Orleans, MA Fishing: Angling in a Happy Seaside Town

Situated along Cape Cod in Barnstable County in Massachusetts is the town of Orleans. It lies just as the Cape begins its northwestern movement to Provincetown. The area’s landscape is made up of thick woods that grow scant until one sees open skies, sand dunes, silver marsh grass in salt marshes, and windswept moors. The village center and downtown area pose a relaxing atmosphere, charm, and quirky sensibility. When it was settled in 1644, it was initially known as the South Parish of Eastham. Orleans was incorporated in 1797 after it sought independence in 1717. Like other nearby communities, Nauset Indians were the native people of the area. 

Orleans is one of the state’s designated cultural districts, offering plenty of opportunities for those who seek creative outlets. It has also been named one of America’s ‘Happiest Seaside Towns’..’ Its diverse, natural beauty makes it a perfect spot for a wide range of outdoor activities, from fishing, boating, swimming, biking, or just plain relaxing. Orleans also embodies interesting history and rich maritime heritage as it possesses numerous notable attractions, such as the Jonathan Young Windmill, one of the oldest in the United States. As it is nestled between Nauset Beach on the Atlantic and Skaket Beach on Cape Cod Bay, Orleans is an excellent fishing destination.

Orleans Fishing

Orleans is surrounded by rich and active waters that contain an abundance of fish. Fishing in the area means anglers will get the chance to enjoy its myriad of scenic landscapes and immerse themselves in the happy, quaint community.

Orleans has an advantageous location as it acts as Cape Cod’s elbow; Cape Cod Bay has crystal clear waters and offers a wide range of fishing possibilities to its left. As its name suggests, the bay contains cod and a diverse range of other fish. It boasts excellent striped bass and bluefin tuna fishing. Still, anglers can target different species from its waters, such as haddock, bluefish, summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, tautog, pollock, Atlantic mackerel, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and sharks (porbeagle, threshers, mako, and blue). Popular angling methods include jigging up mackerel, even live-lining them when the water is deeper. Effective ways to hook striped bass involve baitcasting from flats, wading in estuaries, and jigging in deep drop-offs. Those who want to fish way out in the water can reel in bluefin tuna by trolling. From Skaket Beach, anglers can surf cast and easily target cod and haddock as tons gather near the coast. Fishing from the beach is dependent on the tide. Low tide exposes miles of flats where anglers can have the chance to catch bluefish. Fishing after dark or before dawn in Skaket Beach during the summer is advised because it is a popular and crowded area for swimmers and casual beachgoers during the day. Instead of fishing from the beach’s parking area, anglers should head south until they spot an outlet of a small creek at Namskaket Marsh’s end. Striped bass are abundant because many sand eels are found there. A few hundred yards north of the parking area also presents similar fishing action.

To the east of Orleans is Nauset Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is one of the most famous in Cape Code for fishing, swimming, and surfing. Nauset Beach is lined with ever-changing sandbars and cuts, making it a fantastic spot for surfcasting and heavy tackle fishing. Striped bass and bluefish can be targeted when anglers work deep troughs between the sandbars and the beach at high tide. When the tides drop, the fish use the cuts to move deeper water. Because the surf is strong and large, heavier gear is required. Big swimming plugs, traditional lures, poppers, and jiggers are effective lures to use. The entrance to Nauset Inlet and the tongue of the marsh behind the beach near the parking area are two of the best spots. Anglers should note that a large seal population in the area can scare the fish out into deeper water. Especially in the summer, onshore winds clog the waters with a noxious red weed locals call ‘mung,’ which can adhere to fishing lines. Anglers are discouraged from wading when there’s any surf. Other species that can be reeled in from the beach are weakfish and summer flounder. Anglers can go deep sea fishing in the Atlantic Ocean and find similar species found in Cape Cod Bay.

Little Pleasant Bay, located in the south, is another great place to target striped bass. Other species anglers can target from the bay are Atlantic bonito, bluefish, black sea bass, and little tunny. The bay is easily accessed because it is enclosed around the south and east of Orleans and Nauset Beach. Anglers can cast from the shores or launch their boats from several boat ramps available. 

Orleans hosts the annual MaCAPA Fishing Tournament in June, which awards those who catch the biggest and longest fish in the span of half a day. The event is held at Rock Harbor Fishing Charters on Bay View Drive. 

Top 10 Fish Species in Orleans, MA

The top 10 fish species in Orleans, MA are striped bass, bluefin tuna, haddock, bluefish, summer flounder, black sea bass, cod, Atlantic mackerel, Atlantic bonito, and little tunny.

Seasonal Fishing

Anglers can target cod and haddock in Orlean’s salt waters any time of the year. Offshore, the peak time to catch them is in January and February. From May to October, striped bass, bluefish, flounder, and scup are active. Bluefin tuna is a popular target during the summer. The peak of the summer season presents excellent shark fishing as well. Black sea bass are best sought after in February and from May to December. Atlantic mackerel are typically hooked in the spring and fall, with May and November as the best months to do so. Mid to late summer is when Atlantic bonito are spotted. 

Plunge Into Culture in Orleans

Orleans is a designated cultural district and year-round commercial hub that makes it an excellent destination to experience the wonders of the Cape Cod region.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Fishing opportunities are endless in Orleans, with Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean within reach. Anglers can book a fishing charter to effectively and efficiently navigate the vast local waterways. Boat rentals and bait and tackle shops are also available near fishing areas and the waterfront.

2. Immerse in the Culture

Orleans offers tons of opportunities for those who are finding creative outlets. On Cove Road, one can see the first public art piece for Orleans was made and installed in 1883 and 2015, respectively. It is a massive steel whale diving over a one-ton fieldstone. Many local galleries feature local artists. The Artist Cottages at Orleans Square Market showcase and sell many artists’ work in a collection of wooden huts. In the summer, Nauset Beach hosts free outdoor concerts.

3. Explore Beaches

Orleans is nestled between Skaket Beach and Nauset Beach, which are popular outdoor destinations in the region. Skaket Beach has warm, clear waters and tidal pools which can be explored. It is also near the Namskaket Sea Path, which traverses along Cape Cod Bay’s shoreline. Nauset Beach is known for its white sand and gentle waves, making it a terrific place for swimming, boating, surfing, and relaxing.