-dependent, with long runs to deep-water structure. Some captains focus on maintenance or head south for winter fisheries, so availability is limited. Onshore anglers may find holdover stripers in nearby estuaries, but charter action is quiet until spring migration restarts.
Gamefish in Chatham
- Striped Bass – 20–40 lbs. Found on rips and shoals May–October, taken on live bait, jigs, and topwater plugs.
- Bluefish – 5–15 lbs. Thick in summer on Monomoy rips; hit spoons, plugs, and flies.
- Bluefin Tuna – 50–800+ lbs. Offshore east of the Cape June–October; jig, pop, or troll spreader bars.
- Black Sea Bass – 1–4 lbs. In Nantucket Sound late May–August; best on jigs or squid rigs over structure.
- Fluke – 2–8 lbs. Found on sandy bottoms in Nantucket Sound mid-summer; hit bucktails tipped with squid.
- Haddock – 3–7 lbs. Caught spring and fall on offshore banks using bait rigs.
- Cod – 5–20 lbs. Found in deeper offshore structure spring and late fall; baited rigs work best
- Tautog – 2–8 lbs. Rocky bottom areas in fall; green crab on bottom rigs.
Chatham Fishing FAQs
What are the main departure points for charters in Chatham?
Most charters leave from the Chatham Fish Pier or Stage Harbor, both offering quick access to inshore rips and offshore grounds.
How long are typical fishing trips here?
Half-day inshore trips run 4–5 hours, while full-day offshore tuna runs can last 10–12 hours depending on distance and bite.
What species can I target in summer?
Summer offers striped bass, bluefish, black sea bass, fluke, and bluefin tuna, with offshore runs sometimes finding mahi or other warm-water pelagics.
Do charters provide fishing gear?
Yes, most captains supply all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, along with necessary safety gear. Fly anglers may bring their own setups for specialized trips.
When is the best time for tuna fishing?
Peak tuna season is late June through September, with the bite strongest east of Chatham on the offshore banks and ledges.
Is a fishing license required?
No, passengers on a licensed Massachusetts charter vessel are covered under the boat’s permit and do not need individual licenses.
Can trips be customized?
Yes, many captains offer mixed-bag trips, fly fishing options, or targeted big-game runs based on the client’s goals and the season
What’s the weather like for fishing in October?
October brings cooler air and fewer boats, with prime striper and tuna action. Weather can be more variable, so flexible scheduling is important.
Are there family-friendly options?
Yes, many captains run calm-water half-day trips in Nantucket Sound that are ideal for families and first-time anglers.