What are the key components that create a great fishing destination? The answer comes down to three simple words - location, location, location. If you look at the east coast of the U.S. you will notice two prominent features that stand out. The tip of Cape Cod and the tip of Montauk. Simply put, in the big picture, these two features are a couple of giant pieces of structure that migrating fish relate to in a big way. If you take a look at history, the piece of water that we are fishing derived it's name from the stunning number of aquatic species that inhabited these waters. What we all would give to see, just for a brief moment, what these waters held 100 years ago.
Although there are numbers of outstanding areas to chase stripers, bluefish, and tuna in Massachusetts, the waters of Cape Cod Bay from Brewster flats, around Race Point to the "backside" beaches, remain in my opinion, the most consistant and productive. On any given day on these waters, you have the chance to get up close and personal with a wide variety of the ocean's natural wonders. Three or four species of whales, basking sharks, ocean sunfish, and porpoise, along with numerous shore and sea birds, all spend the summer in this area to take advantage of the abundant food supply. The most prolific forage fish in these waters is the sand eel, however dozens of other types of bait fish migrate through, while many others develop in the creeks and estuaries. In addition, crab, shrimp, numerous worm species, juvenile flounder, lobster and krill, all appear in different quantities and times throughout the season.
Simply put, one could probably fly fish these waters with a Clouser and Deceiver and do quite well, however the prepared angler and guide should have a wide range of realistic and impressionistic patterns that will cover just about any situation you may encounter. If you fish alot, you will come to realize that little nuances in flies and artificial baits in terms of size, color, and presentation can make a difference. All predators, can at times, become extremely focused on one specific type of food even in the presence of multiple forage species. How many times have you heard a fisherman say "these guys are eating the one fly I didn't have in my box". One needs to carry more fly patterns and lures than you need in the event that an unusual fishing situation arises, or you get cut off. The waters of the outer cape contain a myriad of food choices for predators and the best policy is to be very well stocked with offerings.
In short, early May sees the arrival of large numbers of school fish, and generally by the end of the month big girls start to take up residence for the summer. Wind, water temps, bait movement, and current, as well as other factors such as storms and barometric pressure changes all play a role in fish and bait movement. As we get into the warmer months, the bigger fish generally move into cooler depths, although I have seen very large stripers and blues in water temps reaching the mid to high 70's. As September and October roll around, the bait starts to gather for migration, the tuna have been around for several months and phenomenal feeding frenzies can occur at any time.
Reservations & More Info:
508-435-7147
email: gberke@outermostexcursions.com
