Frank G. Dwyer
August 18, 2003
While the fishing activity remains somewhat slow, anglers willing to put in the time are being rewarded with fine catches around the Port.
In the pre-dawn hours this past Sunday, my friend Don and I found large bluefish outside the mouth of the Merrimack, not far from the MR buoy. The largest fish taken was a 37”, 19 lb “chopper” that Don boated on a Stillwater chrome plug. We landed several other feisty blues in the 15 lb range in about an hour’s time.
Once the action outside the mouth died, we motored in and enjoyed several productive drifts just across from the Toothpick. Striped bass were keying in on both flies and lures as we slowly twitched our offerings along the bottom. White and dark gray sluggo’s rigged on lead heads and sand eel imitation flies in olive and white and chartreuse and white worked well. Most fish were in the 24” to 30” range.
I also fished on Wednesday and found stripers in the 20”-26” range while drifting the moorings near the AYC. Olive and White Clouser’s and Ray’s flies both did well in enticing the fish.
Bait fisherman are consistently landing good sized striped bass anchored in the river as well as on Joppa Flats, with the night time crew out fishing the daytime crowd. Whole herring and chunks have been working well in addition to clams and sea worms.
***
The Parker River NWR opened up the entire beachfront last week, allowing for access for both shore and drive-on fishermen.
Anglers wishing to 4x4 on the beach need a permit that is available at the reservation entrance. All the typical necessities are required for 4x4 access, including shovel, tow rope, board, tire pressure gauge, etc…Check with the folks at the NWR if you need further detail.
The final numbers are not yet in, but it was a tough year for the endangered shore bird, the Piping Plover. While several pairs of the birds took up residence on the Reservation, predators like coyotes, hawks, owls and crows made for a tough nesting year.
***
Kay at Surfland Bait and Tackle on Plum Island was busy as usual when I stopped in on Thursday. Kay reports good fishing on Joppa Flats at high tide, with anglers having success using top water plugs, swimming lures and soft plastics. The fish have been “good sized”, with some larger fish coming in at night.
Kay also reported good action from the beaches at the Parker River National Wildlife Reservation with both plugs and swimming lures landing decent sized striped bass. Sea worms on the bottom were also producing well of the beaches of Plum Island.
***
George at Captains Fishing Parties at Plum Island Point reports good bottom fishing over the last few weeks. Excellent numbers of “market size” cod, Pollock and haddock have been landed keeping anglers coming back for more. Pool fish have ranged in the 20 to 30 pound range.
The half-day bluefish excursions have also been producing fish in a fairly consistent manner, with a few dogfish mixed in. The season will be over before you know it, so now’s the time to get out!
August 18, 2003
August 1, 2003
Right on Schedule, Port Fish have Become Finicky
Frank G. Dwyer
August 1, 2003
As with most summers, late July and August typically herald the beginning of the so-called “summer doldrums”. This summer has proved to be not much different as the fishing has slowed considerably around the Port over the last few weeks. To make matters worse, the greenheads have been thick and make for a long wait between fish! Don’t get me wrong, fish can and are being taken, it’s just that it takes a bit more dedication this time of year.
Mackerel have proved scarce, with reports of anglers heading well into Maine to track them down. Bluefish have not been as evident over the last few weeks in the river, but reports have them well offshore from Newburyport to Cape Ann. Sand eels remain abundant around the flats and in the river, keeping the birds and presumably the fish well fed. Dogfish have been creating headaches for bait anglers both outside and inside the river.
Anglers fishing the Merrimack and Joppa Flats have had success in the pre-dawn hours, as well as during night outings. Fishermen offering cut bait in some of the deep holes upriver by the Route 95 bridge have landed stripers in the 20-pound range. Further down-river, tossing sand eel imitation flies and lures into the many creek openings have produced nice school-sized striped bass.
Both wade and boat fishermen have had landed some of the finicky striped bass seen finning around Joppa Flats, although hook-up ratios could be better by most fishermen’s standards. My limited success on Joppa over the last few weeks has come typically in the dark, on the top of the incoming tide, as well as the first hours of the outgoing tide. Eel fishermen have done well with slowly trolled eels at night.
Moving towards the mouth of the Merrimack, anglers fishing cut-bait, as well as seaworms and clams have landed some nice sized stripers, however reports have more dog fish in the river than years past. Productive areas include the moving water just off the Toothpick as well as the area around Badgers Rocks. Top water plugs thrown in close to the rocks have also produced a few healthy striped bass.
Surf fishing along the beaches of Plum Island has been sporadic as well, however a bass just shy of 30-pounds was reported to have been caught on a herring chunk off the beach at Parking Lot 1 on the Parker River NWR. A few bluefish have also been landed, with spotty fishing reported along the beach from Atty. May’s to the south jetty.
In mentioning the Parker River NWR, it’s important to note that currently parking lot’s 1, 6 and 7 remain open for walk-on fishing. Several pairs of Piping Plovers are still nesting on the beach and it’s anticipated that a full beach opening will not take place until mid to late August. Once the beaches are fully opened, drive-on permits will be available for the surf-buggy crowd.
Party boats and off shore anglers have been doing well catching numbers of Cod, predominantly on jig and teaser rigs. Haddock fishing has also picked up with many market-sized fish being landed. Jefferies Ledge continues to please anglers looking for cod and haddock, as well as wolffish and cusk.
***
The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries has reduced the recreational haddock minimum size from 23” to 21”. This change was made to complement recent modifications made by NOAA Fisheries, effective July 28, 2003.
Also, the Division of Marine Fisheries recently determined that soft-shell clams from the waters, flats and tributaries in Salisbury, Newbury, Newburyport and many other North Shore locations no longer contain biotoxins (PSP) from the phytoplankton Alexandrium tamarense in excess of established standards. The areas recently opened remain closed to the taking of all shellfish and carnivorous snails, except for soft-shell clams.
August 1, 2003
As with most summers, late July and August typically herald the beginning of the so-called “summer doldrums”. This summer has proved to be not much different as the fishing has slowed considerably around the Port over the last few weeks. To make matters worse, the greenheads have been thick and make for a long wait between fish! Don’t get me wrong, fish can and are being taken, it’s just that it takes a bit more dedication this time of year.
Mackerel have proved scarce, with reports of anglers heading well into Maine to track them down. Bluefish have not been as evident over the last few weeks in the river, but reports have them well offshore from Newburyport to Cape Ann. Sand eels remain abundant around the flats and in the river, keeping the birds and presumably the fish well fed. Dogfish have been creating headaches for bait anglers both outside and inside the river.
Anglers fishing the Merrimack and Joppa Flats have had success in the pre-dawn hours, as well as during night outings. Fishermen offering cut bait in some of the deep holes upriver by the Route 95 bridge have landed stripers in the 20-pound range. Further down-river, tossing sand eel imitation flies and lures into the many creek openings have produced nice school-sized striped bass.
Both wade and boat fishermen have had landed some of the finicky striped bass seen finning around Joppa Flats, although hook-up ratios could be better by most fishermen’s standards. My limited success on Joppa over the last few weeks has come typically in the dark, on the top of the incoming tide, as well as the first hours of the outgoing tide. Eel fishermen have done well with slowly trolled eels at night.
