The aftermath of Hurricane Erin has transformed the waters of Falmouth and Vineyard Sound, with species like false albacore, bonito, striped bass, and bluefish gorging on large schools of small bait. According to Evan Eastman of Eastman's Sport & Tackle in Falmouth, the storm's passage has officially kickstarted what promises to be an exceptional fall along the south side of Cape Cod.
Prime Fishing Locations Around Falmouth
Shore Fishing Hotspots
Falmouth boasts the most extensive coastline of any Cape Cod town, providing anglers with numerous productive shore fishing opportunities. The Buzzards Bay side offers several premier locations, starting with Old Silver Beach, where false albacore have been actively chasing big schools of small bait. Adjacent areas including Waquoit Beach and Quissett Harbor have produced consistent action for multiple species.
The Woods Hole area represents some of the most productive fishing real estate on Cape Cod. Woods Hole itself stands out as arguably the best fishing location in Falmouth, hosting virtually every species found in Cape Cod waters due to its abundant baitfish populations and diverse underwater structure. You can still target keeper size sea bass, fluke, striped bass, bluefish, bonito, and false albacore!
Nobska Lighthouse offers fishing opportunities on both sides – the Woods Hole side features a productive jetty and beach stretch, while the ocean side provides different fishing scenarios. Moving along the south side of Falmouth, the Heights area and Great Pond entrance near the bridge have produced excellent results, particularly for false albacore. Menauhant Beach rounds out the southern exposure opportunities.
Boat Fishing Areas
For boat anglers, launching from West Falmouth Harbor is a productive strategy. It involves starting just past Old Silver Beach and working systematically back toward Woods Hole. This approach allows anglers to cover water where baitfish concentrate and predatory fish hunt.
Robinson's Hole, particularly on the Buzzards Bay side, has generated exceptional reports with massive bait concentrations. The Elizabeth Islands represent a crown jewel for Cape Cod fishing, offering consistent action for multiple species along both the Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound sides.
The Vineyard Sound corridor from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown has shown remarkable bonito activity, with fish also appearing near Cape Pogue. State Beach area continues producing reliable action for both bonito and false albacore.
Species-Specific Intelligence
False Albacore: The Finicky Speedsters
False albacore represent the premier target species for late summer and early fall fishing around Cape Cod, but their finicky nature demands specific techniques and equipment. These fish have been appearing in increasing numbers since Hurricane Erin's passage, with significant populations noted off State Beach, around the Elizabeth Islands, and in Vineyard Sound.
Recent reports indicate false albacore averaging around 10 pounds, with some reaching 15-20 pounds. The key to consistent success lies in understanding their feeding preferences and adapting tackle accordingly. Weather conditions play a crucial role – overcast, choppy conditions make albies significantly easier to catch compared to sunny, calm days.
Bonito: The Reliable Performers
Before the hurricane, bonito fishing was exceptional throughout the region. These fish proved more cooperative than their albacore cousins, appearing from Buzzards Bay to the Vineyard Sound and around the Elizabeth Islands. While the storm temporarily disrupted fishing for several days, bonito have returned in good numbers, particularly around State Beach and the Oak Bluffs to Edgartown stretch.
Unlike false albacore, bonito don't require extremely long fluorocarbon leaders, making them more accessible to anglers using standard tackle setups.
Striped Bass: Improved Conditions
This year's August striped bass fishing has significantly outperformed last season, with activity roughly twice as productive during the same late August period. Cooler water temperatures compared to previous years have contributed to improved fishing conditions.
Shore anglers targeting stripers should focus on rocky structures around Nobska Point, Woods Hole, and the Buzzards Bay shoreline. Live eels remain the premium bait for striped bass, particularly when fished around structure during low-tide periods.
Boat anglers have found success trolling tube and worm combinations tight to shore along the Elizabeth Islands, specifically on the Vineyard Sound side in 10-20 feet of water. The key involves hugging the shoreline structure where stripers ambush baitfish.
Bluefish: Post-Storm Surge
Hurricane Erin's passage triggered a massive bluefish invasion throughout Buzzards Bay, from Quissett Harbor to the Cape Cod Canal. The heaviest concentrations appear between Quissett and West Falmouth Harbor, providing excellent opportunities for both boat and shore anglers.
Tackle and Technique Recommendations
False Albacore Tackle
Successful false albacore fishing requires specialized equipment and precise technique. Evan recommends maintaining two distinct rod setups: one rated for 5/8-ounce lures and another for 3/4-ounce presentations.
The lighter setup typically features a 5/8-ounce epoxy jig, while the heavier rod carries a 7/8-ounce epoxy jig. However, recent seasons have shown false albacore preferring smaller presentations, with the 5/8-ounce size dramatically outproducing larger offerings.
The leader system proves critical for false albacore success. A five-foot fluorocarbon leader testing 15 pounds provides the optimal balance between invisibility and strength. Longer leaders consistently outperform shorter ones, though anglers must accept that knots will pass through rod guides during the fight.
Direct connections using loop knots eliminate hardware that might spook these wary fish. Wire leaders or direct braid connections virtually guarantee failure with false albacore.
Bonito Tackle Considerations
Bonito prove less demanding regarding leader length and fluorocarbon requirements, though quality fluorocarbon still outperforms monofilament. Standard spinning tackle handles bonito effectively, with medium-action rods providing the versatility needed for various lure presentations.
Bottom Fishing Opportunities
Sea bass fishing remains excellent, although September 1st marks the closure of the species in Massachusetts waters. So enjoy this final weekend with the knot-heads! Traditional bottom fishing techniques using cut bait, sea worms, and jigs continue producing quality fish around structure.
Fall tautog season is approaching rapidly, with green crabs providing the essential bait for these structure-oriented fish. Fall tautog fishing typically exceeds spring productivity in Woods Hole, making the approaching season particularly exciting for bottom fishing enthusiasts. Eastman's has just received a fresh supply of green crabs today!
Bait Conditions and Ecosystem Health
The current bait situation around Cape Cod appears exceptional, with massive concentrations of peanut bunker, silversides, and sand eels throughout the region. This abundant forage base supports the diverse fish populations and explains the exceptional fishing conditions following the hurricane.
The presence of multiple baitfish species at various sizes allows predatory fish to feed selectively, explaining why lure matching becomes critical for consistent success. Anglers who can identify the primary forage and match their presentations accordingly will dramatically outperform those using generic approaches.
Looking Ahead: Fall Run Predictions
All indicators point toward an exceptional fall run developing around Cape Cod. The storm's timing, while initially disruptive, may have actually delayed the full false albacore migration by 7-10 days, concentrating more fish for the upcoming weeks.
Bait concentrations remain at exceptional levels, water temperatures have moderated compared to previous seasons, and multiple species are present in greater numbers than recent years. The table is set for what could be a memorable fall fishing season for Falmouth and Vineyard Sound!
Anglers planning to fish the region should prepare for multiple species opportunities, carry appropriate tackle for false albacore, and remain flexible regarding locations as fish movements can change rapidly during the fall migration period.
Tight lines, take care, and thank you for listening!