Cape Cod July Fishing Forecast

Cape Cod July Fishing Forecast

sean Fields |

June was crazy good around the Cape and the Islands for Stripers, Fluke, Sea Bass and Togs...barring any extensive heat waves, we expect the early part of July to be just as good. You might have to change where and when you fish, however.....

July is peak fishing season on Cape Cod, with warm waters, long days, and a wide variety of species inshore and offshore. Whether you're casting from the beach, kayaking the estuaries, or heading offshore, there’s no shortage of action this month.

🐟 Inshore Fishing

Striped Bass

  • Status: Solid, but beginning to thin out in some areas.

  • Hot Spots: Cape Cod Bay (Barnstable Harbor, Billingsgate Shoals), Monomoy Rips, and early mornings in the Canal.

  • Tactics: Topwater plugs and soft plastics at dawn; live eels or chunks at night. Early mornings are key as the water warms.

Bluefish

  • Status: Abundant and aggressive.

  • Hot Spots: Outer Cape beaches (Nauset, Race Point), Vineyard Sound.

  • Tactics: Surface poppers, metal jigs, and wire leaders. Great fun on light tackle.

Fluke (Summer Flounder)

  • Status: Improving as water warms.

  • Hot Spots: Vineyard Sound, Nantucket Shoals.

  • Tactics: Bucktail jigs tipped with squid or Gulp! baits. Drift over sandy bottom with some current.

Black Sea Bass

  • Status: Strong but tapering inshore; better offshore.

  • Hot Spots: Buzzards Bay, deeper wrecks and reefs.

  • Tactics: Vertical jigs and bait rigs with squid. Look for structure.

Scup (Porgy)

  • Status: Excellent.

  • Hot Spots: Around jetties, piers, and rocky bottom in Buzzards Bay.

  • Tactics: Small hooks with clam or squid strips. Great for kids and easy dinners.

🛥️ Offshore Fishing

Bluefin Tuna

  • Status: Excellent early morning and evening bite.

  • Hot Spots: East of Chatham, the Regal Sword, Crab Ledge.

  • Tactics: Trolling squid chains, casting Hogy Epoxy jigs, or chunking with butterfish.

Mahi-Mahi

  • Status: Sporadic, but increasing around offshore buoys and weed lines.

  • Hot Spots: Fipple Canyon, south of the Vineyard.

  • Tactics: Light tackle casting around floating debris or high flyers with small jigs and plastics.

Sharks (Mako, Thresher, Blue)

  • Status: Active, especially mid-to-late July.

  • Hot Spots: Offshore deep drops, 20+ miles south of the Vineyard.

  • Tactics: Chumming slicks, rigged mackerel, or bluefish baits.

🌡️ Conditions & Tips

  • Water Temps: Ranging from mid-60s to low 70s inshore; cooler offshore.

  • Best Times: Early morning and dusk due to warmer mid-day temps.

  • Licenses: Ensure your saltwater fishing permit is up to date (MA Saltwater License).

🔥 July Highlights

  • Surfcasters should hit the Outer Cape at dawn for topwater striper action.

  • The Canal will hold fish, but early tides are crucial.

  • Bluefin are active—be ready to move fast and follow reports.

  • Bottom fishing is solid and family-friendly in Buzzards Bay.

Stay up to date on the July fishing on the Cape with Cape Cod's best fishing report

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