Gear & Tackle

Saltwater & Coast

Fly Fishing

Spin, Cast & Bait

Cape Cod Bay Fishing Guide

Massachusetts

The bay inside the hook of Cape Cod between Plymouth and Provincetown, where state harvest records show a strong striped bass fishery.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Cape Cod Bay for striped bass. In October, striped bass is in season, and Clouser Minnow, Lefty's Deceiver and Walking Topwater are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 25 miles (1 fly, 11 bait and tackle); the closest is Canal Bait and Tackle in Bourne, about 11 mi away. Race Point is about 15 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Season at a Glance

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What You'll Catch

Cape Cod Bay Species

Striped Bass

Striped Bass

Prime Now
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Best: Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov

Images: Duane Raver, USFWS. Public domain.

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month

5 picks for October.

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Striped Bass

Fly 9 ft 9 wt rod, intermediate or sinking line, 20 lb leader. Clousers and Deceivers.

Spin / Cast 7 to 8 ft medium-heavy spinning rod, 4000 to 5000 reel, 30 lb braid with a 20 to 30 lb leader.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Cape Cod Bay

Jigs

Spro Bucktail Jigs

Durable hair jigs for stripers, fluke, and anything that eats baitfish.

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Fly Rods

Orvis Clearwater 9 ft 10 wt Fly Rod

Backbone for big flies, heavy wind, and fish that run into the backing.

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Reels

Penn Battle III Spinning Reel

A metal-bodied reel built to survive saltwater and big runs.

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Rods

Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod

A medium inshore rod for jigs, popping corks, and live bait.

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Line

PowerPro Spectra Braided Line

Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.

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Topwater

Heddon Zara Spook

The walk-the-dog topwater that works in fresh and salt.

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Soft Plastics

Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ

A tough, stretchy paddle tail that survives toothy fish.

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Flies

Saltwater Baitfish Fly Assortment

Clousers and Deceivers in sizes for stripers, snook, and reds.

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Within 25 Miles

Shops Near Cape Cod Bay

Within 25 Miles

Guides and Charters Near Cape Cod Bay

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Saltwater & Coast · Massachusetts · About 15 mi

Race Point

The northern tip of Cape Cod at Provincetown, where fast currents and deep water near shore draw surfcasters after striped bass and bluefish.

Striped Bass · Bluefish

Saltwater & Coast · Massachusetts · About 17 mi

Cape Cod

Stripers and albies from the beach, flats, and rips.

Striped Bass · False Albacore · Bluefish

Saltwater & Coast · Massachusetts · About 36 mi

Martha's Vineyard

An island known for surfcasting and a fall derby for stripers, blues, and albies.

Striped Bass · Bluefish · False Albacore

Saltwater & Coast · Massachusetts · About 39 mi

Great Point (Nantucket)

The northern tip of Nantucket, open to surf fishing year-round, where anglers target striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, and Spanish mackerel.

Striped Bass · Bluefish · False Albacore

Saltwater & Coast · Massachusetts · About 42 mi

Boston Harbor

The waters around the Boston Harbor Islands, home to striped bass and bluefish, with shore fishing on Deer Island.

Striped Bass · Bluefish

Saltwater & Coast · Rhode Island · About 55 mi

Narragansett Bay

A large bay with spring schoolie stripers, summer blues, and fluke.

Striped Bass · Bluefish · Flounder