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Fishing 101:

Bluefish, Fishing Tips, & Freshwater Fishing Spots

Bluefish (pomatomus saltatrix) are numerous in Cape Cod waters; they are good to eat, with a slightly stronger flavor than bass.

As a sportfish, the Blue is a formidable opponent. Its sharp teeth and protruding lower jaw only hint at its prowess and fighting ability. In fact, seasoned Blue fisherman tend to talk more about their scars than their bait--a Bluefish will eat anything in front of it, even fingers trying to unhook it!

Fun Fact: A feeding school of Bluefish gives off a discernible watermelon odor.

Fishing Tips:
The following tips apply to fresh and saltwater fishing. Remember, though, "Old Salts" believe their wisely-guarded secrets should never be printed.

• The Best Time of the Month to Fish: Between the New Moon and the Full Moon.
• The Best Time of the Day to Fish: Just before and for an hour after high tide and low tide. This is when fish feed the most.
• The Best Weather for Fishing: During a steady or rising barometric pressure.

Freshwater Fishing:
Cape Cod catches Include: Bass, Pickerel, Yellow Perch, Bullheads, White Perch. Many ponds are stocked with trout.

• Bourne: Flax & Red Brook Ponds
• Sandwich: Hoxie, Lawrence, Spectacle, & Triangle Ponds.
• Mashpee: Ashumet, John's, Mashpee-Wakeby & Santuit Ponds.
• Falmouth: Deep, Grews, Jenkins, Mares, & Siders Ponds.
• Barnstable: Hathaway, Garretts, Long, Lovells & Shallow Ponds plus Mystic Lake.
• Yarmouth: Dennis, Horse, Long & Big Sandy Ponds.
• Dennis: Scargo Lake & Fresh Pond
• Brewster: Almost 50 ponds, including Sheep, Cliff, Cahoon, Flax, Higgin's, Long, Slough, & Walker Ponds
• Harwich: Bucks, Eldredge, Hinckley's, Long, Sand & Seymour Ponds.
• Chatham: Schoolhouse, Goose, Mill & White Pond, Plus Lovers Lake.
• Orleans: Baker's Pond plus Crystal & Pilgrim Lakes.
• Eastham: Depot, Great & Minister Ponds.
• Wellfleet: Great, Gull & Long Ponds.
• Truro: Great & Horseleech Ponds Plus Pilgrim Lake.

Fishing License: Required (except for kids under 15) for freshwater fishing. Available from various Town Halls.