CAPE COD CANAL CHAOS! Blitzing & Topwater Striped Bass Fishing

ABSOLUTE CHAOS - BLITZING AND TOPWATER STRIPED FISHING ON THE CAPE COD CANAL: EPISODE 1: TOPWATER MADNESS //
On this episode of Abenz Fishing we start out Cape Cod series off with a BANG - I recently spent two weeks in Cape Cod, MA - I used to live there for the better part of 4 years and I spent every waking minute on the Cape Cod Canal.
The Cape Cod Canal is one of the most sought after land based striped bass destinations. The canal can yield striped bass up to 50 lbs and has been home to some of the most insane striped bass blitzes for decades. The Cape Cod Canal is not for the feint of heart and is intimidating landscape.
On this inaugural Cape Cod episode the stars aligned and the stripers were FIRED UP! We absolutely crushed the blue fish and striped bass on big topwaters.
Check out my boy @RyanIzfishing to see his perspective soon!

[@RyanIzfishing]

Incredible fishing and video bro. I’m stoked to join you on this journey. I’ll never forget this day.

[@AbenzFishing]

So happy I was there for your first striper. Such an epic time bro!

[@gubievr]

that dying fish you spotted around the end of video summarizes the state of the canal fishing. People release them improperly, and I bet someone threw it over the rocks hurting it badly. Even in this video, one of the first few fishes were thrown on the rocks. It was unintentional, but you should have climbed down enough to reduce the risk. Hitting those rocks is often a big stress fish cannot recover from. Anglers should spend time and and focus on proper releasing as well as catching fish.

[@AbenzFishing]

It’s definitely an issue, especially when things get as chaotic as they were. You sound like you fish the canal and know it. I’d say this particular spot is the hardest to navigate and land fish on given the tide. From my experience there over the years, it’s dangerous. I completely agree that people should do their best and make sure they are also equipped. Proper boots and a boga are essential. I’ve seen dozens of fish dropped on the rocks and through them because they didn’t have a fish gripper or boga.

[@swagdawgwill11]

Lmaoo dude cut him some slack that jetty is so dam steep, those fish are fine dude. There’s no shot you can get right down to the waters edge on that jetty 😭

[@cannabass5729]

@@swagdawgwill11 beach 5 ft away

[@aydenholmes2766]

@@cannabass5729 That beach isn't the Canal

[@AbenzFishing]

@@cannabass5729 no beach "5 feet" away, the time it would take to climb and walk to the beach would kill the fish alone unfortunately... its a tough spot.

[@kaovang9062]

Absolutely amazing A trip of a life time Thanks for sharing 👍

[@jc_autob0t520]

Absolute feeding frenzy!! Awesome video, can’t wait for the rest of the series!👍🏻👍🏻

[@AbenzFishing]

Thanks bro! It was EPIC

[@aaronshaw721]

incredible fishing that looked awesome.

[@AbenzFishing]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@edwardsyphers2825]

Hey man, you're funny, having to take a break from fishing 🤣🤣🤣🤣 That's awesome, love watching your stuff, keep catching them big fish, I striper fish out west , smith Oregon baby , but the state doesn't want them here. Keep up the great fishing

[@benloso2025]

Nice man!

[@AbenzFishing]

Thank you!

[@andyalukonis4077]

What a day of fishing for you that is awesome. You have actually made me want to go fishing this morning let’s go.

[@ArizonaMMJ]

What an insane bite. Looks like a great time ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

[@AbenzFishing]

It was awesome!

[@gianlucadilorenzo3695]

Crazy action dude, awesome vid!

[@AbenzFishing]

Thanks it was awesome!

[@tyler9708]

Awesome job! Great Canal video!

[@AbenzFishing]

Thanks man 🙏🏻

[@tyler9708]

@@AbenzFishing Made it for the perfect day!

[@AbenzFishing]

@@tyler9708 it was an awesome trip, episode 2 & 3 are on the canal and those days were also sick. We hit it all. Topwater, jigs. Swimbaits.

[@michaelpollard5990]

You on incredible striper and bluefish bite. 👌

[@AbenzFishing]

It was awesome 🙏🏻

[@louv2425]

Sick video buddy 👍👍👍...

[@AbenzFishing]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@RapalaSnookin]

What an epic day bro!! 😮😮. I’ve been planning a trip up there. Now you made up my mind!

