Spring Striper Fishing on the Outer Cape

As winter settles in and the memories of the past seasons striper fishing start to fade and meld together one of the things that I enjoy doing is to begin planning and thinking about next spring and the re-appearance of these striped game fish which so many of us have developed a ravenous appetite for chasing.
Of course there will be the very early spring forays to East Matunuck Rhode Island and the famed West Wall for a chance at catching some of the very first of the migrating young schoolies.
Most of these fish will be small, tiny even, at least by striper standards.
But the chance of catching them will draw the die-hard striper fishermen to this spot as early as mid-March some years.
In fact, the standard question you'll hear many regulars asking each other come early April is "did you get your March fish?" In my younger years I would have made dozens of trips to the West Wall by the end of April, perhaps catching hundreds of these small fish.
My fishing partner and I would think nothing of working a full day, driving the hour and a half to this spot, fishing until the bite shut off sometime after dark and driving home, only to do it all again the very next day.
At this point in time I return to the West Wall more for the ritual and camaraderie than to play the numbers game and generally only make a few trips there each spring, but if you've never fished this spot it's well worth it-A true classic striper fishing experience.
The real spring striper fishing for me now begins with an annual trip to the outer beaches of Cape Cod during the latter part of May.
This yearly outing started 8 or 10 years ago as a family gathering with little emphasis on fishing, and it is still primarily a family event but I have discovered that the fishing there at that time of year is usually outstanding, and I find myself looking forward to it more and more each year.
I am rarely disappointed with the action.
My standard plan of attack for fishing the Outer Cape in spring consists of light tackle and smaller size soft plastic swim baits.
I always make sure to have plenty of 3" and 4" storm and/or tsunami swim shads in various colors on hand with pearl white and chartreuse being my go-to colors on most days.
I like to toss these with a 7 1/2-8' spinning rod paired with a reel capable of holding 150 yards of 20lb test Power Pro braided line.
I use a 3'-4' leader of 30lb fluorocarbon attached to the braid via a high quality ball bearing swivel and tie the leader directly to the lure.
Many who fish these beaches would consider this tackle completely inadequate and I do make sure to bring at least one larger set-up with me.
On occasion I have had to use it.
The surf here can be rough and although most often the fish this time of year are 30" or less I have encountered larger fish at times.
All of the Outer beaches have produced well for me in the past but there are certainly favorites each season.
The sandbars and structure here are constantly changing and it always pays to spend some time scouting a bit.
Time of day isn't all that important this early in the season here.
Tide stage can be, depending on sandbar and trough formations.
I tend to favor early mornings but that is strictly personal preference-I have fished these beaches at all times of day with equal success.
If you're looking for that trophy fish from shore come back here in late June or early July.
But if you're up for some great light tackle spring Striper fishing on some of the most picturesque, unspoiled beaches in New England, or anywhere for that matter, take a trip to the Outer Cape in May.
I guarantee you won't be disappointed.