Best Places to Fish on Cape Cod

With over 70 miles of coastline, it’s hardly a surprise that Cape Cod's fishing opprtunities rank right up there with the best in the country, if not the world. This peninsula has enjoyed countless decades as a sought after angling destination in the North East.

As you enter the Cape over the Sagamore Bridge, you will be driving right over one of Cape Cod's most productive striped bass and blue fish fisheries – the Cape Cod Canal. As you continue driving down the cape, a whole world of fishing opens up. You’ll find fish in every nook and crany all over Cape Cod, with thousands of bays, inlets, jetties and open ocean beaches to fish from. Just about every salt water body you encounter will hold striped bass, bluefish and a wide variety of other gamefish at one point in the season or the other. There’s also over 400 + freshwater fishing ponds and lakes to fish in, if weather is not conducive to fishing comfortably in saltwater.

Best Fish to Catch on Cape Cod

The list of fish you can catch in Cape Cod is huge. For a short list of our most popular species, click here. Fish Nantucket Sound ,Cape Cod Bay on the flats, or head out into the Atlantic and try Nauset Or Coast Guard Beaches, and you’re sure to find the fish you want. Some of the biggest fish caught on the East Coast each summer are caught on Cape Cod and plenty of great game fish call these waters home May through October, so prepare for the possibility to catch your personal best every time out !

Cod and Haddock

There was no way we could start a section on Cape Cod’s fishing targets without mentioning its eponymous fish. Cod, along with its just-as-tasty cousin Haddock, can be found aplenty off the shores of the Massachusetts coast. However, you’ll be restricted in the north of the Cape from catching Cod most of the year.

From Nova Scotia to Norway, these are two of the most sought-after creatures in the North Atlantic, and for good reason too. Their white meat makes for all kinds of delicious seafood dishes. The best part about targeting these fish in Cape Cod, however, is that you can go after them year-round. Head offshore from January through December and get your fill of fish to take home.

Striped Bass

Just as we couldn’t leave out Cod, Striped Bass is another must-have on the list of Cape Cod fishing prizes. This East Coast favorite is the state saltwater fish of all of Massachusetts’ neighboring states. It remains the number one target for most anglers, even in “The Bay State.”

Despite falling victim to overfishing in the mid-20th century, this population has been recovering thanks to strict regulations in recent years. Most anglers prefer to catch and release them for that purpose. However, you can still take one home to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Plan to visit early May through late October- maybe even November if the weather holds out to target these prized game fish on Cape Cod, with the warmer water bays and the canal offering plenty of angling opportunities deep into the fall.

Bluefish

The Bluefish is often overlooked because it isn't generally considered good table fare. But, pound for pound, Bluefish may be one of the strongest, hard fighting species to be caught here. Fisherman in the know appreciate this ravenous feeder for exactly what it is. They’re good fighters and very eager to hit just about any lure when feeding and willing to go after all different kinds of bait.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first catch, or a keen angler hoping to test your skills, few other fish are as versatile. Hit the shallow waters of the flats and bays from May through October, and you’re sure to come across plenty of these beauties alongside Striped Bass, Flounder, and Scup.

Bluefin Tuna

If Cod and Haddock are the most popular fish in the North Atlantic, then Tuna must be the most popular worldwide. These creatures are sought-after in every ocean and they offer up more than just award-winning expensive meat. Come to Cape Cod in summer and get your fill of these fish!

Get ready for action, adrenaline, and incredible rewards when you target Bluefin, the largest Tuna species. These warm-blooded fish thrive in Cape Cod’s chilly water. Sometimes, you can find them just off the tip of the cape in summer. Settle in for the fight of your life, as you jig deep down to entice the bite, and almost get thrown overboard when the Bluefin takes your bait to the deep.

Sharks

While Bluefin Tuna get and keep the attention of most offshore anglers, nothing quite compares to battling it out with a Shark. The ocean’s biggest predator is tougher than anything you’ve ever read about. Hooking one of these beasts is a surefire way to get your heart pumping.