[@AbenzFishing]

Haha its a must!

[@plainsight1780]

been there 6 times from NH 2 1/2 hour ride and always nothing but excuses why there is no fish !

[@AbenzFishing]

@@plainsight1780 it’s a tough spot to dial in

[@ajierfishing7767]

Great fishing

[@AbenzFishing]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@RM-iy7xx]

That was an epic day of fishing. They loved that 9 inch spook. If anyone has been watching your videos they know that you handle fish with every intention of a safe release whenever possible. Awesome action and video

[@AbenzFishing]

Thanks - I always appreciate your support and comments - it was an unreal day 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@oldretiredguy983]

One of my favorite striper fishing spots drive up 3 or 4 times a year from Jersey and never disappointed enjoy riding my fishing bike up & down the canal

[@AbenzFishing]

Fishing aside, it’s one of the most beautiful places. Definitely one of my favorites

[@wreckanchor]

What is the best month to fish there?

[@justinroca2164]

Amazing day !!!

[@AbenzFishing]

Unreal day!

[@Be4RealLuke]

Great fish! Would love to go there one day.

[@AbenzFishing]

It’s an amazing fishery! Highly recommend

[@garrettbrissette6814]

nothing beats topwater action

[@AbenzFishing]

1000% agree

[@theregoestheneighborhood1474]

I enjoy fishing with that ODM but I recently realized it’s too light for the Canal. You obviously can still fish with it there and catch fish but it puts you at a disadvantage. It’s sweet spot is really 3-4 oz. And it jigs 3 oz well but higher than that and you have a tough time. Especially detecting bottom. I’m buying an ODM jigster 2-8 oz 10’6 custom from GW Customs (highly recommended) . Either that or the 4-10 oz highly recommended as All purpose rods for the canal. You can jig or throw your bigger plugs with ease. I like 2-8 oz as I rarely through over 5 oz (actually never do). Nice video and I read an issue of On the Water where you wrote. It’s a blessing you’re sharing content of you fishing at the Canal. Hope to run into you there one of these days. Quick question. Why do you tie straight and not use a TA clip? Seems like you’re really confident in the one or two lures you commit to tying on and it obviously worked out for you in multiple videos.

[@scottjolly8983]

I caught a 12 and 15 pound bluefish at the same time on a niner rig b4. It was like fighting a small tuna. Took forever. Strong fish

[@FishingMago]

congratulations for the video, what a top fishing, I thought your bag was very cool, what brand please?

[@AbenzFishing]

Thank you - bubba blade

[@wilfredoregalado5017]

What state do you fish in?

[@carltonbanton4783]

🔥🔥🔥

[@AbenzFishing]

🙏🏻

[@DevonHunts]

Hey there friend, A coworker and I just transferred to Connecticut (right on the river in Portland) from Colorado where they have WIPERS! Not quite a Striper but I think it’s a hybrid so they can’t reproduce. I’ve heard they fight like hell and my friend is hooked on them(no PUN intended)! We would love to slam some New England Striper! Please advise, what top water bait you where slamming them on?!

[@AbenzFishing]

This was a 9” spook, like the doc spook. Senile Magic swimmers work great too

[@nomansjam3950]

Its been an incredible year around outer Cape I fish until I catch one to keep and leave the beach...definitely in it for the food not the pictures but I appreciate these videos of heavy action Tough spot to fish but always incredible Always breath and try to stay cal. during the blitz...easy to go down chasing it😅

[@AbenzFishing]

I heard it’s been awesome there. I get that, and yes, staying calm in the blitz is not my strong suit 🤣

[@wreckanchor]

What months are best for this fishery?

[@angelmoncada7]

What is the size needed to bring home ?

[@marchatescheese]

Can they be kept or just release up their

[@minwoopak4258]

It looks great! What is your rod and size? And is Van Staal 150 or 200?

[@AbenzFishing]

ODM DNA 11 foot

[@TheStikapos]

I think this video was awesome.

[@AbenzFishing]

Thank you for the support Timothy!

[@vsonic86]

How do you bring those rods with you while on plane? And can you tell what rod you are using in this vid? Is this in the morning or evening?Thank!

