FISHING

The waters of Bass River are home to some of the most popular and well-known fishing spots on Cape Cod. Nothing beats rising at dawn on a gorgeous Cape Cod day to relax and catch tonight’s dinner. Where to go? When the mood strikes you can try angling for striped bass, sea bass, bluefish and fluke off the jetties at the mouth of the River, on the pier at Wilbur Park, or try shore casting off Smugglers or West Dennis Beach. Just don't try to fish directly off the Bass River Bridge -- once the most well-known location in the mid-Cape area, fishing directly off the Bass River Bridge is now prohibited.

The best way to enjoy fishing on Bass River and at the same time protect its important resources is to be a responsible angler.  Published by the Massachusetts Department of Marine Fisheries, the Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide provides lots of wonderful information on species profiles, permitting, tackle shop locations and boat ramps, as well information on how to be a responsible citizen of all waterways, including our river.  

New to fishing in Massachusetts?  Who Needs a License to Fish in Massachusetts details exactly who needs a license to fish Massachusetts waters and guides you through the process. Being a responsible angler also means knowing that sometimes, you can’t take it with you!  Measuring Your Catch - MA Recreational Regulations Table is a must-read before heading out for the day.

By working together to minimize our impacts on fish populations, we help preserve, protect, and enhance these valuable marine resources for future generations of fishermen.