I’m interested in any good info on timing, locations, etc. for a trip to Cape Cod, Mass this summer.
I’ve got people to see and fish to catch. Any suggestions on fishing, beach access, etc. would be appreciated
I like spring to early summer on the Cape. The water is still cool, plenty of migrating schools, you can still fish during the daylight, traffic is light, and the beaches haven’t started charging parking fees.
After the third week of June, the summer people come out, beaches fillup, traffic is thick, and the “famous” flats get crowded. There are still places to go, but it’s not as easy.
I fish from the Chatham/Brewster area north. Estuaries, flats, and beach fronts. Dozens of places.
There is fine fishing all over Cape Cod.
Where abouts will you be staying?
Before the 3rd week in June or after the first week in September. In between is tourist season and the fish tend to go out to deeper water. Every part of the Cape has good fishing. Pick your time and location and you can get help here or on other sites that focus on the Cape. If you go towards the tip of the cape I can help you there.
If you want more info send me a PM and I’ll reply.
jed
It seems like everyone is telling me to go in June. I always thought it was a hot spot all summer long.
Trouble is I can’t go in Green Drake season (June) and was thinking of July or August. I have relatives in Assonet. That’s not too far depending upon where I end up fishing. I imagine there isn’t much in the way of affordable lodging anywhere real close to good fishing.$100+ a night isn’t affordable for me.
I figured on doing some fishing either end of the night, couple hours before first light and a couple after dusk anyway. Is it possible to fish until after dark, then catch some Z’s in the truck at some access area, then get back out a few hours before dawn?
I know in Jersey they won’t let you do that at Island beach. They say you have to be actively fishing all night if parked there.
Stripers generally like the dark and I figured the beaches are deserted of tourists early and late.
Anywhere I can get to by driving and wading is great for me. I figured there are swimming beaches and other areas where the swimmers don’t congregate. Am I wrong?
I was up there once in the 70’s but not for fishing. y relatives were camped at Truro.
Thanks,
D’
Oh there’s still fish in the summer, with july being better than august. It’s just not as easy as spring. It’s the tourists and traffic that keep me away. Plus I’ve gotten parking tickets at beaches when my car was there at opening time.
At the national seashore you can get an overnight parking pass, but I believe that does not allow you to sleep there.
I normally camp at Nickerson State Park in Brewster. I think it’s all of $15 a night but if you’re going to do that get your reservation in now.
I have fished all over the Cape and there’s lots of good access, if you know where to look. One of the attractions of fishing the Cape is that with a short drive you can fish optimum stages of the tide or wind direction in different locations.
Sandy Neck in Sandwich or the around the salt ponds in Falmouth aren’t too far from the bridges and would be about an hour from Assonet. Depending on traffic double that plus for the outter beaches.
Closer to Assonet you might think of the Westport River/Horseneck Beach area. I’ve only fished that spot once in the past… I know for sure you can’t sleep in the car there :roll:
There’s some good spots rocky shores in the Newport area too
I’ve been hinting to my fishing partner that after 12 Junes at the Cape we should go somewhere else and do some trout fishing for our spring trip.
His reply is always the same “Where else can we go and be guaranteed to catch fish that could eat trout for breakfast”.
Another thought,
I probably should have said something about flats fishing. Alot of people go to the Cape in the summer just to fish the flats. Some, I’m sure, think it’s the only game in town. Again there is more fish in july than august, but if you are in the area on a day when the sun is shining, and tide is high at mid day you should give it a try.
The well known Monomoy flats are off the south shore of Chatham and there are two ferrys that I know of. Outtermost Harbor ferry costs a little more and they have better parking, but most people seem to like the Monomoy Island Ferry, a.k.a., the RipRyder. It leaves from the NWR at Morris Island right off the beach.
Monomoy is a cool place to go, well worth the trip and you will see fish.
There are other less well known flats around and they all fish well in the summer.
You just have to be in the right place at the right time.