There is an almost endless combination of rod and reel combos you can use, but the combination you should use depends on what you’re fishing. Striped bass is a great catch and come in a variety of sizes depending on when and where they’re caught. Let’s break down some of the key terms you need to know to find the best rod and reel combo for your striped bass fishing trip. 

Rod Action

There are three types of rod action – fast, moderate, and slow. In this instance, the term action refers to how much and where the rod will bend once it’s holding the weight. 

• Fast action – fast action rods are ideal for light setups using smaller plugs. Fast action is great during early spring with a more experienced caster using the rod. These rods are stiff and only the front 1/3 of the rod will bend when casting the rod. 
• Moderate action – a moderate action rod bends through the top half of the rod when loaded. You can use heavier lures and expect easier casting. These rods are ideal in late spring through summer and you’ll get a good feel when you’re fighting with a fish you’ve hooked. Moderate action rods are very versatile compared to fast or slow action rods. 
• Slow action – slow action rods have a bend throughout the entire rod when weight is applied. They’re great for live bait fishing, although there’s definitely a learning curve. 

Rod Power

Rod power refers to how much weight the rod can handle. Striped bass typically requires a medium or medium/heavy rod power. It’s important to note that rod power ratings vary greatly from one brand to the next so you’ll want to feel the rod in person before making a decision. A rod with medium power can handle a lure from 5/8 oz to 10 oz and should be paired with a 4,000-5,000-class reel. A medium-heavy rod can handle a 7/8 oz to 1.5 oz lure and is best paired with a 5,000-6,000-class reel. A heavy or extra heavy rod power is good for casting the largest striper lures and can also be used for tuna but casting this rod will be extremely tiring and difficult to use. 

Finding the perfect rod and reel combination for striped bass largely comes down to your experience level, the time of year, and the type of lure you’ll be using. It may take some trial and error to find the best combination for you. To learn more about finding the right rod and reel combination for your upcoming spring fishing trip, contact Cape Cod Bay Outfitters today! We have the experience and insight about supplies you need for a great catch! Give us a call at 617-721-9182 or fill out a contact form.

After a long day of fishing, how fun would it be to cook your fish over a campfire instead of using your kitchen? We can’t emphasize much how the ability to feed yourself can prove to be the greatest skill ever to acquire when you are amidst such times.

In this article, we are going to guide you about how you can cook a fish on a campfire. We are assuming you already know how a fish is caught and cleans. Here, you are going to learn some basic tips to create a mouthwatering fish-only meal.

Wrap It in a Foil

There is no easier way than cooking a fish hobo style. It is not only a simple but effective method. So, how to go about it?

Start by cleaning and gutting the fish. The next step is to stuff the fish with different herbs and vegetables. After stuffing, wrap it in aluminum foil. To ensure that flames don’t end up burning a hole, use extra layers of aluminum foil. Place it on hot coals and flip it periodically so that it cooks just right.

Cooking It on a Stick

Another way to effectively cook your fish is doing it on a stick. Gut your fish and then spear it on a long stick through the mouth. Now for stability, use a bunch of smaller sticks and pass them through the belly and back. This will give the grip you need to cook it to the best. Roast the fish until it is cooked!

Sauté Your Fish

If you have a skillet, you can enjoy a sautéed fish. Speaking of it, this particular method is ideal when you want to cook fish such as cod. Layer your skillet with butter or oil, coat the fish fillets with flour, and place them into it. Cook each side of the fish for about 30 seconds to 3-minutes until it is golden brown. The cooking time varies as per the fish’s thickness.

Tips

If you want your fish to turn out delicious every single time, follow these simple hacks.

Make sure to leave that skin on

Leave the skin of the fish on while you cook. This way, you will be able to flip it easily, and it will turn out crispy.

Set the fire before

Make sure to light the fire before you cook your catch so that everything goes smoothly.

Stuff it earlier

It is best to score and stuff your fish before you set it out to cook. This will make sure that enough flavor is there already, regardless of what way you choose to cook it.

Contact Cape Cod Bay Outfitters

When cooked, squeeze a lemon on to it and serve it hot alongside rice or vegetables. Pairing your fish with these will make it a meal that is not only tasty but full of nutrition too. If you are looking for more advice contact Cape Cod Bay Outfitters! Also, be sure to join us on Barnstable Harbor this summer for an amazing fishing, sunset, or whale watching charter!

The first thing you should know about catching and releasing fishing is that each river, lake, or ocean that you are fishing in will have different regulations and laws in regards to how the fish you catch should be handled. In reality, you could kill a fish by accident and even the regulations on how to correctly dispose or keep the fish may be varied by the state or country that you are fishing in.

Some of the items that will be mentioned below are ways to ethically fish so that you minimize the possibility of accidentally injuring or killing your catch and steps in between hooking the fish and letting the fish go.

These are the best handling practice tips in regard to catching a releasing a fish.

The important thing is to enjoy fishing and appreciate the privilege of enjoying nature. If you are practicing the guidelines that are discussed on how to fish, the chances of harming or killing fish will be reduced drastically.

