August 28, 2002

Fishermen Need to Police This Nasty Problem

Frank G. Dwyer
August 28, 2002

On a recent stroll along the sands of Plum Island Point, I could not help but notice the sights. I’m not talking about the majestic, flowing waters of the Merrimack, nor the wonderful views of downtown Newburyport, but the unbelievable amounts of trash discarded on the beach.

The stretch of sand that leads from the Point to the jetty at the entrance of the river was littered with everything from bait containers to underwear. Along what I was hoping would be a pleasant walk, I also saw beer and soda cans, food and food packaging, rotting bait and fish carcasses, condoms and unattended camp fires left burning. Plain and simple, that’s nasty.

I’m not entirely certain of what percentage of this disgraceful situation was caused by fishermen, but I do know that the public’s perception is that almost 100% of the trash was left by fishermen. Think about it for a moment. Mom, Dad, Junior and Rover take a walk at Plum Island Point. They see the shore lined with folks fishing and see trash on the beach as far as their gaze will allow. What conclusion do you think they come to? You got it; fishermen are slobs.

I wish I could tell you that I have a solution for this problem, but I don’t. I do however have a few suggestions.

If you fish, take your trash with you. Better yet, bring a large trash bag with you and pick up some other slobs mess. I started doing this a few years ago, and although I curse the people who left the mess while I’m picking it up, I feel pretty good throwing it in the dumpster.

If you see someone littering, speak up. Guilt them into keeping our beaches clean. As a disclaimer, if the offender looks like the type who might not take kindly to your suggestion or be carrying a weapon, let it go. It’s all about common sense; you’ll get the next slob.

While I’m at, here’s another complaint. I consistently see fishermen, and I use the term extremely loosely, mistreating and mishandling our wonderful striped bass. It’s not uncommon to see these alleged anglers kicking their catch back into the water, or throwing the fish through the air like some twisting Olympic diver. I tend to “educate” these people on the proper handling and release techniques when possible. If you are reading this and you handle your catch this way, stop doing it or find another hobby/sport.

The large majority of time I am proud to be a fisherman and sportsman. There are times however when I am embarrassed to be counted among the fishing community. I will continue to police and educate within the community on my own, and hope that you too will help make us all proud to be called fishermen.
***

It appears that the summer doldrums, while not entirely gone, have started to give way to better fishing. Nobody, me included, likes to think of Autumn’s impending arrival, as we know that not long after, the fishless winter will be upon us. On the other hand, some of the best fishing of the season is still before us.

Recent reports have indicated that fishing on Joppa Flats and the related area has improved over the last two weeks. Anglers drifting from the American Yacht Club mooring area all the way to the Toothpick have reported catching striped bass in health numbers, although most fish were in the 20”-26” range.

Liz at Surfland Bait and Tackle on Plum Island reports that 20 and 22 pound striped bass were weighed in at the shop this past week. Shore anglers; one in the Merrimack and one off the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge caught both fish. One of the young anglers who works in the shop had a good morning of fishing at Plum Island point landing many striped bass, although most were in the 20” range.

Jay Ritter, from Captain’s Fishing Parties on Plum Island reports excellent fishing trips over the last two weeks. Cod to 40 pounds have been caught lately; with an abundance of market size cod caught each trip. Last weekend, several wolfish up to 15 pounds were landed. In addition, lot’s 8-15 pound hake were taken over the past week. Jay reports that the bluefish have been going “berserk” on the ½ day trips, with excellent fishing for all aboard.

The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge has opened for drive-on fishing, with only the south entrance open at this time. Parking Lot 1 remains closed for the piping plovers, while parking lots 4, 5, 6 and 7 are open and offer great shore fishing.

Bluefish activity at the mouth of the Merrimack has tapered off lately with the blues heading for deeper water. Fluke fishing has been fairly consistent in the river.

August 17, 2002

When it Comes to Fishing, Surfcasting has it All

Frank G. Dwyer
August 17, 2002


There are many methods of fishing, and many who practice just one form or another, becoming somewhat of a purist if you will. You have fly fishermen, boat fishermen and bait fishermen to name just a few. Within these groups, there can be sub-groups, like your catch and release only type of fishermen, or perhaps those that are targeting fish for the table. If I were forced into one type of fishing for the foreseeable future, it would be surfcasting from the beach.

