Hyannis Fishing Charters
Hyannis fishing charters work Cape Cod Bay’s rips, shoals, and deeper channels for striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and tuna.
Top Rated Charters in Hyannis
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Hyannis, MA Fishing Guide
Hyannis sits in the middle of Cape Cod, giving captains quick access to both Nantucket Sound and Cape Cod Bay. Most fishing trips here are run as half-day or full-day charters, with a mix of inshore, nearshore, and offshore options. Inshore boats focus on the shoals, tidal rips, and rocky points around Hyannis Harbor, Bass River, and the nearby islands. Offshore crews run out to Stellwagen Bank, east of Cape Cod, or down toward the Great South Channel for bluefin tuna and pelagics. Launches are mainly from Hyannis Harbor, with some trips leaving from nearby Lewis Bay. Short runs in Nantucket Sound can put you on fish within 15–20 minutes, while offshore tuna runs can push 40–60 miles depending on where the bite is.
Seasonally, striped bass arrive in May and stay into the fall, feeding heavily along the rips off Monomoy and the shoals outside the harbor. Bluefish mix in during summer, often holding in the same fast-moving water. Fluke and sea bass action kicks in during late spring on the sandy drop-offs and gravel patches inside the Sound. Offshore, the tuna bite peaks in summer and early fall when warm Gulf Stream eddies push in close. Common techniques range from trolling umbrella rigs or tube-and-worm setups for bass, to casting topwater plugs into breaking bluefish schools, to vertical jigging for tuna and deepwater cod. Fly fishing is popular in early summer when bass chase sand eels in skinny water. If weather turns rough offshore, captains may work the sheltered waters inside Lewis Bay or shift to the protected side of the Sound for a safer trip.
Nearby alternatives include Barnstable Harbor for lighter inshore trips and Falmouth for quick runs to Vineyard Sound. But for sheer variety, Hyannis offers a strong mix of short, protected trips and serious offshore runs—all within easy reach of one of Cape Cod’s busiest ports.
Fishing Seasons in Hyannis
Spring (March–May)
Striped bass arrive by mid-May, moving in from the south along Nantucket Sound. Early in the season, the best action is on smaller schoolies inside the bays, but bigger fish show on the rips as the water warms. Sea bass fishing picks up on deeper structure, and scup provide plenty of action for light tackle anglers. Most spring trips stay inshore, targeting bass with soft plastics, small swimmers, and bucktails.
Summer (June–August)
By June, the bass are holding on the outer shoals and rips, with bluefish mixed in. Offshore trips start running for bluefin tuna at Stellwagen and the Great South Channel, trolling bars or jigging metal. Fluke are prime on sandy edges in the Sound, while sea bass remain steady. Calm mornings are perfect for fly anglers hunting bass on sand flats. The summer weather allows longer offshore runs and a wider range of trip styles.
Fall (September–November)
Bass feed aggressively in September and October, with bigger fish staging before their migration. Blitzes can happen right off the harbor entrance, and bluefish remain in good numbers. Tuna fishing peaks, with jig-and-pop opportunities for surface-feeding giants. Black sea bass action slows, but tautog start to bite well on rocky bottom. Many captains recommend fall for consistent action and lighter boat traffic compared to summer.
Winter (December–February)
Hyannis fishing slows in the winter, with most charters hauling out by late November. Cod and pollock are targeted offshore when weather allows, typically on specialty trips. Some hardy anglers fish the bridges and shoreline for holdover stripers, but most activity shifts to maintenance and preparation for spring. Winter weather is unpredictable, and offshore runs are limited to calm days.
Gamefish in Hyannis
- Striped Bass – 20–40 lbs. Found on rips and shoals from May to October, taken on trolling rigs, plugs, and flies.
- Bluefish – 5–15 lbs. Summer into early fall on fast-moving rips, best on topwater plugs or trolling.
- Bluefin Tuna – 50–800 lbs. Offshore from June to October, caught by trolling, jigging, or popping.
- Fluke – 2–8 lbs. Summer on sandy drop-offs in Nantucket Sound, drifted with squid or bucktails.
- Black Sea Bass – 1–5 lbs. Late spring to midsummer on deeper structure, taken with jigs or bait
- Tautog – 3–8 lbs. Fall on rocky bottoms, best with green crabs or Asian crabs.
- Cod – 5–20 lbs. Offshore wrecks and ledges in spring and late fall, jigged with metal or baited rigs.
Hyannis Fishing FAQs
What are the main launch points for fishing trips in Hyannis?
Most charters depart from Hyannis Harbor, with some using slips in Lewis Bay. Both offer quick access to Nantucket Sound and short runs to Cape Cod Bay.
How long are typical fishing trips from Hyannis?
Half-day inshore trips run 4–5 hours, while full-day trips can last 8–10 hours. Offshore tuna runs may extend longer depending on travel time to the fishing grounds
Is fishing gear provided on Hyannis charters?
Yes, most captains supply rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Fly fishing gear may be available, but serious fly anglers often bring their own setups.
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Hyannis?
No, passengers on licensed Massachusetts charter boats are covered under the vessel’s permit. Shore anglers need a state saltwater license.
When is the best time of year to fish in Hyannis?
June through October offers the widest variety—striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and tuna are all in play. Spring is great for early bass, and fall is prime for trophy fish.
What fishing techniques are common in Hyannis?
Trolling, jigging, casting plugs, bottom fishing, and fly fishing are all used. The choice depends on the season, target species, and water conditions.
What species can we expect on a summer trip?
Summer trips often produce striped bass, bluefish, sea bass, and fluke inshore, with bluefin tuna offshore. Some days also bring bonito or false albacore.
How many people can join a fishing trip?
Most boats carry 4–6 anglers comfortably. Larger vessels may take up to 6 passengers, which is the legal limit for most charter operations.
Are there specialty trips available from Hyannis?
Yes, some captains offer fly fishing trips, shark fishing, and offshore tuna expeditions. Seasonal trips may also target tautog or cod