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With the abundance of rich land and fishing spots, Cape Cod is a true jewel of the Eastern Coast. So popular has the sight become that recreational fishing now levels that of its commercial catching cousin. Sporting a wide variety of saltwater fish, with the striped bass, bonito, and Spanish mackerel to name but a few, fishermen all across the states come to the Cape for time off and a great experience.

The ideal temperature of Cape Cod's sparkling waters, brought in from the Gulf Stream itself, attracts masses of fish at all seasons. During the summer, when waters are at an all-time bath-warm, fish migrate up to the Cape's cooler, eastern waters. As the summer dwindles and fall descends, Cape Cod's National Seashore makes itself home to a crowd favorite, the popular stripped bass.

The Cape is generally divided into three saltwater fishing areas.
The Upper Cape is known for its Bourne pier area, Sandwich basin, and Falmouth with its many outlets and great location. Mid-Cape is home to Yarmouthport and its beautiful town of Yarmouth besides the water, and Dennis, haven of many beaches and hot spots. Finally, there's the Lower Cape, a cluster of activity and seaside provinces including Wellfleet's town peer and the Provincetown's fishing port.

Though one may be at first overwhelmed with the spanning freedom, the entire Cape serves its purpose as a great fishing spot, wherever you choose to drift. Whether it's after blue fish on the Upper Coast, a ride past local-favorite Martha's Vineyard or a nighttime fly-fishing trip through the vast waters of the various Capes, Cape Cod is sure to please even the most weathered fisherman.

A saltwater fishing license is not required for the Cape. Regulations, however, should still be acknowledged. Stripped bass can be taken at only one a day and must meet the minimum size of 30 inches. Cod and haddock can only be taken at 10 fish in combination. And bluefish, though also at limit of 10 fish a day, have no size limit. Be sure to contact the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries at (508) 563-1779 for all rules and regulations.

Learn more about this author, Vadim Osadchi.
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