CapeAngler.com
CAPE COD is one of the world's great fishing destinations.  Locals know that after a long cold New England winter, the hardiest Cape Cod anglers can try their luck landing a Sea Run Trout in late February and early March, particularly on the fly.  Scorton Creek in Sandwich and the Santuit and Mashpee Rivers in Cotuit and Mashpee offer anglers a shot at the earliest fishing opportunity annually.  Next up, freshwater fishing for bass, as well as stocked Trout and Salmon in the dozens of "Kettle Ponds" left behind by the very glaciers that formed Cape Cod.  The Commonwealth of Massachusetts stocks these deep, cold water, ponds and lakes with thousands of Trout and, in certain locations (Peter's Pond, Sandwich; Sheep's Pond, Brewster; and Cliff Pond, Brewster) you can take a shot at landing a hefty stocked Salmon.  Stocking generally begins in March, depending on icing conditions.  In April, the Herring return to Cape Cod streams and lakes and provide a spectacular glimpse of fishy perseverance.  Their drive to return to the freshwater lakes and ponds that they themselves were born into is no less an achievement than that of Alaskan Salmon.  Instead of bears and bald eagles, however, the Herring dodge hungry gulls and ospreys on their extraordinary journey to spawn.  Just as the Trout season is humming along, and the streams are full of herring, a buzz of anticipation slowly builds as anglers wonder how far the Striped Bass, a/k/a Stripers, are behind the Herring that they so love to devour.  Each year, the first reports of caught Cape Cod Stripers seem to come from the South Cape Beach area in Mashpee.  The Cape Cod Canal is also an early season favorite location.  May and June are all about Stripers.  Whether on the fly, artificial lures, or live bait, these two months are prime time for both boat and shore enthusiasts.  As the temperatures heat up, the Stripers seek colder waters, and become more skittish during daylight hours.  During July and August, usually referred to as the "dog days," a boat is virtually a must.  Many of the shoals around Monomoy, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard will hold Stripers in the rips during the dog days, but the shore angler is not likely to land a keeper.  If you do not own a boat, this is an excellent time for a Cape Cod charter fishing trip.  Bluefish, a/k/a "Blues," however, can generally be caught all summer long, and just about anywhere.  Just mind those teeth!!  Fluke are also a favorite, and delicious, target during the dog days.  Scup also provide endless entertainment for small children who tend to need lots of action to hold their interest.  They can be caught from almost any jetty or pier, and are easily caught with squid, sea-worms, or just about any bait.  As summer comes to an unofficial end on Labor Day, the fishing heats up again.  Stripers start planning for their long migration south by devouring all varieties of offerings.  It is no coincidence that the most storied fishing tournament on Cape Cod happens during the last two weeks of September and the first two weeks of October.  The Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby draws thousands of competitors each year vying for angling fame, and first prizes of either a new car or new boat.  Striped Bass and Blues are caught as late as mid-November in Cape Cod waters.  Soon after Thanksgiving, however, it all comes to an end, leaving die-hard fishermen to their memories and fish stories to get through another long New England winter.  So check out the Cape Cod fishing guides, outfitters, tackle shops and charter boats listed below, get out there while the fishing is fantastic, and catch those fish!!!