Cape Cod Bay facts for kids
Cape Cod Bay is a large bay connected to the Atlantic Ocean. It is located next to the Massachusetts coast in the United States. The bay covers about 604 square miles (1,564 square kilometers). It is surrounded by Cape Cod to the south and east, and Plymouth County, Massachusetts to the west. To the north, you'll find Massachusetts Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Cape Cod Bay is the southernmost part of the Gulf of Maine. Massachusetts is sometimes called the "Bay State" because it has many bays, and Cape Cod Bay is one of them. Other bays include Narragansett Bay, Buzzards Bay, and Massachusetts Bay.
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History of Cape Cod Bay
Who Discovered Cape Cod Bay?
In 1524, an Italian explorer named Giovanni da Verrazzano was the first European to find Cape Cod Bay. A map from 1529 clearly shows Cape Cod, proving his discovery.
The Pilgrims' Arrival
In 1620, the Pilgrims first found shelter in Provincetown Harbor, which is part of Cape Cod Bay. While they were there, they signed the Mayflower Compact. This was an important document for democracy signed in the New World.
How Cape Cod Bay Was Formed
Rocks and Sands from Glaciers
Most of Cape Cod is made up of rocks, sand, and gravel left behind by glaciers. The last ice age ended about 12,000 years ago. At the end of this ice age, Cape Cod Bay was likely a big freshwater lake. Water drained from it across Cape Cod in places like Bass River and Orleans Harbor.
The Provincetown Spit
The Provincetown Spit is the land north of High Head in North Truro. It was formed over the last 5,000 to 8,000 years by ocean deposits. These deposits helped create Provincetown Harbor, which is a large, bowl-shaped part of Cape Cod Bay. The ocean currents in the bay usually move in a counter-clockwise direction. They flow south from Boston, then to Plymouth, then east, and finally north to Provincetown.
The Cape Cod Canal
Since 1914, Cape Cod Bay has been connected to Buzzards Bay by the Cape Cod Canal. This canal separates the towns of Bourne and Sandwich on the upper part of Cape Cod.
Animals and Plants in the Bay
Marine Life in Cape Cod Bay
Cape Cod Bay is home to many different kinds of sea life, and it's a very healthy environment. Fish that live here include Bluefin Tuna, Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, and Atlantic Mackerel. You can also find sea mammals like seals, dolphins, and whales living in the bay.
Whales and the Pilgrims
Interestingly, the Pilgrims tried to shoot a whale in 1620 while they were anchored in Provincetown Harbor, but they were not successful.
Fishing in Cape Cod Bay
A Great Place to Fish
Cape Cod Bay is known worldwide as an excellent place for fishing. Many people come here to catch fish. Popular ways to fish in the bay include trolling, using live bait, light tackle fishing, and fly fishing. Fishermen often fish off the coast of the South Shore (Massachusetts) and the inner cape. They look for fish like Blue Fish, Cod, Flounder, Striped Bass, Bonito, Tuna, Mackerel, Pollock, Haddock, and even Sharks.
When to Fish and What You Need
The best time for fishing is usually between May and October. Many people enjoy fishing from the shore instead of a boat. However, if you are 16 years old or older, Massachusetts requires you to have a Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit.
Fishing Piers and Charters
Many towns along the coast have fishing piers where you can fish. There are also boat charters that offer daily trips into Cape Cod Bay to catch fish. The most common baits used are sea clams and live mackerel.
Images for kids
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Cape Cod, Cape Cod Bay, and Massachusetts Bay, north is oriented to the right in this photo taken from the International Space Station on June 15, 2022
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The tidal flats in East Brewster
See also
In Spanish: Bahía de Cabo Cod para niños
