Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Cape Cod's Striped Bass Fishing Hot Spots

By Captain Ryan Collins


Throughout Cape Cod there are certain beaches, creeks and estuaries that fish better during particular times of the season. One of the best early spring spots for schoolies and small keepers is Falmouth's Old Silver beach.

In the spring, the south side of Cape Cod and Buzzard's Bay experiences an influx of striped bass before Cape Cod Bay and points north. Many of the best shore bound spots are located in close proximity to bays, creeks and harbors. Focusing your striped bass fishing efforts in these areas can help get your striper season started on the right foot.

Conveniently Old Silver contains the grand slam of early season striped bass attractors. The beach has a herring run, an expanse of sand that transitions to a boulder strewn coast, followed to the north by a quiet back back bay harbor.

Ironically I never spend much time fishing around the herring run and the long stretches of sand surrounding the run. I am sure plenty of stripers frequent the area, however I like to concentrate my efforts around the boulder strewn coastline north of the herring run.

Be prepared to invest a half hour or so walk in order to reach the boulder field. The walk is typically well worth the effort. Expect to be rewarded with a nice chance at some beautiful early season striped bass.

Tides play an important role in angling success at Old Silver. Two hours before and after low tide is best for fishing the boulder field to the north. During this stage of the tide it will be easier to wade around the boulders.

Top water plugs and pencil poppers in particular seem to work best around the rocks. Aside from being productive, top water plugs elicit awesome top water strikes from these early season bass.

At the northern most tip of the boulder field is a rocky outcropping that gives way to a peaceful back bay. If the wind is right, it is possible to cast a plug all the way to the channel at the opening of the bay. This is one of the most productive striped bass fishing spots in the area.

Just be sure to keep close tabs on the tide when fishing the rocky outcropping. This is definitely not a spot where you want to push the limits with the tide.

I've had my best striped bass fishing success at Old Silver during early to mid May. The majority of stripers caught will be schoolies and small keepers however there are on occasion a few bigger bass mixed in. These fish put up a fantastic fight. Especially when they are caught on light tackle.

Some years bluefish can be found mixed in a long with the bass at Old Silver. However if you are hoping to target bluefish, then try fishing at South Cape beach in Mashpee.




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