On Cape Cod, June can be an awesome time for shore and boat anglers alike in both fresh and saltwater. We have LOTS of reports from many different areas and varying species being caught. So, let’s get to it!

SALTWATER

We’ll start with the delicious, very fun to catch and gorgeously colored Black Sea Bass. Sports Port’s always friendly, positive and super knowledgeable Christian had an epic day out on the water with Sports Port’s very handy reel technician, Vinny. The 2 headed out to Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds. Christian and Vinny quickly limited out on bluefish. They showed up at Middleground to find acres of blitzing bluefish. Their top water lures weren’t in the water very long before a toothy blue was at the end of the line.

A few blues were bled and iced, ready for the smoker!

Next stop was Hedge Fence where they again found schooling fish. This time, it was black sea bass, albeit atypical. This school was actually going after the guys’ top water and soft plastic lures. Normally anglers will use a hi-lo rig tipped with squid and send it to the bottom. Or jigs with gulp also bounced off the bottom. These black seas bass were on the surface and feeding on whatever was put in front of them. The cooler had another delicious species to keep cold.

The Sports Port crew tried their luck at getting some fluke. They managed to get a few shorts and one keeper. They also landed a couple of stripers that were just short of keeper sized. Needless to say, Christian and Vinny had a pretty epic day out on the boat!

If you don’t want to go as far as the Vineyard, you can certainly get black sea bass, scup, blues and striper closer to the Hyannis-Osterville-Cotuit areas. Colliers has been producing keep sized scup and sea bass. Several customers have said that they have done well landing keeper sized and bigger striped bass on the South Side beaches in the Sound with squid.

Boaters also reported schools of Striped bass at shoals like Succonnesset, but they were finicky and not easy to catch.

Monomoy is holding striped bass as well. Top water, soft plastics, squid imitation lures and flies drifted into the rips have been go-to’s.

My kids and I have done some shore and kayak fishing in the Osterville/Cotuit area bays. Tucker and I have found schoolie sized striped bass taken on Albie Snax and the Jumpin Minnow.

The Winter Flounder bite is still ON out of Sesuit! Flounder rigs with clams or seaworms have been producing.

L to R: Amy with a Striped Bass. Christian with a Striper and then a Black Sea Bass. Jack with 2 Black Sea Bass.

FRESHWATER

Admittedly, we have had more saltwater reports than fresh water. But, my kids have been hitting their favorite Cape ponds pretty hard. They have been getting countless large mouth and perch. Rubber worms rigged texas style are their preferred lure.

Sam and I checked out Lake Wequaquet the other day. It’s a new fishing spot for us, and being the biggest body of freshwater on the Cape it leaves a lot of ground to cover in our kayaks. We managed a pickerel, a sunfish and a mystery fish.

L to Right: Tucker with a Largemouth bass. Bluegill. Sam with a yellow perch.

We were trolling on our way back to the car when I had a small fish on the line. I put the paddle down and started to retrieve my Rapala Jointed lure. As it was getting closer to the kayak I realized that I had a sizable fish. The drag started peeling and the rod was BENT! A couple of clicks to tighten the drag and a couple of more runs from the strong fighting fish and I could ALMOST see the fish. Then…PWEEENG! Like a slingshot, the lure flew out of the fishes mouth, out of the water and (luckily) past me. The line swung from my rod in front of me and I was surprised to see a small perch at the end of my lure. My guess is that I had a pike grab that perch that I had inadvertently caught on my lure and was unknowingly live lining. These are the instances that keep us going back for more!

Glen, a long-time Sports Port customer and lover of fresh water fishing recently sent me this picture of a Bullhead he caught at Hamblin’s pond. This is not a species I frequently hear of people catching at Hamblins. If anyone knows more about this fishery, I would love to chat! Email me here.

Bullhead catfish

Shop News

We are now a St. Croix dealer! Stop by Hyannis to see what our selection is. If we don’t stock a St. Croix model that you would like, let me know and I can get it in stock for you!

Our Hyannis location is now operating with our full summer schedule: 7a-6p Mon-Sat and Sun 7a-4p.

Our Osterville location is open on the weekends. Stay tuned for when we will be open 7 days a week for the 2023 season.

