5 Places To Fish & Explore Via Kayak On Cape Cod

This past Friday I met with John, Tommy and Matt from Sturgis Boat Works in West Yarmouth. Right off the bat I could tell that these guys know their stuff with regards to kayaks, especially the Hobie Kayak line, which are designed with the fisherman in mind.

If all goes well I will be fishing from a Sturgis Boat Works kayak very soon, and sharing the experience here with you on MFCC. This fall I was planning on fishing numerous nooks and crannies throughout the Cape in my row boat, but now with a Hobie kayak at my disposal, the sky is the limit.

In this post I will share with you 5 places I feel will be great to fish and explore via kayak. You may even catch me at one of these spots over the next several weeks.

1)  The Flats Of Monomoy & Cape Cod Bay

I am used to exploring and fishing the flats on foot. Having a kayak at my disposal is going to open up a whole new world of flats fishing potential.

For example, when I fish the flats off Barnstable, Dennis, Brewster and Orleans I like to focus on toughs and deep holes among the sand bars. Striped bass enjoy swimming and feeding in these spots.

When on foot there are only a few specific spots I can access, and I can't fish there long before the incoming tide drives me back to shore. With a kayak at my disposal I will be able to fish these same spots longer, and also paddle to far-off places I previously could only dream about.

Of course off Monomoy, I will have to keep my eyes peeled for great whites...

2)  In Tight To The Rocks & Boulders Of Buzzard's Bay

Buzzard's Bay is filled with large rocks and boulders which striped bass gravitate towards. Only issue is that fishing these spots in my 21 foot Hydra Sport boat would be downright dumb, because there's a high likelihood of hitting a rock.

Last week I learned of a monstrous 55 pound striped bass that was taken by a gentleman fishing the boulder fields in a zodiak. Supposedly the fish was feeding in just 3 feet of water.

The nice thing about the Pro Angler kayak is that I will be able to cast live eels and plugs right into the rocks and boulders, and easily maneuver myself through the area using foot pedals. In other words, I will have both arms to work with because I will be using my feet for propulsion.

In the past fishing these areas in my fiberglass boat was a nerve-wrecking experience, but because the kayak is constructed of rotomolded polyethylene (very tough hard plastic) I won't have to worry much about bumping a rock or two.

For once I will have peace of mind when fishing these treacherous, yet very fishy boulder strewn areas.

3) The Many Bays & Harbors Of The Cape's Southside

Most folks "pack it in" once late October and November arrive. This year I will be doing just the opposite.

I expect the bays and harbors of the Cape's southside to produce good fishing right until Thanksgiving.

The #1 challenge I have discovered fishing the Cape's southside is access. Most of the best areas are impossible to reach on foot, without trespassing over private property.

Huge homes and development dominates the shoreline here, which makes fishing from shore very difficult.

With a kayak this is no longer an issue. I can launch from any of the southside's public beaches, and then cruise over to areas I have wanted to fish, but have never been able to, due to zero public shoreline access.

And before November even rolls around I can chase false albies and other "funny fish" with ease off the Cape's southside. There was a terrific run of false albies in close to shore during 2012 and I am hoping the same will happen starting in September of this season.

4)  The Barren Expanses Of Outer Cape Cod

If the weather cooperates and I feel courageous, I may even fish and explore the Cape's outer beaches via kayak.

The way John from Sturgis Boatworks explained it, I ought to be able to launch a Hobie kayak from the beach without too much trouble.

So as long as the surf is not too large, I feel I will be able to launch from any of the public access points throughout the National Seashore, which don't involve big staircases or walks down cliffs. Coast Guard Beach in Eastham strikes me as a place I may check out.

Nauset Beach would probably work out well too. Bass up to 70 pounds have been taken here late in the season. Sure there weren't as many seals around back then, but I am convinced that at least a few of those big fish will make an appearance during this October and November.

Regardless I'll need a nice calm day to make this work - we'll see how it goes.

5)  Lets Not Forget About Freshwater...

Earlier this season I rekindled my love for freshwater fishing.

The Cape is chock full of freshwater kettle ponds, many of which can be fished with ease via small boat or kayak.

In particular, I am looking forward to paddling myself around the ponds of Nickerson State Park in Brewster.

The ponds in Nickerson State Park are terrific because the shoreline has next to no development.

Yet many of the Cape's other productive ponds are loaded with houses that sit right on the shoreline. Again shoreline access in these spots is difficult for us fishers.

With a small boat or kayak at your disposal you can skirt this issue, and fish the entire pond without hassle.

What do you think? Let me know by commenting below!

Tight lines and take care,

Ryan