I was feeling a little groggy as I pulled the truck and trailer into the parking lot at Saquatucket Harbor, located in the town of Harwich, MA. Once I opened the driver's side door, the air conditioned cabin gave way to the sulfuric smell of a lowish tide, which helped a little to wake me up. I grabbed my $10 bill and made my way into the harbor master's office.

The young man behind the counter was congenial as we exchanged "good mornings." I could tell from his facial expression that he was expecting another long day of issuing many boat ramp permits. One look out the harbor master's window revealed many trucks and trailers, squeezed into a relatively small area.

I watched an eager fisherman attempt to maneuver his truck and trailer into one of the few open parking spaces. Another boater was struggling to launch his vessel, and a small crowd of onlookers began to gather. I stayed put in the truck, watching the entertainment. It was going to be another busy day of fishing off Chatham.

Lower Cape Cod Fishing Report

My good friend Brian was with me for this trip. Conveniently Brian has many years of boating experience in Nantucket Sound. His experience would come in handy when navigating the new Monomoy cut, which would help save mileage and time, compared to venturing SE around the tip of Monomoy and north towards Chatham.

I launched the boat without any issues and we were soon headed past million dollar houses and 50 foot long floating toys, en route to Nantucket Sound. There was not a hint of a breeze and the harbor was as smooth as a pane of glass. It was early, but I could already feel the sting of a summer sun on my skin.