False albacore usually show up in good numbers throughout Cape Cod and the Islands starting in mid to late August and continuing through October.
In this post and video, I would like to share with you some helpful tips and strategies for fly fishing for albies along the infamous Elizabeth Island archipelago.
The Elizabeth Islands
The Elizabeth Islands run southwest from Falmouth and are the nortern barrier of Vineyard Sound. They are a hot spot for many species, including of course the subject of this post - false albacore.
I personally love fishing for albies along the Elizabeth Islands because the scenery is second to none. With the exception of a few sparse houses, the entire chain (minus Cuttyhunk) is mostly uninhabited.
Unlike most of Cape Cod, the shoreline of the Elizabeth's is filled with rocks and boulders. However there are "secret coves" and secluded white sandy beaches with crystal clear water, tranquil bays, channels and hidden sluiceways all worth exploring.
Fly Fishing for Albies along the Elizabeths
A few years ago I teamed up with Dave Steeves who is a fly fishing charter captain and rep for top fly fishing companies such as Reddington and Sage.
You might also recognize Dave from his time at the Goose Hummock Shop in Orleans and the work he did to help build their impressive online store TheMightyFish.com.
Dave is a true expert when it comes to fly fishing the Cape. On this day I was lucky to have him onboard my boat for an albie trip along the Elizabeth Islands. He shared with me a ton of insightful information about fly fishing for albies, including tips about line weight, reels, rods, flies and proper presentation.
It was a flat calm September morning when I met Dave at Falmouth Harbor with just a hint of a fall chill in the air.
As we departed from the harbor I was excited about our prospects of success because I had caught a bunch of albies along the Elizabeths earlier in the week on spin gear.
For this fly fishing adventure we departed from Falmouth Harbor, before making our way west to the Elizabeth Island chain.
Now however, I was interested in seeing what Dave could do with the fly rod.
The entire trip was captured on film and professionally edited for My Fishing Cape Cod members. We've created 2 versions of the video from the footage...
Version #1) Essential Fly Fishing Info Only
Version two is 6 minutes long and only includes the most relevant fly fishing information, such as recommended rods, reels, line and flies for albie fishing the Elizabeth Islands.
Specifically by watching this video you will gain access to:
*Please note that if you can only access the 60 second preview, then it means you need to either login to the site or start a membership.
Version #2) The Full Trip from Start to Finish
Version two is 25 minutes long and includes everything mentioned above, plus the full trip from start to finish. This version also includes footage from a spin fishing trip to the Elizabeths, as well as fly fishing.
Members of My Fishing Cape Cod can click play below to watch the full 25 minute version. Non members can watch a quick 60 second preview.
*Please note that if you can't access the video, then it means you need to either login to the site or start a membership.
In Conclusion
If you love fly fishing but have never caught an albie before, then catching one on the fly will definitely be an experience you won't forget!
And if you have caught albies on the fly before, but have never tried fishing for them along the Elizabeth Islands, then making a trip to the archipelago will be well worth it.
Even if you don't catch a single fish, the scenery and wildness of the region is hard to beat...
The Elizabeth Islands are truly a piece of paradise, and are a wonderful place for fly anglers to explore.
Thank you for reading this post and watching the videos.
Tight lines (and loops)!
About the author
Nice video!
Thanks for watching Leslie!