It was just a little past sunrise as I was standing in 53 degree water that was up to the top of my chest waders, with a strong wind blowing and rain starting to come down in a torrent.

I couldn’t help but ask myself why I was doing this! The answer to that very simple question was equally simple - fresh oysters.

People around the world pay good money for oysters from Cape Cod. The reason being  that the waters of the Cape provide a very good environment in which oysters thrive.

Oystering is something that you can do too.

It doesn’t take a whole lot of equipment, and in a short period of time you can get a bucket full that will make your friends both jealous and glad to know you - all at the same time.

So with that being said, why aren’t you out gathering up some of the greatest tasting oysters found anywhere in the world?

Perhaps you haven’t given it much thought; perhaps you don’t know what equipment you need; perhaps you don’t know that you can pretty much find oysters anywhere on the Cape.

Photo courtesy of Channel Rock Oyster Co.

The purpose then of this report is to share with you some insights about this fishery and to encourage you to get out and catch some these great tasting mollusks.

Whether you like them raw, grilled, fried or in a stew, I hope that the information provided here is of interest, value and benefit. 

Please scroll down to continue reading, or you can skip to a certain section by clicking the table of contents below.

Shellfishing Rules & Regulations

Before you can eat them, you have to catch them, so let’s start with the basic rules and regulations of shell fishing on Cape Cod.

Click below to toggle some "must know" oystering rules & regulations:

Shellfishing Equipment

The next thing you need to have for getting oysters is some basic shellfishing equipment.

A good pair of chest waders is essential. Not only will they help keep you warm and dry, they will also help prevent clam itch, which can cause a poison ivy type rash on some people.

Chest waders can also help get you into deeper water, ahead of others who might be sticking to the shallows. One time I got my limit very quickly out deep, while others in shallow didn’t get any.

During the fall and winter I would suggest a wet suit jacket and a pair of diving gloves to help keep you dry and warm. With water temps in the 50s or lower, hypothermia could become a factor.

A floating basket is good for stowing your oysters, along with a bucket that is measured for the limit you can keep. For example, I put a 5 quart pail inside my basket so I know when I am getting to my limit without any guess work.

Shellfishing Strategy

Some people use a glass bottom bucket to help them see the oysters, and then use a shelf grabber to pick them up in deeper water. 

I once saw someone using what appeared to be the bin from their refrigerator to spot the oysters, and also to carry them.