Surfcasting is fishing at its best. I may not be completely objective here, having started fishing as a boy from the beaches of the Long Island Sound, and having rekindled my interest in fishing 15 years ago fishing for monster stripers off the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard. Even so, there is something magical and even primal, in the art of surfcasting.

Without fail, my heart races as any given surfcasting excursion approaches. With adrenaline pumping through my veins, thoughts of large fish and bent rods typically fill my mind as the event approaches. These days, the anticipation typically begins as I leave the downtown Newburyport area in my rear view mirror and make my way down Water Street. Glimpsing Joppa Flats for birds working the water or any other indications of the presence of fish only adds to the now building anticipation.

Crossing over the Plum Island River, the familiar hum of the drawbridge greets me as I get closer to my selected destination. Once again, I survey the waters below the bridge for any signs of a fishy evening to come. Soon, I’m unloading the truck and trudging in the soft sand with rods, sand spikes and tackle bag in tow.

One of two things happens next. Either I calmly set up my gear and begin fishing, or I walk upon actively feeding and visible fish, and fumble nervously to rig up. On several of these occasions when fish were present, Murphy’s Law has been the norm as I suffer any number of difficulties from tangled lines to hooks in the thumb.

More often than not though, the surfcasting experience is one filled with innumerable pleasures. Wading into the surf on a starlit night to cast a line into the vast ocean, I often ponder the wonder of it all. It’s a big ocean, and to think that I’m lucky enough to catch fish more often than not is nothing short of amazing. Just think how much beachfront we have right here along Plum Island and the other surrounding beaches.

Even those evenings when the fish are not cooperative, the surfcasting experience can be a great way to unwind after a busy day in the “real” world. Beyond offering an excellent place for contemplative thought, the beach offers many wildlife shows that can sometimes rival the fishing. Whatever your pleasure, be it casting plugs into the breaking waves, or sending out a baited hook and relaxing in your beach chair, surfcasting has many rewards for the taking.
***
I love summer, but this heat is starting to get to me. It seems it has also gotten to the fish, as finding and catching fish has become more of a chore over the last 10 days.

Bluefish have arrived in more numbers, mostly at the mouth of the Merrimack and along the beachfront. Both shore and boat anglers have reported getting in on the action, with fish in the three to five pound range. Low tide seems to be the best for these toothy fish.

Joppa Flats has produced some fish lately, but more often than not finicky fish are the typical find these days. Large fish have been seen lazing on the flats, ignoring all offerings put in front of them. Time to take inventory of your tackle and dust off some of those lures and flies you have not tried in awhile.

The jetty on Plum Island is attracting more fishermen these days as both the ocean and river facing sides are now accessible via walking along the base in the sand. This may be presenting better fishing opportunities for shore bound anglers but it may also create a false sense of security. The current is still swift, the rocks are still slippery and a rising tide can surprise a fisherman, so be careful.

Parking lot #1 at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island remains closed due to nesting Piping Plovers. Parking lot #5 is now open; joining lots #6 and #7, which remain open.
***

Kay Moulton, purveyor of fine tackle at Plum Island’s Surfland Bait and Tackle reports that there are fish to be had from shore, however many fish have headed for deeper water. Striped bass have been reported offshore at Speckled Apron, along with bluefish in 40 to 50 feet of water.

Closer to shore, Rich Brown landed a 14-pound striper off the beach at the Parker River NWR on August 11, using sea worms. Paige Stokes tallied a 13-pound striped bass while fishing the Merrimack from a boat.

Kay suggests trying the Parker River NWR on the incoming tide with sea worms for bait.

***

Jay and Robert at the Captain’s Fishing Parties on Plum Island report good fishing over the last week. 22 and 16-pound cod won the pools earlier this week and an 18-pound bluefish and 18-pound wolf fish were also caught. Pollock, Haddock and a 175-pound blue dog shark were also caught this week. Captain’s Fishing Parties offers ½ and full day trips as well as night trips.

August 6, 2002

Looking Back at the One(s) That Got Away

Frank G. Dwyer
August 6, 2002


If you fish, more than likely you have a “one that got away” story. Even if you don’t fish, you have probably had to endure one of these stories in your lifetime. I certainly have some, and in fact I sometimes I feel I have more than my fair share!

This season alone I’ve had three fish on the line that did not make it to the boat. The first fish that escaped my eyes gaze was a striped bass (I assume this since I did not see it all but for a brief flash) that hit a fly I was casting almost as soon as it hit the water. There was a violent surface explosion as the fish inhaled the fly, then made a maddening run, with me struggling to get the fish on the reel. Ten minutes into a terrific battle, the line went slack and I reeled in my line, minus the fly. The leader was broken off, but there was no “pig-tail”, the tell tale sign of a weak knot, therefore I could rationalize in my head that I had lost the fish because of its size and my light leader.