[@AbenzFishing]

I have a rod tube. It’s always a hassle convincing airlines you’re allowed to check it as a regular bag. Rod is an ODM DNA 11’ 1-5oz - reel is a Van Staal vr150

[@davek677]

What size rod were you using

[@FishingDohaR]

owo.. this is amazing. i love fishing

[@AbenzFishing]

🙏🏻

[@WRECKSHOP718]

What’s the set up looking like??

[@scottjolly8983]

I live up the northeast. I fish at night with live eels. Epic fishing! I caught more fish over 40" in the last cpl years since I got my boat and started night fishing full time than I have my whole life. I'm 42 and been fishing since I could walk. Biggest is 53". Anytime u wanna come up and fish let me know.

[@williamwalker5326]

"The Canal" is a great place for stripers. If you're planning a trip you should know a few things, especially if you're out of state. 1.) Daily "bag limit" is 1 fish. If you're with group for a few days, you cannot stockpile your daily bag limit to take home with you. Game wardens frequent trailer parks (there are many in the area) and check coolers OFTEN! Believe me, you will be fined! KNOW THE LAWS!!!!2.) The canal is at least 10 miles long. Although there are multiple parking areas on both sides and a paved road on each side, you will be walking A LOT!. 3.) The canal is deep, very deep and steep on both sides. So deep that atomic submarines pass through along with giant ocean-going vessels. Do you even need waders? Maybe not. 4.) Bring a tide chart. At low tide many areas are unfishable.

[@jeremiahnichols2729]

When is the best time of the year to go? We use creepers ice fishing here so maybe those would be good for the rocks? If taking 1 fish per person home do we all need separate coolers etc if we fish as a family with kiddos?

[@vinbeantown86]

How are you brother..would you mind sharing the location? Is that scusset section of the canal?

[@AbenzFishing]

This is east end - canal changes rapidly - bite fluctuated so much the two weeks I was there

[@bucketmouthadventures4554]

Like shooting fish in a barrel! Nice work bro. Bonus question: Will Charlie Olives get his belt back or will Makhachev be too much and take the title back to Dagestan?

[@AbenzFishing]

Hahah thanks and oliveira all the way

[@Mv13557]

Was this video filmed recently? Are they blitzing now ?

[@AbenzFishing]

No, I couldn’t tell you

[@joegrande4848]

I'd love to go to the cape canal and fish but sadly I have no way there. I think there's an amtrack train but I don't want to spend my whole day on the train.

[@stevensilva1350]

Uh oh!!! No snooks in this vids!! Big striped bass bust ups! How could you ever go back to Florida after that bust up!

[@AbenzFishing]

Hahaha it’s not easy! But snook will always have my heart

[@tgutier214]

Sick Video! whats your set up youre using?

[@AbenzFishing]

Odm dna 11’ with VR 150 - thanks!

[@tgutier214]

@@AbenzFishing thanks man! nxd 115 or the 118? just getting into the game on the west coast.

[@richardlee4438]

Which part of canal were u on? High tide or low?

[@AbenzFishing]

East

[@ABz729]

What glide bait were you using?

[@AbenzFishing]

Sebile swimmer

[@BladeMidds]

What's the gear?????? U fish with that blue line though clean

[@AbenzFishing]

Van Staal VR150 / ODM DNA 11' 1-5 OZ / Beyond Braid 50 lb Bahama Blue 8x

[@brunasilva4797]

What an amazing time, can’t wait to get back there ☺️

[@AbenzFishing]

Thanks for all the help babe 😊

[@gregharden7579]

What rod are you using?

[@AbenzFishing]

Odm dna 11’

[@gcomprog]

What equipment do you use?

[@AbenzFishing]

Reel: vanstaal vr150 Rod: ODM DNA 11’ 1-5oz Line: beyond braid 40# braid 50# fluoro

[@tristanfaucett3714]

I know I’m seven months late lol but what setup are you using?

[@AbenzFishing]

Lol - vr150 odm dna 11’ 1-5oz

[@dewaynethomas3258]

Be safe with that storm heading that way

[@AbenzFishing]

Thank you - it’s a serious storm for sure.

[@toddsilvia5464]

What are you using for a rod and reel combo?

[@AbenzFishing]

Odm dna 11’ 1-5oz - Van Staal vr150

[@harbin2982]

That reel looks absolutely sexy. It’s a honest work of art if you ask me. Also, absolutely awesome video. I was at the canal this weekend and had a blast! Cheers mate!

