One key element of fishing success at the Cape Cod Canal is understanding and effectively following a casting rotation with fellow anglers. Watching a crowd of tightly packed fisherman on the rip rap at the Canal to the untrained eye may seem like watching chaos unfold. But for a seasoned angler, when things go right, it is a well-rehearsed, choreographed dance.
Newcomers and even experienced fisherman who don't frequent the Canal can easily find themselves feeling out of place or overwhelmed. While I always recommend giving your fellow anglers plenty of room, sometimes things get tight when the action is heavy. During these times it's important to understand how to work yourself into a rotation. This requires a keen eye on what those to your left and right are doing and understanding some of the basic do's and do not's.
One of the best techniques for those who don't have a lot of experience at the Canal is to find an empty stretch, think a "pole length" in either direction, based on the electrical lines over/ poles along the service road. Practice your technique for casting up current, feeling of the sweep as the lure drifts/works in the current and the retrieve from down current. Once you have a good feel for it, take your time and slowly work towards crowded areas. Always observe what is happening before you make your first cast. One other ice breaker, if you feel you are in close proximity to another angler is to engage in a conversation and ask if they mind you fishing next to them. Often times they will welcome you in, and if they don't it's probably best you don't fish next to them anyways, if things do go sideways it won't be easy...Don't get discouraged, some anglers get a little crusty when they can't find a bite, but there are plenty of great people on the rocks who will welcome you.
Tight lines!
21 мар 2023
