Dowse’s Beach #657

Dowse’s is a notable beach and fishing spot in Osterville. A large, beach sticker parking lot provides easy access to both East Bay and Nantucket sound for wading, kayaking, and pier access. If you are not an Osterville resident, daytime access it tough, but no beach sticker is required after 6pm.

On the south end of the peninsula is a large, stone jetty with easily manageable rocks and a pier. The pier is excellent for kids and those who have compromised mobility. Just off the end of the pier is a channel connecting East Bay (which feeds up into the Centerville River) to the Nantucket sound. It is a favorite location for both bait and lure fishermen. Scup and other inshore groundfishing with squid and clams is a popular way to fish the area.

The whole jetty wall is fishy, especially on the outgoing tide as bait and schoolies leave East Bay. Fishing baits like the Hogy 4″ Skinny on a 1/0 weighted Barbarian Swimbait Hook all the way up to the 7″ Original on a 6/0 Weighted Barbarian Swimbait Hook are excellent lure choices for schoolie fishing in this area. On the incoming tide, East Bay can provide excellent schoolie action. Look for breaking fish or blind cast into deeper water and work topwater and subsurface lures. There is typically plenty of bait in East Bay and the fish relate accordingly. On the beach side, there are a series of jetties that provide good schoolie action as well.

In Fall, the jetty provides shore fishing for false albacore. The best lure choice is the Hogy SI Epoxy Jig, 5/8oz or smaller, in bone white or pink. Fish work just to the interior of the channel all the way down to the pier and make a circuit. Sight fishing breaking fish or blind casting can provide excellent results.

Location: South end of Wianno Avenue in Osterville.

Access: Easy. Beach and bay entrance adjacent to parking lot. On busy summer days, lot is patrolled but you’ll usually be OK after 6pm regardless.

Parking: Large, paved lot with plenty of spaces but restricted (see above).