Generally, out Stripers start to show up in earnest by late April. Schoolie size fish dominate the first 2 to 3 weeks with occassionally larger ones mixed in. By mid to late May, the larger bass have arrived as well as large bluefish.
In the early season, the bays, harbors and estuaries can be a blast targeting these early arrivers in the shallows on lighter fly and spinning gear. As the season progresses, the larger fish are entering our waters in generous sized schools in the shallows and it can be a "knee-knocking" experience facing down a school of 15 - 30 pound fish.
By June our inshore waters are alive with all sizes of Bass and BLues feeding on the flats and shallows. Sandeels, crabs, shrimp and many other forage fish are the targets.
Late June to early July is the time which the rips come alive off Monomoy Island with blitzes od Bass and Bluefish feeding on swarms of squid, sandeels and other forage fish. This action continues throughout the summer with the addition of Bonito showing up in mid August followed by False Albacore soon after Labor Day.
- Shallows/Flats - May thru October
- Rips - Late June thru October