Moving towards the mouth of the Merrimack, anglers fishing cut-bait, as well as seaworms and clams have landed some nice sized stripers, however reports have more dog fish in the river than years past. Productive areas include the moving water just off the Toothpick as well as the area around Badgers Rocks. Top water plugs thrown in close to the rocks have also produced a few healthy striped bass.
Surf fishing along the beaches of Plum Island has been sporadic as well, however a bass just shy of 30-pounds was reported to have been caught on a herring chunk off the beach at Parking Lot 1 on the Parker River NWR. A few bluefish have also been landed, with spotty fishing reported along the beach from Atty. May’s to the south jetty.
In mentioning the Parker River NWR, it’s important to note that currently parking lot’s 1, 6 and 7 remain open for walk-on fishing. Several pairs of Piping Plovers are still nesting on the beach and it’s anticipated that a full beach opening will not take place until mid to late August. Once the beaches are fully opened, drive-on permits will be available for the surf-buggy crowd.
Party boats and off shore anglers have been doing well catching numbers of Cod, predominantly on jig and teaser rigs. Haddock fishing has also picked up with many market-sized fish being landed. Jefferies Ledge continues to please anglers looking for cod and haddock, as well as wolffish and cusk.
***
The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries has reduced the recreational haddock minimum size from 23” to 21”. This change was made to complement recent modifications made by NOAA Fisheries, effective July 28, 2003.
Also, the Division of Marine Fisheries recently determined that soft-shell clams from the waters, flats and tributaries in Salisbury, Newbury, Newburyport and many other North Shore locations no longer contain biotoxins (PSP) from the phytoplankton Alexandrium tamarense in excess of established standards. The areas recently opened remain closed to the taking of all shellfish and carnivorous snails, except for soft-shell clams.
July 4, 2003
Fishing is Terrific as the First Bluefish Arrive in the Port
Frank G. Dwyer
July 4, 2003
It finally feels like summer around here and the fishing continues to improve with more options presenting themselves to Port anglers. Striped bass fishing has been fairly consistent, while the first bluefish showed up at the mouth of the Merrimack recently. Flounder and cod fishing have also been good to add to the variety of species available to target.
Many keeper size fish have been caught over the last few weeks, however if I were to put one word on my personal experiences and the experiences of other anglers I have spoken to over the last few weeks it would be sporadic. In addition, it appears we are getting closer to that time of year where bait is something you might want to have in your arsenal along with your artificial gear.
Upriver, anglers fishing cut bait in some of the deep holes near Carr and Eagle Island, all the way up to the 95 Bridge, have landed some larger striped bass, some in the 20+ pound range. The last two hours of the rising tide, followed by the first two hours of the outgoing tide seem to be producing best in this area.
Joppa Flats continues to produce fish for both fly and spin gear fishermen. Although the fish on the flats have become a bit more discriminating as the water temperatures have risen, many nice fish have been taken over the last few weeks. I’ve heard of several, but know for sure of two 40+inch fish taken on the flats recently, one on a sparsely tied sand eel pattern by a lucky fly-fisherman, the other by a spin fishermen tossing a 9 inch needlefish lure.
Getting back to that “sporadic” label I applied to the recent fishing activity, on several occasions over the last two weeks I’ve been witness to large areas of skittish fish boiling on the top along the flats, refusing most offerings. Occasionally, a fly or lure change would produce a few fish in succession, followed by another snubbing, however on several outings the number of fish evident in the water far outweighed the ones that ended up on the line. When the fish get fussy, I’ve found smaller lures and flies to get more attention, but often times it can be quite frustrating to find something that interests the fish.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve also had several excellent outings with many keeper-sized stripers landed and released as well as a few terrific mornings chasing bluefish around just outside the mouth of the Merrimack.
Drifting both the outgoing and incoming tide around the #11 and #13 channel markers produced nice fish, mostly on slowly retrieved flies offered on a fast sinking line. Sluggo’s rigged on a lead-head and dragged slowly along the bottom also produced several nice sized bass. Nighttime anglers tempting fish with live eels have produced big striped bass as well.
As mentioned, the bluefish have showed up and provided some fun for both shore and boat anglers. Bluefish have been taken all the way up on the flats, as well as in the mouth of the river and all along the beachfront. Top water lures produced the most action, but bluefish tend not to be discriminating when hungry, so metal and soft plastic lures also worked quite well. Don’t forget that wire leader!
***
Kay Moulton and crew at Surfland Bait and Tackle on Plum Island have weighed in several big fish over the last week. A lucky angler recently weighed in a surf-caught striped bass that tipped the scales at 36 pounds. In addition, a boat fisherman drifting in the river hooked a 25-pound striped bass. On June 30th, a 28-pound striped bass was caught from shore on Kay’s “can’t miss” clams.
Anglers targeting flounder have had success just outside the mouth of the Merrimack, and also just off the Plum Island beaches. Worms offered on the bottom seemed to be the ticket to hooking one of these delicious flat fish.
***
Charter boats are having good results lately with many market sized cod being landed. Reports from Stellwagon Bank and Jefferies Ledge are good with fish in the 30-pound range being landed. Haddock have also been in the mix, but mackerel activity has slowed, probably due to the arrival of the bluefish.
July 4, 2003
It finally feels like summer around here and the fishing continues to improve with more options presenting themselves to Port anglers. Striped bass fishing has been fairly consistent, while the first bluefish showed up at the mouth of the Merrimack recently. Flounder and cod fishing have also been good to add to the variety of species available to target.
Many keeper size fish have been caught over the last few weeks, however if I were to put one word on my personal experiences and the experiences of other anglers I have spoken to over the last few weeks it would be sporadic. In addition, it appears we are getting closer to that time of year where bait is something you might want to have in your arsenal along with your artificial gear.
Upriver, anglers fishing cut bait in some of the deep holes near Carr and Eagle Island, all the way up to the 95 Bridge, have landed some larger striped bass, some in the 20+ pound range. The last two hours of the rising tide, followed by the first two hours of the outgoing tide seem to be producing best in this area.
Joppa Flats continues to produce fish for both fly and spin gear fishermen. Although the fish on the flats have become a bit more discriminating as the water temperatures have risen, many nice fish have been taken over the last few weeks. I’ve heard of several, but know for sure of two 40+inch fish taken on the flats recently, one on a sparsely tied sand eel pattern by a lucky fly-fisherman, the other by a spin fishermen tossing a 9 inch needlefish lure.
Getting back to that “sporadic” label I applied to the recent fishing activity, on several occasions over the last two weeks I’ve been witness to large areas of skittish fish boiling on the top along the flats, refusing most offerings. Occasionally, a fly or lure change would produce a few fish in succession, followed by another snubbing, however on several outings the number of fish evident in the water far outweighed the ones that ended up on the line. When the fish get fussy, I’ve found smaller lures and flies to get more attention, but often times it can be quite frustrating to find something that interests the fish.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve also had several excellent outings with many keeper-sized stripers landed and released as well as a few terrific mornings chasing bluefish around just outside the mouth of the Merrimack.
