Striped bass fishing out of Plymouth runs May to October for the inshore charters. Boats work Plymouth Bay and range across Cape Cod Bay to Billingsgate Shoal off Provincetown. Ramp and harbor detail is in the Plymouth port guide.
When striped bass are around Plymouth
Plymouth Charters and Reel Time run inshore striped bass charters from May to October, which is the window to plan around. Rock Pebble Sand splits its season by water: Plymouth in June, then Plymouth Bay and the Cape Cod Bay coast in July and August.
| Window | Where it fishes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| May to October | Inshore charters out of Plymouth | Plymouth Charters, Reel Time |
| June | Plymouth | Rock Pebble Sand |
| July and August | Plymouth Bay and the Cape Cod Bay coast | Rock Pebble Sand |
For the wider migration picture, see the Northeast striped bass guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast fishing guide).
Where Plymouth boats run for striped bass
The runs start inside the bay and stretch across Cape Cod Bay to the shoals off Provincetown, so distance is the main way to sort the options.
Plymouth Bay
Plymouth Charters lists Plymouth Bay as home water. It is the shortest run from the harbor.
Duxbury Bay and Green Harbor
Cuz Charters and Reel Time list Duxbury Bay and Green Harbor.
Cape Cod Bay and Billingsgate Shoal
Plymouth Charters runs to Cape Cod Bay and to Billingsgate Shoal off Provincetown. Race Point is 22 nm from the Plymouth Harbor ramp.
Before committing to that run, check wave height and period at the NDBC 44090 Cape Cod Bay buoy, the Cape Cod Bay waverider buoy. Compare the numbers to your boat and your own limits, and look at the NWS marine forecast before you leave the dock.
Grounds and structure near Plymouth
These are the named places. Where only a name is given, the name is all the record supports.
Inside the bay
- The hole by Bug Light, in Plymouth Bay
- The Gurnet
Across Cape Cod Bay
- Billingsgate Shoal: Plymouth Charters names it a Cape Cod striper "hot spot."
- Race Point: a named destination across the bay.
Offshore names
- Stellwagen Bank
- Jeffreys Ledge
- Regal Sword
Crab Ledge, east of Chatham, is named by 1620 Anglers as a bluefin ground rather than a striper spot. For the bluefin and offshore side of the fishery, see the coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
How striped bass are fished out of Plymouth
Plymouth Charters picks its method by what the fish are feeding on. The methods local boats list:
- Live mackerel
- Trolling squid or shad rigs
- Snap wire bucktails
- Jigging
- Casting to breaking fish
- Light tackle
For general tackle and fish behavior, see the striped bass species guide.
Who fishes for striped bass out of Plymouth
Six operators list striped bass fishing out of Plymouth.
| Operator | Captain / boat | Where they list fishing |
|---|---|---|
| Plymouth Charters | Plymouth Bay, Cape Cod Bay, Billingsgate Shoal | |
| Reel Time Fishing Charters | Capt. Roland Lizotte III | Duxbury Bay, Green Harbor |
| Cuz Charters | Capt. Ed Kislauskis | Duxbury Bay, Green Harbor |
| 1620 Anglers | Capt. Rick, Everglades 27 ft center console | |
| Black Rose Fishing Charters | Rich Antonino, boat Black Rose | |
| Rock Pebble Sand Fishing | Elizabeth Anne, 23 ft center console | Plymouth (June); Plymouth Bay and Cape Cod Bay coast (July, August) |
FAQ: striped bass fishing out of Plymouth
When is striped bass season out of Plymouth?
Inshore charters run May to October. Rock Pebble Sand fishes Plymouth in June, then Plymouth Bay and the Cape Cod Bay coast in July and August.
How far is Race Point from the Plymouth Harbor ramp?
22 nm.
Where do Plymouth boats run for stripers?
Plymouth Bay, Duxbury Bay, Green Harbor, Cape Cod Bay and Billingsgate Shoal off Provincetown.
What methods do local boats use?
Live mackerel, trolling squid or shad rigs, snap wire bucktails, jigging, casting to breaking fish and light tackle. Captains choose by what the fish are feeding on.
Which buoy should I check before the run?
NDBC 44090, the Cape Cod Bay waverider buoy. Check wave height and period before the 22 nm run.
