Brandi Ellen Sportfishing Fishing Charter Prices

Cape Cod Fishing Charters Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of trips do you offer, and what are your current rates?

We offer a variety of private, fully guided trips tailored to your preferences, categorized into inshore and offshore options departing from Chatham:

Inshore Striped Bass & Bluefish (4, 6, or 8 hours): Perfect for families and those looking to target prized local sportfish along the rips of Monomoy and Chatham. Rates start at $650 for a half-day.

Offshore Bluefin Tuna (8 to 10 hours): A specialized trip targeting powerful offshore gamefish. Rates start at $1,400, reflecting the extended travel distance, heavy-duty gear, and fuel required to reach productive deep-water grounds.

Inshore Bottom Fishing / Sea Bass (4 hours): A highly active, high-yield trip perfect for families with young children, focusing on black sea bass and scup.

Please visit our main booking calendar to view real-time availability and exact seasonal pricing for your group.

2. What is included in the price of my Cape Cod fishing charter?

When you book with Brandi Ellen Sportfishing, your rate covers absolutely everything needed for a successful day on the water. This includes:

The private use of our custom 23-foot aluminum fishing skiff.

Captain Dale’s 40+ years of local maritime expertise.

All top-of-the-line rods, reels, customized tackle, and fresh live or artificial bait.

Full safety equipment and high-end marine electronics.

Complimentary cleaning, filleting, and bagging of your legal catch at the end of the trip so it is ready for the table.

There are no hidden booking fees; the only things not included are food, beverages, and an optional tip for the captain (customarily 15-20% for excellent service).

3. Do I need to buy a Massachusetts saltwater fishing license before the trip?

No. When you fish with us, you do not need to purchase an individual state fishing license. Brandi Ellen Sportfishing maintains a comprehensive Massachusetts Charter Boat Permit that fully covers every passenger on board our vessel. Whether you are a local resident or visiting the Cape from out of state, you are legally permitted to fish under our boat's license for the entire duration of your trip.

4. How many guests can join the trip, and are children welcome?

Our custom 23-foot skiff comfortably accommodates up to 4 guests. Keeping our group sizes small ensures that every passenger receives hands-on instruction from Captain Dale, ample space to fish without tangling lines, and a personalized experience.

We are proudly family-oriented and highly encourage families to bring children. Captain Dale has decades of experience teaching young anglers the basics of casting and reeling, and we can easily tailor our trips to focus on high-action bottom fishing to keep younger kids engaged and entertained.

5. What is your weather and cancellation policy?

Your safety is our absolute highest priority. If Captain Dale determines that the wind, wave heights, or storms make conditions unsafe to fish, we will cancel or postpone the trip. In the event of a captain-cancelled weather day, you will receive a 100% refund of your deposit or have the option to reschedule to another open date.

For guest cancellations, we require at least 14 days' notice prior to your scheduled departure for a full refund of your deposit. Cancellations made inside the 14-day window may forfeit the deposit unless we can fill your vacant slot.

6. What should we bring along for our day on the water?

To ensure you have a comfortable day, we recommend packing the following items:

Layered Clothing: Even on warm summer days, temperatures on the open ocean can feel significantly cooler than on land. Bring a light windbreaker or fleece.

Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen (non-spray preferred, as spray can make the deck slippery), polarized sunglasses, and a brimmed hat.

Footwear: Flat, non-marking rubber-soled shoes (like deck shoes or sneakers). Please avoid black-soled boots or sandals.

Food & Drinks: Pack your preferred lunch, snacks, and plenty of water or sports drinks. Moderate alcohol (beer/canned drinks) is permitted, but hard liquor is strictly prohibited.

An Empty Cooler: Keep this in your vehicle at the marina to safely transport your fresh, cleaned fillets home.

7. When is the best time of year to target Striped Bass vs. Bluefin Tuna on Cape Cod?

Chatham's unique location makes it a hotspot for seasonal migrations, but timing your trip to match the species behavior is key:

Striped Bass: Our peak season runs from late May through October. June and July offer spectacular shallow-water rip fishing, while the autumn months bring massive "fall runs" of fish feeding aggressively before migrating south.

Bluefin Tuna: The offshore tuna season typically opens in late June and runs through November. The late summer and autumn months (August through October) generally offer the most consistent action for targeting larger, heavier fish offshore.

Black Sea Bass: The season generally opens in late May and offers fast-paced, highly reliable action through June.

8. How do we secure our dates and book a trip with Brandi Ellen Sportfishing?

Securing your date is simple and fully managed through our online booking system. Simply click the "Check Availability" button on our site, choose your preferred trip type, and select an open date on Captain Dale's live calendar.

A standard deposit is required to lock in your reservation, with the remaining balance due on the day of your charter. Because peak summer weekends and prime autumn migration windows sell out months in advance, we highly recommend planning ahead and securing your date as early as possible.