Drifting both the outgoing and incoming tide around the #11 and #13 channel markers produced nice fish, mostly on slowly retrieved flies offered on a fast sinking line. Sluggo’s rigged on a lead-head and dragged slowly along the bottom also produced several nice sized bass. Nighttime anglers tempting fish with live eels have produced big striped bass as well.
As mentioned, the bluefish have showed up and provided some fun for both shore and boat anglers. Bluefish have been taken all the way up on the flats, as well as in the mouth of the river and all along the beachfront. Top water lures produced the most action, but bluefish tend not to be discriminating when hungry, so metal and soft plastic lures also worked quite well. Don’t forget that wire leader!
***
Kay Moulton and crew at Surfland Bait and Tackle on Plum Island have weighed in several big fish over the last week. A lucky angler recently weighed in a surf-caught striped bass that tipped the scales at 36 pounds. In addition, a boat fisherman drifting in the river hooked a 25-pound striped bass. On June 30th, a 28-pound striped bass was caught from shore on Kay’s “can’t miss” clams.
Anglers targeting flounder have had success just outside the mouth of the Merrimack, and also just off the Plum Island beaches. Worms offered on the bottom seemed to be the ticket to hooking one of these delicious flat fish.
***
Charter boats are having good results lately with many market sized cod being landed. Reports from Stellwagon Bank and Jefferies Ledge are good with fish in the 30-pound range being landed. Haddock have also been in the mix, but mackerel activity has slowed, probably due to the arrival of the bluefish.
June 12, 2003
There is no Shortage of Fish as Summer Approaches
Frank G. Dwyer
June 12, 2003
Fish have taken up residency around the Port in force, and depending on whom you talk to the action can be described as spotty, terrific, and everything in between. . I’m more of an optimist and in the last two weeks have had several rewarding outings that keep that attitude in check.
This past weekend I was fortunate to get out fishing both mornings and was greeted each day by rising fish as we motored out of Boatworks Marina. Drifting the outgoing tide above the Route 1 bridge produced numerous school-sized striped bass. The fish were somewhat picky, but once we cycled through several different lures and patterns, more steady fishing ensued. Olive and white clouser flies worked well as did darker colored deceivers. On the spinning rod, various metal lures, including small Kastmaster and Crippled Herring lures seemed to produce the most strikes. Interestingly, the old standby of a sluggo (rubber shad) rigged on a lead head was not a favored bait this time around.
As the tide started to move at a steadier rate each morning, we moved out onto Joppa Flats and enjoyed terrific fishing drifting the flats from the AYC to Woodbridge Island. Fish were stacked up along the edge of the channel, as well as in more shallow water further up on the flats.
The fish on the flats have definitely gotten larger over the last two weeks. In total, my friend Don and I caught (and released) six legal sized bass (+28”) over the two mornings this past weekend. All but one came off the flats, with the largest a 35”, 15 pound bass that Don landed on his fly rod using an olive and white clouser minnow.
In addition to the flies, top water plugs proved to be a terrific choice this weekend. A wide variety of lures worked across the surface worked, including Atom Poppers, Needlefish, the Creek Chub “Striper Striker” and the Stillwater “Smack-It”. The excitement of watching fish follow and ultimately aggressively strike a top-water lure is one of my favorite ways to catch fish as it’s pleasing to the sense of sight, sound and touch!
***
Reports from the Rocks Village Bridge are that a few shad are still being taken as well as some large striped bass. Apparently anglers fishing with chunks of herring have been landing bass well over the legal limit of 28 inches. Boat anglers seem to be hooking up with more consistency than those bound to shore.
***
Kay at Surfland Bait and Tackle on Plum Island was very busy when I stopped into the shop on Sunday afternoon, and the wall of pictures with keeper sized bass continues to grow. Kay’s clams have been moving out of the store in a rapid manner as anglers have been having success bouncing them on the bottom of the river at the point.
Anglers off the jetty and the beaches have been enjoying success using sea worms and cut bait while fly fishermen have done well casting flies into the ocean wash from the beach. Joppa Flats continues to heat up for both wading and boat anglers.
***
Ryan at Captain’s Lady Fishing Parties on Plum Island reports that boats are now running seven days a week, weather permitting.
Allday trips have been getting better as the weeks have progressed with decent numbers of cod and haddock being landed. The largest cod landed have been in the high 20 to low 30-pound range. Haddock have also been coming in a bit larger with fish weighing over 10 pounds now being caught. Mackerel have filled in nicely off shore over the last few weeks.
***
The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge beach remains closed to anglers, except for a small strip of beach accessible from parking lot 1. The closure, which is normal for this time of year, is so that the 13 pairs of piping plovers nesting on the beaches can be safe until their young hatch. Piping plovers, a shorebird species threatened with extinction, are very vulnerable to the forces of nature and humans; thus the Refuge closes the beach each year in an attempt to help the Plovers life expectancy. More than likely the beaches will remain closed until at least the end of the month.
***
I’m not sure if it’s just me, but the water seems awfully crowded this year. Even on weekday mornings and evenings, the crowds are starting to resemble weekend crowds. On Sunday (June 8) a thick fog had settled in over Newburyport, yet the amount of boats out on the flats was incredible. While most seemed to exercise the proper caution in very limited visibility, there was still several people displaying questionable behavior in the fog. Why anyone would be running at full throttle in extremely limited visibility is beyond me, and not only endangers the person doing it, but everyone else on the water. I even had a guy in a Kayak emerge from the fog on the flats to ask me, “is the road that way”, as he pointed in the direction he thought would lead him back to the boat ramp on Water Street. Talk about unprepared!
June 12, 2003
Fish have taken up residency around the Port in force, and depending on whom you talk to the action can be described as spotty, terrific, and everything in between. . I’m more of an optimist and in the last two weeks have had several rewarding outings that keep that attitude in check.
This past weekend I was fortunate to get out fishing both mornings and was greeted each day by rising fish as we motored out of Boatworks Marina. Drifting the outgoing tide above the Route 1 bridge produced numerous school-sized striped bass. The fish were somewhat picky, but once we cycled through several different lures and patterns, more steady fishing ensued. Olive and white clouser flies worked well as did darker colored deceivers. On the spinning rod, various metal lures, including small Kastmaster and Crippled Herring lures seemed to produce the most strikes. Interestingly, the old standby of a sluggo (rubber shad) rigged on a lead head was not a favored bait this time around.
As the tide started to move at a steadier rate each morning, we moved out onto Joppa Flats and enjoyed terrific fishing drifting the flats from the AYC to Woodbridge Island. Fish were stacked up along the edge of the channel, as well as in more shallow water further up on the flats.
The fish on the flats have definitely gotten larger over the last two weeks. In total, my friend Don and I caught (and released) six legal sized bass (+28”) over the two mornings this past weekend. All but one came off the flats, with the largest a 35”, 15 pound bass that Don landed on his fly rod using an olive and white clouser minnow.
