Nighttime Beach Fishing for Striped Bass on Cape Cod

After the cool, gray Spring we just experienced, it's hard to believe July 4TH is almost upon us. It's around the 4th of July when the heat waves begin quickly warming up water temps and the throngs of Summer visitors take over our favorite fishing beaches during the day. It's also at this time of the year when beach fisherman in the know become creatures of the night in pursuit of their favorite gamefish: the striped bass.

There’s something timeless and thrilling about fishing for striped bass in the black of night, with the rhythmic pulse of Atlantic surf keeping time. On Cape Cod, this experience becomes not just a pastime but a rite of passage—where angler meets ocean in one of the most iconic striped bass fisheries in the world.

Why Night Fish?

Striped bass are famously nocturnal feeders, especially the larger fish. Small Schoolies will still hit mid day in the dog days of summer, but the big ones feed inshore only at night. As the sun sinks below the horizon, the beaches of Cape Cod transform. Chaotic, noisy crowds disperse, the wind often settles around dusk, and the shoreline becomes free for the serious surfcaster to ply his trade. In the dark, the Stripers predatory instincts take over; stripers move into shallow water to hunt sand eels, mackerel, bunker, and other baitfish that can't negotiate the darkness as well as stripers can, providing a prime opportunity for anglers to test their skills with trophy-sized bass .

Where to Go

Cape Cod offers a dozens of great spots for night fishing. A few of the best bet beaches include:

• Race Point (Provincetown): Deep water close to shore and strong currents make it a striper magnet.

• Nauset Beach (Orleans): Long, sandy stretches ideal for plugging or chunk bait fishing.

• Sandy Neck (Barnstable): Remote and beautiful, with good structure and drop-offs.

• South Cape Beach (Mashpee): Offers access to Vineyard Sound and a productive tidal zone.

Access and parking can be challenging at any of the Cape Cod Beaches, so it’s important to plan ahead and do some research. Many towns require beach permits or 4x4 access stickers, especially during peak season.

Tactics and Gear

1. Surfcasting Equipment:A 9- to 11-foot surf rod paired with a sturdy spinning reel (like a Van Staal or Daiwa Saltist) is standard for Cape beaches. Use 30-40 lb braided line with a 40-50 lb fluorocarbon leader for abrasion resistance against rocks and sandbars.

2. Lures:

• Swimbaits (e.g., soft plastics like Ron Z'S)

• Needlefish plugs (great for mimicking slender baitfish..the shop favorite is the ALAN'S CUSTOM LURES NEEDLEFISH 6")

• Darters and bottle plugs for heavy surf and structure( YO-ZURI MAG DARTER 6 1/2")

• And don't ever forget a half dozen live eels......if the fish get too picky to hit plugs, they will usually hit a well presented live eel!

Lure color matters at night—black or dark colors are preferred as they silhouette better in low light. Glow-in-the-dark or UV-activated lures can be effective during moonless nights.

3. Bait Fishing:Fresh bait—like eels, bunker chunks, or clams—can outfish lures when stripers are keyed in on a certain species of baitfish. Circle hooks are now required by law when fishing with bait for striped bass to reduce mortality.

Timing and Conditions

July 4th through Labor Day are peak seasons for night fishing.

Key times are:

• Two hours before and after high tide

• During the new or full moon when tides are stronger and fish are more active

Calm nights with a slight onshore breeze are ideal, but don’t be afraid to fish in less-than-perfect weather—stripers often feed aggressively before or during storm fronts.

Safety and Etiquette

Night fishing carries unique risks. Always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. Bring a headlamp with a red light setting (so you don’t spook fish), wear a wading belt, and use cleats or korkers if you're venturing onto jetties or slippery rocks. Be mindful of other anglers—spacing and courtesy go a long way.

A Cape Cod Tradition

To stand alone on a moonlit beach, line tight, rod arched, and a striped bass pulsing on the other end—that’s Cape Cod fishing at its best. It’s more than catching fish; it’s connecting with nature and a tradition as old as the tides.

Whether you’re a seasoned surf rat or trying it for the first time, nighttime beach fishing on Cape Cod promises challenge, relative quiet and the chance to tangle with one of the ocean’s most revered gamefish.