The Cape Cod Fall Fishing Switch Has Flipped

If you’ve been waiting for Cape Cod fishing to really come alive, the switch is flipping right now.

Late September is one of the most exciting times of the year to be an fisherman on Cape Cod. Summer crowds are fading, water temperatures are beginning their steady slide, baitfish are moving, and some of the Cape’s most popular game fish are entering full-on fall feeding mode.

The difference between summer fishing and fall fishing can happen quickly. One week you’re dealing with warm water and scattered fish. The next, the beaches, rips, bays and inlets can suddenly come alive with feeding activity.

And if you put the rods away during the dog days of August, now is the time to pull them back out.

Cooler Water Changes Everything

One of the biggest factors driving the late-September fishing transition is water temperature.

As the ocean begins cooling from its summer highs, baitfish become more active and migratory species begin responding to the changing conditions. Striped bass, bluefish, bonito and false albacore are all taking advantage of the abundance of forage available during the fall transition.

For anglers, that means more opportunities—and often more aggressive feeding.

The Cape's fall fishing isn't simply a continuation of summer fishing with colder weather. The entire ecosystem is beginning to shift.

And that's when things get interesting.

Striped Bass Go Into Fall Mode

Striped bass are one of the biggest reasons Cape Cod fishermen look forward to September and October.

As water temperatures cool and bait becomes increasingly important, stripers can become much more aggressive. Beaches, points, rips, inlets and areas holding concentrations of bait can all become productive.

Late September is also an excellent time to have a variety of presentations available.

Large plugs can imitate larger forage, while soft plastics, small metals and other offerings can become extremely effective when stripers are keyed in on smaller bait.

And don't overlook the nighttime bite. Fall darkness can produce some of the season's most memorable striped bass fishing.

The key is being ready when the fish show up.

The Bait Is the Key

Want to understand fall fishing on Cape Cod?

Find the bait.

Sand eels, peanut bunker, silversides, mullet and other forage can all play important roles as the season progresses. When concentrations of bait begin moving through an area, predators aren't usually far behind.

This is why carrying a selection of lures that imitate different sizes, shapes and profiles is so important during the fall.

Sometimes the fish want a big profile.

Sometimes they want something tiny.

Sometimes they want a lure burned across the surface.

Other times they want something slowly worked through the water column.

Fall fishing rewards anglers who are willing to experiment.

The Albie Game Is Heating Up

Few fish create more excitement than a school of false albacore tearing across the surface.

Albies are fast, powerful and notoriously selective. When they start feeding on small bait, they can completely ignore the lures that worked yesterday.

That's why late September is a great time to have a dedicated albie setup ready to go.

Light spinning tackle, braided line, fluorocarbon leaders and small metal or epoxy-style jigs can be extremely effective when matched to the forage.

And when an albie school suddenly appears within casting distance?

You don't want to be digging through the truck looking for the right lure.

You want to be casting.

Bonito Aren't Forgotten

Before—and sometimes alongside—the albie action, bonito can provide incredible light-tackle fishing.

These fish are fast, aggressive and capable of making a spinning reel absolutely scream.

Small metals, jigs and other compact presentations are excellent choices when bonito are feeding on small baitfish.

The beauty of late September is that you never quite know what you're going to encounter.

A morning that starts with striped bass can turn into bonito.

Bonito can turn into albies.

And a bait school that looks insignificant from shore can suddenly erupt with predators.

That's Cape Cod fall fishing.

Bluefish Are Still in the Mix

Don't forget the bluefish.

While their presence can vary from day to day and location to location, bluefish remain an important part of the fall inshore fishery.

They're aggressive, hard-fighting and more than willing to destroy a lure.

If you're fishing areas where bluefish are present, carry a few durable presentations that can withstand sharp teeth and repeated strikes.

It doesn't hurt to have a few extra lures in the bag, either.

Fall Surfcasting Is Here

For surfcasters, late September may be one of the best times of the year to be on the beach.

The crowds are smaller. The temperatures are more comfortable. The bait is moving. And the fish are preparing for the migration ahead.

Early mornings, evenings and nighttime sessions can all produce.

The important thing is being prepared for changing conditions.

A calm, sunny September afternoon can turn into a windy, wet evening surprisingly quickly.

That's why quality foul-weather gear becomes just as important as the rod and reel you're carrying.

A good waterproof jacket, comfortable layers, reliable footwear and properly organized tackle can make the difference between fishing for an hour and staying out all night.

The fish certainly aren't checking the forecast.

Don't Ignore Cape Cod's Freshwater Ponds

Fall fishing isn't limited to saltwater.

As Cape Cod's freshwater ponds cool down, largemouth bass become increasingly active, while trout anglers can look forward to some excellent opportunities as well.

The cooler temperatures make being on the water much more comfortable, and fall scenery adds another dimension to freshwater fishing.

If the surf is blown out or the ocean isn't cooperating, don't automatically put the rods away.

Grab a freshwater setup and hit a pond.

Cape Cod has plenty of options.

Your Fall Gear Needs to Be Ready

Late September is also the perfect time to take inventory.

Check your reels.

Inspect your leaders.

Sharpen or replace hooks.

Restock your favorite metals and plugs.

Make sure your headlamp works.

Check your pliers.

And most importantly, take a serious look at your foul-weather gear.

There's nothing worse than discovering a leaking jacket or damaged waders when you're standing on a windswept beach with a school of stripers feeding in front of you.

Fall fishing is all about being ready for the opportunity when it appears.

The Best Part? It’s Only Getting Started

The late-September transition is just the beginning.

As October approaches, water temperatures will continue to fall, bait will continue moving, and Cape Cod's fall fishing will continue evolving.

Some days will be spectacular.

Some will be frustrating.

Some will require long walks, cold hands and plenty of patience.

But that's what makes fall fishing special.

You never know when the switch is going to flip.

One minute you're casting into seemingly empty water.

The next, the surface explodes.

A striper crushes a plug.

An albie tears off across the bay.

A bonito empties your spool.

And suddenly you remember exactly why you fish Cape Cod in the fall.

Get Ready for Fall Fishing at Goose Hummock

The fall fishing season is here, and Goose Hummock has the gear to help you make the most of it.

From surf rods and spinning reels to plugs, jigs, leaders, rain gear and everything else you need for late-season fishing, stop by the Goose Hummock shops or shop online at TheMightyFish.com.

The summer crowds may be disappearing.

The water may be getting colder.

But for Cape Cod anglers, the fishing is just getting started.

The switch has flipped. Get out there.