From jigging to eeling, fishing cut bait to plugging, there is certainly no shortage of different ways to catch a striped bass at the Cape Cod Canal. So many ways actually, that it can be rather intimidating if you’re new to fishing the Big Ditch.
Whether in fishing or life, I feel it is best to keep things as simple as possible. In this post I am going to share with you a simple (and what I believe is the easiest) way to catch a striper at the Cape Cod Canal.
What to Use
Because I want to provide you with the absolute simplest way of catching a fish, I am going to recommend one specific plug, and that is the 9 Inch Sebile Magic Swimmer – Slow Sinking Swimbait.
There are certain modifications that should be made to this lure before using it, such as swapping out the factory treble hooks with “beefier” trebles that won’t bend under the strain of a big bass. I also like to remove the tail hook.
The split rings should also be swapped out and upgraded. I like to use Spro split rings of at least 150 pound strength.
The retrieve is so easy and simple that at first I felt that using a Sebile was cheating. Cast the lure out and reel it back towards shore. The lure does all the work for you.
Where to Fish the Magic Swimmer
Yes it's true there are honey holes and very specific, very productive spots at the canal. However with the Magic Swimmer and the technique I'm about to share with you, there’s no specific place at the Canal where you are best off.
During May of 2022 I fished the Canal with the creator of the Magic Swimmer, legendary angler Patrick Sebile, who is pictured here in the yellow jacket.
I would recommend moving around until you find an area with life.
Spend a few minutes casting the 9 Inch Sebile Magic Swimmer – Slow Sinking Swimbait in one spot and then walk or pedal your bike a hundred or so yards down the service road. Take a few more casts and if there’s nothing showing continue another 100 yards.
Repeat the process until you stumble upon a few fish.
When to Go Fishing at the Canal
I feel that if you fish the Canal during the middle of the day, then you will limit your odds of success big time.
Over the years my best success has occurred between the hours of 7PM – 7AM.
There are plenty of exceptions, but odds are fishing during those hours will provide you with your best chance of catching a fish.
Now of course there is also the current and tides to consider, but that is a conversation for another article in and of itself.
In Conclusion
Cape Cod Canal fishing can produce some pretty awesome catches, and if you head down there and use the technique described in this article, then I feel you’ll have a good chance of generating a bite or two.
This week I will be out in the boat, focusing in on much larger stripers than what I found last week. At least that is my plan! lol
If all else fails I hope to see some more nice sunrises, like the one below, which I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
I know there are 30 and 40 pound fish out there somewhere, and this week I plan on adjusting my technique and fishing areas so I can find them and catch a few.
I will be sure to keep you posted by publishing new Cape Cod fishing reports and posts all this week. I hope you have a terrific week and I will be in touch soon!
Tight lines and take care 🎣
Ryan
Hi Ryan,
Which specific treble hooks do you recommend? Any particular brand? My I ask why you don’t put a treble hook on the tail end?
Hey Alberto,
I remove the tail treble hook because it’s unnecessary. Most bass will attack the mid to front part of the lure. Additionally that tail hook will commonly get “wrapped up” with the other hooks during the cast.
I would recommend Mustad treble hooks. Get the same size Mustad hooks as the hooks you are removing from the Sebile. Smaller sebiles come with smaller size treble hooks…..larger sebiles come with larger size treble hooks.
The main benefit of replacing the factory sebile hooks with Mustad is that the Mustad hooks are thicker, beefier and stronger…and won’t bend under the pressure of a big fish.
Hey Ryan when you get a chance. I picked up a white buck tail smiling jack jig. It has the parachute trailer. Do I cut down the length of the parachute or leave it be. Thanks Glenn. This jig is for the canal
Hmm, does the jig look like this one? http://images.cdn.bigcartel.com/bigcartel/product_images/128116815/max_h-1000+max_w-1000/009.JPG
If yes, then that is a good jig to use at the Canal. If you want you could add a red pork rind to the hook for a little extra flavor but not neccessary. No need to trim anything.
Why would you use the slow sink sebile magic swimmer compared to using the fast sink?
The slow sink stays closer to the surface, so if bass are feeding on the top it’s a good bet.
The fast sink works deeper in the water column.
Tight lines!
Hey my question is this how about fishing with cut bait? What do you recommend? I’m heading to the canal soon.
Hey David – cut bait works well for sure. My friend’s Dad got a 60 pounder on a big chunk of pogie fished on the bottom with 8 ounces of weight at slack tide years ago.
When the tide’s running you’d be better off drifting the bait in the current, maybe using a rubber core sinker to help get it down a bit. You could chum as well, which I feel may increase your odds.
Gluck!
I have not got one of these yet I have been using the SP Minnow ive got one blue and lil striper on about 30 hrs of fishing im gonna try this sebile. Slow retrive or just work it with current.?
SP Minnow is another good lure.
Most important thing with the sebile is that it’s swimming well. Just make sure it looks real good swimming through the water.
When the bass are feeding big time, then a super fast retrieve often works real well. At night and at other times a real slow, barely moving retrieve seems to work best.
Good luck! You’ll get ’em eventually!!!
Quick question…what would be the best methos ud suggest for fightin the rocks w the current when fishin from shore. Thats my biggest problem
Hi John! I am not sure what you mean by “fightin the rocks w the current”
If you could elaborate a little more that’d be great. I am happy to help if I can!
How about tide/current recommendation for fishing the Sebile … does it work regardless or should the current be slack?
Hi Jeff! It works at all tides, as long as the bass are around and willing to eat large bait fish.
Also a good lure to fish from the beaches, especially at night.