Summer brings photographers who capture the beauty of working waterfronts, such as Rock Harbor in Orleans.
“Summertime and the livin’ is easy
Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high.”
Most everybody knows those lyrics from George Gershwin, just like most everyone loves the summer. For commercial fishermen summer is far from easy – although the fish may be jumping. Demand is high for local seafood, but so is demand for space at busy ramps, landings and piers. We visited several ports across the Cape to give readers a glimpse of the Cape’s harbors at the height of the season and to remind everyone that after the seal tours and recreational boaters are gone this winter, commercial fishermen will still be defining the working waterfront.
Commercial fishermen have been dragging for shellfish for decades in Orleans.
Gear work doesn’t take the summer off.
Although Saquatucket in Harwich is known for the Freedom Ferry in the summer, it also has a strong commercial fleet.
The Lobster Roll cruise draws summer crowds to Sesuit Harbor in Dennis.
Commercial tuna fishing boats find room among the recreational boats at Sesuit.
The whale watch is a popular excursion out of Mattakeese in Barnstable.
The lobster fishery extends far beyond the summer season.
Pirates and fishermen share space at MacMilllan Wharf in Provncetown.
Although Pamet is a draw for pleasure seekers, it has a strong aquaculture and charter presence.