Late Fall Fishing At Cape Cod Canal: Tides, Stripers, and Tautog Delight Anglers

As of November 17, 2024, the fishing scene at the Cape Cod Canal remains vibrant despite the late fall season. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water. ### Tidal and Weather Conditions The tides at the Cape Cod Canal are strong, driven by the difference in water levels between Cape Cod Bay and Buzzard’s Bay. Today, expect the tides to shift westward if the water level is lower in Buzzard’s Bay, and eastward if it's lower in Cape Cod Bay. Understanding these tides is crucial for locating and catching more fish. The weather is expected to be moderately fishable, with temperatures around the mid-40s to low 50s, making it a good day to cast your line. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise today is at around 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:15 PM, giving you ample daylight to fish. ### Fish Activity Despite the colder weather, schoolie stripers are still feeding on top, particularly toward the east end of the Canal. These fish are targeting bunker, sand eels, and other small baitfish. Bonito and small bluefish are also present, though their numbers have thinned out somewhat. Tautog fishing remains excellent, with anglers reporting steady catches in the area. ### Catch Reports Yesterday saw some anglers landing slot-size stripers using diamond jigs with green tubes. Tautog fishing was productive, with reports of keeper tog up to 19 inches. While the fish are moving to deeper waters as temperatures drop, there are still opportunities for a good catch. ### Best Lures and Bait For stripers, swimmers, jigs, and topwater lures have been effective. Recommended lures include Luke's Bucktail jigs with a small Al Gag tail, and soft body plastics like the Canal Bait and Tackle wacky Mac jig. Topwater lures such as the Outcast Hybrid in white and Wacky Mac colors have also been successful. For tautog, using crabs or clams as bait is highly recommended. ### Hot Spots Two hot spots to consider are the east end of the Cape Cod Canal, where schoolie stripers are actively feeding, and the areas around the Canal's structure, such as the rocks and jetties, which are known for holding tautog and larger stripers. Remember to use heavier gear due to the Canal's great depths and powerful currents. Enjoy your day fishing at the Cape Cod Canal