Prime Locations and Essential Lures for June
Cape Cod's waters are heating up for the summer fishing season, and the action is spectacular across multiple locations from Vineyard Sound to Buzzards Bay. Evan Eastman of Eastman Sport and Tackle shares intel on the hottest fishing spots and most effective lures for targeting striped bass, bluefish, and sea bass in the waters off Falmouth, Vineyard Sound, and Buzzards Bay.
Prime Striped Bass Locations
Middle Ground:
Middle Ground continues to be one of the most reliable striped bass destinations in Vineyard Sound. Evan's Wednesday trip this week proved highly productive, with anglers landing 15-20 above slot-size stripers during a single outing. The key to success at Middle Ground is timing your arrival with the tide—high tide at 5:30 AM meant getting there just after 6:15 AM for optimal fishing conditions.
What makes Middle Ground special is its consistent population of slot-sized and over-slot bass. The area can get crowded, especially during prime times, but the fish are there. The action primarily happens on top water, with stripers aggressively feeding on squid that can be seen jumping out of the water during the feeding frenzy.
Hedge Fence:
When Middle Ground gets too crowded, Hedge Fence offers similar opportunities with typically fewer boats competing for space. While the bird activity might be less intense than at Middle Ground, the quality of fishing remains high. This spot works particularly well for anglers who prefer less crowded conditions while still targeting quality striped bass lower in the water column.
The Rip Inside Green 17 Can:
For anglers willing to fish deep water, the rip inside the Green 17 can offers excellent opportunities. This location requires a different approach, as the fish tend to hold on the bottom rather than feeding on top water. Charter captains have been particularly successful here using wire line and parachute jigs, hooking up consistently on every pass over specific bottom structure.
Side scan sonar shows plentiful schools of bass in this area, but success requires proper deep-water tactics. Anglers unprepared for bottom fishing might miss out on this productive bite, making it essential to come equipped with the right gear.
Buzzards Bay:
Buzzards Bay has become increasingly productive this week, offering some of the most exciting fishing opportunities in the region. The bay is experiencing an excellent pogie bite, particularly south of the Weepecket Islands—approximately two miles south.
The pogie schools in Buzzards Bay are creating opportunities for trophy-sized bass. Recent reports include fish in the 30-40 pound range, with one exceptional catch reaching 50 inches. These larger fish are primarily being caught on the bottom using flutter spoons, as the pogies stack up like "hockey pucks" on the bottom.
The West Falmouth area, including Fiddler's Cove, have also been producing good action with large pogies present. While some surface action occurs, the biggest fish continue to come from bottom fishing techniques.
Essential Lures and Tackle Recommendations
Top Water: Amber is King
For surface fishing in the rips and sound, amber-colored lures consistently outperform other colors when squid are the primary baitfish. Successful top water options include:
- Amber Poppers: The go-to choice for Middle Ground and Hedge Fence
- Amber Dog Walkers: Excellent for covering water and triggering strikes
- Amber Spooks: Perfect for working the surface during active feeding periods
The amber coloration mimics the squid that stripers are actively feeding on in these areas. Anglers using white lures alongside those with amber consistently see the amber lures outproduce their white counterparts.
Deep Water Arsenal:
For targeting fish holding deeper in the water column, several options prove effective:
- Ron's Paddle Hawk Jigs: These hybrid lures combine bucktail and soft plastic paddle tails for excellent presentation. The pink head, pink skirt, and white tail combination has been particularly productive.
- Parachute Jigs: When fished with wire line or lead core, these jigs effectively reach bottom-holding fish.
- Flutter Spoons: Essential for the pogie bite in Buzzards Bay, these lures are selling out quickly due to their effectiveness on large bass feeding on menhaden.
Buzzards Bay:
The Buzzards Bay fishery requires specific lures to match the prevalent baitfish:
- Flutter Spoons: Absolutely essential for the bottom-oriented pogie bite
- Docks: The classic surface lure for when pogies are active on top
- Small Profile Lures: When fish are feeding on tiny baitfish, downsizing becomes crucial
Surfcasting Opportunities
The surf scene has improved dramatically after a slower start to the season. South Cape Beach has been particularly productive, with anglers finding success both chunking mackerel and casting lures.
Recommended Lure
- URI Long Cast Minnows in Bone: Proven effective at Great Pond
Timing is Everything
Shore fishing success depends heavily on tidal timing. The recent improvement in fishing coincides with better tide windows, particularly outgoing tides paired with first light. High tide at 5:30 AM creates perfect conditions for dawn fishing on outgoing water.
Sea Bass Locations and Techniques
Sea bass fishing remains productive throughout the region, though anglers need to work through smaller fish to reach their limits. The most productive areas include:
- East of Hedge Fence: Between Hedge Fence and Horseshoe Shoal in 50-80 feet of water
- Various wrecks and artificial reefs: Consistent producers for keeper-sized fish
- Deeper waters as temperatures rise: Gay Head and Noman's become more productive as water warms
Sea Bass Tackle Tips
To target larger sea bass and avoid smaller fish:
- Bigger hooks and baits: Helps weed out undersized fish
- Hogie Jigs: Larger sizes (3.5, 4.5, 6.5 ounces) feature bigger hooks
- Monomoy Tackle XL Tandem Rigs: High-low rigs that have proven very effective
- Scent options: Gulp squid scent can enhance jig effectiveness
Bluefish Renaissance
After a disappointing year in 2024, bluefish have returned in strong numbers to the Falmouth area and Buzzards Bay. This resurgence provides excellent mixed-bag opportunities and indicates a healthy bait population supporting the entire ecosystem.
Planning Your Trip
Current conditions favor early morning fishing, with first light providing the best action. Outgoing tides continue to be most productive, and the recent stable weather has fish feeding actively across all locations discussed in this post.
For the weekend angler, having versatility in your tackle box is crucial. Pack amber top water lures for the sound fishing, flutter spoons for Buzzards Bay, and appropriate deep water jigs for when fish are holding on the bottom.
The fishing around Cape Cod is entering its prime season, with multiple species active across various depths and locations. Whether you prefer the excitement of top water action at Middle Ground or the potential of bottom fishing in Buzzards Bay, the opportunities are abundant! Get out there and enjoy!
Tight lines, take care, and thank you for listening!