Sandwich, MA Fishing: Everything About History and Angling

Established in 1637 by Edmund Freeman, Sandwich is the oldest town in the Cape Cod area. It experienced an economic and population boom due to its glass production many decades ago. Today, it is one of the most popular fishing destinations because of the kinds of fish available. Sandwich, Massachusetts, is blessed with plenty of fishing opportunities for new and experienced anglers. 

Located between Cape Cod Bay and Cape Cod Canal, the town has so many things to offer. Sandwich has several beaches that you can visit to relax and enjoy the sun after a day’s worth of fishing. You can also visit the many museums that preserve the town’s art and history. 

Sandwich will surely be a memorable trip for you. Read on to know various activities you and your family can do there. 

Sandwich Fishing

Sandwiched between two waterways, Sandwich has plenty of fish for anglers to choose from. Most of the prize fish in Sandwich are saltwater fish such as the striped bass, cod, haddock, tuna, and even sharks can be caught in these waters. If you’re looking for other kinds of fish, the Cape Cod Canal provides opportunities to catch striped bass, flounder, bluefish, tautog, sea bass, and mackerel.

One of the most popular fishing spots is the Sandwich Marina, particularly its bulkhead area. Other spots on the shore where you can fish are the Drunken Seal Restaurant Beachfront, the Town Neck Beach to Old Harbor, the Old Harbor, and the mouth and inside of Scorton Creek. 

Some of the fishing methods used in Sandwich are inshore, offshore, and nearshore fishing, as well as shore fishing, kayak fishing, and fishing on a party boat. Cape Cod Canal is the most popular shore fishing destination in the area, particularly Scusset Harbor in Sandwich. Kayak fishing in Cape Cod is a fun way for anglers to catch many fish in the area due to its size and weight. It can reach the flats and shallower parts of the Canal with little difficulty. And of course, you can also charter a fishing boat if that’s what you prefer for your fishing trip.  

No discussion on the fishing experience in Sandwich would be complete without the cod. This is the fish that gave the Cape its name, and with good reason. Cod is one of the area’s main attractions, and anglers can fish them throughout the year. Why are cod so popular? Well, its delicious meat is prized everywhere. Unfortunately, being a prized fish meant that the population of cod have dwindled significantly and are now under threat from extinction. Because of this, it is important to catch only the amount you can consume so as not to waste this precious fish. 

Another popular fish caught in Sandwich is the haddock. This fish is easy enough to catch; thus, it is popular with new anglers. Although they are best caught during May and June, the haddock is common all year round. 

One of the most commonly caught fish in the area is the striped bass. This fish used to suffer from overfishing back in the 20th century but has now recovered, thanks to the strict regulations on how many can be caught. This fish is so common that you can set yourself on the beach and do fly fishing to catch them. You can also do slow trolling in Cape Cod’s deeper waters. If you are looking to catch this fish, remember only to catch what you need, so learning how to do catch and release is important if you want to catch plenty of striped bass. 

Another great attraction in the area is the bluefin tuna. This is the biggest species of tuna, and catching one is both a great challenge and a reward for anglers. This tuna is highly sought after so expect fierce competition from other anglers, especially when you seek them out in the summer because they are most common in the Cod Canal during these times. The method used to catch this fish is jigging deep in the water to lure it out. Be prepared to hold fast, though, as this fish will try to drag you into the water if you’re not prepared. 

If you’re looking for a trophy fish to brag to your friends, then you can also head into the area to catch some sharks. There are plenty of shark species that visit the area. If you prefer nearshore fishing, you can capture porbeagle sharks, while if you go to Sandwich from June to October, you can catch thresher sharks. But for those who want a challenge, you can hunt for blue and mako sharks at the height of summer. 

Top 5 Fishing Spots in Sandwich

• Sandwich Marina
• Scusset Harbor
• The Drunken Seal Restaurant Beachfront
• Cape Cod Bay
• Stellwagen Bank

Top 10 Fish Species in Sandwich, MA

The top 10 fish species in Sandwich, MA are the cod, striped bass, haddock, bluefin tuna, bluefish, tautog, flounder, mackerel, porbeagle shark, and sea bass.

Seasonal Fishing in Sandwich

Fishing is an all-year-round activity in Sandwich, so anglers who visit them during winter and spring will be pleased to know that there are fish to be caught during these times. Cod and haddock are available in the area during these times, and throughout the year, so you can catch these fish anytime you visit Sandwich. If you're looking for a more challenging fish, you can try catching porbeagle sharks in Sandwich's waters during winter and spring as well. Winter is also a good time to catch Atlantic mackerel and pollock in Sandwich as they are readily available during November and December. 

But if you really wish to make the most of your trip here, you need to visit during the summer and early fall, where the area is teeming with a wide variety of fish species.  This is especially important if you’re planning to catch black seabass, as you will have to wait for May to catch them as they’re prohibited to anglers from October to April. It is during these times that a lot of the other prize fish in the area, such as the various species of tuna, striped bass, and flounder, are available in large numbers.  

Have Your Fill of Exciting Adventures in Sandwich

1.Fishing Charters

Sandwich has several fishing charters that anglers could hire for their fishing trip. Sandwich has 41 fishing charters available, which offers services on onshore, nearshore, or offshore fishing and other fishing techniques depending on the customer’s preferences. 

2. Taking A Stroll On The Sandwich Boardwalk

The Sandwich Boardwalk is a popular tourist destination in Sandwich as it provides an unparalleled view of the sunset. The area provides a good resting place to relax and enjoy the waters and fragrance of the nearby Rugosa roses planted on the dunes of this rocky beach. This place is also a good spot to do some birdwatching. The creek running in the boardwalk is also a good spot to go canoeing. 

3. Visiting The Sandwich Glass Museum

For those who are more historically inclined, you can visit the Sandwich Glass Museum. This factory-turned museum offers a glimpse of the history of glassmaking that was once the center of the Sandwich industry. The museum houses various finished samples of vases, lamps, and pitchers made in this very factory. The museum also has an “ingredients” room where they showcase a wide variety of colored glasses and the minerals used to make the different glass colors. A glassblowing demonstration happens in the museum from 10 am to 3 pm and a gift shop that offers a large selection of souvenirs for those who wish to buy some. The Sandwich Historical Society offers even tours from June to October. 

4. Visiting The Heritage Museums and Gardens

One of the town’s main attractions is the beautiful Heritage Museums and Gardens. These 100 acres of developed and landscaped land houses both an art museum and a large garden an assortment of well-maintained plants. Those who wish to visit this beautiful area will be pleased to know that the museum offers a shuttle service on some days with full amenities. The art museum boasts a large selection of various works of art made by the people of New England, such as wind vanes, paintings, Nantucket baskets, and scrimshaws. There’s also a Ferris wheel dating back to the 20th century that people can ride on. Overall, this museum has a lot to offer for potential visitors.