3 NOV 2024 · As of November 3, 2024, the fishing scene in the Cape Cod Canal is still vibrant, despite the cooler weather setting in. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.
### Tidal Report
The tides are a crucial factor in the Cape Cod Canal, known for its extreme tidal currents. Today, the high tide is at 9:47 AM and the low tide at 3:47 PM, with tidal ranges that can significantly affect fish behavior.
### Weather
The weather is chilly, with temperatures around 45°F and a gentle northeast wind. This kind of weather can make the fish more active, especially as the water temperatures drop.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 6:24 AM, and sunset is at 4:24 PM, giving you ample daylight to fish.
### Fish Activity
Striper activity is slowing down but not over yet. You can still find decent fish in the backwaters and along the outer beaches. However, the main focus has shifted to tautog fishing, which has been excellent, especially toward the west end of the Canal. Bonito and hickory shad are also active, particularly in the east end of the Canal.
### Fish Caught
Yesterday saw a mix of fish caught, including tautog in the teens, smaller stripers in the mid-20-inch range, and some bonito. The tautog fishing has been particularly good, with several large fish landed.
### Best Lures and Bait
For stripers, using large lures such as swimbaits and topwaters, especially during the night, has been effective. The white Outcast and blue Mac stick Shad have been reliable choices. For tautog, traditional baits like crabs and clams are working well. In the Canal, lures that mimic baitfish, such as the hydrino longcast in black over purple, have also produced results.
### Hot Spots
The west end of the Cape Cod Canal is a hot spot for tautog, with plenty of structure to fish around. The east end is good for bonito and hickory shad, especially where birds are feeding. The beaches of Cape Cod Bay, particularly around the outer Cape, are still producing schools of smaller stripers.
With the November new moon approaching, expect strong tides to bring a wave of bass through the Canal, making it an exciting time to be out on the water. Keep your gear ready and your eyes on the water, as the fall run is still offering plenty of opportunities for a great catch.