Massachusetts's 4 Hands-Down Best Spots For Fishing And Boating On Cape Cod

Looking at a map of Massachusetts, it appears the state is flexing its bicep into the Atlantic. That geographic "muscle" certainly has some powerful clout in seafaring industries. The state's outstretched arm is Cape Cod, a fishing and boating haven since the 1600s. 

Cape Cod, or "the Cape," as locals refer to it, is a 65-mile-long peninsula along the southeastern coast of Massachusetts that's comprised of several regions and many small towns. Visitors travel to the Upper Cape, Mid Cape, Lower Cape, and then onto the Outer Cape. The peninsula is comprised of a tapestry of ecosystems that entice fish and offer exceptional views while boating. Estuaries are formed where freshwater meets the ocean. Glacially formed eons ago, the Cape also has freshwater ponds where bass and trout now reside.

As a teen, I worked at a fish restaurant owned by family in Orleans, Massachusetts, on the Cape's elbow each summer. I'd hear salty fishermen and boat crews share laughter and legends from long ago over the day's fresh catch or a brew, along with tales of destructive storms, rogue waves, and record-breaking hauls. But when it comes to where they find the biggest fish, most anglers become quite tight lipped. So we've done the research for you on where to cruise or drop a line based on the most fish-friendly environs, navigable waters, and stunning scenery, in no particular order. 

Let's begin in Chatham, an upscale Cape Cod resort town famed for delightful seafood, understandably given the amount of fish swimming in area waters. Chatham offers anglers direct access to multiple fishing grounds and much ecosystem diversity, which fish love, including dozens of freshwater ponds. Surrounding Monomoy Island, a land barrier off Chatham's shore, the combination of chilly Atlantic waters converging with the warmer waters of Nantucket Sound plus dramatic depth changes and sandy shoals make for excellent striped bass fishing from late May into November. 

Actually, there are five ways to fish around Chatham: freshwater, saltwater, sport, shellfishing, and clamming. East of Chatham in the Atlantic, find the Cape's namesake fish, cod, along with haddock, bluefin tuna, and black sea bass. In the ponds are largemouth bass and trout. In the tidal flats and ponds, fish for clams, mussels, quahogs, oysters, and scallops.

With two launch points, Chatham Harbor and Stage Harbor, it also appeals to boaters who get views of the picture-perfect Chatham Lighthouse, which has been assisting sailors since 1808. While sailing or motoring along, proximity to the Monomoy Island National Wildlife Refuge makes it ideal for spotting some of the 370 types of birds that call Cape Cod home, if only briefly during migration. Of course, they're also a bit of competition for anglers. 

Now for a more challenging spot. Hidden on the Cape Cod Canal are several charming villages and life-rich fishing holes, such as Buzzard's Bay and Sandwich, the first town on the Cape, founded in 1637. However, the canal can have high winds, swift currents at times up to 6 knots, and occasional obstacles on the bottom. But it's essentially a fish freeway. 

This artificial, 17.5-mile waterway that connects Buzzards Bay to Cape Cod Bay is packed with butterfish, skate, summer and winter flounder, black sea bass, and many others. The canal is also renowned for catching striped bass up to 40 pounds. As one past visitor wrote on Google Reviews, "Cape Cod Canal is one of my favorite places to go to. It is especially spectacular for me, not only because of its exceptional aesthetic beauty, but as an avid fisherman, the striper fishing there is one of a kind." 

Sailors will love the consistent winds off of Buzzards Bay, an entry point from the canal's west end, which can prove rough for other vessels. However, they need to be cautious, as the channel sees a great deal of traffic from large commercial ships while also providing a route for about 15,000 boats annually. The canal is bookended by Taylor Point Marina on the west end and Sandwich Marina on the east. Either can provide access to the waterway plus spectacular bridge views.

In 1620, perhaps the most famous ship in American history, the Mayflower, landed in the fishing port of Provincetown. This historic location, which once welcomed the Pilgrims, remains among the most scenic areas to boat and fish on the East Coast. Anglers of bygone days brought in 100-pound cod and human-sized halibut off these shores, but today bluefish and striped bass are landed regularly. Surfcasters also appreciate the natural harbor's deep waters just offshore. 

Located on the northern tip of Cape Cod, colorful Provincetown is America's oldest continuous art community, which, combined with the town's quintessential Cape Cod-style architecture and towering Pilgrim Monument, creates quite the eye-catching shoreline for boaters. Sitting atop the sand dunes, Wood End Lighthouse, which went into service in 1872, can also be seen on the southern tip of P-Town, as it's referred to locally. Provincetown Harbor, protected by Cape Cod's "fist" and artificial breakwaters, makes for a peaceful place to sail or motor along the water. 

About 5 miles from Provincetown is Race Point, an inimitable fishing destination adored by anglers for its various fish-friendly environs. Just offshore, the 100-plus-foot drop-offs are a surfcaster's dream. Sandy shallows, strong currents, and naturally occurring bait in the form of abundant sand eels draw hefty, scale-tipping striped bass, along with bluefish and bluefin tuna. 

While the half-ton tunas that have been caught just off land in recent years entice fish-seekers, it's also a picturesque place to boat. However, Race Point gets its name from the fast-moving tidal currents here due to the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay. Combined with strong winds and shallows, many ships have wrecked here, so it's not a place for novice boaters. 

Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, sweeping sand dunes outline the water. The Race Point Lighthouse and three-mile beach offer eye candy to a myriad of vessels traversing the popular region. Also, with views of the Atlantic and Cape Cod Bay, Race Point sunsets are spectacular. 

To get to Cape Cod by plane, you can land at Cape Cod Gateway Airport in Hyannis via select carriers. Flying into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) then driving about 72 miles is another option. Peter Pan bus line also has a route to the Cape from BOS.  

Access to the peninsula by car is found via two bridges along the Cape's western portion, also dubbed the "Upper Cape". Both the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges are the only way for vehicles to cross into the Cape. Either transports drivers from the mainland to the Cape Cod town of Bourne, the gateway to the peninsula. 

Remember to obtain permits on Mass.gov before dropping any lines. If heading into the Atlantic, a Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Permit is necessary for anglers aged 16-59. If over 60, they're free. A freshwater fishing permit is also required if heading to Cape Cod's kettle ponds (glacially formed freshwater bodies of water found inland). Shellfishing or clamming permits are mandatory as well, and acquired within the various towns.