In addition to the flies, top water plugs proved to be a terrific choice this weekend. A wide variety of lures worked across the surface worked, including Atom Poppers, Needlefish, the Creek Chub “Striper Striker” and the Stillwater “Smack-It”. The excitement of watching fish follow and ultimately aggressively strike a top-water lure is one of my favorite ways to catch fish as it’s pleasing to the sense of sight, sound and touch!
***
Reports from the Rocks Village Bridge are that a few shad are still being taken as well as some large striped bass. Apparently anglers fishing with chunks of herring have been landing bass well over the legal limit of 28 inches. Boat anglers seem to be hooking up with more consistency than those bound to shore.
***
Kay at Surfland Bait and Tackle on Plum Island was very busy when I stopped into the shop on Sunday afternoon, and the wall of pictures with keeper sized bass continues to grow. Kay’s clams have been moving out of the store in a rapid manner as anglers have been having success bouncing them on the bottom of the river at the point.
Anglers off the jetty and the beaches have been enjoying success using sea worms and cut bait while fly fishermen have done well casting flies into the ocean wash from the beach. Joppa Flats continues to heat up for both wading and boat anglers.
***
Ryan at Captain’s Lady Fishing Parties on Plum Island reports that boats are now running seven days a week, weather permitting.
Allday trips have been getting better as the weeks have progressed with decent numbers of cod and haddock being landed. The largest cod landed have been in the high 20 to low 30-pound range. Haddock have also been coming in a bit larger with fish weighing over 10 pounds now being caught. Mackerel have filled in nicely off shore over the last few weeks.
***
The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge beach remains closed to anglers, except for a small strip of beach accessible from parking lot 1. The closure, which is normal for this time of year, is so that the 13 pairs of piping plovers nesting on the beaches can be safe until their young hatch. Piping plovers, a shorebird species threatened with extinction, are very vulnerable to the forces of nature and humans; thus the Refuge closes the beach each year in an attempt to help the Plovers life expectancy. More than likely the beaches will remain closed until at least the end of the month.
***
I’m not sure if it’s just me, but the water seems awfully crowded this year. Even on weekday mornings and evenings, the crowds are starting to resemble weekend crowds. On Sunday (June 8) a thick fog had settled in over Newburyport, yet the amount of boats out on the flats was incredible. While most seemed to exercise the proper caution in very limited visibility, there was still several people displaying questionable behavior in the fog. Why anyone would be running at full throttle in extremely limited visibility is beyond me, and not only endangers the person doing it, but everyone else on the water. I even had a guy in a Kayak emerge from the fog on the flats to ask me, “is the road that way”, as he pointed in the direction he thought would lead him back to the boat ramp on Water Street. Talk about unprepared!
May 26, 2003
A Memorable Day Aboard a Canoe on the Flats
Frank G. Dwyer
May 26, 2003
I’m sure it looked strange at first but most of my neighbors became accustomed to the sight as I’d done it many times before.
At the time, I lived two blocks from the seawall in Newburyport, which fronts Joppa Flats and in the distance, the entrance to the Merrimack River. I had purchased a 1973 fiberglass Mohawk canoe several years before moving to Newburyport to provide better access to the trout ponds I frequented in Middlesexx County. Upon my move north, I turned the canoe into a saltwater vessel outfitted with rod holders and a powerful electric trolling engine.
With the canoe balanced on the portage wheels, I wheeled the canoe out of my driveway and rolled it down Madison Street to the boat ramp at the seawall. While my wife Tami enjoys fishing, on this evening she was along for a relaxing ride along the flats and even brought a book. I was armed with a fly rod and a lightweight spinning rod.
It was a beautiful evening with a light breeze when we put in. I paddled out towards Plum Island Point when I noticed swirls on top of the water, usually signaling the presence of fish. Casting my 9-weight floating line with a blue and white popper, I picked up three quick schoolies. (Juvenile striped bass)
Just as I was releasing the third fish, I noticed a cloud of birds working the surface of the water about 500 yards off my bow. I dropped the trolling motor and headed towards the huge mass of diving birds. When we were about 300 yards from the feeding birds, we found ourselves smack-dab in the middle of the loudest striper feeding frenzy I have ever been lucky enough to witness.
The fish were slapping; slurping and leaping clear out of the water as they devoured the baitfish they were chasing. In a full 360 degrees around the boat, near and far, the fish were everywhere and louder than I had ever heard. Tami forgot about her book and we landed a fish on every cast for over 45 minutes. These fish ate everything we offered from poppers, deceivers and clousers on the fly rod to metal, plastic and poppers on the spinning rod.
We landed several fish over the 28” limit with one of the heavier one’s really stressing my 10-pound test line. In fact, the fish bent the hook almost straight on the lead headed jig I was using.
As is often the case when one comes across a blitz like this, at least for me, Murphy’s Law or some other force in the universe causes some problem with your gear. While the evening ended with both Tami and I landing many fish, early on I was punished with a frustrating tangle of knots in my fly line. With fish popping all around, untangling a line can seem like a very cruel punishment.
The combination of the feeding frenzy and the fly line tangle caused Tami to ask one question: “You call this relaxing”?
***
As a follow up to an item in a column a few weeks back, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries has indeed raised the recreational limits on striped bass, effective this month. The new regulation stipulates that a person may keep two (2) fish over 28 inches per day. For the record, I’d prefer to see us back to one (1) fish per day, over 36 inches.
***
Fishing has truly begun to pick up, albeit a week or so later than many years past. I fished on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday this past week and Sunday was by far the best of the three.
I managed to get the boat in the water for the season on Wednesday evening and was out before work on Thursday morning. I fished the bottom of the incoming tide ---from about 5:45 to 9:00 am. I first tried around Carr and Eagle Island, above the Route 1 bridge, with no luck. I continued to work down under the Route 1 bridge, still no signs of life. Motoring out towards Joppa Flats, I saw terns and seagulls circling and diving in the distance, but there were no fish evident on the top. Just below the Ice Breaker, I started casting among the diving birds and ended up with five fresh striped bass in 40 minutes. The largest was fat 24" fish and it was great to have landed the first fish of the new season. All fish were landed on a blue/white lead head jig with a 4” white sluggo.
The temperature on Saturday when we left the dock was a balmy 37 degrees. It was quite cold without the wind, and with the wind it certainly did not feel like May. I won’t get into the gory details, but in 4 hours of fishing between two people, two small fish were landed.
Sunday again saw chilly weather in the upper 30’s as I left the frost covered dock. Unlike Saturday, this morning saw clear skies for sunrise and things warmed up nicely as the morning progressed.
I motored directly towards Joppa Flats and was rewarded with several small striped bass as I drifted just below Half-Tide Rocks. These fish all took a chartreuse and white clouser minnow on a fast sinking fly line.
The action on Joppa slowed so I headed out towards Plum Island Point to see what I could find. I found a very productive drift over a “hump” where the water quickly went from 24 feet to 7 feet and back to 25 feet. Drifting over the shallow water area each time typically yielded a decent sized striped bass in the 20” to 26” range. I spent a solid hour in this pattern and was rewarded with many fish. The current was ripping, so with limited time in the “strike zone” I left the fly rod in the rack was using a 6 foot spinning rod with an assortment of buck-tail jigs on ten pound test line.
