Cape Cod Surfcasting Report | Big Bass In The Moonlight

Since June 23rd I have been fishing from my boat.

The Massachusetts' commercial striped bass fishing season is in full swing. I am no fan of fishing in a fleet, and I don't enjoy watching a lot of fish being killed, but the money I make catching striped bass helps me get through the winter.

The support from My Fishing Cape Cod members has also been a huge help. Someday soon I won't rely on commercial fishing income to get by, but for now (love me or hate me for it) I commercial striped bass fish.

Yet this week I needed solitude. I was craving the peace and quiet I only find alone, and on the beach. No boats and no engines, just me, a coyote, skunks and some sea birds.

So surfcasting one of Cape Cod's many beaches is exactly what I decided to do, and boy am I glad I went.

Light Winds, Calm Seas & Clear Skies = Perfect Fishing Conditions

I began this surfcasting trip barefoot, wearing gym shorts and a long sleeve MFCC tshirt. August evenings on Cape Cod present some of the most enjoyable weather conditions of the entire season.

The seas were calm and the wind was light. Fishing tonight would be a pleasure.

I hit the beach just as the sun was setting. I've been noticing that the sun sets a tad bit earlier each evening these days, and I am starting to feel that melancholy late summer feeling in my gut - as if I have to go back to school or something!

Off in the distance I could see a dark patch of bait on the surface and sand eels darted around my toes. I had not even taken a cast, yet a very good feeling was coursing through my body. I knew this surfcasting trip was going to go well.

An Incoming Tide & Bright Moon Bring In The Bass

Often times when surfcasting I remain in constant motion, walking and casting for miles on end. However tonight would be different. My plan was to stick to one specific spot, and allow the bass to come to me.

I began fan casting the area while a bright moon shone from above. The entire beach was illuminated in moonlight and I could easily see down the beach in each direction.

An hour went by without any action. No bumps, no swirls, splashes, pops or any other signs of life. I decided to take a break and sit my butt down on the sand. 15 minutes goes by and it's time to start fishing again.

Perhaps some bass moved into the area while I had my cheeks plopped comfortably in the wet sand. Regardless I was here, on the beach, so I might as well be fishing. There's plenty of time to rest during the winter.

The Best Sound In The World...

My cast landed 50 yards out, just off to my right. I slowly began my retrieve through the still, moonlit water. And then it happened...

SLAM! 

I felt a hard whack on the line but I missed the fish. I couldn't believe it! Maybe he was still interested and didn't feel the hook? I continued the retrieve at a painstakingly slow pace.

WHACK! 

Either the same bass, or another fish from the school, had decided to make a second go. This time the hook stuck and I was off to the races. The drag on the reel was singing, virtually screeching as the big fish pulled with everything she had.

I was pumped but I still had some work left to do before this battle was won. The striper had taken at least 30 yards of line during her initial run. I could feel her weight on the rod and I knew it was the best fish I had hooked from the beach all season long.

4 minutes later and I catch a glimpse of the fish in the dim moonlight. It's a good one, and as I get her within 25 feet she rolls onto her side.

Her big white belly shone bright against the dark backdrop of the ocean, and I took a deep breath. I eased her into shore, secured my hand beneath her gill and pulled her onto dry land.

This was as healthy a bass as they come. I estimated her to weigh around 28 pounds.

Needless to say I was quite happy! The weather was perfect and the fish were cooperating. You just can't beat it when things work out that well.

Discover More In The Extended Fishing Report

If you're a My Fishing Cape Cod member you can access the extended fishing report for this surfcasting trip by clicking on the button below. In the Extended Fishing Report you'll get access to:

• How I found big bass and the bait to look for right now when fishing the beach
• A full 5 minute video report recapping the entire trip, with footage of the fight, fish, scenery etc.
• Plus a whole bunch more to help you find success from the sand

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

Tight lines and take care,

Ryan