Fishing in Cape Ann To Boston Harbor

The rugged, scenic shoreline from Cape Ann to Boston, also known as the North Shore, is an inshore angler’s paradise, especially for those seeking striped bass. Myriad protected coves offer shelter for small boats, and the clear, cold water keeps gamefish active during the hot summer months. Mackerel appear along the North Shore in April, taking up station around such inshore structures as jetties, ledges, and wrecks. Flounder, tomcod, and small pollock are available to anglers working baits along a muddy bottom. Deeper ledges, wrecks, and hard-bottom areas hold bigger cod, pollock, and cunner. These fish move closer to shore from late fall through spring, whereas in summer they’re commonly found in depths ranging from 60 to 180 feet.

The near-shore waters of Gloucester and Rockport host excellent striped bass fishing, and numerous spots provide shore anglers with action. Farther along the coast, the coves, islands, and promontories around Marblehead and Manchester-by-the-Sea provide a spectacular backdrop to any striper trip. Flies, plugs, spoons, soft plastics, and bait all produce. Bluefish cruise here, too, but not in the numbers of years past.

The granite ledges and numerous islands (such as Cat, Bakers, Eagle, and Great Misery) from Magnolia to Nahant provide a sanctuary for all kinds of prey species, from eels and silversides to crabs and lobsters, all of which serve as food for big striped bass. The key is to focus on any sort of rocky structure, but note that marinas and docks serve as prime striper hangouts. Small boats are ideal for this type of fishing, as a lee shore is almost always available. The Danvers River in Beverly also holds a large population of stripers throughout the summer that shouldn’t be overlooked by small-boat and shore anglers.