As May unfolds across Cape Cod, the waters are coming alive with the annual spring migration of various species, offering anglers a multitude of opportunities. Among the most exciting developments right now is the vibrant squid fishery, which typically presents a brief but action-packed window for both sport, consumption, and bait collection.
Squid Fishing: A Cape Cod Spring Tradition
Amy Wrightson of Sports Port in Hyannis joined this week's podcast and provided a firsthand account of the squid bite being exceptional, with successful catches happening during both day and night sessions. This is particularly noteworthy as traditionally, the daytime squid bite has been somewhat lackluster compared to night fishing. The improved daytime action provides a welcome opportunity for anglers who prefer not to venture out on the water after dark.
Squid are being caught in impressive numbers just off Hyannis Harbor, with the location being no secret – simply look for the fleet of boats gathered in approximately 15-25 feet of water. The squid are moving with the tide in large schools, creating periods of intense action followed by lulls as anglers wait for the next school to pass through. They can also be located from the very bottom to the mid levels of the water column which make fish finders or side scan sonar helpful to have.
For those interested in taking advantage of the current squid run, don't delay – as Amy notes, "It's a very short season. When you hear about it, you want to take action pretty quickly." Whether you're looking to fill your freezer with calamari or stock up on premium bait for the season ahead, now is the time to get on the water.
Squid Fishing Techniques and Equipment
For those new to squid fishing, the setup is relatively straightforward. Most anglers use light tackle similar to what they might use for trout fishing, paired with squid-specific jigs. These jigs feature distinctive tines that project upward, which the squid grasp with their tentacles.
Amy describes her technique: "You're not really setting the hook because what you're using is a squid jig... The squid are swimming by and they kind of climb up on it and they'll reach out. They have those longer tentacles or arms... they latch on and you're not going to set the hook like you would on a striper or a bluefish. You just sort of keep the tension and reel them up steadily."
A tip for night fishing: bring a light to "recharge" glow-in-the-dark jigs. According to Amy, "When we felt like the bite was slowing down, we would just put our jigs in front of the light and it would recharge and then you'd drop it in and you'd get a hit almost instantly."
Most anglers fishing from boats use a rig with a one-ounce weight on the bottom and a squid jig attached via a dropper loop approximately 12 inches above the weight. Some fishermen use multiple jigs in different colors arranged in a "daisy chain" to determine which colors are most effective on a given day.
The squid being caught range in size from around 12 inches to 18 inches and weighing close to a pound. There are no size restrictions for squid, and they serve double duty as both excellent table fare and premium bait for other species.
Striped Bass Action Heating Up
While squid may be the headliner right now, striped bass fishing is rapidly improving across the region. Bass are being reported in multiple locations, with slot-sized fish (28" to less than 31") being caught in the bays and estuaries along the south side of Cape Cod. Similar reports are coming from Buzzards Bay and Barnstable Harbor.
Though success isn't guaranteed – even skilled anglers occasionally return empty-handed – the appearance of larger fish is keeping customers of Sports Port optimistic about the 2025 season. The presence of slot-sized and larger stripers this early in the season bodes well for summer fishing prospects.
Bluefish Starting to Show
Bluefish have also begun making their appearance perhaps earlier than expected, with most reports coming from Buzzards Bay and the Falmouth area. Some catches have been reported closer to Osterville, Popponesset, and Cotuit as well. The blues currently being caught are measuring between 20 and 24 inches – a respectable size that provides plenty of sport for anglers targeting them.
Tautog Bite Still Hot
Tautog (locally known as tog or blackfish) are offering excellent opportunities for both boat and shore anglers. Buzzards Bay continues to be a hotspot for boat fishing, while jetties in Falmouth and Hyannis are producing keeper-sized tog for shore-based anglers.
The Cape Cod Canal is another productive location, with reports of anglers reaching their limit. This is particularly encouraging news for shore fishermen, as tog provide a challenging and rewarding target species that can be caught without the need for a boat.
Other Species Worth Targeting
Scup (porgy) fishing has been exceptional, with unusually large fish for this early in the season being reported in Buzzards Bay. These tasty panfish are a favorite among many local anglers and are relatively easy to catch once located. They can easily be targeted with a piece of squid and almost any jig.
Winter flounder action is picking up on the north side of Cape Cod, particularly around Sesuit Harbor. These flatfish can be targeted relatively close to shore, making them accessible even to kayak anglers.
The black seas bass fishery in Massachusetts opens on May 17th, adding another popular target to the mix. Reports indicate that sea bass are already present in the waters around Cape Cod, with catch-and-release fishing confirming their arrival ahead of the season opening.
Looking Ahead
With water temperatures continuing to rise and more species arriving daily, Cape Cod anglers have much to look forward to in the coming weeks. The presence of quality striped bass, bluefish, tog, and abundant squid schools suggests an excellent start to what promises to be an outstanding fishing season.
Tight lines, take care, and thank you for listening!