Triple Threat: Stripers, Sea Bass, and Fluke with Sam Mullen of the Goose Hummock

Cape Cod's June Fishing Bonanza

As the calendar flips to June and the first hints of summer weather grace Cape Cod, local anglers are experiencing some of the most productive fishing conditions of the year. According to recent reports from Sam Mullen of the Goose Hummock, multiple species are firing on all cylinders across the region. From the productive depths of Cape Cod Bay to the challenging waters around the Nantucket Shoals, this early June period is delivering exceptional opportunity.

Black Sea Bass: South Side

While many anglers associate black sea bass with spring fishing, the bite continues to be exceptional well into June off the south side of Cape Cod. For Sam, recent trips targeting these hard-fighting bottom dwellers have produced consistent action, particularly in the deeper waters off Hyannis and extending toward Cotuit.

Prime Sea Bass Locations

The most productive sea bass grounds are currently concentrated in 40 to 50 feet of water off Hyannis, with the area around the five can buoy producing consistent results. As the season progresses, anglers can expect these fish to move into deeper waters of 60 to 80 feet, but the current sweet spot remains that mid-depth range where sea bass are actively feeding on squid and sand eels.

The traditional tire pile locations are showing signs of slowing down, which is typical as the bite transitions from spring to summer patterns. However, the natural and artificial reefs off the south side continue to hold good numbers of fish, offering an alternative to the sometimes crowded Buzzards Bay fishing grounds.

Proven Sea Bass Tactics and Lures

The most effective approach for current sea bass conditions off the south side involves using 4 to 5-ounce bucktails tipped with fresh squid. This combination has been producing quick limits for experienced anglers who understand the importance of scent in triggering strikes from these finicky feeders. The key is using fresh squid cut into small strips, which creates an irresistible scent trail that sea bass find difficult to ignore.

For anglers preferring to fish without bait, Nomad Streaker jigs in the 4-ounce range have been exceptionally productive. These lures work effectively with just their assist hooks, requiring no additional bait or trailers. The Streaker jigs' ability to cut through water quickly makes them ideal for windy conditions when maintaining bottom contact becomes challenging.

Butterfly jigs with assist hooks represent another excellent option, particularly when fish are suspended or feeding actively in the water column. The erratic action of these lures mimics wounded baitfish, triggering aggressive strikes from feeding sea bass.

Striped Bass: Cape Cod Bay

Cape Cod Bay continues to serve as a striper fishing haven, with recent nor'easter conditions pushing larger fish deeper into the bay and making them accessible to both boat and surf anglers. The fishing has been particularly strong in the middle of the day during dropping tides, when baitfish concentrations trigger feeding activity.

Cape Cod Bay Hotspots

The most productive waters in Cape Cod Bay are currently in the 40 to 50-foot depth range, stretching from Brewster to Barnstable. This zone consistently holds schools of feeding stripers, particularly during the bottom portion of the tide cycle. For anglers willing to venture into deeper water, the 60 to 80-foot range has also been producing quality fish and occasional surface action...

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