Massachusetts has 192 miles of coastline, according to National Atlas. Bays, inlets and other tidal features factor in another 1,159 miles. From the New Hampshire border to Cape Cod and the Islands to New Bedford, ample opportunities exist for saltwater beach fishing. Massachusetts anglers cast into the surf or brave tidal currents alongside their out-of-state compatriots in hopes of catching saltwater fish.
Regions
The North Shore of Massachusetts extends from the New Hampshire border to Boston. Although much of the coastline is rocky, anglers fish from locations such as Crane Beach in Ipswich. The South Shore runs from Boston to Cape Cod and features Sandy Beach in Cohasset. Cape Cod and the Islands have plenty of shoreline from which to fish, such as the barrier beaches of Sandy Neck in Barnstable, State Beach on Martha's Vineyard and Surfside Beach on Nantucket. The South Coast runs from Cape Cod to the Rhode Island border. Horseneck Beach in Westport offers excellent beach fishing.
Methods
Although the rods, reels, lures and casting techniques are dissimilar, fly fishing and spin-casting yield the same fishing success from the beach. Anglers practicing either method can fish from the shoreline or wade into the surf. Fishermen who spin cast have the option of anchoring the rod in the sand and waiting for the fish to come to them, while fly fishermen must be more active by casting and recasting to imitate the movement of bait fish.
Considerations
Tides are an important consideration when planning a day of beach fishing. Generally, the fish avoid low tide but will voraciously feed on an outgoing tide. Just before sunrise and near sunset are the best times to cast your line. Strong winds tangle lines and cause hooks to fly back in the angler's face during a cast. Overcast days with fog and drizzle are excellent for catching fish.
Tidal Rips
Massachusetts beaches are often adjacent to inlets, tidal creeks and marshes, offering another fishing experience. Fish will follow the bait in with the tide or wait where the water rushes out into the ocean on an outgoing tide, a phenomenon known as a tidal rip. Fishing the tidal rip is an exciting way to catch fish, but the angler must consider safety when traversing strong currents.
Seasons
Although saltwater fishing from the beach is possible throughout the year, most successful fishing occurs from May through October.
Species
The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries lists several species of fish that feed close to shore, including striped bass and bluefish. Anglers catch other species such as scup, false albacore, bonito, mackerel and flounder. Legal size, season (if applicable) and quantity (bag limit) differ with each species.
License
New federal regulations require saltwater anglers to procure a license. In 2011, the state of Massachusetts will issue saltwater fishing licenses that will take the place of the federal permit. Fishermen from out-of-state may purchase permits.
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