Barnstable County, MA · Atlantic Ocean
Nauset Beach
Nauset Beach offers public shoreline and pier access on the Atlantic coast in Barnstable County. Common targets include striped bass, bluefish, and summer flounder.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Bluefish — Drop everything — ideal day for Bluefish.
Best conditions of 3 species tracked at Nauset Beach.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Today's Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:08 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 10:38 AM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 4:52 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 10:51 PM | High | 6.2 ft |
Species at Nauset Beach
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Bluefish Drop everything — ideal day for Bluefish. In season 96/100
What's helping
- 73°F water — right in bluefish's ideal range
- incoming tide — bluefish prefers incoming tide
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Pomatomus saltatrix — Toothy, aggressive pelagic predator. "Snapper blues" invade the lower Bay and coastal bays in summer; bigger choppers along the Atlantic coast. Hits metal jigs, topwater, and cut bait savagely — wire leaders recommended.
Prefers. Water 60–80°F (ideal 70°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–50 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 5
No minimum size. 5 fish/day from shore or private boat (more on for-hire vessels).
Source: Massachusetts regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Summer Flounder Workable day for Summer Flounder. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 73°F water — inside summer flounder's active range
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- incoming tide — summer flounder prefers outgoing tide
About. Paralichthys dentatus — Locally called "fluke." Flatfish that ambushes bait off sandy and mixed bottom. Drifting bucktails tipped with Gulp! or live minnows through Ocean City and Chincoteague inlets is the classic method.
Prefers. Water 58–75°F (ideal 65°F) · outgoing tide · depth 10–100 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 16.5"
- Daily creel
- 5
16.5" from shore / 17.5" from a boat, 5 fish/day, late May–late Sep.
Source: Massachusetts regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#3 Striped Bass Marginal conditions for Striped Bass. In season 48/100
What's helping
- incoming tide — striped bass prefers incoming tide
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- 73°F water — above striped bass's active range (50–72°f) — fish move deep
About. Morone saxatilis — Maryland's state fish. Anadromous — runs into Bay tributaries to spawn each spring. Targeted by trolling, jigging, live-lining, and surf casting. Locally called "rockfish."
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–35 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 28"
- Max size
- 31"
- Daily creel
- 1
28–31" slot, 1 fish/day. Inline (non-offset) circle hooks required when fishing with bait.
Source: Massachusetts regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Atlantic Ocean
Region
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Massachusetts
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Nauset Beach: Massachusetts MassWildlife fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Nauset Beach?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Nauset Beach you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Nauset Beach?
Nauset Beach is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Summer Flounder. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Nauset Beach?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Nauset Beach against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Nauset Beach have?
Nauset Beach has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Nauset Beach?
state agency regulations apply at Nauset Beach. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Nauset Beach tidal water?
Yes. Nauset Beach sits on tidal water with a NOAA tide station nearby. Today's high/low timing is in the tide chart on this page.