If you have been a Sports Port customer for any amount of time, hopefully you know that customer service is our #1 priority. One area of service that has been a struggle for quite a while is reel repair and maintenance. While we are still experiencing some sporadic gaps in the supply chain when ordering parts, for the most part we have been able to get orders in fairly quickly. The best part is that we have connected with Vinny (mentioned in the epic fishing day above) who is a reel repair guru and in several short weeks has managed to dig us out from a service and repair backlog. Vinny grew up on the Cape and recently moved back with his family. We are lucky to be able to use his services and continue helping our customers keep their fishing gear in good working order. Stop by the shop with any reels that need work or TLC.

Tight Lines!
Amy

I had to pinch myself when I woke up Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to a gorgeous sunny day! I can’t recall the last time we had such nice weather to kick off our summer season.

The weather isn’t the only positive news on this gorgeous sand bar called Cape Cod. The fishing this Spring has been off to an epic start. The bait has been plentiful with herring, bunker, squid and silversides. And where there is bait, there is almost always bigger fish looking to get there next meal. Many anglers from shore and boat have found these bigger striped bass and bluefish at the end of their lines. There have been lots of fish taken on top water lures like the Doc and the Jumpin Minnow. Soft plastics like the Albie Snax, Whip-It Fish or Savage Sandeels have also been winning choices. SP Minnows are also catching fish. Our shore anglers have been catching fish wading in Barnstable Harbor, fishing from jetties and harbors on the southside and the Canal has also been producing good sized striped bass.

If you want to hear your drag scream and feel the power of a big bluefish, try your luck at Oregon beach in Cotuit.

Cut mackerel has produced slot sized bass on the northside. This past Thursday the keeper bass had to be at least 28” and less than 35”. On Friday the regulations changed to 28-31”. The reduced slot size will be in effect for 180 days and then they will determine if the regulation stays in place for another 180 days.

As for the bottom fishing. The boat anglers are finding good sized scup and black seabass in Nantucket Sound. Hi-Lo rigs with seaworms, squid or clams always produce, but for bigger black seabass, try a jig like the Joe Baggs Flukies or the Spro Prime Bucktail Jig tipped with Gulp!

L to R: Jim with a Striped BAss. Tucker with a Black Sea Bass. Carl with a Striped Bass.

The fresh water fishing has not disappointed! Anglers have been catching lots of trout in our local ponds. Gold spoons like Kastmasters, Roughriders and Mepps have been working very well. Rubber worms have been successful in the largemouth bass category.

Mike with a VERY LARGE largemouth Bass!

By Striper Mike, Sports Port Pro Staff

 Turning the calendar page to March always signifies the beginning of spring fishing on Cape Cod and the state begins its outstanding trout stocking program.

I had the good fortune to do some trout fishing with Rich Ogonowsky, a local EMT and retired fireman. Rich is an outstanding trout fisherman and has particular skills fishing night crawlers from the shore.  His variety of concoctions to add to the hook convinced this veteran angler especially on one particular day when none of the fishing group was catching anything and Rich proceeded to bring in trout after trout. A true trout whisperer that day but all the days I fished with Rich he always gets his trout!

If you have cabin fever this is the time to get out to one of the many stocked Cape Cod kettle ponds and get in on the action. Stop by the shop to get your trout essentials. New product is arriving every week!

By Striper Mike, Sports Port Pro Staff

 As the vast majority of Cape Cod striped bass fishermen look forward to spring and the return of our beloved Striped Bass, for those adventurous souls, Cape Cod has a tremendous freshwater fishery 12 months a year and winter is definitely trout time. With the state stocking tiger, rainbow, brook and brown trout spring and fall, these beautiful fish thrive in many of the Cape’s deep kettle ponds. Trout thrive in cold water and are very active this time of year and are very catchable from shore. A good pair of warm waders or just warm boots and you are ready for Cape Cod trout hunting and hopefully catching. These past mild winters leave the ponds unfrozen and enjoying a sunny, mild winter’s days catching trout and other species like yellow perch, pickerel and on occasion, largemouth and smallmouth bass make for a challenging and enjoyable day.

This year I have targeted ponds from the upper Cape to Nickerson park and enjoy catching trout all along the way and encourage you to give it a try. I’m 100% catch and release and seeing these beautiful fish swim away adds to the enjoyment of fishing.

Here are a few of this winter’s catches:

Lots of Sports Port anglers have been having great luck fishing for trout in our beautiful Cape Cod ponds. Thanks to Glen for sending the picture of the trout seen below. He reports that lately the nightcrawlers have been producing tight lines pretty consistently.

Jim and Mike were kind enough to share a couple of pics below from one of their trout outings. They reported that kastmasters and other spoons were doing the trick on that day.

