Striped bass and Bluefish have similarly strong profile matches for this window. Based on seasonal presence, tide, and current.
This is automated, profile-based guidance—not a guarantee of catch or a statement of fishing regulations.
Current Readings
Updated Sep 5, 2026, 3:49 AM
Marine Buoy
Marine Buoy selected
Source
NDBC Massachusetts Bay (44029) buoy
6.7 mi from destination
Regional buoy measurements may differ from protected harbor conditions at this destination. Significant wave height is not shoreline surf or breaker height.
Water temperature
66.4°F
Updated 1 hr 20 min ago
Past 7 Days
Marine Buoy
Marine Buoy selected
Water temperature
Window Aug 29, 2026, 3:49 AM – Sep 5, 2026, 3:49 AM (rolling 168 hours)
Water temperature over the past 7 days. 126 observations · from Aug 29, 2026, 6:00 AM · to Sep 5, 2026, 2:30 AM Range 65.7°F to 69.6°F.
Available observations were broadly steady.
126 observations · from Aug 29, 2026, 6:00 AM · to Sep 5, 2026, 2:30 AM
These values are tidal-current predictions, not real-time observed currents. They describe conditions near this prediction station rather than the entire surrounding coastal area.
Data coverage
This station provides max-current and slack-water events, but not a continuous current-speed timeline.
Tidal-current timing can differ from high and low tide timing.
Fishery Profile
Fishery Overview
Gloucester / Cape Ann rocky coast and harbor approaches
An exposed Cape Ann fishery of rocky points, ledges, open-water shoreline, and harbor approaches. The protected harbor is only one part of a broader rocky and weather-sensitive coast.
Fishery type
Rocky exposed
Coast
Fishing modes
Shore
Inshore boat
Habitat and structure
Exposed rocky points and ledges · Boulder fields and whitewater · Harbor approaches · Nearshore hard bottom
Static seasonal guidance · Last reviewed Jul 20, 2026
Not a live bite forecast.
Fishery Targets
Bass and bluefish use the coast during the warmer migration window; tautog and sea bass are structure targets, and mackerel can make a cool-water appearance.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency and editorial sources. About fish illustrations
Striped bass
Primary
Morone saxatilis
Currently in a typical seasonal window
Typical seasonal window: MAY — NOVEMBER
Bluefish
Primary
Pomatomus saltatrix
Currently in a typical seasonal window
Typical seasonal window: JUNE — OCTOBER
Tautog
Secondary
Tautoga onitis
Currently in a typical seasonal window
Typical seasonal window: APRIL — MAY; SEPTEMBER — NOVEMBER
Black sea bass
Secondary
Centropristis striata
Currently in a typical seasonal window
Typical seasonal window: MAY — OCTOBER
Atlantic mackerel
Seasonal
Scomber scombrus
Typical seasonal window: APRIL — JUNE
Typical Seasonal Targets
Striped bass — MAY — NOVEMBER
Bluefish — JUNE — OCTOBER
Tautog — APRIL — MAY; SEPTEMBER — NOVEMBER
Black sea bass — MAY — OCTOBER
Atlantic mackerel — APRIL — JUNE
Seasonal presence is general guidance and does not indicate current fish activity.
How to Fish Gloucester / Cape Ann
Typical September approaches include rocky-point casting and ledge jigging and metals for Striped bass and Bluefish.
Rocky-point casting
Work plugs and soft plastics across whitewater edges and rocky current breaks.
Best for
Striped bass
Bluefish
Modes
Shore
Inshore boat
Setup
Rocky-coast casting setup
Ledge jigging and metals
Fish controlled bottom jigs on ledges or metals to seasonal mackerel.
Best for
Tautog
Black sea bass
Modes
Shore
Inshore boat
Setup
Ledge and mackerel setup
Common Tackle Setups
Rocky-coast casting setup
Abrasion-aware shore tackle for exposed rocks.
Rod
8–10 ft medium-heavy spinning rod
Reel
Sealed or carefully maintained spinning reel
Main line
Braid
Leader
Heavy abrasion-resistant leader
Terminal tackle
Strong snaps
Presentation
Keep well back from surge and fish only from secure footing.
Used for
Rocky-point casting
Ledge and mackerel setup
Bottom-and-metal setup for ledges and seasonal mackerel.
Rod
Medium-heavy jigging rod
Reel
Reel with lifting power
Main line
Braid
Leader
Short heavy leader
Terminal tackle
Jigs matched to depth and drift
Presentation
Do not force a bottom presentation when drift is uncontrolled.
Used for
Ledge jigging and metals
Typical September Lures and Flies
Common lure and fly families associated with this month’s techniques.
Floating metal-lip swimmer
Lure
Striped bass
Bluefish
Surface to shallow · Steady, sweep, pause
Swim just under the surface along seams and boulder edges
Minnow-style swimming plug
Lure
Striped bass
Bluefish
Shallow to midwater · Steady, twitch, pause
Cast across seams and let the plug track with the current
Soft-plastic paddle tail
Lure
Striped bass
Bluefish
Shallow, Midwater, Variable · Steady, twitch, jig
Swim steadily through seams or hop lightly near bottom transitions
Reef and structure jig
Lure
Tautog
Black sea bass
Bottom · Jig, slow
Maintain near-bottom contact without burying the jig in snags
Diamond-style jig
Lure
Black sea bass
Midwater to variable · Jig, fast, steady
Cast and retrieve with a steady or pulsed cadence through bait schools
Tautog jig
Lure
Tautog
Bottom · Jig, slow
Keep the jig close to structure and move it in short lifts
General seasonal guidance, not a live recommendation, product endorsement, or guarantee of success.
Access, Safety and Regulations
Access
Use marked public paths and parks; do not cross private property or rely on informal cliff and ledge access.
Primary hazards
Wet granite, surge, fog, and exposure are primary hazards. Do not fish wave-washed rocks.
Fishery considerations
Tide positions bait around points and ledges, but swell and wind may override a favorable tide for shore access.
Open-water wind and swell reach Cape Ann quickly and can make rocky shore fishing unsafe.
Regulations
Size limits, seasons, and possession rules change. Verify the current official regulations before fishing.
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