***
Reports from Rock’s Village have shad and striped bass being caught with more frequency. It seems those in boats are out-fishing shore bound anglers.
Kay Moulton at Surfland reported good catches from both the oceanfront and the river over the last week. One gentleman who stopped into the shop reported landing 40 fish from the sandbar in the river on buck-tail jigs, with six fish coming in over the 28” minimum.
George at Captain’s Fishing Parties on Plum Island reports steady early-season fishing, with trips running Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The winning Pool fish on Sunday was a 40-pound cod, while on Monday the winning fish was in the high teens. In addition, Haddock in the 7-pound range have also been being caught.
April 25, 2003
He Caught the Fishing Bug Early On
Frank G. Dwyer
April 25, 2003
Growing up in Pelham Manor, NY, I received my first fishing rod in sixth grade as a Confirmation present. I had been introduced to fishing the previous year during a week- long trip taken with my schoolmates dubbed as “Outdoor Education”. While that was a freshwater excursion, my sights quickly turned to saltwater as the Long Island Sound was in my backyard.
As a ten year old, my fishing excursions were limited to those places I could get my parents to take me, which usually ended up being the Larchmont Shore Club, where we were members when I was a kid. A typical routine would have me heading to the club for a painful couple of hours of swim team practice, followed by hours of “snapper” bluefish fishing in the Sound.
I clearly remember the excitement I felt with every tug on the line, regardless of the size of the fish. My interest in fishing grew even further one summer day when my rod bent over faster and harder than I had ever felt before. I had seen some of the men fishing the Sound land bigger bluefish, so I thought that I had finally graduated from only catching snapper blues to the bigger variety. However after a fish fight that seemed to go on forever, I was treated to the sight of a strange fish, with stripes running down both sides of it’s streamlined body. This moment, I believe, became engrained in my head, causing the addiction I have today to the sport.
As I grew from pre-teen to teenager, my interest in fishing waned as I became preoccupied with other things that teenagers typically pursue such as; sports, girls, friends and being annoying to my parents. Did I mention girls?
My interest in fishing never really left me completely as I would find myself watching the fishing shows on Saturday and Sunday mornings throughout high school and even while attending college in New Hampshire. Although still busy with my studies and extracurricular activities, an impromptu trip to Martha’s Vineyard towards the end of my college years brought fishing back to the forefront of my mind.
Once I graduated from college and moved to Boston, I began to research the historic fishing grounds that surrounded my new home. This led to the persistent accumulation of fishing gear that continues to this day and a sometimes one-dimensional train of thought—especially during the height of the saltwater fishing season.
By the way, that rod from sixth grade hangs in my garage today.
***
I’ve heard some rumors over the last week that a few school-sized striped bass have been taken close to the mouth of the Merrimack. I believe this to be just rumor, as it’s still early for our area to normally have fresh fish, and given the tough winter I would not be surprised if the fish arrive just a bit late this year. It appears the majority of those fishing in the Merrimack currently are the seals.
I do however believe the rumors of striped bass being caught way up river to be true, albeit bass that have wintered over in the river. Alewife and Herring have been reported in the area, so it would not surprise me that these holdover fish have become more active.
No reports of Shad yet, but I’d expect them to show up at the Rocks Village bridge in the next week or so.
Cape Cod based anglers have reported a few small bass on the south side of the cape, while Rhode Island and Connecticut fishermen report that fishing continues to improve and become more consistent.
Hopefully with my next column we will have entered into the excellent spring fishing our area has to offer.
***
Ryan at Captain’s Lady Fishing Parties on Plum Island let me know that they are now running trips daily on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The boat leaves at 7:30 each morning.
Fishing has been picking up with Cod up to 22 pounds being taken as well as Haddock in the eight-pound range. As the weather gets better, it’s not a bad idea to call and make a reservation. (978.462.3141)
***
Trout fishing in the area seems to be picking up with reports of trout landings from many of the local waters. Trout have been caught at both Bald Pate Pond and Styles Pond in Boxford, as well as Pentucket Pond in Georgetown.
In addition, Lake Saltonstall and Lake Pentucket in Haverhill and Berry Pond in North Andover all received a fresh stocking of trout recently.
A variety of lures and methods have been reportedly working, including small Mepps lures, Berkley Power Bait, meal worms as well as trolling large wobbling blades behind a rigged worm.
April 25, 2003
Growing up in Pelham Manor, NY, I received my first fishing rod in sixth grade as a Confirmation present. I had been introduced to fishing the previous year during a week- long trip taken with my schoolmates dubbed as “Outdoor Education”. While that was a freshwater excursion, my sights quickly turned to saltwater as the Long Island Sound was in my backyard.
As a ten year old, my fishing excursions were limited to those places I could get my parents to take me, which usually ended up being the Larchmont Shore Club, where we were members when I was a kid. A typical routine would have me heading to the club for a painful couple of hours of swim team practice, followed by hours of “snapper” bluefish fishing in the Sound.
I clearly remember the excitement I felt with every tug on the line, regardless of the size of the fish. My interest in fishing grew even further one summer day when my rod bent over faster and harder than I had ever felt before. I had seen some of the men fishing the Sound land bigger bluefish, so I thought that I had finally graduated from only catching snapper blues to the bigger variety. However after a fish fight that seemed to go on forever, I was treated to the sight of a strange fish, with stripes running down both sides of it’s streamlined body. This moment, I believe, became engrained in my head, causing the addiction I have today to the sport.
As I grew from pre-teen to teenager, my interest in fishing waned as I became preoccupied with other things that teenagers typically pursue such as; sports, girls, friends and being annoying to my parents. Did I mention girls?
My interest in fishing never really left me completely as I would find myself watching the fishing shows on Saturday and Sunday mornings throughout high school and even while attending college in New Hampshire. Although still busy with my studies and extracurricular activities, an impromptu trip to Martha’s Vineyard towards the end of my college years brought fishing back to the forefront of my mind.
Once I graduated from college and moved to Boston, I began to research the historic fishing grounds that surrounded my new home. This led to the persistent accumulation of fishing gear that continues to this day and a sometimes one-dimensional train of thought—especially during the height of the saltwater fishing season.
By the way, that rod from sixth grade hangs in my garage today.
***
I’ve heard some rumors over the last week that a few school-sized striped bass have been taken close to the mouth of the Merrimack. I believe this to be just rumor, as it’s still early for our area to normally have fresh fish, and given the tough winter I would not be surprised if the fish arrive just a bit late this year. It appears the majority of those fishing in the Merrimack currently are the seals.
I do however believe the rumors of striped bass being caught way up river to be true, albeit bass that have wintered over in the river. Alewife and Herring have been reported in the area, so it would not surprise me that these holdover fish have become more active.
No reports of Shad yet, but I’d expect them to show up at the Rocks Village bridge in the next week or so.
Cape Cod based anglers have reported a few small bass on the south side of the cape, while Rhode Island and Connecticut fishermen report that fishing continues to improve and become more consistent.
