Fishing in and around Osterville

Fishing in and around Osterville

Cape Cod is certainly considered a world-class fishing destination, and Osterville in particular offers anglers an incredible variety of landscapes. From the vast system
of estuaries and inshore bays to open ocean beaches, anglers can catch trophy fish right from the shore, harbor jetties, a boat, a kayak and even a paddleboard.
Here are some specific areas to try next time you decide to go fishing:

DOWSES BEACH: In recent years, a nice handicap accessible pier was built at the east end of the parking lot at Dowses beach. From this platform, anglers can catch striped bass, bluefish and scup that are passing through the inlet that connects East Bay to Nantucket Sound. There are even cutting boards available to fillet your catch. On the open ocean side, you will find anglers spread out along the rock jetty that extends out into the ocean. Early mornings at first light is a great time to find some fish.

THE BAYS: West Bay, North Bay and Prince' s Cove provide an amazing inshore fishery right in the backyard of Osterville. Striped bass prefer colder water, so during the months of May and October, you can find large fish close to home. You will see anglers cruising around in small skiffs, aluminum boats and kayaks. Smaller "schoolie" bass remain in the bays all summer and bluefish don't mind the warmer summer water temperatures.

OSTERVILLE CUT: During the fishing season (late April through  October) you will find anglers on the rock jetty at the Osterville Cut (at the end of Sea View Ave.) on a daily basis. The current can be moving through the inlet at a rapid speed, so it is often best to use a weighted jig or some lure that will get down in the current. However, always keep your eyes out for breaking fish. Early mornings will often produce large schools of breaking striped bass that can be an incredible sight. Cast a popper into the mix and you’re almost certain to get a fish. My favorite “go to” popper is a white “smack it.”

WORDS OF WISDOM Here are a few pointers culled from my experience fishing around Osterville.

BLUEFISH: By Memorial Day weekend, bluefish have usually arrived
in large numbers. Your best shot is from any ocean facing beach such as Dowses, the beach at the end of Wianno Ave., the Osterville Cut jetty or Sampson’s Island. Casting surface poppers is usually all it takes to attract these toothy game fish. However, don't forget a wire leader when chasing blues, as their sharp teeth can easily slice through your fishing line. If you have a boat, sometimes it's as simple as driving out the Osterville Cut and looking for birds swarming over schools of fish. 
I often see breaking bluefish right in the channel.

BOTTOM FISH AND SOUTHERN SPEEDSTERS: In addition to striped bass and blueï¬sh, the rocky shoals just outside the Osterville Cut, attract anglers from many states for the incredible supply of black sea bass and scup. These are great fish to target with kids and black sea bass is one of the best eating fares in town. In the fall, Osterville residents will notice a fleet of small boats racing around off the Wianno Club. They are chasing False Albacore, Bonito and Spanish Mackerel, all southern fish that arrive late summer when the water temps heat up. These fish are a favorite for anglers with fly rods and light tackle. They are tricky to catch, but provide an exciting fishery.

GETTING STARTED
Tackle Shops and Saltwater License: The best resource for advice on rods, reels, lures and bait is always your local tackle shops. Just minutes from Osterville are Powderhorn Outfitters on Barnstable Road and Sports Port on West Main Street, both in Hyannis. They will get you set up with the correct gear and provide tips on location, technique and provide you with up-to-date reports on when and where the fish are biting.

In 2011 a new regulation was enacted that now requires anglers to have saltwater fishing licenses. Here is a quick recap of the rule: under 16 years of age, you are not required to have a license. Fishing on a properly licensed charter boat (see sidebar, page 24), you are not required to have a license. Over age 60, you are required to have
a license, but there is no cost. Please check for latest info and cost.
 However, while most tackle shops sell freshwater licenses; you will have to get your saltwater license by calling 866.703.1925 or online at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/buy-your-freshwater-fishing-license.

GETTING OUT THERE
Osterville Anglers Club: Established in 1988 by local Osterville businessmen, the OAC is now celebrating its 25th anniversary. Located in a beautiful waterfront facility in Crosby Yacht Basin, The OAC considers itself the Cape’s best family fishing club. It is
truly a year-round club with winter seminars and workshops, social events and a schedule of tournaments throughout the summer.  The OAC is also considered one of the Cape Cod's most affordable clubs. For information on the club, visit www.ostervilleanglersclub.com

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