May 5 2015

The Striper Migration Has Reached Cape Cod | May 5 Report

22  comments

Yesterday morning I left the house at 4AM in order to catch the sunrise bite at what has become a "go-to" early spring spot for schoolie striped bass. I had heard rumors of migratory fish being caught and was eager to check things out.

With few cars on the road the drive down Route 6 was an absolute joy! Before I knew it I had parked and was walking through the dunes towards a very unique and productive inlet.

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Upon arrival at the inlet I entered the water, under the bright white light of a big full moon.

may 5 cape cod fishing report full moon

​The current was moving quickly, so I was sure to watch my step, and not go any deeper than my knees. Falling in here with this swift current, especially while fishing alone, would not be a good situation.

I started casting as the sky behind me began to brighten. With crystal clear conditions, I knew I would soon witness a summer-like Cape Cod sunrise.

may 5 cape cod fishing report sunrise

The tide was perfect for this inlet, but I wasn't seeing any signs of life. No fish splashing, birds working or bites on the end of my line.

I decided to leave the inlet and work my way towards a bend in the creek where fish sometimes hold.

Stripers On The Surface

As I neared the bend in the creek, I heard a solid "smack!" type noise over to my left. I whipped my head around to see what it was but saw nothing. ​

Could that of been of striper?

Several moments passed and then "smack!" I heard it again, but this time I saw the fish. They were stripers and they were feeding on the surface!

I made a cast and got bit but missed the fish. I made another cast, got bit and missed the fish again.​ I missed the next bite too!

Finally, just before the fish moved off, I was able to get a hook set. To my delight the bass had several sea lice crawling on him, which is a sign that this fish was a "fresh" migratory arrival from the open ocean.

Woo hoo!​

cape cod fishing reportmigratory striped bass sea lice

You can see a pair of sea lice catching a ride on the striper's fin.

sea lice

There were several more sea lice towards the tail, and perhaps another on his belly, which I just now noticed as I write this report.

sea lice on cape cod striper

I continued fishing a while longer and saw a few more stripers break the surface, but failed to hook another fish.

Later in the day I learned that other anglers had also caught and seen fresh migratory striped bass in this area of Cape Cod.

The real good news is I feel the striper fishing in this area of the Cape may break wide open over the next several days. Right now is a terrific time to go fishing!

MFCC members can click the buttons below to download more HD photos and a HD video of the area I fished during this trip.

I also include 2 specific lures I would recommend using right now for spring stripers, and 3 Google Earth images of places I would recommend fishing.

Just make sure you are logged in, or start a $1 trial to view.​

Member Downloads

9 HD photos
of the area fished

An HD video filmed
during this trip

2 good lures to
use right now for stripers

3 Google Earth images
of good places to fish

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

  • I must tell you that this past Fathers Day, last Sunday, I was fishing the Race in the Sound off NY. had several bites and missed the first two at the boat. The third one was a 38 inch, 25 plus pound striper that we netted and boated. Sea Lice all over it for a few seconds, they jump off pretty quickly. Its the first time in several years we have seen this size in the Sound and many years that we have seen migratory Stripers in the Sound. Good News!!

  • I wasnt going to start fishing for a couple of more weeks but after seeing this video im Heading out in a couple of hours to try one maybe 2 spots, Hopefully Ill see some action! Ill keep everyone posted.

  • Hi Ryan tried a few casts this AM in a —– location. The tide was pretty well on it way out so will have to synchronize the next time for high out going.

    • Nice Tom! I keep receiving reports and photos of more fresh fish being caught in that general location, so definitely keep at it.

      Perhaps hitting the tide you mention will be the key for next time. Keep us posted!

  • Just wondering is Sea-Lice bad if you eat the Striper?

    And is this sea-lice common?

    Thanks,
    Only 5 yrs fishing novice

    • Hey Patsy, I actually feel that sea lice my be healthy for stripers. I have a feeling they might “clean” the fish and keep them in good shape, but that is just a theory.

      To answer your question, you can absolutely eat stripers which are covered in sea lice. I have eaten many and yes sea lice are very common.

      Keep me posted with any other questions!

  • Glad to hear that you got into em. You should see the first racer bluefish this week too. Just an educated guess mind you.!

  • Great catch Ryan. Hit a beach local here today in the south shore. Landed 5 schoolies all with sea lice just right outside Boston harbor. Going back on in a few to hit the local estuary that the herring run through to see if there’s any in there.

    • Excellent! Good to know they are already north of the Cape.

      Won’t be too much longer until keeper-size fish show up. Catch ’em up.

      I will keep an eye on the forum for your updates!

  • Surprisingly the migratory schoolies are already here in Connecticut too. Figured I’d hit the southeast beaches and caught a nice 22″ bass on the first cast, which means no more fish for the rest of the trip. Lol they’re coming. This warm weather should do wonders over the next couple weeks

  • Sweet! I hit RI last weekend and had a blast with schoolies from Matunuck beach. Glad I won’t have to go so far this week end. Ill be interested to see when they hit the Scarbough ME area. Last year I got my first bass out of Wareham on May 4. Then on May 8 I got my first one in Scarbough ME. Guess they travel quick! Any idea about how many weeks the big ones take to get to Cape after the schoolies show?

    • Nice Brian. You are one of the most dedicated anglers here on this site. Willing to travel to catch the bite, which I can appreciate!

      That is very interesting about catching stripers last season on May 8 in Maine. Incredible! Speaking of incredible I was talking with a guy on Facebook this week who caught a 30 inch striped bass from the outer Cape beaches during February while fishing for cod – now that is nuts!

      I would expect to see some 25 pound class fish by Memorial Day. We’ll see how things develop.

  • Great report Ryan! Here we go!!!! Hope you have a great season…good luck and tight line!

    Thanks
    Dave

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