Are you in the market for world-class Atlantic angling action? Well, look no further – deep sea fishing in Cape Cod is all you need! Proudly sticking out of Massachusetts into the deep blue, you could say Cape Cod sits on a fishing throne. With prolific offshore waters and a rich big game offer, it only makes sense for this royal fishery to be your next deep sea fishing destination.
When we say that Cape Cod is a lucrative fishing ground, we aren’t exaggerating. In fact, we might be selling it short! This place bathes in the bay, sound, and ocean waters. It’s surrounded by Cape Cod Bay to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Nantucket and Vineyard Sound to the south, and Buzzards Bay to the west. So, to say that Cape Cod revolves around fishing is probably an understatement.
Now that we’ve intrigued you with the idea of deep sea fishing in Cape Cod, let us show you how incredible it can be. We’ll tell you all about its big game headliners and give you tips on how to land them. We’ll treat you with the finest departure points on Cape Cod, too. You must be eager to find out more, so let’s jump in!
Top Cape Cod Deep Sea Catches
The Atlantic Ocean is home to some of the most sought-after game fish in the world. Luckily for you, Cape Cod has clear access to it. This means that you can cast your line year-round and end up with a bragworthy story every time. But, who are the formidable opponents who call these waters home? Let’s see what Cape Cod’s offshore fishery has to offer.
Cod
What better way to kick off the “Top Catches” section than with a true celebrity? The beloved deepwater treasure of Massachusetts is without a doubt Atlantic Cod. Their importance is so steeped in the history of the state that one of Massachusetts’s nicknames is the “Codfish State.” Even Cape Cod stands for “a great store of Codfish.” But, what makes them so cherished here?
The immediate answer would be their table fare qualities. If you’re looking for a mouth-watering delicacy, Cod are your go-to dish. Their milky flavor is what every seafood gourmet is looking for. Then again, a finger-licking taste isn’t the only trait Cod are famous for. The locals will testify about their fighting abilities, too. Tasty and feisty, Cod guarantee a fun day out in the open.
While Cape Cod’s fishing season runs mostly from May through November, Cod angling is a year-round activity. You’ll be also pleased to hear that these bottom dwellers are omnivorous and they’ll bite just about anything you throw at them.
Haddock and Pollock
Cod’s relatives Haddock and Pollock deserve VIP spots as well. Similar to their famous cousin, these guys navigate the bottom areas in search of food. You can usually find them in depths up to 500 feet! Lure them with juicy seaworms and clams, and you’ll feel a bite before you know it. Once you have them hooked, enjoy reeling these delicious treats in!
While closely related to Cod, Haddock and Pollock are slightly different. Cod are larger and more embellished than their somewhat smaller and paler kin. Haddock are further distinguished from Cod and Pollock by an eye-catching black lateral line. Additionally, while you can target Cod throughout the entire year, Haddock and Pollock fishing is more seasonal and thrives in May and October.
Tuna
Once you warm up with the Cod family, you’re then ready for a serious backbreaking battle. And, who better than Tuna to make you break a sweat? Deep sea fishing in Cape Cod is blessed with Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna. Clashing with these titans will put every single muscle in your body to the test. But that’s exactly what you’ve been looking for, isn’t it?
Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna are migratory species and the best time to go after them from Cape Cod is during summer and fall. Both species are considered to be prestigious game fish, but Bluefin Tuna are the ones that rule Massachusetts’s waters. As the biggest and most thrilling sea creatures around here, they’re the absolute royals of deep sea fishing in Cape Cod.
Sharks
If you’re yearning for the ultimate adrenaline rush, then a Shark trip is your ideal bluewater fishing adventure. You can cross paths with Porbeagle and Thresher Sharks, but Shortfin Mako and Blue Sharks are the fierce predators who dominate these waters. Both are extremely exciting game fish and thus very popular among recreational anglers.
Mako Sharks are aggressive and ferocious rivals that we know you’ll want at the end of your line. However, they’re also exceptionally intelligent and unpredictable, and even seasoned anglers find them challenging. So, make sure you’re in experienced company when hunting them down. Outwit and overpower Sharks and you’ll feel truly glorious.
… And More!
By now you’re thinking that Cape Cod has something for everyone. And you’re absolutely right. Cod, Pollock, Haddock, Tunas, and Sharks are a versatile group of deep sea locals. Yet, the list of residents doesn’t end there. It expands to include an even more diverse game fish circle. False Albacore, also known as Little Tunny, Atlantic Mackerel, Halibut, and Marlin are happy to join the already notable crew.
We praise Cape Cod’s waters for a reason. Not only can you go after Tunas and Sharks, but you can also test your skill against the world’s prominent game fish like Marlin. The truth is that you can wet your line anywhere from Georges Bank to Stellwagen Bank and come out victorious.
There’s no shortage of fish trophies, especially during summer. If you aren’t sure what method will guarantee success, our next section comes to the rescue.
How to Go Deep Sea Fishing in Cape Cod
Deep sea fishing isn’t as tough as it’s puzzling in terms of not knowing where to look for your prize and how to go after it. Once you figure out the hotspots and fishing techniques, there’s no limit to what you can catch. We’ll gladly share our expertise with you, but the greatest way to experience Cape Cod to its fullest is by hiring a local guide.
