I just bought my first boat and plan to spend many a weekend reeling in Cape Cod blues and stripers. I have kind of a rookie questions, but was hoping someone could help me out.

I am a resident of Massachusetts (Worcester County) and will be trailoring my boat to the Cape. Do I need any sort of resident sticker to launch my boat at a public ramp? Also, will I need a fishing license for saltwater? If so, where do I get them from?

Thanks for bearing with me......

Your biggest problem will be finding (a) the public ramps and (b) parking at said ramps. From what I hear there aren't a lot of public ramps and the parking goes fast, so you better be getting a start well ahead of the sunrise.

Plan to leave plenty early in the am. But still need to know about the licenses and parking permits....anyone??

Thanks.

Welcome aboard Homerun04

The state has a good list of ramps
( I think I put a link to it we will see)

There is no saltwater license in mass. yet :eek:

some ramps will charge a fee.
yes in the summer some ramps will fill up.
check your tides !!!!!

good luck Striper1www.state.ma.us/dfwele/pab/pab_toc.htm#PABsites

Don't count Rhody out either. It's just south of ya...

Thanks. This is a great board. I plan to fish both the Cape and RI waters (Narragansett, BI and Point Judith). I like the "atmosphere" of the Cape a little better, but the convenience of RI can't be beat for me.......oh well, so many choices, so few stripers......:-)

HR - after you get stuck crawling over the Ditch bridges towing your boat, you may wish to alter your plans... Seriously, are you planing to fish the backside of the cape? Or if you were able to put in around Buzzards Bay would you do that? The good news about B.B. is that it can be a much shorter drive than say Chatham. At the same time, the waters & shorline can be a little tougher in the Bay - especially if you choose to hug the rocks for fish.

Wherever the fish are.....wherever the fish are....:D

Seriously though, most likely in the Green Pond area, South Cape Beach....mainly Woods Hole/Falmouth areas......don't know anything about BB, but am willing to learn if it cuts 1/2 hour off the commute and is just as productive.....

Any recommendations about BB?

Hi homerun, I love Buzz Bay. There are lots of good ramps all around. Some charge 10 bucks some 5 bucks. Ask around and make some new friends. Its the fastest way to get started and to find some good fishing spots. Bass love rocks so be carefull. be very ,very carefull. Jackie O

You should consider Naragansett Bay. There is plenty of fish and a great Boat Ramp on Warwick Neck. It is called the Oakland Beach Ramp. Check out this site for more ramp info.


http://www.boatingrhodeisland.com/ri_boat_ramps.htm

HEY YO' ROWDILYNS GOT ''ATMOSPHERE'' AHYTE!!...(Well Southern R.I. does anyway):D .I'll be lookin for that Whaler off PJ. Went out inside Watch Hill today and froze my a$$ off. Whole lotta nothin goin on up the Pawcatuck tonight.

Plenty of good fishing North of Boston too!

You still need to leave early but don't rule out the ramps at Winter Island in Salem, Pope's Landing in Danvers and Cashman Park in Newburyport, among others.

Here is a list of all of the MA public access ramps:

http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/pab/pab_table2.htm

Ramps in town require a beach sticker but enforcment isn't too stringent.The best one in Hyannis is next to Hyannis Marina ,in Lewis Bay. When the stripers run they are everywhere, I've hooked up in the inner harbor (keeper). Coliers Ledge south of Craigville Beach is a short run to the west from the harbor and is pretty reliable.

If you can get to Chatham, about 6-8 miles offshore is Monomoy Point, this is bass heaven. We stayed in Harwich, last year for a week and I towed my boat up from RI, fished this area hard and had great results in late August.

Thanks guys. Awesome info and I look forward to hitting all the spots this year....or at least close to all the spots this year....don't want to hone in on someones favorite hole.

Am especially psyched to try some Buzz Bay action.....sounds like a few keepahs might be taken from there.....oh well, I always release anyway regardless of size.......keep em tight.

Welcome aboard Homerun 04 If you call 617-727-1843 you can order The Massachusetts Public Access Guide it lists all the ramps and towns and only cost $8.00 they will get it out to you in less than a week. If you would like to fish Buzz Bay I could help you get started I know a few places that hold some fish;)

I'm going to "borrow" the States Public Access List and get it up on the site. Should make it a little easier to work stuff up...

Don't overlook boston harbor. It may be the closest to you and there is some great fishing. Good ramp in weymouth $4 fee, and its good access to the outer islands (lots of rockpilies).

Good Luck.:D