bottom fishing
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Bottom Fishing Around Massachusetts
Bottom fishing around Cape Cod, especially in Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds and Buzzards Bay, can be highly productive. Targeting specific species is common, and here's what you need to know about some of the most sought-after fish:
Fluke (Summer Flounder)
Fluke are prized as food fish and are unique predators in the flounder family. They ambush small baitfish while camouflaged in the sand. Due to their aggressive nature, anglers have success with small jigs or spoons bounced along the bottom. Popular rigs include a baited hook with squid strips and shiny spinners to attract them. Fluke are typically fished from boats over sandy bottoms but can also be caught in shallow waters during summer. Always check the Massachusetts Department of Marine Fisheries website for current size regulations and bag limits.
Scup (Porgy)
Scup, or porgy, are abundant and provide fast action, making them ideal for families. Though many caught from shore are below legal size, the experience is engaging. Docks or jetties in the Sounds and Buzzards Bay, where you can drop a baited hook into 8+ feet of water, are excellent spots. Despite being bony, scup are enjoyed for their white flesh. A light rod with a "scup rig" and small weight is sufficient, with frozen squid strips as preferred bait.
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are prized for their delicate, shellfish-like meat, thanks to their diet of small crabs and baitfish. They arrive in late May or early June and stay until fall. Typically found in waters over 25 feet deep, they are best targeted from boats. Anglers use small jigs baited with squid or fresh baitfish, focusing on reefs or mixed rock and sand areas.
Tautog (Blackfish)
Tautog, also known as blackfish, are popular among bait anglers. These migratory fish are found in 12 to 50 feet of water around rocks and jetties, feeding on crabs and barnacles. They're strong fighters that need to be reeled in quickly to avoid losing them in crevices. "Tautog rigs" with heavier hooks and weights are available at local tackle shops. Green crabs are the preferred bait, available in spring when tautog first appear. Their meat is excellent for chowder.Explore the exciting world of bottom fishing on Cape Cod and enjoy the variety of species available!
Bottom fishing around Cape Cod, especially in Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds and Buzzards Bay, can be highly productive. Targeting specific species is common, and here's what you need to know about some of the most sought-after fish:
Fluke (Summer Flounder)
Fluke are prized as food fish and are unique predators in the flounder family. They ambush small baitfish while camouflaged in the sand. Due to their aggressive nature, anglers have success with small jigs or spoons bounced along the bottom. Popular rigs include a baited hook with squid strips and shiny spinners to attract them. Fluke are typically fished from boats over sandy bottoms but can also be caught in shallow waters during summer. Always check the Massachusetts Department of Marine Fisheries website for current size regulations and bag limits.
Scup (Porgy)
Scup, or porgy, are abundant and provide fast action, making them ideal for families. Though many caught from shore are below legal size, the experience is engaging. Docks or jetties in the Sounds and Buzzards Bay, where you can drop a baited hook into 8+ feet of water, are excellent spots. Despite being bony, scup are enjoyed for their white flesh. A light rod with a "scup rig" and small weight is sufficient, with frozen squid strips as preferred bait.
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are prized for their delicate, shellfish-like meat, thanks to their diet of small crabs and baitfish. They arrive in late May or early June and stay until fall. Typically found in waters over 25 feet deep, they are best targeted from boats. Anglers use small jigs baited with squid or fresh baitfish, focusing on reefs or mixed rock and sand areas.
Tautog (Blackfish)
Tautog, also known as blackfish, are popular among bait anglers. These migratory fish are found in 12 to 50 feet of water around rocks and jetties, feeding on crabs and barnacles. They're strong fighters that need to be reeled in quickly to avoid losing them in crevices. "Tautog rigs" with heavier hooks and weights are available at local tackle shops. Green crabs are the preferred bait, available in spring when tautog first appear. Their meat is excellent for chowder.Explore the exciting world of bottom fishing on Cape Cod and enjoy the variety of species available!