Like the old adage says" The best time to go fishing is when you can". You never know when a spot will blow up at dead low tide or when a cold Northeast wind starts blowing on a warm Summer's day.
But, if your schedule allows you to be " picky and choosy", there can be best bet, best times to use your fishing time on...in this article, we will talk about some of the universally recognized best times of the year and time of day to fish on Cape Cod....and why.
Cape Cod, with its sweeping shorelines, estuaries, and deep-sea drop-offs, is a premier fishing destination on the East Coast of the United States. Whether you're surfcasting on the beaches of the Outer Cape, trolling offshore waters, or casting into salt ponds and bays, understanding the seasonal and daily rhythms of Cape Cod's marine life is key to a successful catch. Here’s a guide to the best times of day and year to fish on the Cape.
Best Times of Year to Fish on Cape Cod
Cape Cod's fishing calendar is dictated by water temperature, baitfish migration, and spawning cycles. Here's a month-by-month overview:
Spring (April – June)
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Species: Striped bass, bluefish, flounder, scup, tautog
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Highlights: As waters begin to warm in April and May, migratory species like striped bass return to Cape Cod from their southern wintering grounds. Early in the season, look for them in estuaries and warmer shallow bays.
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Hotspots: Cape Cod Bay, Buzzards Bay, and the south side (Falmouth to Chatham) are early-season favorites.
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Tactics: Use soft plastics, plugs, and live eels in the shallows or estuaries for early stripers. Bottom rigs work well for tautog and flounder.
Summer (July – August)
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Species: Striped bass, bluefish, bonito, false albacore, black sea bass, fluke
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Highlights: The season peaks in July with a wide range of species available. Offshore fishing for tuna and sharks also becomes more popular during these months.
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Hotspots: Monomoy Island, the Elizabeth Islands, and offshore areas like the Dump and Stellwagen Bank.
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Tactics: Troll for bonito and bluefish, jig for sea bass and fluke, or cast to busting schools of false albacore along the south side in late summer.
Fall (September – October)
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Species: Striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, tautog
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Highlights: The fall run is legendary on Cape Cod. Migrating striped bass and bluefish feed aggressively before heading south.
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Hotspots: Outer Cape beaches like Race Point and Nauset, or Buzzards Bay for tog fishing.
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Tactics: Surfcasting with topwater plugs and metal lures can produce big fish. Tog fishing improves near rocky structure and reefs.
Winter (November – March)
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Species: Mostly quiet for saltwater; some opportunities for holdover striped bass in estuaries or freshwater trout in ponds
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Highlights: Saltwater action is very limited. Most anglers switch to freshwater fishing or gear maintenance during these months.
Best Times of Day to Fish
Regardless of the season, the time of day can significantly affect your chances of a good catch.
Early Morning (5 AM – 9 AM)
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Why: Fish are most active during the cooler parts of the day, especially in the summer.
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Best for: Surfcasting, topwater action for striped bass, trolling close to shore.
Evening (6 PM – Sunset)
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Why: Similar to early morning, light levels drop, and predatory fish become more aggressive.
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Best for: Surfcasting at creek mouths or jetties, light tackle spinning in bays.
Night (After Sunset – Midnight)
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Why: Especially productive for striped bass, which feed heavily under cover of darkness.
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Best for: Fishing with live eels, chunk bait, or soft plastics. Quiet beaches like those in Wellfleet or Truro can offer exceptional action.
Tidal Influence
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Incoming and outgoing tides tend to concentrate bait and improve current, making these the most productive tide phases.
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Look for 2 hours before and after high tide as prime times, especially when fishing estuaries and tidal creeks.
Tips for Success
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Match the hatch: Pay attention to local baitfish—like sand eels, squid, or peanut bunker—and match your lure size and presentation.
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Follow reports: Local tackle shops and fishing forums often post updated bite reports and hotspots.
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Weather watch: Overcast days can prolong topwater bites, while light winds can improve casting and boat handling conditions.
Cape Cod offers world-class fishing for much of the year, with spring and fall being standout seasons for stripers and blues. Pair your trip with the right time of day—early morning, dusk, or nighttime during the right tide—and you'll maximize your chances of success.