Target Blue Sharks just offshore whenever you want, they are so numerous, they can actually become a pest when codfishing.Threshers come closer to shore from June through October. However, if you’re looking for the catch of a lifetime, peak summer in July and August is the best time to visit Cape Cod. It’s when you’ll get to go after giant Mako and Blue Sharks.

And More!

If that hasn’t whetted your appetite for a Cape Cod fishing adventure, you’ll be glad to know that the list is far from over. There were plenty of other contenders for our shortlist above, but we simply couldn’t fit them all.

The summer and winter Flounder population means that you can pretty much target these tasty creatures year-round. Black Seabass, Tautog, and Scup are all also available inshore. Meanwhile, Pollock and Atlantic Mackerel add to the ever-growing menu of fish you can find offshore in Cape Cod, with Mahi Mahi and Wahoo showing up in the deep, too!

How to Fish on Cape Cod

Goose Hummock Endorsed charter captains are a great way to get introduced to Cape Cod species, techniques and tips if it's your first fishing visit to the Cape, but there are a range of hotspots for you to try out on your own. Check in to Goose Fishing Reports to catch up on where the best action is taking place during your visit.

Shore Fishing

Cape Cod Canal is the one of the most popular shore fishing destination on the Cape Cod This narrow body of water is ideal for casting into from shore. Plenty of prized fish pass close to land as they make their way from northside to south (and vice-versa). While Sandwich’s Scusset Harbor, located at the northern mouth of the canal, is always crowded with anglers, there are plenty of other spots along the canal, too. But, this type of fishing isn't for the faintof heart or first time fisherman. The rocks that line the canal can be slippery and dangerous.

And that’s not all! All around the cape, you’ll find a range of beaches, inlets, and jetties that are ideal for setting up camp. Hit Dowses Beach for the best-kept Scup fishing grounds, or Wellfleet’s White Crest Beach where you’ll find breeding Stripers and plenty of Bluefish. You could also join the sun-seeking tourists on Old Silver Beach, and combine your angling trip with some bathing.

Kayak Fishing

Fishing from a kayak is an ever-growing fad all around the world, and Massachusetts is no exception. A Cape Cod kayak fishing adventure can prove to be very fruitful, not to mention incredibly fun. Get ready for a workout before you even think about fishing. You’ll use nothing but your strength to get to the sweet spots, before casting away.

In fact, a kayak can be the best mode of transport, depending on where you want to go. These light vessels will keep you afloat in even the shallowest of waters. They’re ideal for getting you to the flats and rocky bottoms – which is where the fish like to hide! Hire one or bring your own, and set off in search of Seabass, Tautog, Scup, and even Bass, as you find out the true meaning of “working up an appetite.”

Party Boat Fishing

If you’re on a budget or are alone and fancy some company, Cape Cod party boat fishing is a great way to get into it. In all major port towns, from Provincetown to Falmouth, you’ll find large vessels ready to take you out to the bays. These boats come fully equipped with everything you need for a productive day. All you need to do is settle in and enjoy the ride.

Popular in all the East Coast bays, party boat fishing offers something for everyone. Captains and tour guides can run trips that include some sightseeing or whale watching for the kids, with others focused on getting the most out of the water. Whatever you decide on, you’ll be sharing your experience with like-minded individuals. Who knows? You might even make a friend!

Charter Fishing

There’s no better way to discover saltwater fishing than by boat, and charter fishing on Cape Cod will get you to the spots that you simply can’t access on your own or by kayak. They’ll even take you further than any party boat could manage! Not only that, but a private charter will see you live the high life, as you head off to sea with just your nearest and dearest, with the open ocean at your mercy.

Your experienced captain will know exactly where to go to find the fish. You’ll be able to mix it up and go after a range of different creatures. If you’re looking to fish the heart of Cape Cod Bay in the north, or the beautiful Vineyard Sound in the south – a charter is the only way.

It goes without saying that you’ll need a charter for a Cape Cod deep sea fishing adventure. Head to the deep waters at the Stellwagen Bank or even further offshore. There, you’ll get your hands on delicious Cod and Halibut, along with the biggest creatures the ocean has to offer.