Hopefully with my next column we will have entered into the excellent spring fishing our area has to offer.
***
Ryan at Captain’s Lady Fishing Parties on Plum Island let me know that they are now running trips daily on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The boat leaves at 7:30 each morning.
Fishing has been picking up with Cod up to 22 pounds being taken as well as Haddock in the eight-pound range. As the weather gets better, it’s not a bad idea to call and make a reservation. (978.462.3141)
***
Trout fishing in the area seems to be picking up with reports of trout landings from many of the local waters. Trout have been caught at both Bald Pate Pond and Styles Pond in Boxford, as well as Pentucket Pond in Georgetown.
In addition, Lake Saltonstall and Lake Pentucket in Haverhill and Berry Pond in North Andover all received a fresh stocking of trout recently.
A variety of lures and methods have been reportedly working, including small Mepps lures, Berkley Power Bait, meal worms as well as trolling large wobbling blades behind a rigged worm.
April 5, 2003
Hearings coming up on Massachusetts Striped Bass Regulations
Frank G. Dwyer
April 5, 2003
In my last column, I wrote about the proposed changes to the New Hampshire and Massachusetts recreational striped bass limits. I spoke to Doug Grout at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to get an update, and the proposal to change the limits was approved and will go into effect sometime this coming May. The new limits will change the recreational striped bass limit from one fish a day measuring 28 inches and above to two fish a day above 28 inches, only one of which can be over 40 inches.
Massachusetts still has a proposal on the table to change the striped bass limits from one fish per day to two, however as mentioned in my last column, public hearings are slated for April 14th in Gloucester, April 16 in Sandwich and April 17th in Braintree. At these hearings, the Department of Marine Fisheries will accept comments on the proposed changes and on alternative minimum sizes. The hearings on the 14th and 17th will be from 7pm-10pm and the April 16th hearing will run from 6:30pm-10pm.
***
Speaking of New Hampshire, the state offers a “Lets go Fishing” program that is part of the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department's Aquatic Resources Education Program. The program offers a variety of courses at locations statewide covering a range of topics including Introductory Fishing and Saltwater Fly-Fishing classes and much more. The courses are not limited to New Hampshire residents, so Daily Newsreaders in Massachusetts can take part in the program and best of all, the courses are free.
The courses offered cover the basics of certain types of fishing including equipment, techniques and safety, but also offer instruction on fish ecology, conservation and responsible outdoor behavior. Most courses are offered in the spring and summer, plus in January and February ice fishing classes are offered. A typical class includes 6 hours of hands-on instruction and includes a field trip. Classes are offered for adults and children eight and older, but an adult must accompany children. The first class scheduled is a spring fly fishing weekend currently scheduled for May 3rd and 4th.
If you would like further information, you can call the N.H. Fish and Game Department's Aquatic Resources Education Program at (603) 271-3212, or send an email to aquatic-ed@wildlife.state.nh.us. In addition, a very detailed website is available at www.wildlife.state.nh.us/fishing/lets_go_fishing.htm
***
The New England Saltwater Fly Rodders is an organization of about 140 fishing enthusiasts who meet monthly from October to May and meet on the water during the prime fishing season. The general purpose of the organization is to provide a non-competitive environment in which members can share and learn from each other.
The club sponsors a variety of programs throughout the year and trips which facilitate information sharing among its members. During the regular club meetings, guest speakers present on a wide variety of fly-fishing related topics including technique, equipment, fishing related destinations, fly tying, safety and conservation. The club includes fly-fishers of all experience levels as well as published authorities on saltwater fly-fishing, including fishing guides and fly tiers.
The next monthly meeting will be on Tuesday, April 8th at 6:30 P.M. at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, just off Route 495. The meeting will feature ``Chart Night'', which has been quite a success in the past. Local experts will be on hand with nautical charts covering their areas of expertise. In addition, there will be a section on fly line rigging, knots and setups as well as a discussion on fly-fishing saltwater estuaries from a float tube.
They will answer questions about water access, parking, technique, seasonal patterns and hot flies. All meetings are open to the public and admission is $10 for non-members, which can be applied to the club dues if the attendee signs up at that meeting. For additional information, contact Tom Sheehy at 978-367-6284 or via e-mail at tom_sheehy@hotmail.com
***
The local fishing scene is slowly awakening from the long winter. Reports have the herring running in southeastern Massachusetts, which means the first striped bass of the season will soon be arriving. The alewife count in the Parker River is also upcoming, another clear signal of springs arrival. Sporadic reports of sluggish trout being taken from local waters are beginning to trickle in.
Kay at Surfland Bait and Tackle on Plum Island is currently back on a seven day a week schedule and is the definitive place for local fishing information. The store opens at 8am on weekdays and at 6am beginning this weekend. As is usual at this time of year, rumors of cod caught from the beach persist, however neither Kay nor anyone else I spoke to can confirm this annual rumor. If you are so inclined, try a fresh clam off the beach at night.
When I placed a call to Captain’s Fishing Parties on Plum Island on Tuesday, they were preparing to get one of their boats in the water. Weather permitting, full day trips will begin this weekend with the boat leaving the dock at 7:30 A.M. in search of cod and haddock.
April 5, 2003
In my last column, I wrote about the proposed changes to the New Hampshire and Massachusetts recreational striped bass limits. I spoke to Doug Grout at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to get an update, and the proposal to change the limits was approved and will go into effect sometime this coming May. The new limits will change the recreational striped bass limit from one fish a day measuring 28 inches and above to two fish a day above 28 inches, only one of which can be over 40 inches.
Massachusetts still has a proposal on the table to change the striped bass limits from one fish per day to two, however as mentioned in my last column, public hearings are slated for April 14th in Gloucester, April 16 in Sandwich and April 17th in Braintree. At these hearings, the Department of Marine Fisheries will accept comments on the proposed changes and on alternative minimum sizes. The hearings on the 14th and 17th will be from 7pm-10pm and the April 16th hearing will run from 6:30pm-10pm.
***
Speaking of New Hampshire, the state offers a “Lets go Fishing” program that is part of the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department's Aquatic Resources Education Program. The program offers a variety of courses at locations statewide covering a range of topics including Introductory Fishing and Saltwater Fly-Fishing classes and much more. The courses are not limited to New Hampshire residents, so Daily Newsreaders in Massachusetts can take part in the program and best of all, the courses are free.
The courses offered cover the basics of certain types of fishing including equipment, techniques and safety, but also offer instruction on fish ecology, conservation and responsible outdoor behavior. Most courses are offered in the spring and summer, plus in January and February ice fishing classes are offered. A typical class includes 6 hours of hands-on instruction and includes a field trip. Classes are offered for adults and children eight and older, but an adult must accompany children. The first class scheduled is a spring fly fishing weekend currently scheduled for May 3rd and 4th.
