Ryan Collins
My fascination with Cape Cod's great backside beaches started as a kid, when I was reading one of Frank Daignault’s books about surfcasting the Cape.
Frank’s stories about legendary nights spent catching jumbo striped bass definitely inspired me to fish more and fish harder. I even got the chance to tell him this during a phone call I had with him last winter.
While I’ve had some success fishing the backside beaches from shore, the majority of my catches in the area have happened while fishing from my 21ft fiberglass boat the Miss Loretta. Just about everyone agrees that the seals have negatively influenced the surfcasting in this area of the Cape.
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For example, during the 2017 season, veteran MFCC member Alex Ridgeway and I encountered a massive school, containing tens of thousands of striped bass, in the deep cool waters just the north of Nauset Inlet. Alex has been a member of My Fishing Cape Cod since 2014, and I was excited to have him onboard for this trip.
The memorable morning actually began for me the night before. At around 10pm on July 2nd I launched my boat at the Sandwich Marina. It was dead calm and there was nobody at the docks. The stars shone brightly through a crystal clear sky.
On reading the blog, I was a bit perplexed by the trouble you had with your outboard on leaving Sandwich Marina. I have a hunch but a very plausible one as to what may have happened as I have heard of similar problems before. If it was a hot day, the fuel in your tank might have reached a temperature in excess of 100 degrees.This will cause vapor lock as today’s Ethanol blended gasoline will actually boil in the fuel lines or in the water / fuel separator if it is 100 degrees or better.. One solution is to install clear marine rated fuel lines so you can see what’s happening. You will actually see the fuel bubble up in the line if the temp is too high. Of course, as the night wore on, your fuel temperature decreased allowing you to run unimpeded for the remainder of your trip. Like I stated before, just a hunch. However it might save you or someone else a headache when hot weather boating.
Great insight Gary, thank you!
Beautiful story! Glad your engine didn’t give you any more trouble! The backside of beaches of Cape Cod are phenomenal, so me the most prettiest places I have ever been! It’s a special area to walk, fish and take in the Majestic Beauty of Cape Cod.
I couldn’t of said it any better myself ?
I have fished the backside beaches for 40+ years and while the seals have made a dent in the fishing, upon occasion, the big stripers will still hit the beaches. Last August a huge school hit off Nauset Beach in mid-July. In the heart of a fisherman, hope always springs eternal! All you need to do is be in the right place at the right time!
The right place at the right time ~ AMEN to that!
The “Beachcomber” is a Great place to break down. Best Restaurant, Bar, Night Spot on Cape Cod!!! {Just Kidding” LOL
It is hard to beat a day at the Beachcomber!
Went there a bunch of times last summer…ventured a little bit around the corner, but never very far. This summer I am going around!
It was hot and heavy last June through the first week of July!
Need two people on the boat at night. Paddle, two good anchors and all equipment that is Coast Guard approved. Everything changes at night. Focus, and attention to all details is paramount. Have seen many things over the last 60 years on Cape Cod Bay. Safety always. Jake Collins
^^^ especially true when there are other boats around, or in a high traffic area like the Cape Cod Canal.