https://monomoyfishingcharters.com RSS feeds for Monomoy Sport Fishing Charters 60 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com/More-/Latest-News/ID/4/Striper-Season-About-to-Begin-in-Chatham#Comments 0 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=101&ModuleID=442&ArticleID=4 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=4&PortalID=0&TabID=101 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com/More-/Latest-News/ID/4/Striper-Season-About-to-Begin-in-Chatham Sportfishing off Chatham, Cape Cod during Striper Season Chatham, located on the elbow of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is a renowned destination for sportfishing, particularly during the striped bass (striper) season.1 The area boasts diverse fishing environments, from the inshore waters of Nantucket Sound and Pleasant Bay to the dynamic rips and currents around Monomoy Island and the open Atlantic. Striper Season in Cape Cod The striped bass season in Cape Cod generally runs year-round, but the most productive periods are typically: Mid-May to early July: This is when the first major wave of migratory stripers arrives, often larger fish that have overwintered further south. The presence of spawning herring in the estuaries attracts these trophy-sized bass.2 September through mid-October: As water temperatures cool, another strong migration of stripers moves through the Cape Cod area.3 This fall run can offer excellent fishing opportunities. Currently, it is mid-May 2025, placing us right in the heart of the spring striper season, a prime time for targeting these prized game fish off Chatham. Fishing Locations around Chatham Chatham offers various access points and fishing grounds for striped bass: Monomoy Island: This barrier island and its surrounding shoals are famous for strong currents and abundant baitfish, making it a prime location for stripers.4 Boat trips to the rips and flats around Monomoy are popular. Nauset Beach: Surfcasting along the miles of sandy beach can be productive, especially during dawn, dusk, and tide changes. The strong currents near the inlets also attract stripers. Pleasant Bay: This extensive bay system offers calmer waters and can be excellent for light tackle fishing or fly fishing for stripers, particularly around the mouths of creeks and channels. Inshore waters of Nantucket Sound: Charter boats frequently fish these waters, targeting stripers with various methods like trolling, jigging, and live bait. Chatham Harbor: While there might be restrictions on commercial fishing at town landings, recreational boaters and kayakers can often find striped bass within the harbor and its approaches. Fishing Methods Anglers in the Chatham area employ a range of techniques to catch striped bass: Live Bait Fishing: Using live eels, menhaden (pogies), or herring is a highly effective method, especially for larger fish. Artificial Lures: Popular choices include swimming plugs, bucktail jigs, soft plastic baits, and topwater lures, which can be effective in various water conditions. Fly Fishing: The flats and calmer inshore areas offer excellent opportunities for fly fishing for striped bass. Trolling: Drifting or slowly motoring while pulling lures or live bait can cover a lot of ground and locate fish. Jigging: Fishing vertically with weighted lures, especially in deeper water or around structure, can be very productive. Regulations (as of May 15, 2025) It's crucial to be aware of the current Massachusetts recreational saltwater fishing regulations for striped bass: Minimum and Maximum Size Limit: Striped bass must be 28 inches to less than 31 inches in total length to be kept. The measurement must be taken with the tail pinched together from the anterior most tip of the jaw or snout (mouth closed) to the farthest extremity of the tail.5 Possession Limit: The recreational possession limit is 1 fish per person per day. Season: The striped bass season is open year-round. Bait Fishing: When fishing for striped bass with bait (any marine or aquatic organism, live or dead, whole or parts thereof), only circle hooks are allowed.6 This regulation aims to reduce the mortality of released fish. Additionally, be aware of any local regulations specific to Chatham or the Cape Cod National Seashore. For instance, shore-based shark fishing is prohibited in certain areas around Cape Cod Bay and the Outer Cape, including Chatham Harbor and Monomoy Island, unless specific leader and hook restrictions are met. Sportfishing Charters in Chatham For anglers who prefer guided trips, numerous experienced charter boat operators run trips out of Chatham.7 These charters offer various options, from half-day inshore trips targeting striped bass and bluefish to full-day excursions exploring the waters around Monomoy and beyond. Charter captains provide valuable local knowledge, fishing gear, and ensure compliance with regulations.8 Some popular charter services in the Chatham area include: Coastline Sport Fishing Inc. Got Stryper Fishing Charters Liveliner Sportfishing Headhunter Sportfishing Charters Tips for Striper Fishing in Chatham Now Given that it is mid-May, here are some tips for sportfishing for striped bass off Chatham: Focus on areas with herring runs: Stripers are actively feeding on these migrating baitfish in estuaries and nearshore waters. Fish during tide changes: Incoming and outgoing tides create currents that can concentrate baitfish and trigger feeding activity in striped bass. Early morning and late evening: These low-light periods often see increased striper activity. Look for surface activity: Keep an eye out for feeding frenzies where stripers may be chasing baitfish on the surface. Be prepared for varying conditions: Spring weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and be ready for wind and changes in temperature.9 Respect regulations: Always adhere to the current size and possession limits and use circle hooks when fishing with bait. Sportfishing for striped bass off Chatham in May offers an exciting opportunity to hook into some impressive fish in a beautiful coastal setting. By understanding the seasonal patterns, local fishing spots, effective techniques, and current regulations, anglers can maximize their chances of a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. Webmaster Thu, 15 May 2025 13:51:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:4 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com/More-/Latest-News/ID/5/Chatham-Cape-Cod--Tuna-Fishing-Day-Charters#Comments 0 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=101&ModuleID=442&ArticleID=5 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=5&PortalID=0&TabID=101 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com/More-/Latest-News/ID/5/Chatham-Cape-Cod--Tuna-Fishing-Day-Charters Tuna fishing day charters from Chatham, Cape Cod, offer an exciting opportunity to target