Cape Cod fishing charters live and breathe these waters. There’s no one better than Cape Cod captains to show you around. They’ll take you where the fish are biting and help you fight those beasts on your own terms. So, hit them up for the time of your life! Meanwhile, we’ll do our best to outline the most productive methods to do so. Later on, we’ll recommend some prime fishing spots as well.
Trolling
Trolling is the queen of deep sea fishing techniques. It’s by far the most effective method and you’ll also want to combine it with other strategies to maximize your chances of success. Spice up your angling approach with trolling and you’ll rarely end up empty-handed. Another good news is that trolling is fairly easy, so it’s suitable for both professionals and novices alike.
The main idea behind trolling is to lure your predator by imitating its prey. Now, depending on whether you’re pursuing Sharks or Pollock you’ll use different bait, of course. But the bottom line is that it has to look real, or otherwise your target won’t buy it.
Another crucial aspect of making it look real is speed. Marlin aren’t picky, and both high and low-speed trolling will make them chase you, whereas Tuna prefer fast-moving lures. Then again, you can always consult with your captain to see what works best at that very moment.
Bottom Fishing
While trolling is an insanely prolific approach for most pelagic fish, some deep sea creatures are bottom dwellers and would rather have their food dropped to them. This is when bottom fishing enters the scene. Species like Halibut and Haddock love gravel and you can always find them in the deeper waters. So, if you’re looking to score them, bottom fishing is your go-to method.
Bottom fishing is a smart way of luring the fish from their depths. Once you locate them with fishfinder equipment, the fun can start. To ensure your line sinks properly, you have to attach a weight to it. This will allow your line to extend downwards and reach your bottom predator. Hook it and it’s reeling time!
Chumming
If you’re after Tunas and Sharks, chumming is your friend. This method has been around for ages and it works like a charm with these large deep sea monsters. Chumming is essentially an attention-grabber. It’s the practice of throwing ground bait in the water with the single goal of attracting your target. Tempting chum lures out your giants and announces reel-screaming action.
Along with chumming, you can also try chunking. Both techniques proved time and again to be fruitful with Tuna. You can use both on the same outing or combine them with other fishing approaches to increase the likelihood of landing a prize catch. After all, that’s exactly what deep sea fishing is all about – possibilities! You can mix and match until you hit the jackpot.
Where to Go Deep Sea Fishing in Cape Cod
Cape Cod is nestled in the middle of several prominent fisheries. This Massachusetts jewel practically hugs Cape Cod Bay while also cuddling with the Atlantic Ocean. What this means is that Cape Cod doesn’t lack in deep sea fishing spots. You won’t make a mistake whichever departure point you choose. Then again, to make your life a bit easier, we’ll share our list of the premier hotspots with you.
- Barnstable. Let’s start with the epicenter of the angling activity. Located almost in the middle of Cape Cod and facing Cape Cod Bay, Barnstable is the perfect summer destination and ideal launching point for both inshore and offshore fishing.
- Orleans. Move further east and you’ll come across the charming town of Orleans. This place is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Cape Cod Bay to the northwest. Its unique position makes it the ultimate deep sea fishing destination.
- Dennis. Huddled between Barnstable and Orleans, Dennis is probably the spot for exploring Stellwagen Bank in search of gigantic Bluefin Tuna. As it stretches to the south as well, Dennis can be your go-to port for exploring Georges Bank, too.
- Harwich. Lower Cape features a popular vacation spot – Harwich. This place is also a great deep sea fishing departure point. How could it not be with its direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and Nantucket Sound?
- Falmouth. Tucked in Upper Cape, Falmouth has proven to be a real gem for deep sea fishing fans. Thanks to its specific location, Falmouth is friends with Buzzards Bay, Vineyard Sound, and Nantucket Sound, meaning that deep sea fishing fun is guaranteed.
Anything else I need to know?
Saltwater angling in Cape Cod is fairly straightforward – if you’re 16 or older, you need a fishing license. However, if you’re fishing with a certified charter operator, you’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to worry about purchasing a permit. Your captain will take care of everything and their charter’s license will cover you, too.
While deep sea fishing in Cape Cod is a year-round rodeo, the time frame from May through November is considered to be its true season. As for the size and bag regulations, there’s always a certain quota everyone has to respect. And depending on whether you’re pursuing Tuna or Marlin, even federal rules may apply.
To ensure you’re on the right track and up to date with everything, we recommend consulting with your captain or checking the recreational saltwater regulations here.
Deep Sea Fishing in Cape Cod – Your Next Adventure
Whenever a place is encircled by affluent waters, its angling must be spectacular. Neighboring the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Cape Cod Bay on the other, deep sea fishing in Cape Cod can be nothing but superb. Cod, Bluefin Tuna, Mako Shark, and Marlin are here to testify about this. We’ll rest our case here and wait for you to learn why we adore Cape Cod so much.
Have you ever been deep sea fishing in Cape Cod? What did you catch? What methods did you use? Tell us all about your Cape Cod adventure in the comments below.