As always, send us your fish pics and stories and we will include them in our emails! And be sure to follow us on all the social channels!

Shellfishermen and women have been enjoying their clam and oyster harvests. We are FINALLY restocked on the long sleeve gloves that are imperative when going for those shellfish. Stop by if you need a pair or you can always shop at our web store as well. I wish you all bountiful harvests, especially during this holiday season!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year!
Amy

Carl and a few other customers reported that they are still catching Stripers in the canal. There has been schools of mackerel and if you are willing to put the time in and can still feel your fingers enough, you just might get a Striper in December!

Most anglers have already stored their salt water gear and switched over to fresh water activity. The trout fishing has not disappointed! Shiners are the go-to choice for bait fishermen and for anglers that prefer to use lures then all the usual trout lures have been catching; metal spoons like Thomas and Kastmaster, Rapalas, and of course powerbait.

And we have LOTS of shellfishermen and women getting their limits on their favorite shellfish.

Lots of oysters ready to be harvested in Barnstable Harbor.

And for all of you shellfishermen and women and anglers reading this…if you didn’t already know, Our Annual Holiday Sale has officially started! It’s also the first year that we will have the same discounts available to our online shoppers that our in-person customers have enjoyed year after year. (We are continually adding to our web store, but in-person shopping does offer our largest selection.) Come see us in person or shop online!

Until next time, Tight Lines!

Amy

 By Striper Mike, Sports Port Pro Staff

Stripers & Bluefish - November, 2022

 We are now at the end of the 2022 striped bass and bluefish migration and November is your last chance to catch these coveted fish until next spring. To catch bass and blues in November from the beach you have to move frequently and try many different locations. The bass are on the move and your good spots during the season are gone and your best chance of catching them are finding them as they are moving. Once again birds can be your best radar. Be acutely aware of bird and bait activity and if you see that flurry of bird activity “get moving” and see if there are fish there as well. Not all bird activity mean fish but it’s always worth a try. Bass and Blues move in big numbers and if you find them you can catch big numbers of each with some big ones mixed in as well. Good luck out there and remember for you true fishing enthusiasts, December is a terrific trout month and hopefully my next report will filled with Cape Cod trout.

 Mike and Jim Kelly with November Bass & Bluefish

November trout fishing

Massachusetts state fisheries division does a tremendous job stocking trout throughout the state but they really take good care of us Cape Codders. The end of September and October they stock thousands of trout throughout the many Cape kettle ponds and do it again in the early spring and have been doing this for many years. As the water temperatures dip into the 40’s and our beloved striped bass move south to warmer waters, rainbow, brook, tiger and brown trout become our main fishing target. Recently the kastmaster has been very productive. With many different ways of catching these beautiful fish, Amy and her knowledgeable staff have all the gear and information you need to be part of this fishing action for the upcoming winter and early spring months.

Stan and Mike with two November rainbow trout.

Lots of bluefish in Nantucket Sound in the Osterville, Cotuit and Hyannis area.

The seabass fishing has been great using squid as well as gulp rigged on jigs. Colliers and Wreck Shoal have been producing some good fish. Squid on rigs and Gulp on jigs!

Anglers going for Scup have not been disappointed. The boats in Nantucket Sound have been catching lots and good sized fish as well. The scup in the canal have apparently been huge.

Striped Bass fishing continues to be strong with good sized fish from Buzzards Bay to Hyannis. On the Northside, the striper reports also remain solid. Top water lures, which are so fun, are reportedly the winning choice.

Nice catch Dean!

Dave with his dinner

On the freshwater side, it seems trout has slowed (or maybe anglers are distracted by all of the saltwater action). Largemouth bass have been hitting on crankbaits, chatter baits and always the rubber worms.

Tight lines!

Amy

On the freshwater front many anglers are having a great time casting gold spoons from shore for a nice trout from one of the many beautiful Cape Cod ponds. Shiners are always a choice bait and if in a boat, trolling a Rapala has been very productive. Bass fisherman have been doing well with rubber worms and metal spoons.

Mark with a whopper of a small mouth bass

Some anglers have begun their 2022 salt water fishing season by fishing for squid out in Nantucket Sound. Reports in the shop have been of varying results. Some days and nights have been fruitful with full buckets and coolers of the ink squirting creatures that are so delicious while also making an excellent bait. While other reports have been lackluster with only half full buckets after battling cold, wind and rain for hours. But, a wise man once told me “You know how much you will catch if you don’t go fishing.” SO, get out there!

