UTERShortfin mako fishing in Rhode Island and Cape Cod
In Rhode Island and Cape Cod, shortfin mako peak July–August and are around June–October, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. July: Makos on the chum south of Block Island and the Vineyard; release.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Shortfin mako in Rhode Island and Cape Cod, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayNot here
- JuneArriving
- JulyPeakMakos on the chum south of Block Island and the Vineyard; release.
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberLeaving
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish shortfin mako near Point Judith, Newport, Block Island
Rhode Island's rocky south coast and salt ponds, Narragansett Bay, Block Island, Buzzards Bay and the Elizabeth Islands, Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds with their shoals and rips, the Cape Cod Canal, Cape Cod Bay's sand flats, and the Monomoy rips and outer Cape beaches; offshore Coxes Ledge and the southern New England canyons (Block, Atlantis, Veatch).
What to use for shortfin mako
- Blue runners (hardtails)Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia.
- Goggle-eyesBridled through the eye sockets for sailfish and kingfish, kite-fished or slow-trolled.
- Cut ladyfishA whole ladyfish or a head on a 9/0 circle hook and wire for sharks; chunks on the bottom for redfish and drum. The best shark bait in Florida.
- Bonito (cut)Whole on cable for tiger and bull sharks; fillets and chunks on the bottom for grouper and snapper; strips trolled for wahoo.
- Leader40–60 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook4/0–8/0
- Braid50–100 lb
Feeds in 60–78°F water, best at 64–72°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch shortfin mako in Rhode Island and Cape Cod?
Peak season is July–August. Shortfin mako are in Rhode Island and Cape Cod June–October. July: Makos on the chum south of Block Island and the Vineyard; release.
Where do shortfin mako hold in Rhode Island and Cape Cod?
Look on ledge / hard bottom — around Point Judith, Newport, Block Island, Westport, Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard.
What is the best bait for shortfin mako in Rhode Island and Cape Cod?
Live bait: blue runners (hardtails), goggle-eyes, cut ladyfish, bonito (cut). Blue runners (hardtails): Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia. Tackle: leader 40–60 lb fluorocarbon, hook 4/0–8/0, braid 50–100 lb.
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