Late July represents one of the most productive periods around Cape Cod, with multiple species firing on all cylinders and anglers having their pick of diverse fishing opportunities. This week, MFCC Member, Bruno Demir, has experienced offshore canyon adventures, inshore bass and fluke fishing, and everything in between!
Canyon Fishing: Offshore Pelagic Action
The offshore canyons continue to produce exceptional fishing for pelagic species, though weather conditions play a crucial role in success. Recent trips have yielded yellowfin tuna, blue marlin, white marlin, and mahi-mahi, with the fishery described as "red hot" when conditions align properly.
Target Species and Recent Success:
- Yellowfin tuna remain the primary target species
- White marlin fishing has been spectacular, with some boats reporting catch rates of 20+
- Blue marlin are present and actively feeding
- Mahi-mahi in the 20-pound class are abundant
- All species are responding well to typical offshore trolling presentations
Weather Considerations: Northeast winds present significant challenges for canyon fishing, both from a safety and productivity standpoint. These winds during summer months are notoriously difficult to predict and tend to shut down the bite entirely. The optimal conditions occur with south to southeast winds, which create the ideal fishing scenario. Recent reports indicate that boats fishing during south wind conditions have experienced outstanding success, while those facing northeast winds have struggled despite being in areas with excellent signs of life.
Timing: The new moon phase creates strong tidal movements that benefit both offshore and inshore fishing. Anglers planning canyon trips should monitor weather forecasts carefully and prioritize southerly wind direction days this weekend for the best chance of success.
Monomoy: The Inshore Hotspot
Monomoy continues to stand out as the premier inshore fishing destination during late July, offering exceptional striped bass fishing. The area provides consistent action for anglers who understand the tidal influences and seasonal patterns.
Striped Bass: The key to Monomoy success lies in understanding tidal flow and timing trips accordingly. The most productive fishing occurs during periods of maximum water movement - typically three hours before or after high or low tide. This timing creates the optimal rip conditions that concentrate striped bass and their forage.
During slack tide periods, fishing becomes significantly more challenging as clear, slow-moving water allows fish to examine lures more carefully. The turbulent water created by strong tidal flow provides the ambush opportunities that trigger aggressive feeding behavior.
Primary Forage: Sand eels represent the dominant bait fish in the Monomoy rips during this period. While squid move in and out of the area periodically, sand eels provide the consistent food source that keeps striped bass concentrated in these productive waters. When squid are present, surface fishing becomes extremely effective as fish will readily take topwater presentations.
Current Conditions: Recent reports indicate exceptional activity levels with birds working actively, strong rip formation, and fish feeding on the surface. The presence of bluefish mixed with stripers adds variety to the action, and bonito are likely already in the area as well!
Night Fishing: Commercial boats working the area at night with live eels are targeting the largest striped bass of the season. For recreational anglers seeking trophy-sized fish, nighttime eel fishing around Monomoy represents one of the best opportunities available.
Fluke Fishing: An Exceptional Season
The 2025 fluke season has emerged as significantly above average, with multiple factors contributing to improved fishing conditions. The combination of reduced commercial pressure and optimal migration patterns has created exceptional opportunities for recreational anglers.
Improved Conditions: The opening of productive scallop grounds has drawn commercial draggers away from traditional fluke fishing areas, significantly reducing pressure on the fishery. This reduced commercial activity has allowed fluke populations to complete their natural migration patterns without excessive harvest pressure during the critical early season period.
Migration Patterns: Fluke arrive in Cape Cod waters from two primary directions - from the south off Nantucket and from the east out of the deep Atlantic. These fish eventually settle in the productive shoal areas between Nantucket and Monomoy, creating concentrated fishing opportunities in relatively small areas.
Prime Locations: The various shoals of Nantucket serve as primary holding areas for fluke throughout the season. Key areas include:
- Davis Shoal area (south of Nantucket)
- Monomoy Shoals
- Nantucket Shoals
- Intermediate shoal areas between these major structures
Strategic Positioning: While the shoals hold the fish, positioning requires careful consideration of seal populations. Fluke instinctively avoid areas too close to either Nantucket or Monomoy where seal concentrations are highest. The optimal zones exist in the middle grounds where fish feel secure from predation.
Productive Tactics and Lures: Several proven approaches are producing consistent results:
- Traditional Presentations: Squid, spearing, and Gulp artificial baits remain highly effective
- Fluke Spoons: Monomoy Tackle's fluke spoons have emerged as particularly effective lures this season
- Simple Approach: Basic jig and bait combinations dropped to the bottom and worked slowly continue to produce
The beauty of fluke fishing lies in its accessibility - it provides an excellent opportunity for introducing newcomers to saltwater fishing while offering the potential for trophy-sized fish.
Fluke vs Cancer
As mentioned in today's podcast report, Bruno and his cousin Eddy Kooyomjian of Monomoy Tackle are currently raising money for the pediatric cancer division of Boston Children's Hospital. What started as a small community effort has grown into something truly special!
Over the past four years, the MFCC community has raised over $30,000 for pediatric cancer assistance and research at Boston Children's Hospital. Each year, we've watched this incredible cause gain momentum:
- 2021: Our first year - over $2,000 raised
- 2022: We doubled our impact - $5,000 raised
- 2023: Building strong - $7,000 raised
- 2024: Record-breaking year - nearly $16,000 raised (including a last-minute $4,000 corporate donation from Morgan Stanley)
Now, for 2025, we're setting our most ambitious goal yet: $20,000. If you are able, please consider donating here!
Mark your calendars for these key dates:
- July 27, 2025: Fluke trip winners drawn and announced on the MFCC website
- August 1-8, 2025: Fluke trip will take place (exact date depends on weather and winners' schedules)
Multi-Species Strategy
One of the most appealing aspects of Cape Cod fishing during late July is the ability to target multiple species during a single trip. A well-planned Monomoy excursion can include:
- Morning Fluke Session: Starting with fluke fishing during less optimal tidal conditions
- Transition to Stripers: Moving to the rips as tidal flow increases for the striper bite
- Bonus Species: Potential encounters with bluefish, bonito, and other species
This approach maximizes fishing time and provides backup options when one species isn't cooperating.
Seasonal Outlook
Current conditions suggest continued excellent fishing through the remainder of July into August! This week's new moon phase creates optimal tidal conditions for both inshore and offshore fishing, while water temperatures remain in the ideal range for peak fish activity.
The combination of reduced commercial pressure on fluke, excellent forage availability, and favorable weather patterns has created what many consider one of the best fishing seasons in recent memory. Anglers who can get on the water during the next several weeks should find exceptional opportunities across multiple species and fishing styles.
Whether targeting trophy striped bass in the Monomoy rips, pursuing doormat fluke on the Nantucket shoals, or seeking offshore pelagic species in the canyons, Cape Cod waters are delivering the kind of fishing that creates lasting memories and keeps anglers coming back for more!
Tight lines, take care, and thank you for listening!