Cape Cod Fishing Report
By: Capt. Hap Farrell
07/07/10


The Fish Have Moved In...

We have been waiting for the bass and bluefish to settle into somewhat of a pattern. Or, at least staying in a general area for a period of time so we have some idea where to look for them each day. It seems Billingsgate Shoals is the place to go this season. Whether it is the west end or on the east section up by Great Island or by Billingsgate Island itself. Jig is the most productive method so far but if it is deep enough, over 17 feet, you can use an umbrella rig on a short wire, 150 feet.

As far as the bluefish are concerned they seem to have taken up residence up by the Path in water from 20 feet into as shallow as 8 feet There are some bluefish in off the Eastham shore but not much right now. There are also some small bass on some of the rock piles east of the #3 can and up towards Welfleet Harbor. This is also a hit or miss situation, meaning they are only there now and then. An umbrella rig is the best but single hootchies can work too. Just troll them at around 5.5 knots.

Provincetown, now that is a good area to fish, especially if you want to play bumper cars. With the commercial season opening up soon, I think the 13th of July, that place will be very crowded. Last summer it was the only really active area for commercial size fish, over 34 inches. Most used live eels but you have to know how to fish them or they will not work well. If you're just there to fish for fun jigging is your best bet but be prepared for hang-ups on the bottom. There are a good number of them especially by the Bath House.

One area that might be worth checking out is the deep water. I was out there with a charter on the half day on the 4th. I found a few bunches of fish in 55 feet of water and worked them. We took 3 bass from 29 inches up to 32 inches and 2 bluefish. I used my 150 foot wire with 4 ounces of extra weight and slowed down when I went of the fish. I normally troll at 3.5 to 4 knots and would slow to just under 3 knots over fish and wait. More times than not I'd get a fish on. I'd look there instead of going up to P-town.

This last week I had Chris Ewen and his daughter Emily out for a full day trip. Emily loves to use really light gear. This time they brought Emily's cousin Brendan who is ten. He skillfully landed big 12 pound bluefish on my 12 lb. test rod set up. Not bad for a first timer. So, this weeks donation to the Orleans Outreach Council will be made in his name. If you'd like to get in on this really good summer fishing call me at 508-255-6211 or 508-240-8267..

Thanks Hap!

Stunmai II

http://www.capecodbaycharters.com/
Capt. Hap Farrell
● Box 1196 ●
Orleans, MA 02653 ●
(508) 255-6211