Off the coast of Chatham lies North Monomoy Island, which is part of the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. The extensive flats off the western shore of the island draw stripers (and many fishermen). It's all sight-fishing, except for the deep holes on the north tip and the east side of the island, according to Capt. Keith Lincoln of The Monomoy Island Ferry, one of two local shuttle services that transport anglers to and from the island.

Early to mid-July is typically a peak time for stripers in this area. Capt. Lincoln notes that the early incoming tide is best on the flats. Anglers fishing the flats here should pack a compass or GPS because the fog sometimes rolls in fast and thick.

Call the Monomoy Island Ferry office at (508) 945-5450, or log on to www.monomoyislandferry.com. Rates are in the $15 to $20 range per angler, round trip. Outermost Harbor Marine, another shuttle service, can be reached at (508) 945-5858, or online at www.outermostharbor.com. Their fee is $20 per angler, round trip.

Each of these outfits can refer you to reputable guides that specialize in fishing this area. Hiring a guide for that first trip is highly recommended.

North of Chatham lie the "outermost beaches" of the Cape Cod National Seashore, from Nauset Beach in Orleans to Race Point in Provincetown. These windswept Atlantic beaches offer a sharp contrast to the tranquil beaches on the bay side. There's typically deep water just offshore, and some of the Cape's largest stripers are taken off these beaches each year. The 73-pound state-record linesider was taken off Nauset Beach in 1981.

To reach Nauset, head north on Route 28 in Orleans and take a right onto Main Street. Follow Main Street to Beach Road and watch for signs to Nauset. The parking lot is at the end of Beach Road. The parking fee is $15 per day between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from early June through mid- September.

Nauset is one of the most popular Cape Cod beaches with tourists, so many anglers prefer to fish at sundown, when the visiting crowds have dispersed. The mile or so of beach to the left of the swimming area is a productive spot.

The coastline here is constantly changing, but look for small points that jut off the beach. There are also some sandbars and clusters of rocks just off shore. Find these locations at low tide, and then give them a try on the incoming tide.

For up-to-date information on fishing Nauset, call the Nauset Angler tackle shop at (508) 255-4242, or go online to www.nausetangler.com. The Nauset shop also offers guide services via 4-wheel drive.

In Massachusetts, the minimum legal length on stripers is 28 inches, and there's currently a two-fish limit.

North of Nauset lies Coastguard Beach in Eastham. From the traffic lights on Route 6 by the Cape Cod National Seashore Visitors Center, turn onto Nauset Road. Head east onto Doane Road to the parking area. From early June through mid-September, parking is $15 per day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.