Many fishermen prefer the area south of the parking lot. This stretch of beach runs for approximately two miles before ending at the entrance to Nauset Inlet. There are many deep holes and troughs offshore along this stretch. The tip at the inlet is a great spot, too, though it's quite a trek over the sand.

For additional information, contact Blackbeard's Bait and Tackle Shop in Eastham at (508) 240-3369.

Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown has some great fishing and it's a great backup spot for those occasions when the water around the outer beaches becomes choked with seaweed.

One of the preferred spots is the area by the mouth of Hatches Harbor, less than a mile to the right of the parking lot toward Race Point Light. This can be an especially effective location on the outgoing tide, when stripers congregate here to gorge on baitfish and sand eels being swept out of the harbor.

To reach this beach, simply follow Route 6 to the end. Head north for approximately one-half mile on Province Land Road to the parking lot to the left. From early June through mid-September, parking is $15 per day between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Race Point in Provincetown is one of the best-known surfcasting spots on the East Coast, and is particularly popular among the 4-wheel drive crowd.

To get to Race Point Beach from Route 6, turn north onto Race Point Road and follow it for approximately 2 1/2 miles to the Cape Cod National Seashore parking lot. From early June through mid-September, parking is $15 per day between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

On the way, stop by Nelson's Bait and Tackle at 43 Race Point Road. For up-to-date fishing information, call them at (508) 487-0034. For information on off-road permits, contact the Cape Cod National Seashore at (508) 349-3785.

The area to the left of the parking lot and swimming area, down to the point, is where most anglers focus their efforts. There are many small rips just offshore, and you'll sometimes see boat fishermen in close proximity to the shoreline here.

Additional information on Cape Cod fishing, including a list of bait and tackle shops, charter boats, and boat launch ramps, can be found in the Massachusetts Saltwater Recreational Fishing Guide. You can view a copy of this publication online at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf, or obtain a copy by calling (617) 626-1520.

For lodging and other information on the Cape, call the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce at (508) 362-3225, or you can visit them online at www.capecodchamber.org.