I lost another big fish I hooked on the fly on that same trip, not more than a half-hour after the first lost fish. This one was more painful as I got a very good look at this fish. In fact, I had the fish in my grasp but he shook his head, which banged against the side of the boat and loosened my grip, allowing the full weight of the fish to snap my leader. I’d estimate the striped bass at 35” and perhaps 20 pounds.

Another fish was lost boat-side this year while taking a friend of a friend fishing. This was a particularly painful incident since I was trying to corral the fish that our guest had hooked. We were anchored and using chunk bait since the fish were not cooperating by hitting any of the various lures and flies we had tried earlier in the morning. My guest angler enjoyed the several drag-singing runs that this striper took, and was probably looking forward to a nice picture with his prize. He would have to settle for a mental picture as the fish was hooked perfectly in the corner of the mouth, and upon trying to pull him into the boat, he shook the hook and took off before we could get him out of the water. This was another 20-pound class fish.

A friend of mine from high school was visiting several years ago and I took him fishing on a brisk Spring morning. He still talks about the one that got away that day. We were casting small soft-plastic lures rigged on lead heads just beyond the Ice Breaker in the river. My friend is not an avid fisherman and I was giving him some good natured ribbing about his casting and retrieving techniques when his rod bent over from a tremendous hit from below the waters surface.

The reel began to spin as the line stripped off the reel at a tremendous clip. I assisted my now very excited friend by checking the drag, but it was already screwed down quite tight and I did not want to risk putting too much pressure on the 12lb test line that continued to peel off the reel. We were using fairly light tackle as it was spring and the striped bass had just begun to return to our waters. I was following my typical routines for spring fishing, which dictated light tackle for the small schoolies I was used to encountering this time of year.

My friend continued the back and forth fight with what was still an unknown species, at times questioning me on what my thoughts were. I told him that he was involved in the best fish fight I had ever been witness to on the Merrimack, and that continues to be true to this day. He fought the fish for just about a half-hour, and towards the end the fish did not run quite as much, but seemed to cling to the bottom of the river. My friend made some progress in getting some line back on the reel but as he was pumping and lifting the fish off the bottom, the line snapped and ended what was a terrific fight. I’m haunted to this day by that fish, and can only guess at what it was. 50 pound striper? Atlantic Sturgeon? I don’t know, but I think about it quite often.

There’s really no end to it. That tarpon on Marathon Key. The shark my wife lost off Martha’s Vineyard. A tail dancing marlin off the coast of Cabo San Lucas. While these fish and others may have been the ones that got away, they are treasures that have been caught again and again in my mind.

***
While the fishing may have slowed as we enter what are typically the “doldrums” of summer, striped bass fishing continues to hold up, particularly for bait fishermen. Bluefish are still in the mix as well. The respite from the hot and humid weather a few weeks ago may have helped just as much as this past week’s return of the steamy weather may have hindered the fishing.

Fishing two Saturday mornings ago yielded some excellent striped bass action as I boated (and released) several hearty striped bass with my friend Don. We were anchored just beyond Butler’s Toothpick at the end of the incoming tide. The fish finder was showing larger fish than usual, anywhere from 16-24 feet. Don and I both tallied 4 large fish each, the biggest topping out at 30 inches and just over 15 pounds.

What a difference a week makes. I was back at the same haunts this past weekend, and the fishing was tough! We managed a few small bass, but nothing to write home about. A trip along the oceanfront looking for bluefish yielded no fish.

Joppa Flats was a bit more consistent with the arrival of the cooler weather two weeks ago, with anglers doing well on both outgoing and incoming tide drifts from boats. The areas around the American Yacht Club moorings and Woodbridge Island remain the most productive. Wading anglers have reported the fishing remains slow. Once again, the return of the heat slowed things down. Nighttime fishermen may want to think about the time tested live eel for a change of pace.

The Parker River NWR continues to offer anglers fishable beachfront at parking lots one, six and seven. Surface bluefish activity was reported this past week at parking lot 1 at sunrise. The Emerson Rocks and Sandy Point areas have also produced healthy amounts of fish.

