As summer officially arrives on Cape Cod, anglers are gearing up for what promises to be an exceptional fishing season. Amy Wrightson of Sports Port in Hyannis, Massachusetts visits with us to provide reports on all of the diverse fishing opportunities off Cape Cod's south side and Vineyard Sound.
Striped Bass: Opportunity Awaits
Striped bass fishing on Cape Cod presents a tale of two coasts, each offering distinct opportunities and challenges. The north side, particularly Cape Cod Bay, has experienced a noticeable shift from the epic early season action that had anglers raving just weeks ago following our late spring nor'easter.
Cape Cod Bay Report
While the consistent action has cooled somewhat, quality fish are still being caught by anglers who understand the nuances of deep-water fishing. One successful approach involves chunked mackerel fished on the bottom in 40-plus feet of water. This technique has proven effective for targeting larger fish, with consistent catches of 36-inch-plus stripers. However, this method requires a lot of patience and dedication! The deeper water action can be found off Barnstable or Brewster areas as well as up towards Billingsgate Shoal.
Shore anglers on the north side are finding success with larger soft plastics, particularly fish snacks that serve as excellent sand eel imitations. These lures cast well and cover significant distance, crucial for reaching feeding fish from shore. However, timing and location remain critical factors – the difference between a trophy 40-inch fish and going home empty-handed often comes down to being in the right place at the right tide.
South Side Report
The south side presents a different scenario entirely. While schoolie stripers have been scarce, the region is producing excellent slot-size and larger fish. However, Amy has had customers this week fishing from shore off the south side finally report a good amount of schoolie size fish in the area. This is valuable information as it proves fish are still migrating north and that the smaller class stripers could just be late arriving this year.
The best south side action has been concentrated around two primary areas: Monomoy and the rips near Martha's Vineyard. Monomoy has returned to its reputation as a premier striper destination, offering the variety of fishing opportunities that make it a favorite among local anglers. The area's diverse structure and current patterns create ideal conditions for both baitfish and the predators that follow them. The bite at Monomoy for now seems focused on striped bass, but the rips are also holding sea bass and small fluke as well.
For anglers willing to make the journey, the rips closer to Martha's Vineyard have been producing quality fish, though success requires understanding tidal movements and current patterns. The rips closer to the mainland have remained relatively quiet, making the extra effort to reach productive waters worthwhile.
Black Sea Bass: Abundance with a Catch
Black sea bass fishing off Cape Cod's south side presents both opportunity and frustration. The species is abundant – described as a "carpet" of fish in many areas – but the majority are under the legal size limit. This situation requires patience and strategic fishing to locate keeper-sized fish.
Targeting Keeper Sea Bass
The key to successful sea bass fishing lies in reaching deeper water. While shorter trips to inshore reefs will produce plenty of action, the keeper-sized fish typically require venturing into 40-60 feet of water. Weather conditions have been a limiting factor, with frequent wind and rain keeping many anglers closer to shore than they'd prefer.
Successful sea bass anglers are pushing further offshore, with some finding success as far south as Gay Head off Martha's Vineyard. Commercial fishermen working these areas report consistent action on quality fish, particularly around the Nomans and Gay Head.
For those seeking meat for the dinner table, the extra effort to reach deeper water pays dividends. The frustration of releasing dozens of short fish can be avoided with proper trip planning and weather awareness.
Scup: The Underrated Fighter
Scup fishing has emerged as one of Cape Cod's most reliable and rewarding fisheries off the south side. These fish offer excellent table fare and pound-for-pound fighting ability that makes them perfect for anglers seeking consistent action.
Simple but Effective Techniques
The beauty of scup fishing lies in its simplicity. A basic high-low rig with small hooks, combined with fresh local squid, creates an irresistible presentation. Natural and artificial reefs provide reliable locations where scup congregate in significant numbers.
The technique couldn't be simpler: hook, weight, and bait. This straightforward approach makes scup fishing perfect for introducing newcomers to the sport while providing experienced anglers with reliable action when other species prove elusive.
Fresh local squid remains available at many tackle shops and represents the gold standard for scup bait. The combination of accessibility and effectiveness makes this fishery particularly attractive for anglers of all skill levels.
Tautog: Surprising Late-Season Opportunities
Traditionally, tautog fishing tapers off as water temperatures rise, but recent reports suggest some fish are lingering in unexpected locations. Shore anglers in the Hyannis area have reported success, which is surprising given the typical seasonal movement patterns of these fish.
While green crabs – the preferred bait for tautog – become scarce during summer months, creative anglers are finding ways to extend their tog fishing season. There are also ways to provide your own green crabs for bait if you make the effort! Buzzards Bay continues to offer more consistent opportunities, but the unexpected presence of fish near shore opens new possibilities for determined anglers.
Bluefish: Waiting for the Push
Bluefish activity has been spotty but shows promise for the weeks ahead. Recent action occurred in a brief window around Osterville, Cotuit, and Popponesset areas, where both shore and boat anglers connected with larger fish. Unfortunately, this activity was short-lived, with the fish moving offshore quickly.
Recent reports from Dowses Beach suggest some activity, but the anticipated major push of bluefish through Cape Cod waters has yet to fully materialize. This is particularly significant for bluefin tuna anglers who rely on bluefish as live bait.
Fluke: Deep Water Rewards
Summer flounder fishing currently requires commitment to reaching deeper waters. While fish are being caught on inshore shoals and rips, the majority are below legal size. Anglers willing to make the journey to the Nantucket Shoals are finding better success in 60-80 feet of water. There are keeper fluke there for those able to make the trip out there in a larger boat.
Monomoy typically becomes a productive fluke destination as summer progresses, and expectations are high for improved action inshore with larger fish moving in as water temperatures continue to rise. The pattern suggests that patience and timing will be rewarded as the season develops.
Planning Your Weekend
Success requires understanding that different species peak at different times and locations. Early summer presents opportunities for stripers around Monomoy and the Vineyard, reliable scup action at various reefs inshore off the south side, and the potential for quality sea bass in slightly deeper water.
Weather windows become crucial for reaching productive bottom fishing grounds this time of year. Planning trips around favorable weather conditions can make the difference between a successful outing and a frustrating day on the water picking through short fish closer to shore.
Whether you're targeting big stripers gorging on squid at Monomoy, loading up on scup, or venturing into deep water for keeper sea bass for the table, Cape Cod's early summer fishing offers something for every angler willing to put in the effort! Happy Summer Everyone!
Tight lines, take care, and thank you for listening!