Guided Cape Cod
Striped Bass Fishing Trips
- Day or Week Long Trips -

Massachusetts currently has the largest and most successful
recreational Striped Bass fishery in the country and has long
been recognized for the record-sized
stripers caught off its shores.

Fish the U.S. East Coast's
Most Prized Gamefish...

Stripers on the Fly...

Interested in a memorable saltwater flats fishing trip for big stripers and voracious blues? Want some elbow room for your backcast? Then join us on one of our "Saltwater on the Fly" fishing trips on beautiful Cape Cod during the fall. September on the Cape is summer without the crowds! With warm temperatures, sunny skies, and Striped Bass back feeding on the finned bait, you'll discover a time and place perfect for a fall fishing trip. Add in the fact that you won't be needing a high cost airline flight to another country and this trip becomes a more enticing fall fishing destination. Even the non-angler of the family will enjoy the warm beach weather in September. We fish various flats around the Cape and in particular the clear water flats of Chatham's South Beach and the 7,604 acre Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge located off of Chatham. With light sand beaches extending more than 8 miles off shore, there's plenty of flats to be waded at Monomoy. This NWR was established in 1944 and has gone through some drastic changes in the past. In 1958 a storm turned the once point of land into an island and in 1978 a blizzard sliced the one island into two islands. In fact, as recently as November, 2006 the south channel access point was closed off by yet another land altering storm. The MNWR is now home to 285 species of birds, thousands of harbor and gray seals, and waters holding record-sized striped bass along with bluefish - "the mouth that swims". While tough on flies, bluefish are hard fighters and with steel leaders and some extra flies you'll enjoy these guys on the fly - just keep your fingers away from its mouth! Massachusetts has the largest and most successful recreational striped bass fishery in the country and has long been recognized for the record-sized stripers caught off its shores. This fishery was made for fall fly fishing with its expansive flats, warm weather and big stripers. So whether you're looking for a place away from the crowds to fish or just holding on to the summer fishing fun, you'll not find a better trip nor one at this price. Our trips include lodging in a home-styled atmosphere, all meals, all local transportation (including pick-up and drop-off at the Boston airport), guides and all flies - up to a $90-$120 savings per angler. The Fish & Gear: Striped Bass: The Striped Bass that travel the east coast in search of a living find themselves still at the Cape in September and October, actually into November. With weights ranging on the low end of 3-5 pounds to the high end of 25-30 pounds, you're sure to get a thrill. A 'keeper' doesn't even register until 28 inches! While most of the fish are in the 20-22 inch range, like all anglers, we are constantly looking for the big guy to bend our rod and the hard won fight. These fish run from the small 16-18 inchers all the way up to a huge monster 3 times that size! The state record is currently at 73 pounds (caught near South Beach where you'll be fishing), and the derby entry minimum starts at 35 pounds. Bluefish: Ah... Bluefish. What can we say. A greenish-backed, sharp-toothed fighter and voracious sight feeder that will take a fly with all the vigor of any fish you've ever targeted. From juvenile "snappers" to adults, these guys will bite anything moving just for the kill so you're in luck if your fly is in the area! On this trip you'll discover why they are known as incredible fighters with tremendous biting power. They average around 3-7 pounds with the state record being over 27 pounds, and a derby entry minimum being 12 pounds. What's the limit? We catch and release all fish and are not generally in a position to be able to preserve your catch. Of course, releasing these great creatures for another day provides the opportunity for you and your grandchlidren on a future trip to enjoy this wonderful experience. Gear: You'll want to bring a 8, 9 or 10 weight rod and matching reel with plenty of backing (200 yards). While the 8 wgt is the better casting rod of the three, a 10 wgt can provide the casting power needed in heavy winds and more fighting power for bigger fish. But, by all means just bring what you have in this range. Bring an intermediate sinking line but also bring a floating line for the crease flies and poppers - although we've done well using the intermediate sinking line with crease and popper flies - too lazy to change spools. As always, bring 2 setups - rod and matching reel - in case the worst should happen... need I say more (ouch!). We have a complete packing list for you when you book the trip. And, since we provide all of the flies it's just one thing less you have to worry about. Catch & Release and the Numbers: We practice catch and release (C&R) with all fish species we target. With the relatively inexpensive price of fish at your local market, shipping home a $1,500 striper somehow just seems a bit excessive. Using modern C&R methods keeps the accidental kill rate very low and provides fish for future generations. As far as the number of fish you can expect, well as the saying goes 'That's why it's called fishing' (not catching). While not as productive as the aquarium-style fishing during the huge salmon runs in Alaska, you'll have many opportunities each day. We use the word 'opportunities' as there are too many factors involved to define catch rates. The fish are there but temperatures, wind, tide and each person's skill are all factors affecting the numbers one can hope for, and of course the number 1 factor, LUCK, plays a big part in the eyes of the 'Fish Gods'. However, plan on an average day of 2-3 stripers and 2-3 blues - a hot day hitting a blitz and you can't keep them off; a bad wind and water day and you can't get one on. Sight Fishing: Sight fishing is just about the most exciting type of fly fishing and it's no exception in saltwater! Hunting for your catch is a big part of saltwater fly fishing especially while flats fishing. While we do a bit of blind fishing during these trips it's the sight fishing that we all crave. Stealth, accuracy and distance are all areas that you need to practice to be successful at this style of fly fishing. While we search the Monomoy flats each day hunting for stripers and blues in the usual hang outs, when this proves less than lustrous, we blind fish in the troughs where the fish travel. Seeing the birds above fish busting on the bait will get you running with your fly line already in the air. This style of fishing has been called sight fishing but not in the traditional sense. You see the birds then you see all the