Kay Moulton from Surfalnd Bait and Tackle on Plum Island reports good fishing over the last few weeks. Randy Smith landed a 39.8-pound striper in the wee hours of the morning of July 26. The fish was caught from a boat on a live eel near Joppa Flats. Chris Sterritt caught a 31.3-pound striped bass fishing from shore near the south jetty. Kay reports that bluefish have been arriving in numbers at the mouth of the river, mostly at low tide.

Bluefin tuna reports are starting to crop up and I’ve heard first hand reports of some decent tuna being landed out at Jefferies Ledge. Cod, haddock and pollock fishing has remained strong by all reports.

August 1, 2002

Lot’s of Options at Maudslay State Park

Frank G. Dwyer
August 1, 2002

Sometimes our close proximity to the ocean and our wonderful beaches here in Newburyport can make us forget some of the other terrific outdoor activities to be found around town. Maudslay State Park, located on Curzon Mill Road, is one of the gems that make our city great. The park offers a wide variety of activities to visitors on a year-round basis, including both recreational and cultural events for all ages.The Commonwealth purchased the 480-acre park in 1985 from the descendants of E.S. Moseley, a wealthy Boston financier who made a family retreat of the land along the Merrimack River. Besides being a great place for a variety of outdoor activities, the park offers some very dramatic and lush 19th century gardens along with boasting one of the largest naturally occurring strands of Mountain Laurel in the Commonwealth. As I’m no expert on flowers, and I was not entirely certain as to what exactly Mountain Laurel was, I did a touch of research and learned that the Mountain Laurel is the state flower of Connecticut and according to many, the most beautiful of native American shrubs. Its pungent fragrance and the massed richness of its white and pink blossoms so vividly contrast with the darker colors of the forests and the fields that they have continually attracted the attention of travelers since the earliest days, according to the State of Connecticut’s web site.

But I digress. Over the many years that I have lived in Newburyport, I have enjoyed Maudslay in a number of ways. Whether it is taking the dog for a leisurely walk with my family, or mountain biking on the wonderful trails that the park has to offer, I’ve never been disappointed with a visit. There was the one time several years ago that I had a nasty spill on my bike and broke my elbow, but that’s the only negative I have encountered at Maudslay, and it was certainly not the park’s fault.

Many people use the park as a fitness club, either enjoying a run or bike ride through the woods, or some great cross-country skiing in the winter. The large fields of Maudslay also afford themselves to great games of wiffle ball and touch football. In addition, there are 10 miles of horse trails and on any given weekend, many horses can be seen at the park, something my daughter enjoys immensely. The horse trails are shared with the mountain bikers, hikers and runners, so it’s important to pay attention.

Paying attention can have dividends other than avoiding a trail collision. You may see a variety of wildlife on any given visit to the park, including red-tailed hawks, migrating bluebirds, foxes, bald eagles, wild turkeys, deer and perhaps even a coyote. I’m not sure if there are coyotes, but I recently saw one, or a very mangy dog.

In addition to the wildlife you can see in the park, the Department of Environmental Management, the agency that manages the park, offers exciting programs throughout the year related to wildlife. A few weeks ago we were treated to a program which allowed my daughter to get very close to a hawk, snapping turtle, snake and capuchin monkey.

While saltwater fishing remains king in the area, the Merrimack River affords some excellent freshwater fishing as well, allowing an angler a chance at a wide variety of fish including bass, catfish, carp, shad and even the occasional Atlantic salmon. Many of the trails of Maudslay offer tremendous vistas of the Merrimack River from high above, but there is also accessible shoreline to the determined angler.

Seasonally, you can enjoy events at the park like hayrides, horse drawn sleigh rides and Family Day, which takes place at the park as part of Yankee Homecoming. Beyond the recreational and outdoor activities Maudslay offers, the park also has a thriving arts community offering musical and theatrical performances.

The Maudslay Arts Center, which according to their brochure has been described as the “mini-Tanglewood”, is a natural amphitheater allowing audiences to enjoy perfect acoustics and sight lines. If weather is inclement, the performances are moved into a nearby barn. The Center offers Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon concert series throughout the summer with some great jazz, folk and popular music performances. You can pick up a schedule at the park or by calling (978) 499-0050.

If you find yourself with a free afternoon, pay Maudslay State Park a visit and enjoy one of the great parks in Massachusetts. Maudslay State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. There is a restroom adjacent to the ample parking lot off Curzon Mill Road. The phone number for the headquarters at the park is (978) 465-7223.