Cape Cod is one of the great striped bass destinations anywhere. Whether you want to sight-fish stripers cruising the shallow flats, swing a fly through a hard-running rip, or hunt cows in the Canal, the Cape has the water for it.
Where the fish are
The Cape offers incredible variety: the vast Brewster flats and Billingsgate Shoal in Cape Cod Bay, the famous Chatham and Monomoy rips, the tip at Race Point, and the land-based big-bass factory of the Cape Cod Canal.
When it is best
May and June bring the run and the best flats sight-fishing of the year. Midsummer is a Canal and night game. The September and October fall run brings blitzes and the last shot at big fish before they migrate. The full picture is in the seasonal calendar.
How to catch them
On the flats, downsize and sight-fish with a fly rod or light soft plastics. In the rips, swing flies and jigs through the current like you would any rip. In the Canal, launch a pencil popper on the breaking tide.
Tip The Cape flats are a sight-fishing dream, but they demand stealth and a good tide. Fish the rising water in low light, move slowly, and lead a cruising fish rather than lining it.
Fish it with a guide
A Cape Cod fly and light-tackle charter gets you on the right water for the conditions, gear and know-how included, no license needed. See the trips and pricing and reach out to book your dates.