While Cape Cod’s fishing highlights undoubtedly lie in its access to the sea, there’s still the chance for some freshwater favorites, too. Spanning 339 square miles, the area lends itself to all kinds of wildlife, with ponds and streams offering plenty to the freshwater angler.

When Striper season is over, many saltwater anglers head over to the ponds and lakes to get their hands on some other Bass species. These underdeveloped fishing grounds provide an escape to nature, with Nickerson State Park offering up some of the best spots.

Hit up Higgins and Cliff Ponds for Smallmouth Bass, along with Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout. Meanwhile, Flax Pond will offer up some stunning Tiger Trout for your consumption too.

Cape Cod Fishing Spots

If you’ve followed along so far, you’ll have noticed we already covered some of the top spots to go fishing in Cape Cod. But just in case, here’s a brief rundown of a few popular places to visit:

Provincetown. Sitting on the northern tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is the ideal starting spot both for bay and open ocean fishing. Depart from here, and you’ll have access to everything this part of East Coast has on offer.
Dennis. Situated near the very centre of Cape Cod, Dennis stretches from coast to coast. This means you’ll get to explore both the bay to the north and Nantucket Sound to the south if you choose this little town as your base.
Falmouth. If you’re eager to explore Vineyard Sound, there’s no better place to begin your trip than Falmouth. Martha’s Vineyard lies right across its shores and the waters between the land and the island are teeming with fish. Falmouth is also known for its beautiful beaches and scenery.
Sandwich. Sandwich is more than a town with a delicious name. It’s also an excellent destination if you’d like to fish Cape Cod Bay. In particular, it’s home to several beaches where you can surf fish, as well as Scusset Harbor.
Stellwagen Bank. Located about 6 miles from Provincetown or 20 miles from Plymouth, the Stellwagen Bank is one of the most famous deep sea fishing spots in the area. It’s a large sandy plateau where waters sharply drop to depths of several hundred feet. Come June, this is the first spot you’ll check for Tuna.

When To Go Fishing in Cape Cod

We’ve already let you know that summer is the best time to come fishing on Cape Cod, with most fish on offer from May through September. However, there’s never really a bad time to come. The year-round Haddock and Cod population means that, if you’re able to find a dry, calm day, you can even experience a fruitful fishing trip in winter.

But, if you’re thinking of bringing the family along, why not combine your vacation with some other popular activities? Come in the following months and take advantage of a range of festivals, displays, and much more:

June: While Stripers fill up the canal, Sandwichfest lights up its northern mouth, with food and drink, music, and arts and crafts. Meanwhile. Dennis’ Clambake and Wellfleet’s Restaurant Week will light up your palate.
August: With the kids off school, the beaches of Cape Cod are calling your name. Combine a fishing trip with the Naukabout Music Festival or the Provincetown Carnival for some color.
December: ‘Tis the season, so why not make the most of it? Brave the cold and enjoy Falmouth’s Holiday by the Sea or Chatham’s Christmas Stroll, along with a trip to land some warming meat.

Cape Cod Fishing Regulations

Before embarking on your Cape Cod fishing frenzy, make sure you’re up to date on the latest rules and regulations. If you’re saltwater fishing from a charter or a party boat – you won’t need a license. Fish from shore, a kayak, or your own vessel, though, and every angler over the age of 16 will need a license. Grab your license online, while those of you over 60 will be able to apply for a free permit.

There is some good news, however, for anglers from neighboring states. If you hold a New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Connecticut saltwater fishing license, then you can fish these waters for free!

For freshwater anglers, you’ll need a license whichever way you intend on fishing. This time, all anglers over the age of 15 will need to buy a permit – although MA residents aged 15–17, or over 70, can get a free license.

As always, there are plenty of size and bag limits that are constantly in flux. Cape Cod’s fishing regulations are so complex that there are even different regulations for north and south Cape Cod. Keep an eye on MA’s latest limits, and make sure you’re fishing within the law.

Why Cape Cod?

Cape Cod is undoubtedly one of the gems of the whole East Coast. With history dating back to colonial times, breathtaking coastlines, and incredible fishing, why would you want to be anywhere else? Come fishing on this little piece of paradise and not only will you get your hands on some trophy fish, but you’ll head home with much more.