The rips off Chatham and Monomoy are a legendary, ever-shifting maze of current and shoals off the elbow of Cape Cod. The rips funnel bait and hold big striped bass and bluefish, but the constantly changing bars and the abundant seals and white sharks make it water to fish knowledgeably and carefully.
The ground
Fish the rips and the edges of the shoals, where current sweeps bait over structure. Because the bars shift constantly, recent knowledge and careful navigation are essential.
How to fish it
Classic rip tactics: swing soft plastics, jigs and plugs through the seams and down-current edges. Time it to the tide that fires the rips.
Seal & shark safety These rips are the heart of the Cape's gray seal and white shark zone. Keep landed fish and bait clear of seals, do not swim or wade in this water, and navigate the shifting shoals with care. Fish safe.
Regulations Striped bass rules apply, see Massachusetts DMF.