one of the ocean's most powerful and prized game fish: the bluefin tuna. Here's what you should know: The Experience Target Species: The primary target is the bluefin tuna, known for its size, strength, and fighting ability. You might also encounter other species depending on the season and fishing conditions, such as bonito or striped bass. Offshore Fishing: Tuna fishing in this area typically involves heading offshore, sometimes many miles into the Atlantic Ocean, east of Chatham and around areas like Stellwagen Bank. This means you'll experience true deep-sea fishing. Fishing Techniques: Common techniques used include heavy tackle fishing, trolling, and jigging. Your charter captain will advise on the most effective methods based on current conditions. Some charters may also offer the chance to use topwater lures or live bait. Full-Day Trips: Tuna charters are usually full-day excursions to allow sufficient time to reach the fishing grounds and maximize your chances of a catch. Some longer or even overnight trips to the canyons further offshore may also be available, targeting other tuna species like yellowfin and bigeye, as well as marlin. Expert Guidance: You'll be accompanied by experienced captains and mates who know the local waters, tuna migration patterns, and effective fishing techniques. They will provide instruction and assistance throughout your trip. Gear and Bait: Reputable charters will typically provide all the necessary rods, reels, tackle, and bait. It's always a good idea to confirm this when booking. Some may also include lunch and drinks. Boat Comfort and Safety: Charter boats are equipped with safety gear and often have amenities like seating and sometimes a head (toilet). However, it's worth checking with the specific charter about onboard facilities. Regulations and Licensing Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing License: Anyone 16 years or older needs a Massachusetts saltwater fishing license to fish in coastal waters. You can typically obtain this online through the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries or at local tackle shops. Tuna Regulations: Tuna fishing is managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Office. There are specific regulations regarding permits, size limits, and possession limits for bluefin tuna, which can change. Charter Boat Permits: Reputable charter boats will have the necessary federal permits (HMS Angling or HMS Charterboat/Headboat permit) to fish for tuna. These permits cover everyone fishing on the vessel. Size Limits: Currently (May 15, 2025), recreational regulations for bluefin tuna are subject to federal guidelines, which can change. Generally, there are minimum and sometimes maximum size limits to protect certain year classes of tuna. Possession Limits: Recreational anglers typically have a limit on the number of bluefin tuna they can keep per trip or per year. These limits are also subject to federal regulations. Commercial Activity: Note that commercial fishing activities at town landings in Chatham have specific regulations, often favoring local residents and permit holders. Recreational charters are for sport fishing, not commercial sale by the charter guests. It is crucial to confirm the latest regulations with your charter captain and NOAA Fisheries before your trip. Your captain will be knowledgeable about the current rules and ensure your fishing activities comply with the law. Best Time to Go The bluefin tuna season off Chatham Cape Cod typically runs from June through November, with the summer months (August-September) often considered the high season. However, tuna can be caught throughout this period, and the bite can vary depending on environmental factors. When booking your charter, discuss the best time to target tuna with the captain based on their recent experiences and local knowledge. Webmaster Tue, 13 May 2025 16:03:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:5 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com/More-/Latest-News/ID/3/Gibbs-Casting-Swimmer#Comments 0 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=101&ModuleID=442&ArticleID=3 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=3&PortalID=0&TabID=101 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com/More-/Latest-News/ID/3/Gibbs-Casting-Swimmer Striped bass love rough water. Their wide tails help them easily navigate through the churning surf while baitfish and crustaceans are being pushed around and disoriented. Unfortunately, these conditions can be difficult for surfcasters. The same rough seas that put stripers in a feeding mood can overwhelm many swimming plugs, making them roll over and giving them an unnatural appearance. Enter the Gibbs Casting Swimmer.   Nicknamed "bottle plugs" for their thin necks and wide bodies, the Gibbs Casting Swimmer is built for turbulent water and long-distance casts. The large curved lip makes them swim frantically while they track straight, even through the biggest surf and fastest rips.     Webmaster Mon, 28 Dec 2020 12:28:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:3 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com/More-/Latest-News/ID/1/Danny-Plug#Comments 0 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=101&ModuleID=442&ArticleID=1 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1&PortalID=0&TabID=101 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com/More-/Latest-News/ID/1/Danny-Plug Made and self-titled by Long Islander Danny Pichney, this surface swimmer weaves across the top of the water leaving a tremendous V-wake that striped bass find irresistible. Pichney has passed on, but his legacy lives in the Danny Plug. Plenty of builders make a version of this lure, and pretty much all of them will catch fish.   The Danny works great in calm water, and is flat-out awesome when retrieved through the whitewater left behind by crashing waves. Webmaster Mon, 28 Dec 2015 12:21:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com/More-/Latest-News/ID/2/Acme-Kastmaster#Comments 0 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=101&ModuleID=442&ArticleID=2 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=2&PortalID=0&TabID=101 https://monomoyfishingcharters.com/More-/Latest-News/ID/2/Acme-Kastmaster Countless species of gamefish fall for the Acme Kastmaster’s tail-kicking, wounded-baitfish action, not the least of which is the striped bass.   True to its name, the Kastmaster casts like a rocket, making it popular among surfcasters who frequently battle windy conditions. The jewelry-quality nickel plating of Acme Lures gives the Kastmaster an unrivaled flash when retrieved steadily or flutter-jigged through the surf. The Kastmaster’s shape is a close match to juvenile bunker, herring, and other forage staples. Webmaster Sat, 26 Dec 2015 12:26:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:2