The South Coast is stacked with incredible fishing spots, but if we had to pick a favorite? It would be Buzzards Bay.

Why Buzzards Bay?

This stretch of water is a goldmine for anglers. Whether you’re casting off the shore, cruising in the bay or heading out for a deep-sea trip, it’s your best bet for striped bass, tautog, fluke, and even the occasional bluefin tuna. The waters here are calm, clean and full of life—perfect for a laid-back morning of casting or an all-day trip.

Best Fishing Spots in Buzzards Bay

Buzzards Bay is stacked with killer fishing spots, each serving up its appeal. Here’s a few of our favorites:

1. Westport River (Westport, MA)

The Westport River is great for striped bass, especially in early spring. Surf cast from scenic Cherry & Webb Beach or cast a line from the Route 88 bridge or the Hixbridge Road bridge. If you have a boat, there's a state ramp that provides access to nearby favorites like Ship Rock and Gooseberry Island, as well as the open water of Buzzards Bay. 

2. Apponagansett Bay/Padanaram (Dartmouth, MA)

This area is popular for shore fishing. Head out to the Padanaram drawbridge for stripers, tautog, or scup, or try surfcasting from the beach along Smith Neck Road. Launch your boat from the town landing at Apponagansett Park to fish in the harbor or just outside the mouth. 

3. Fort Taber Park (New Bedford, MA)

The fishing pier and rocky shoreline at Fort Taber Park give you great access to the mouth of New Bedford Harbor, where stripers and tautog start running in spring. There’s also a nearby boat ramp on East Rodney French Boulevard that allows access to excellent fishing spots like Great Ledge just offshore.

4. West Island (Fairhaven, MA)

West Island is a prime spot for spring tautog because it likes its rocky bottoms and shores. Anglers can cast from the West Island causeway or surfcast from the town beach. Boaters can launch from Hoppy’s Landing to anchor off the island and fish along the rocky ledges. 

5. Ned’s Point (Mattapoisett, MA)

Look for Ned’s Point Light while fishing the waters of Mattapoisett Harbor. Stripers typically get here in early May and there's lots of shoreline access for anglers. Nearby Angelica Point is another location to look for stripers starting in May. For offshore fishing, you can launch your boat from the ramp at the Mattapoisett Town Wharf.