 

Tips to Remember When Handling Fish

The main points to remember are:

• Have wet hands when you are handling a fish or use a rubber net. This will ensure that the protective mucus layer of the fish is not harmed.
• Handle the fish so that it is horizontal as much as possible. Horizontal is the natural position of a fish in the water. You must take care to not knock or drop your catch onto any rough, pointy, or hard surfaces.
• Never put your fingers or hands in the gills of a fish to hold it. It is important to remember to not touch around the eyes.
• Attempt to remove the hook the fastest and easiest way possible. The best way to remove the hook from the fish is to use a pair of pliers or a specialized dehooking tool.
• Minimize the time any fish is out of water as much as possible. If you have experienced a long fight with the fish to catch it, you can help the fish recover by swimming it in the water until it is ready to leave. Place one hand under the belly and the other hand on the tail and begin to slowly swim the fish to aid in the recovery process.
• Be up to date with the fishing regulations in the area that you are fishing in. Be sure to know the size, bag limits, and fishing techniques that are allowed in the specific area where you are because the rules and regulations differ from place to place.

 

It is important to remember the basics of preparing for any kind of fishing starts with paying attention to the regulations that are required in regard to how many fish that you can catch and what sort of can that you are able to use. In some places, the laws and regulations may be more specific than others in different regions. The variety of laws that are used universally are for all fishing techniques and are done in order to protect fish species through rebuilding overfished stocks in order to increase long term social and economic benefits.

 

To learn more about the proper way to handle and release fish, contact Cape Cod Bay Outfitters so we can assist you.

You’ve picked the date, booked your charter fishing trip, and it’s about time to get out on the water. Your vessel is fully equipped and ready and waiting for you. Have you prepared for your trip? Going on any trip requires some planning, and with the boat ready, you have to pack for the trip. Wondering what exactly you should pack for your charter fishing trip? Don’t worry. Here’s a look at some of the essential items that you should take with you.

Clothing

When going on the open water, it’s a good idea to take with you clothes that can be layered. You have to keep in mind that regardless of the weather, it’s possible that the temperature offshore could drop. Consider the time of day that you will leave the dock; if, for example, you are leaving at 5 am, if the temperature is low, there will be sun to provide warmth. Be ready to take off the layers when necessary, remembering that there is no shade on the water. Specific clothing to take includes, a windbreaker, shorts, gloves, lightweight shirt, light-colored clothes, and non-skid rubber-soled shoes.

Weather Protection Items

The open water provides you no protection from the sun, and if your trip takes you to the tropics, you need to be ready to protect your skin from the harsh temperatures of the sun. You don’t want your trip to end before it begins. Keep in mind that the weather can be a little unpredictable, with an unexpected downpour, for example. Pack sunscreen with a strong SPF for adequate protection, lip balm, hat, polarized sunglasses, and waterproof jacket and rain pants. 

Medicine

If your charter fishing trip takes you abroad, you want to ensure that you travel with your prescription medication. Your health is a top priority, and you don’t want to run into a language barrier on your trip that could prevent you from getting the medicine you need. Worst, you run the risk of not finding the exact medicine that was prescribed by your physician. Simply take your medications with you on the trip and avoid a medical crisis. If you have seasickness issues, it’s good to stock up on medicines like Bonine and Dramamine. Beyond medications, it’s a good idea to have a small first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and bug spray.

Storage

Whether your charter fishing trip is local or international, you will need storage containers and bags. Seaspray and sea salt can be damaging, and you want to avoid worrying about your items. Bring a sturdy backpack, collapsible cooler for food and drink, drinking bottle to stay hydrated, and waterproof bag for your electronics.

Additional Essential Items

A few other items that you should take with you include a smartphone or camera to document your big catch; hand towels to clean up messes; swimsuit for swimming or snorkeling; and your favorite rod and reel.

For your next charter fishing trip, Cape Cod Bay Outfitters can help make you dream a reality. We offer the luxuries of a charter boat, an exciting experience, and guidance to help you hook a great catch. Contact us today by giving us a call at 617-721-9182 or filling out a contact form and get your charter fishing trip on the way! 

Cape Cod Bay Outfitters offers whale watching charters for you to enjoy with your family or friends! Typical species of whales we see in Barnstable Harbor include Humpback, Minke, and Finbacks. If you’re interested in booking a whale watching charter here are some tips to make the most out of your cruise. 

Bring the Right Gear 

The best place on the boat for you to watch the whales is definitely on the outer decks. To make sure you’re as comfortable as can be while whale watching, it is recommended to dress with layers and wear waterproof gear. It’s important to be prepared for any type of weather that may come that day. 

Talk to the Captain

Captain T Lange will tell you everything you need to know about Barnstable Harbor and the whales you see. He is the best source of information and will be happy to answer any questions you have! He’ll also be sure to give you his favorite whale watching tips so that you get the most out of your whale watching experience. 

Have Your Camera Ready

It’s important to have your camera always ready because you never know when a whale is going to appear. Whether you have a fancy camera or are just using your phone you’ll be sure to get some great shots right from the boat. Make sure your phone and camera are fully charged so that you don’t miss any amazing shots due to a low battery. Taking videos is also a great idea as you’ll be sure to catch the whales in action and be able to look back at the amazing video whenever you’d like. 

Take Time Away From the Lens

While its great to take as many photos and videos as you can it’s also great to take some time away from your lens. Taking time away from your lens enables you to just sit back and enjoy the scenery and whales without worrying about getting the perfect shot the whole cruise. Enjoying your time and living in the moment is highly encouraged. 

Be Patient 

One of the biggest things to remember on whale watch charters is to be patient! Whales are unpredictable and you might not know when they are going to appear, but they will. If you are patient and pay attention to the whales you will eventually be able to anticipate their next move.

Book with Cape Cod Bay Outfitters

Barnstable Harbor is an awesome spot to go whale watching. You’ll be sure to see some beautiful whales and have a great day on the boat with Capt. T Lange. If you’re interested in booking a charter, contact Capt. T Lange today by filling out a contact form or giving us a call at 617-721-9182.