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Cape Cod Salt-Water Fish

Saltwater fish native to Cape Cod waters

There are hundreds of species of fish in the salt-waters of Cape Cod. The following fish are the most popular with Cape sport-fishing anglers. Most of the fish below can be caught from the rocks and shores of Cape Cod.

Bluefish	Description: Bluefish are an aggressive game fish that put up a great fight.
	Regulations: No minimum size - 10 fish max - There is no closed season
	Where to catch: Virtually all the shores of Cape Cod hold Bluefish.
	What to use: These guys will hit just about anything. Bait or lures. Try a metal or top-water lure.
	Tip: Use a wire leader, this fish has sharp teeth.

Bonito	Description: Bonito, cousin to the Tuna, are also an aggressive fish that are great fun to catch.
	Regulations:
	Where to catch: Bonito can be caught from the surf, rocks or by boat when they're running,
	What to use: Try a metal lure or plastic squid. For bait try clams or squid.
	Tip: Try fishing from the jetties, when you hook-up, hold on, this is one fast fish.

Cod	Description: Cod are a great tasting fish and are abundant in Cape Cod waters.
	Regulations: (for Cod and Haddock), 21 inches -10 fish max (combination) - There is no closed season.
	Where to catch: These are relatively deep water fish. A party or charter boat can get you there.
	What to use: Bounce a Cod-jig off the bottom.
	Tip: Plan ahead, make sure you can properly store your fish after their caught.

Flounder	Description: Another great tasting fish that is very accessible to the casual angler.
	Regulations: Summer Flounder/ Fluke -16 1/2 inches - 7 fish max - In season May 25 to Sept. 5 Winter Flounder -12 inches - 10 fish max - In season May 1 to end of Feb.
	Where to catch: Try the larger rivers and estuaries of Cape Cod. Fluke (its larger cousin) can be found in deeper water.
	What to use: Sea worms, clams, or sand ells, on a flounder rig.
	Tip: Bridge fishing is a good bet.

Mackerel	Description: Feisty fish for its size and is a great eating fish. You can also use it for bait for some big game fishing.
	Regulations: There is no minimum size or catch limit.
	Where to catch: Off the jetties and in the harbors all around Cape Cod.
	What to use: A small jig will usually work well. Or you can try a "Swedish Pimple".
	Tip: When they're in, they're IN. Don't bother otherwise ... ask around.

Sea Bass	Description: Sea Bass are prized for their great flavor and are common in Cape Cod waters..
	Regulations: 12 inches - 20 fish max - Season is open May 10 to Dec. 31
	Where to catch: On the shore and in some estuaries.
	What to use: Try a jig or for bait try clams and squid.
	Tip: Sea Bass love to hang around structures.

Striped Bass	Description: For many, the ultimate sports fish! This species has made a booming recovery in the last decade and they're all over Cape Cod.
	Regulations: 28 inches - 2 fish per person - hook and line only - fish must be kept intact - There is no closed season.
	Where to catch: This fish can be caught from the surf, and by boat, in virtually all Cape saltwater. Even the rivers hold countless juveniles (schoolies).
	What to use: For bait try eels, sand-eels, squid. For lures try metals, broken backs, auger-tail grubs.
	Tip: Dusk, dawn, and night fishing is usually the most productive when surf fishing, especially for bigger fish.