The middle of January brings us an extraordinarily challenging fishing experience. If you have been motivated enough to head out in search of a bite, holdovers have been the only true option. With one or two inches of ice covering almost all the freshwater in Cape Cod, we are stuck between a rock and not enough ice. The OTW staff has been inching their way onto ponds to test ice thickness and we are counting down the days until we hit that magic number of four inches. Cabin fever is in full effect.
Fishing Report for Cape Cod
Red Top Sporting Goods reported mackerel are still being caught in the canal. There is the occasional report of schoolie holdovers in different brackish rivers around the cape. Takes plenty of effort but 2019 stripers are being landed.
James from Sports Port Bait and Tackle reports that he has seen plenty of finicky holdovers in different streams and creeks around the Cape. People seem to be having the best luck throwing live chubs with a split shot. Trout fishing for stripers? Well…it is a three day weekend.
Eastmans Sport and Tackle said with skim ice everywhere the fishing has been nonexistent. They haven’t heard of any holdovers but are keeping an eye on the ice.
Fishing Forecast for Cape Cod
As dismal as this report may be, there is some good news. It will be staying cold. Enough ice to venture out on is coming. Our next report should bring news of fish caught on hard water. However, if you have the drive to test the ice, be cautious. Icepicks, lifejacket, spare clothes, and a strong rope are all highly recommended. Four inches of ice is a safe amount, and we are almost there!