[@AbenzFishing]

@@harbin2982 thanks brother - Van staals are awesome

[@harbin2982]

@@AbenzFishing I’m thinking about purchasing one by next season for sure. I’ve always been a Shimano, and Daiwa guy… however I might have to pick up a Van Staal reel.

[@fishermansmobileweighstati3645]

Geez, I went the other day and couldn't even buy a hit...lol

[@AbenzFishing]

I’ve been there to many times. It’s hit or miss

[@nickyeli4484]

what rod ?

[@AbenzFishing]

ODM DNA 11’ 1-5oz

[@danielavelar5815]

Hey, I'm trying to catch my first striper. Any tips or recommendations? East or West end? Lures?

[@AbenzFishing]

I assume you’re talking about the canal, both sides can be really productive, my best advice is to learn how to jig the canal. Try 4-5oz hogy swimbaits

[@simbacoba2198]

I advice to use sand eel 3 oz mackerel jigging u will get more fish on it

[@AbenzFishing]

@@simbacoba2198 next episodes we use this exact lure. Its one of the best on the canal. Good advice brother 🤙🏻

[@dougg4633]

Can someone explain the addiction? My sister's a fishing widow. I just don't get it

[@AbenzFishing]

Addition?

[@dougg4633]

@@AbenzFishing sorry, addiction

[@AbenzFishing]

@@dougg4633 gotcha - idk, I’ve been fishing since I was 6 (I’m 28) it’s a never ending feeling of excitement and anticipation for me.

[@dougg4633]

@@AbenzFishing I get that feeling with mountain biking. But I don't leave my family for days on end week after week year round. Hes at the canal more then at home. I'd think he'd even switch it up and go somewhere else

[@AbenzFishing]

@@dougg4633 Yeah I don't do that either, haha, I just take daily trips - my wife comes on the long ones, she is also addicted - The canal can be particularly addicting - tons of potential for trophies.

[@sarahderome3762]

He'll of a day.. but why don't you just get down there then fish?? I am new to stripper fishing.... I am from down south... why climb all the way up.... hook a fish then get down??? I understand following the bite.... but why hook up on top ? The struggle to get down?

[@AbenzFishing]

Hard to get down, those rocks are the most slippery I've ever fished so setting hook and fighting on them is sketchy - Ones up top are dry and safe, also, 11' rod is easier to cast up top.

[@bgj4103]

Smh how many those fish you think died? 30%

[@malonesoutdoors7205]

Great video! Dropped a sub! 🤙

[@AbenzFishing]

🙏🏻

[@robertoruiz5687]

I hope you’ve learned how to release properly.

[@kironafly6605]

Thanks for the video … but you need to improve your “Catch & Release” techniques.

[@robertoruiz5687]

You got to treat those fish a little more gently dude ,if you want to keep fishing them.

[@eddy1394]

You gotta release these fish better man

[@arestew1171]

Show them a little More respect and release them properly ….

[@octomic]

That was average handling for the canal.Personal safety comes first

[@bgj4103]

If you can't get down the rocks to release the fish properly don't fish there smh do better you didn't do it even close to right one time..

[@joanderson4125]

Have you ever stopped to think that for you to have fun, you need to hurt the fish? If it was to catch to eat it would be more correct. Having fun with the suffering of an animal is not cool. But whatever, nobody cares about it

[@TheBoardRoom_]

Wtf? this guys hurling stipers in the water like he's Tom Brady smfh. This is why locals get sick of visitors and I dont blame them one bit. Stop being lazy, climb down the rocks, and release properly.

[@huckfin1100]

OMG,OMG,OMG way to much sound like a bunch of little girls, just saying !

[@petersacerdote3367]

if you caught biggins you would too'

[@pwi9161]

I think you need to learn how to release these fish, dragging them over the rocks and throwing them back and hitting the rocks is not good for any fish, try better next time, but hey your expensive setup doesnt make you any better than the typical googan that has a walmart special setup with your horrible catch n release, i see it all the time down there just like what you did in this video, Googans Everywhere !

[@AbenzFishing]

You clearly have never fished the east end on a low tide. You can’t possibly get down to the edge and “release” properly. Its super dangerous. The fish were fine. Go complain somewhere else.

[@mooremike100]

Respect the fishery , release properly.