blitzing, you run to the hot spot then you cast into all the comotion. What ever this is called, we call it FUN! The Trip Overview Your trip will start with an airport pickup in Boston or if driving to the Cape, at the week's lodging in Chatham. After arriving in Chatham we'll get you settled in and, depending upon the time of day of your arrival, we'll either head to the boat and the flats for an afternoon of fishing or if the time doesn't warrant that we'll fish the flats around Morris Island or the South Beach area. With an early start, a typical day will find us getting onto the flats and fishing right off. These trips do require a lot of walking just as any flats wading trip does so be prepared for full days of doing what you came for... Fly Fishing! And fishing the flats means traveling. You'll soon discover that your eyes are not only looking for fish and concentrating on the water but also wandering up and down the beach looking for the next hot spot. With miles and miles of flats to search, our days will be filled with exploration of the ever changing sandy flats. Please note: These are flats fishing wading trips and we cover 3-4 miles a day searching out our prey among the flats of Monomoy as well as other flats and areas. While we move very slowly in stealth mode, each angler must be physically capable of wading for up to 8 hours in ankle to waist deep water while carrying all personal items. If you're this kind of fly fishing enthusiast this trip is made for you! Snacks and lunch are eaten on the flats. We provide 2 snacks and lunch packed and ready for you to slip into your pack with the sustenance to keep you in shape while on the flats - a full fare of wraps, chips and goodies. Each day we'll explore different beach flats, fishing as much of the productive water during your trip as possible, depending on your desires. After a long day of fishing and hopefully catching (big ones), we'll return each day to our comfortable lodging only minutes from the flats for a relaxing home-style break as dinner is prepared. You'll enjoy traditional Cape Cod fare including lobster, surf and turf and more. When the day's fishing and food are done, if you're up to it, we'll escort you or you're welcome to explore the quaint town of Chatham on your own where you'll discover more of the wonders of Cape Cod. Another great day with warm breezes will find us again on the numerous flats looking and hoping for the monster striper and big fighting blue on this, our last day. A great fly fishing trip on the Cape ends with the drive off the Cape and back to Boston for your return flight. Accommodations & Cuisine The lodging we offer on these trips is a home-style atmosphere in a large house located in Chatham utilized just for our fishing guests. You'll share the trip and accommodations with your group's other members only. The rooms are double occupancy with the meals and atmosphere being family style. This area is not only a great fall flats fishing trip but a great fall trip for the non-angler of the family. With warm temperatures and sunny beaches you'll find that summer is still very much in swing on the Cape. This may be one of the few fishing trips that your wife, or husband for that matter, will enjoy as much as you. Without the usual fishing atmosphere of bugs, bears, and tents the non-angler will find THIS fishing trip very much to their liking. We provide a complete week-long sightseeing package for those members of your group that don't care to fish. It's filled with seal and whale watching tours, historical lighthouse tours, sunbathing on the beaches, and shopping the quaint shops of the Cape. While the seating for meals is family style, our meals are prepared in rich gourmet fashion. From many years of guiding people from all over the world in places such as the remote bush of Alaska, we have honed our kitchen skills to that of some of the finest chefs. We know you'll enjoy the taste and look of the meals we take great pride in preparing. With such Cape Cod favorites as Lobster and clam chowder to more standard fare like Surf and Turf, you're sure to savor each bite. Our evening desserts are, as they say, 'To die for'. Once again, we take the utmost pride in our desserts prepared fresh each day. Our morning meals are any combination you desire from just fruit and toast to a full bacon/sasuage and eggs with a side order of pancakes. We provide two snacks each day and lunch generally consists of two wraps, each filled with turkey or ham and mounds of green with cheese; chips, an apple, trail mix, and dessert. For some of the best fall saltwater flats fishing in the U.S. along with great meals and very comfortable lodging, join us on Cape Cod this September. Remember, even your better half will enjoy this trip so why not spend a fishing trip together! 2008 Cape Cod Flats Fishing Prices and Booking Information... You can book a fall Cape Cod Flats Fishing Trip for any of the days/weeks we offer in September/October. While we can accommodate most requests, these are limited dates and may book quickly so set your Cape Cod Flats Fishing schedule and give us a call at 907 441-6690 (summer), 011+501-668-6690 (winter) or e-mail us at guides@hitaluga.com. Full Day Guided Cape Cod Flats Wade Fishing Trip: The price is $250 US for a 2 person maximum per guide. Price includes 8 hour + day guiding and all flies. You provide waders and fly fishing gear and ferry fee of $20 per person. Any days from September 8th - October 11th are available. 6 Day, 5 Night Guided Cape Cod Flats Fishing Trip: The price is $1,690 US per person with a 4 person minimum - double occupancy rooms. Price includes airport pickup/return to/from Boston and all other local road and boat transportation, all lodging, meals, guides, and all flies. You provide waders and fly fishing gear. For a 2 person minimum the price is $2,125 per person. Available Weekly 2008 Cape Cod Dates: Note: The available week long trip dates are: 9/8-9/13, 9/15-9/20, 9/22-9/27, 9/29-10/4, and 10/6-10/11. Schedule your flights as early as possible on your arrival day and as late as possible on your departure day. This way you'll get the most fishing possible. Terms: 50% deposit required to hold a reservation. Balance due 30 days prior to trip start date. Cancellations: see Cancellation Policy. Note: A saltwater fishing license is not required. So gather up your friends or family and join us this fall for a unique blend of 'Saltwater on the Fly' at the Cape. To help you in setting up your Fall Cape Cod Fishing Trip please visit our Online Trip Planner page by clicking here or the button above. No obligation, just info. You can request available dates, link to airlines, and more. Return to top of Page Alaska Fishing - Cape Cod Fishing - Contact us - Privacy Policy         Cancellation Policy Copyright © 1998-2007, Hitaluga Guide Service. 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