Surfcasting on Cape Cod

The diverse waters of Cape Cod, from the open Atlantic to the bays and harbors or the salt marshes, rivers, creeks, and inland freshwater ponds offer anglers a myriad of fishing experiences. Cape Cod fishing charters are available for deep water adventures, boats and kayaks are ideal for the more protected harbors and bays, and anglers on foot can take advantage of miles and miles of shoreline be it beach, river, marsh, or pond. From the heaviest deep water and surf casting gear to fly fishing rigs, if it’s got a hook, it will work at Cape Cod.

The fishing potential of the ocean waters around Cape Code is obvious. Enthusiasts can hire one of the numerous fishing charters for a day (and night) on the open ocean. Skilled, professional captains and crew will teach you about the fishing industry, history, and sport of the area, set up the gear, help land your catch, and even prepare your deliciously fresh fishfor dinner. Out away from the shores, the bounty is plentiful and varied. Yes, there are cod, haddock, and pollock – fun to catch and good to eat. Tuna are fast and put up a good fight. Striped bass and the less common but even more tasty black sea bass are the most sought-after prizes. Flounder, halibut, shark, and even marlin can also be found in the waters around Cape Cod. Look for a charter with strong reviews, like Sea Dog Fishing Team out of Dennis, with great service, like Reel Deal Fishing Charters out of Truro, with a reputation for finding the type of fish you want to catch, like Hairball Charters out of Falmouth, or with a knack for entertaining children, like Cap’n Kids Fishing Adventures out of Harwich Port. If you have your own seaworthy vessel, you probably already know the waters around Cape Cod offer some of the best ocean fishing around, but a good guide and local advice can always help!

Aside from fishing out on the open ocean, Cape Cod offers many protected harbors and bays suitable for smaller boats, miles and miles of shoreline for surfcasting, wading, bait fishing, and fishing by kayak, numerous rivers and creeks, and even the canal for a nearly endless array of fishing options. The main targets in these waters are striped bass, bluefish, bonito, false albacore, and scup. Anglers from all around bring their own boats or rent one for a day out on the water. Try your luck and enjoy fantastic views out on Falmouth’s Quissett Harbor. Take a lazy day of trolling on Wellfleet Harbor. Paddle up Sandwich’s Scorton Creek in a kayak or canoe or float the marshes and ponds off Snow Shore Road in Orleans. On foot, surfcasting is most popular along the east facing shorelines like Orleans’ Nauset Beach and Truro’s Ballston, where the surf is just right for targeting stripers out cruising the waves. Wading out to fish the troughs between sandbars works very well in many areas around the cape, including Wellfleet’s Grand Island and Brewster’s Paine’s Creek Beach. No matter what your preferred style of fishing is – casting lures, trolling, working jigs, bait on the bottom, and even fly fishing – there is a fishing spot and most certainly a fish waiting for you at Cape Cod.