Cape Cod and Buzzards Bay Fishing Report 11-29-2012

Trout and Largemouth Action Continues

Until the lakes freeze (if they do this year) the fishing report isn’t going to change very much over the next few weeks. Many fishermen have hung it up, spending their time hunting or waiting for ice. But for the anglers giving it a shot, there are still fish to be caught in the Cape’s countless freshwater venues.

Trout fishing is unchanged, but the fierce winds and biting cold kept many anglers indoors this weekend. Metals cast from shore and natural baits such as shiners or worms (wax worms in particular) will tempt any of the trout species. Larger ponds that receive a fall stocking will be your best bet, as these ponds typically hold over trout from year to year, providing trophy opportunities as well. This time of year typically offers the best shot at a big brown trout. From now until the ponds freeze, browns will be prowling the shoreline and will be willing to strike at spoons, stickbaits or live baitfish. Shiners work, but many anglers agree that live mummichogs (killifish, minnows, mummies, chubs) are a better trout bait.

I trout fished on Sunday in Cliff Pond in Brewster. The wind was howling and there were only a few anglers giving it a shot. I managed a good rainbow right off the bat and then proceeded to do a lap around the entire pond without landing another fish. I had a few hits and lost two fish, one of which felt pretty big before the line broke (perhaps due to a poorly tied knot due to cold fingers). I threw spoons and stickbaits and the only lure that drew hits was a jointed Rapala J-7. Once I lost it, I had no other hits the rest of the day.

On Tuesday morning, I tried Peters Pond at sunrise, and despite seeing plenty of trout on the surface, I didn’t have any hits with spoons or stickbaits.

Eric at the Hook Up said the trout fishing seems to have slowed a bit in the latest cold snap, although he said he’s heard of few anglers fishing lately.

There is still some good largemouth bass action. Roy Leyva caught some big numbers of largemouths up to the 6-pound range early this week. Jerkbaits have been his top producer in the cold water. Shallow pond, while cooling down faster, offer a better shot at getting your lure in front of a bass, since they can’t go and hide in deep water. Pickerel continue to be very aggressive, striking a variety of lures.

Though they rarely show up in the reports, panfish are a viable option this time of year as well. Yellow perch, bluegill and even crappie will still strike in the cold water. Often times, these fish school up in deeper water and a boat or kayak is needed to get to them. Small jigs or small minnows are often the ticket.

Jill at Red Top reported that there is still some saltwater action taking place. Mackerel and small stripers were caught at the east end of the Canal this week. Mackerel fishing is a fun late fall diversion, something that regularly attracts anglers to the Sandwich Marina this time of year. Small metals and teasers are usually the preferred baits for the macks.

Best Bets for the Weekend

Things are going to cool off a bit tonight and tomorrow and then after a little rain or snow, the temperatures are going to rocket into the 50s by Sunday. This will almost certainly encourage some of the local freshwater fish to eat. Trout or largemouth bass are the top pick, and while many ponds offer both, for the best largemouth fishing, I would target a pond with a shallow average depth.