Book Your Fishing Charter in Eastham, MA

Known as the forearm of Cape Cod and nicknamed the ‘Gateway to Cape Cod’ and ‘Cape Cod’s Little Secret,’ Eastham is a coastal resort community located in northeast Massachusetts in Barnstable County. It is a fantastic place to fish because Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic border its sides. There are also several bodies of water abundant with gamefish dotted throughout the area. 

Its suitable location will excite anglers because saltwater and freshwater fishing are endless in this quiet yet thrilling Cape Cod town. Compared to other well-known areas in the region, Eastham will provide you with a refreshing getaway experience. Tons of beaches in the area offer fun activities, picturesque views, sunsets, and even excellent fishing action. One particular beach, Coast Guard Beach, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, has been called numerous times as one of the best beaches in the world. Eastham also boasts a rich history, being the home to First Encounter Beach. It is where Pilgrims and Indians first came across each other. Eastham isn't solely a beach destination, but it has forest areas, salt marshes, and cranberry bogs that provide unique perspectives wherever you go.

Eastham should be next on your list if you’re looking for your next fishing destination, especially in the New England area, because it has so much to offer.

Eastham Fishing: A Little Known Gem in Cape Cod

Whether you want to target saltwater or freshwater game, Eastham is a great place to consider because it offers all-around fishing opportunities within its vast array of surroundings.

The most common place to start your fishing journey in Eastham is to try out your angling skills in Cape Cod Bay which can be accessed through many local beaches like Cooks Brook Beach, Campground Beach, Cole Beach, and First Encounter Beach. Its crystal clear waters possess cod, staying true to its namesake. It also boasts fantastic striped bass and bluefin tuna fishing. Other fish you can catch from the vast waters of the bay include haddock, bluefish, summer flounder, scup, sharks (porbeagle, threshers, mako, and blue), black sea bass, tautog, pollock, Atlantic mackerel, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. Whether you’re surf casting or deep sea fishing, there’s plenty of good action all year round. 

More saltwater fishing can be done on the Atlantic Ocean side, where you can fish from Coast Guard Beach, a popular surf casting spot though heavy tackle fishing is also commonly done because the waves can get large. Down that side of the coast is Nauset Beach, where similar species can be found in addition to weakfish and summer flounder. That beach’s waters are linked to Nauset Bay, another fantastic spot. If you’re fishing by boat, travel down to Nauset Harbor, where you can also hook great catches. 

If you’re tired of targeting saltwater fish, worry not because Eastham is home to plenty of freshwater ponds that you can find in the middle of the area. Great Pond is a well-known fishing spot where you can cast from the beach or go by boat and catch fish like smallmouth bass, white perch, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed, chain pickerel, and brook trout. Surrounding that pond are plenty of others like Herring Pond, which is stocked with trout. Its waters are home to fish like brook, brown, tiger, and rainbow trout. Warm water species like pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass, brown bullhead, chain pickerel, white perch, yellow perch, largemouth bass, golden shiners, and banded killifish can also be found there.

If you come upon the local public library, you can target bass and pickerel in Depot Pond located behind the building. Right behind it, there is a boat launch area. Jemima Pond is another spot to hook largemouth bass, pickerel, and yellow perch. You can also fish by boat despite being smaller than its neighboring ponds. Minister Pond is another excellent freshwater site up the State Highway that hosts bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, chain pickerel, and grass pickerel.

Discover Beaches in Eastham

1. Trek Along the Beaches

On both sides of Eastham, you’ll find so many beaches that offer unique views and experiences. Coast Guard Beach is a must-visit because it has been named so many times as one of the best beaches in the world. Another great beach to visit is Nauset Beach, where you can view the famous and frequently photographed restored Nauset Lighthouse. 

2. Explore Historic Sites

Being the first place where the Pilgrims and Indians first encountered each other, many places in Eastham are considered historic. Some areas have even retained their original landscapes even with the modernization of civilization. At Fort Hill, you can experience a walking tour of the town’s early settlement, which lasts 1.5 miles. Historic houses like the Captain Penniman House and the Swift Daley House can also be appreciated as they’ve been built and retained since the 1700s.