Scup/Pogies

Cape Cod’s coastal waters are teeming with a variety of fish species, and among the most notable are Scup (also known as Porgy) and Pogies (or Menhaden). These two species, while different in size, shape, and behavior, are integral to the health of the marine ecosystem and are essential to the region's fishing community. Whether you’re an angler, naturalist, or seafood lover, understanding these species enhances the appreciation of Cape Cod's rich maritime environment.

Scup (Stenotomus chrysops), also known as Porgy, is a small, oval-shaped fish that can be found in abundance in the waters surrounding Cape Cod. Recognized for their silvery bodies and distinct dark vertical stripes along their sides, Scup are a hardy and versatile species. They are commonly found in the inshore waters of Cape Cod during the summer and fall months, where they prefer to reside in shallow areas near rocky bottoms, reefs, and submerged structures.

Scup are relatively small in size, typically growing up to 12 to 18 inches, but they can weigh around 2 to 3 pounds. Despite their smaller size, they are known for their feisty nature and are a popular target for recreational fishing due to their energetic fight once hooked. Scup are also valued as a food source for a wide range of predators, making them a crucial part of Cape Cod’s food web.

Pogies, also known as Menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus), are an important forage fish found throughout the coastal waters of Cape Cod. These small, oily fish are typically silvery with a dark spot near their gill covers and a streamlined body shape. Although they can grow up to 18 inches long, the average size of a Pogie in Cape Cod waters is usually much smaller.

Pogies are extremely important to the marine ecosystem, serving as a key food source for a variety of larger fish species, including Striped Bass, Bluefish, and even whales and seabirds. They are often found in large schools, especially during the warmer months, when they swim along the surface of the water or near the coastline. Their abundance in Cape Cod waters makes them an attractive target for both recreational and commercial fishing.

Scup prefer the inshore waters of Cape Cod, typically inhabiting bays, estuaries, and shallow reefs. They are known to thrive in areas with rocky or sandy bottoms, where they forage for crustaceans, small fish, and other marine invertebrates. These fish migrate seasonally, with many heading north into Cape Cod waters from the Mid-Atlantic states during the warmer months.

Pogies, on the other hand, are often found in larger schools and prefer open coastal waters, where they can travel along the surface and feed on plankton, algae, and small organisms. Cape Cod’s waters, especially around Nantucket Sound and Cape Cod Bay, are prime locations for Pogies, with large schools migrating into the region each summer. The abundance of Pogies during the warmer months provides an essential food source for local predator species, especially Striped Bass and Bluefish.

Both Scup and Pogies are popular targets for anglers in Cape Cod, offering different yet

rewarding fishing experiences.

• Fishing for Scup: Scup are commonly caught through bottom fishing techniques, with anglers using small hooks baited with clams, squid, or minnows. They are most abundant in the warmer months, particularly in the summer and fall. Scup can be caught from both boats and shorelines, with popular spots including Chatham, Provincetown, and around the Cape Cod Canal. Their strong fight, despite their small size, makes them an exciting target for both novice and seasoned anglers.

• Fishing for Pogies: Pogies are often used as live bait for larger game fish like Striped Bass and Bluefish, as well as for commercial purposes. They are typically caught using large nets or cast nets, as they travel in schools near the surface. Recreational anglers may also target Pogies using specific fishing techniques such as chunking or jigging. The prime fishing season for Pogies in Cape Cod is during the summer, when their schools move into the area in large numbers.

Both Scup and Pogies are monitored by local and regional fisheries to ensure their populations remain sustainable. Scup are managed under size and bag limits by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, and there are seasonal regulations to protect their breeding populations. Anglers are encouraged to follow all fishing regulations, and catch-and-release practices are promoted, particularly for juvenile fish.

Pogies are also regulated, with restrictions on how many can be caught and used as bait. They are an essential part of the food web, so sustainable management practices are in place to preserve their populations and ensure they continue to thrive in Cape Cod’s waters.

Both Scup and Pogies play vital roles in Cape Cod’s ecosystem. Scup are an important prey species for larger predators, while Pogies serve as a key link in the food chain, supporting many marine species and even helping to support the health of commercial fishing industries. Their presence in Cape Cod waters is a testament to the region’s healthy and diverse marine environment.

For the local fishing community, Scup are a prized catch for both recreational and commercial fishing, offering a valuable food source and contributing to the economy. Pogies, as forage fish, are integral to maintaining the health of Cape Cod’s sportfish populations, particularly Striped Bass and Bluefish, making them an important part of the region's fishing culture and tourism.

Cape Cod is home to a rich and diverse array of marine life, and the abundance of species like Scup and Pogies is what helps keep its waters healthy, vibrant, and full of life.