Here is Carl with a beautiful 25” striped bass that he safely caught and released.

For our Tautog anglers we have live green crabs in the fridge and Joe Baggs Lay Perfect jigs to get your bait to the bottom. I have talked with several customers who have done well fishing for tog in the canal. For our boaters, Colliers is definitely a rock pile to try your luck.

As for the Striped Bass, schoolies are starting to come into the inlets and harbors and we have many reports of a fish or 2 being caught in Centerville, Osterville and Cotuit areas. With a few more warmer days that report will change to lots of fish and some bigger ones too!

Remember that May 14th 9am at Keyes Memorial Beach in Hyannis we will host our 2nd annual Surfcasting Seminar. Register for this informative, fun and FREE event at our Hyannis location or now on our website.

Sports Port’s Pro Staffer, “Striper Mike” will lead the group with a rundown on proper gear and general surfcasting information. We will then take that info and put it to use by taking some casts from the beach. Bring your own gear or you are welcome to use rods and reels we will have on hand for the event.

All ages are welcome. This event is perfect for beginners but also helpful for the more experienced anglers who may want some helpful tips to improve their cast. We will have a few prizes to raffle off too, so register now!

By Striper Mike, Sports Port Pro Staff

As the migrating striped bass get closer to the Cape Cod beaches, the first reported stripers caught were from the Southside of Martha’s Vineyard. These bass should certainly be here within the next week and we will report them when caught. Once again however, freshwater fishing on the Cape’s ponds is taking center stage and April’s trout fishing continues to be outstanding. Numerous reports throughout the Cape from Nickerson Pond in Brewster to Mashpee and Marston Mills continue to pour in with numerous brook, brown and rainbow trout caught and now the State has stocked a few Cape ponds with tiger trout. Tiger trout are created at the hatchery and is a cross between a brown and brook trout and they have very distinctive markings on their sides. I have caught a few and they are tough customers and will fight you for every inch!

More largemouth bass are reportedly being caught during this pre spawn period and their numbers will only improve as the water warms to 55-60 degrees. What a great time to be a Cape Cod fisherman - now more than ever you want to make sure you have the right gear ready to go as we progress through the season. Amy and her staff at Sport Port have all the necessary items to make your freshwater and saltwater experience successful as well as helpful information where the best bite is happening.

Pictured is a 20 inch brown trout caught April 21, 2022.

Remember, the Sports Port FREE Surfcasting seminar is happening Saturday May 14th at Keyes Memorial beach at 9:00 am. Please register in person at Sports Port or online to reserve your spot.

By Striper Mike, Sports Port Pro Staff

It’s been a tremendously successful trout season since early March and April has continued the solid bite. The pond temperatures are now in the low 50’s and the omnipresent cruising trout will soon be headed to the deeper colder waters, however the largemouth and smallmouth bass will be taking over. What a great time to be a Cape Cod fisherman, a tremendous trout season with some bass mixed in but some fantastic bass fishing ahead these next few weeks and a couple more weeks before the arrival of our beloved striped bass, fishing heaven here on Cape Cod.

A special shoutout to Max for catching this enormous 13 inch (I measured it) yellow perch. I was fishing from shore and saw Max catch this perch from his kayak, certainly the biggest yellow perch I ever saw!

With all this tremendous fishing happening around us it is a perfect time to stop by the shop so Amy and her staff at Sports Port can get you properly geared up. Remember, the Sports Port FREE Surfcasting seminar is happening Saturday May 14th at Keyes Memorial beach at 9:00 am. Please register in person at Sports Port or online to reserve your spot.

Some saltwater anglers have had some luck catching tautog using clams or green crabs - both in stock at the shop. Rocky structures along the shoreline have been producing keepers.

Mike’s at it again! The photos above show a perch Mike caught as well as a rainbow trout he has at the end of his line. That water looks coooold! With the right gear you can still get out there to safely enjoy some time by the water and if you are lucky, land a fish.

And where there are yellow perch there are usually bass nearby. I was kayak fishing in Shubaels pond last week and hooked into a few rainbow trout. I paddled past a shore angler and after chatting across a stretch of water we figured out we know each other from the shop! While fishing from shore he was catching perch as well as trout. The fish were very active on this warmer evening, right around sunset. The usual lures were working…gold spoons and the jointed rapala in perch color.

As always, send us your fish pics and stories and we will include them in our emails! Be sure to follow us on all the social channels.

Wishing you the happiest of holidays!

Tight lines and full peck baskets!
Amy