Fish

• Bluefish, bonito, scup, summer flounder (fluke) and striped bass are among the fish you can catch from the coast of Massachusetts. Bluefish are abundant all along the coast and will strike just about any lure. Bonito can be found in numbers south of Cape Cod. They feed in schools and jumpers will often advertise their location. Scup are small, flat fish and can be found on the coast between Cape Cod and Rhode Island. Summer flounder are bottom feeders which spend most of their time resting on sandy or muddy ocean bottoms or in kelp beds. The best time to catch them inshore is at night when they are feeding. Striped bass are among the most sought after fish in Massachusetts; they can be found all along the state coast near reefs, and in tidal estuaries and bays.
  
  

Bait and Tackle

• A 6 1/2 to 8 foot medium action spin rod will be sufficient to catch most of these fish from shore; 6 to 12 pound test line is appropriate. Attach a wire leader to your line to protect it from the sharp teeth of some species of fish. Bluefish are especially well known for their bite. Cut pieces of squid, mackerel, shad, clams and shrimp can be effective baits. Tie them to a jig when fishing from a pier, and combine them with spinners and spoons when casting from the surf or a jetty.
  
  

Locations

• massachusetts map image by Vladislav Gajic from Fotolia.com
  
  Virtually every Massachusetts town with a coastline offers a jetty, pier or piece of beach from which to fish. Three fishing piers can be found in Boston at Castle Island, the Charleston Navy Yard (Pier #4) and at commercial street. You can fish from Plymouth Wharf and there are a number of fishing jetties at Salisbury Beach. Wareham has two fishing piers at Route 6, and Falmouth has a fishing pier at Greater Harbor. Continuing south, New Bedford, Sandwich, Yarmouth, Edgarton and the Oak Bluffs all offer a variety of fishing pier and jetty options in addition to beach fishing.
  
  

Tips

• The best time for most species of fish close to shore is in the early morning and evening when they typically feed. Use a longer rod in the 9 and 1/2 to 11 and 1/2 foot range when surf fishing; it will help you make longer casts. Wear rubber soled shoes or reef slippers for stability when traversing wet, rocky jetties, and be sure to walk slowly.
  
  

Regulations

• In 2010 anglers are required to register with the National Marine Fisheries Service before fishing in Massachusetts salt waters; this can be done online. In 2011 the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries will be issuing fishing permits to those that wish to fish in the state's tidal waters. Open seasons and daily and annual bag limits for particular fish are available online at the Division of Marine Fisheries' website.