The historic town of Sandwich, Massachusetts, is located between Cape Cod Canal and Cape Cod Bay. It serves as the former’s entry point for the latter, blessing it with both freshwater and saltwater game fishes. Because of this, it is a prime spot for anglers to catch both the bay’s famous cod and haddock, but also other fish that pass through the canal’s waterways.
Aside from these aquatic riches, the town is also rich in history. The town and its neighbors served as the first settlements for the Pilgrims when they arrived in America. It is the oldest town in Cape Cod and even once served as the premier glass producer in the area during the Industrial Revolution. Today, the town houses many museums to preserve its history. There are stunning beaches to relax and lounge on after you’ve finished fishing. If you like history and fishing, Sandwich is the town for you.
Located at Cape Cod Canal’s entrance to Cape Cod Bay, Sandwich offers plenty of opportunities for anglers to catch both the bay and the canal’s fish species. The town has many prime fishing spots for anglers to choose from, either on its beaches, its ports, or you can charter a boat and go to the Canal or the Bay itself. Fishing in this town is an all-year-round activity, as plenty of fish are available throughout the year. Here are some of the most popular game fishes found in Sandwich:
Cod - No list talking about the game fish in Cape Cod could be complete without mentioning the fish that gave it its name. Cod is available throughout the year here, but it is most common during May and June and then from October to November.
Haddock - Cousins to the cod, this fish is also another common sight in the area. Anglers looking to catch this fish are advised to go there during May and June as they are most common during these times.
Striped bass - Like the previous two, striped bass is another common sight and catch for anglers fishing in Sandwich. It is available to be caught throughout the year, but they are most common from May to July, and they are least common during December and February.
Bluefin tuna - This fish doesn’t need an introduction. A great challenge and reward for anglers seeking them, the prospect of catching bluefin tuna is another reason why anglers go to Sandwich. These fish are most common from August to September and less common during January to April and November to December.
Sharks - Sandwich also provides opportunities for anglers to catch sharks on its waters. There are several species to choose from, and each is a challenge for anglers to catch. Porbeagle sharks are the most common shark found in Sandwich and are available throughout the year but the best time to catch them is from July to October. Other sharks in the area are the thresher sharks, which are most common from June to October, while blue and mako Sharks are most common from July to September.
Want to relax and enjoy the view of Cape Cod after a day of fishing? The Sandwich Boardwalk provides a beautiful view of the Cape’s sunset while the fragrant smell of Rugosa roses fills the air. The boardwalk is also a good place to do bird watching, while the creek flowing beneath it is a good place for canoeing.
For those who appreciate history, the Sandwich Glass Museum is the perfect place to visit. This museum was once a major glass production factory when Sandwich was the center of glass production in the area. Today, it is now converted into a museum, and a lot of its finished products are now housed there for display alongside the materials and tools used in making them.
Another museum you can visit while in Sandwich is the Heritage Museum and Garden. This museum is one of the most popular attractions in town, housing both an art museum and a beautiful, well-maintained garden. This museum houses several works of art made by the people of New England, while the garden houses a Ferris Wheel dating back from the 20th century that people can still ride on.