If you would like further information, you can call the N.H. Fish and Game Department's Aquatic Resources Education Program at (603) 271-3212, or send an email to aquatic-ed@wildlife.state.nh.us. In addition, a very detailed website is available at www.wildlife.state.nh.us/fishing/lets_go_fishing.htm
***
The New England Saltwater Fly Rodders is an organization of about 140 fishing enthusiasts who meet monthly from October to May and meet on the water during the prime fishing season. The general purpose of the organization is to provide a non-competitive environment in which members can share and learn from each other.
The club sponsors a variety of programs throughout the year and trips which facilitate information sharing among its members. During the regular club meetings, guest speakers present on a wide variety of fly-fishing related topics including technique, equipment, fishing related destinations, fly tying, safety and conservation. The club includes fly-fishers of all experience levels as well as published authorities on saltwater fly-fishing, including fishing guides and fly tiers.
The next monthly meeting will be on Tuesday, April 8th at 6:30 P.M. at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, just off Route 495. The meeting will feature ``Chart Night'', which has been quite a success in the past. Local experts will be on hand with nautical charts covering their areas of expertise. In addition, there will be a section on fly line rigging, knots and setups as well as a discussion on fly-fishing saltwater estuaries from a float tube.
They will answer questions about water access, parking, technique, seasonal patterns and hot flies. All meetings are open to the public and admission is $10 for non-members, which can be applied to the club dues if the attendee signs up at that meeting. For additional information, contact Tom Sheehy at 978-367-6284 or via e-mail at tom_sheehy@hotmail.com
***
The local fishing scene is slowly awakening from the long winter. Reports have the herring running in southeastern Massachusetts, which means the first striped bass of the season will soon be arriving. The alewife count in the Parker River is also upcoming, another clear signal of springs arrival. Sporadic reports of sluggish trout being taken from local waters are beginning to trickle in.
Kay at Surfland Bait and Tackle on Plum Island is currently back on a seven day a week schedule and is the definitive place for local fishing information. The store opens at 8am on weekdays and at 6am beginning this weekend. As is usual at this time of year, rumors of cod caught from the beach persist, however neither Kay nor anyone else I spoke to can confirm this annual rumor. If you are so inclined, try a fresh clam off the beach at night.
When I placed a call to Captain’s Fishing Parties on Plum Island on Tuesday, they were preparing to get one of their boats in the water. Weather permitting, full day trips will begin this weekend with the boat leaving the dock at 7:30 A.M. in search of cod and haddock.
March 13, 2003
Take Heart, Spring is Right Around the Corner
Frank G. Dwyer
March 13, 2003
Spring is now just days away, and it can’t get here quick enough for me. The eternal winter we endured this year is sure to make the first casts of the upcoming fishing season sweeter, and that first catch a stake in the heart of the winter that would not end.
It’s not a bad time to think about taking your equipment out of the corner of the garage or basement and dusting it off. If you’re like me, you probably cleaned your equipment well when it was stored for the winter so a quick spruce up is all that is needed. Now is also a good time to take a look at your tackle and make a list of things that need to be replenished, like hooks, leaders, snap swivels and the like. It’s also a good idea to take a look at all your lures and flies and change out any rusty or dull hooks.
***
Changes to recreational striped bass limits are being proposed in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
I spoke to Doug Grout of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and there is a proposal on the table to change the recreational striped bass limit from one fish a day measuring 28 inches and above to two fish a day, only one of which can be over 40 inches. Thus an angler could keep two fish between 28” and 39” or one fish between 28” and 39” and one over 40 inches, essentially creating a “slot limit” regulation. While the public hearings have already taken place, the Public Comment period runs through March 17, allowing those in favor and those opposed to the new limits to voice their opinions. To do so, submit written comments by March 17, 2003, to: comments@wildlife.state.nh.us; or Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 2 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301; or fax (603) 271-1438.
After placing a call to Gary Nelson at the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, I learned that the one fish a day of 28 inches or above remains in effect for recreational striped bass anglers. There is however a proposal to change the limit to two fish a day, apparently along the lines of the proposed changes in New Hampshire described earlier. Three public hearings will be held around the state so that interested parties can hear about the proposed changes and voice their opinions. The hearings are tentatively scheduled for April 14th in Gloucester, April 16 in Sandwich and April 17th in Braintree. To confirm dates and times, visit the Division of Marine Fisheries web site at www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dmf or call 617.626.1520
***
You may recall that I’m predominantly a saltwater fisherman, but this winter has prompted me to dig out and prepare my freshwater gear for some early spring trout fishing. Local waters will be stocked in the coming weeks, so it’s a great chance to get in some fishing, even if it doesn’t quite feel like spring. Local trout waters that typically yield good catches include Bald Pate Pond and Styles Pond in Boxford, Pentucket Pond in Georgetown and the Parker River in Newbury/Byfield. You may even hook into a “holdover” striped bass or an elusive sea-run brown trout if the fish gods are with you.
Specifics around trout stockings were released in late February and the numbers of fish stocked might surprise you. Approximately 536,000 trout measuring from 6 to 18 inches will be released this spring around the State. The breakdown equates to 330,000 rainbow trout, 85,000 brown trout, 115,600 brook trout and 4,500 tiger trout. Rounding out the total number of stocked fish are 700 “trophy ” brook, brown and rainbow trout all measuring over 18 inches.
Don’t forget your 2003 freshwater fishing license for which you will pay the state $27.50.
***
The Plum Island Surfcasters continue to meet the third Tuesday of each month at the Newbury Fire Hall. On March 18th, Al Gags of “Gags Lures” will be the featured guest and will present on “Top Water Striper Fishing in the Connecticut River”. Doors open at 6:30 PM.
The Plum Island Surfcasters is a growing club of over 250 recreational fishermen who enjoy all manner of fishing while also spending time on related areas such as conservation, beach access, fishery management and much more. Annual dues are $30.00 and can be paid when attending a meeting for the first time. In addition, information on membership can also be found at http://plumisland.surfcaster.com/ or by writing to the Plum Island Surfcasters, PO Box 364, Newburyport, MA 01950.
March 13, 2003
Spring is now just days away, and it can’t get here quick enough for me. The eternal winter we endured this year is sure to make the first casts of the upcoming fishing season sweeter, and that first catch a stake in the heart of the winter that would not end.
It’s not a bad time to think about taking your equipment out of the corner of the garage or basement and dusting it off. If you’re like me, you probably cleaned your equipment well when it was stored for the winter so a quick spruce up is all that is needed. Now is also a good time to take a look at your tackle and make a list of things that need to be replenished, like hooks, leaders, snap swivels and the like. It’s also a good idea to take a look at all your lures and flies and change out any rusty or dull hooks.
***
Changes to recreational striped bass limits are being proposed in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
I spoke to Doug Grout of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and there is a proposal on the table to change the recreational striped bass limit from one fish a day measuring 28 inches and above to two fish a day, only one of which can be over 40 inches. Thus an angler could keep two fish between 28” and 39” or one fish between 28” and 39” and one over 40 inches, essentially creating a “slot limit” regulation. While the public hearings have already taken place, the Public Comment period runs through March 17, allowing those in favor and those opposed to the new limits to voice their opinions. To do so, submit written comments by March 17, 2003, to: comments@wildlife.state.nh.us; or Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 2 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301; or fax (603) 271-1438.
After placing a call to Gary Nelson at the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, I learned that the one fish a day of 28 inches or above remains in effect for recreational striped bass anglers. There is however a proposal to change the limit to two fish a day, apparently along the lines of the proposed changes in New Hampshire described earlier. Three public hearings will be held around the state so that interested parties can hear about the proposed changes and voice their opinions. The hearings are tentatively scheduled for April 14th in Gloucester, April 16 in Sandwich and April 17th in Braintree. To confirm dates and times, visit the Division of Marine Fisheries web site at www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dmf or call 617.626.1520
***
You may recall that I’m predominantly a saltwater fisherman, but this winter has prompted me to dig out and prepare my freshwater gear for some early spring trout fishing. Local waters will be stocked in the coming weeks, so it’s a great chance to get in some fishing, even if it doesn’t quite feel like spring. Local trout waters that typically yield good catches include Bald Pate Pond and Styles Pond in Boxford, Pentucket Pond in Georgetown and the Parker River in Newbury/Byfield. You may even hook into a “holdover” striped bass or an elusive sea-run brown trout if the fish gods are with you.
Specifics around trout stockings were released in late February and the numbers of fish stocked might surprise you. Approximately 536,000 trout measuring from 6 to 18 inches will be released this spring around the State. The breakdown equates to 330,000 rainbow trout, 85,000 brown trout, 115,600 brook trout and 4,500 tiger trout. Rounding out the total number of stocked fish are 700 “trophy ” brook, brown and rainbow trout all measuring over 18 inches.
Don’t forget your 2003 freshwater fishing license for which you will pay the state $27.50.
***
The Plum Island Surfcasters continue to meet the third Tuesday of each month at the Newbury Fire Hall. On March 18th, Al Gags of “Gags Lures” will be the featured guest and will present on “Top Water Striper Fishing in the Connecticut River”. Doors open at 6:30 PM.
The Plum Island Surfcasters is a growing club of over 250 recreational fishermen who enjoy all manner of fishing while also spending time on related areas such as conservation, beach access, fishery management and much more. Annual dues are $30.00 and can be paid when attending a meeting for the first time. In addition, information on membership can also be found at http://plumisland.surfcaster.com/ or by writing to the Plum Island Surfcasters, PO Box 364, Newburyport, MA 01950.
October 31, 2002
Virtual Fishing Anyone?
Frank G. Dwyer
10/31/2002
With fishing season winding down, I thought I’d share some of my favorite fishing sites on the Internet. There are many out there and a search on Google or some such search engine will provide you with thousands of sites, but here are a few that I have found to be informative, educational or just plain fun. Let me extend my apologies in advance to those of you who may not participate in the happenings on the Internet.
Fly Fish Saltwaters.com (www.flyfishsaltwaters.com) : FFSW says its goal is “to provide you, the community members, with a resource that you find informational as well as enjoyable, without burdening you with unnecessary gimmicks and irrelevant advertisements.” There is no fee to join however you need to register to enjoy the entire site, and donations are happily accepted.
The site is devoted primarily to saltwater fly-fishing, but conventional saltwater fishermen are also represented on the site. Besides excellent content on tying flies, fishing techniques, finding a guide, photo’s and tide/weather information, there are several well-trafficked forums devoted to specific topics like boating, electronics and regional fishing reports.
Reel-Time.com (www.reel-time.com): Reel Time bills itself as the Internet Journal of Saltwater Fly-Fishing and while the content is heavy on fly-fishing, all methods of fishing tend to be discussed.
The site has great content on the standard topics like fly-tying, locating guides and regional reports, but also has one of the longest running forums (bulletin board) and a very informative section called “Ask the Guide” where readers submit their questions to expert fishermen on many ranges of topics.
National Data Buoy Center (http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/Northeast.shtml): This site allows you to see a graphical depiction of the buoys along the New England coast. Each buoy is represented on the map and with a click of the mouse you can get information relevant to that buoy’s location.
Conditions reported include air and sea temperature, wave heights, and wind velocity and direction and sea depth. Links are included for the latest National Weather Service forecasts and even for observations from nearby ships.
ESPN Outdoors (www.espn.go.com/outdoors/): A terrific site from the powerhouse sports broadcaster, this site encompasses so much information that I’m still finding new things. While the site concentrates primarily on fishing and hunting, there is also a comprehensive conservation section, as well as an abundance of outdoor and environmental news.
Saltwater Sportsman (www.saltwatersportsman.com): This is the companion web site to the magazine, thus you only get a few of the current article’s as they still need to sell magazines. That said, the site contains a wealth of information on a wide range of topics. Sections covering fishing, boating, gear/electronics and news provide detailed information on each topic.
You can also see the “Traveling Fisherman” chart that is in each magazine. The chart--which is one of my favorite parts of the magazine-- illustrates the best places to catch the most popular species of fish for that particular month.
Saltwater Sportsman also has an “Animated Knot Series” which provides detailed animation on each step for tying some of the most used fishing knots. Included so far in the series are the Albright Knot, Spider Hitch, Palomar Knot, Dropper Loop, Uni Knot and Clinch Knot. New knots are added monthly.
MassWildlife (www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/dfw_toc.htm): MassWildlife is the official site of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. The site is a must read for resident sportsman as it encompasses all the information needed regarding fishing and hunting regulations in the State.
Special bulletins are updated regularly to alert residents to important information like recent trout stockings and regulation updates or changes. In addition, there are many links to help you to explore our States natural resources. You can even purchase sporting licenses on-line!
Surfcaster.com (www.surfcaster.com): Surfcaster.com says that it is “serving the New England fishing community”, and they do that quite well. The site has a good layout and many, many links to regional fishing information.
Visitors will find up to date weather and tide information as well as links to a variety of topics including fishing books, local fishing organizations and even a directory of fishing guides, shops and government agencies.
Big Mouth Bass (www.shockwave.com/sw/content/bmb3d): This one does not fall under informational or educational, but just silly fun. Available from the Shockwave web site, Big Mouth Bass provides you with a fun way to target the “big one” from your computer screen.
You’ll need to have the Shockwave plug-in installed, and the game is somewhat of a resource hog so you won’t want to play over a dial-up connection or if your using a circa 1995 computer.
10/31/2002
With fishing season winding down, I thought I’d share some of my favorite fishing sites on the Internet. There are many out there and a search on Google or some such search engine will provide you with thousands of sites, but here are a few that I have found to be informative, educational or just plain fun. Let me extend my apologies in advance to those of you who may not participate in the happenings on the Internet.
Fly Fish Saltwaters.com (www.flyfishsaltwaters.com) : FFSW says its goal is “to provide you, the community members, with a resource that you find informational as well as enjoyable, without burdening you with unnecessary gimmicks and irrelevant advertisements.” There is no fee to join however you need to register to enjoy the entire site, and donations are happily accepted.
The site is devoted primarily to saltwater fly-fishing, but conventional saltwater fishermen are also represented on the site. Besides excellent content on tying flies, fishing techniques, finding a guide, photo’s and tide/weather information, there are several well-trafficked forums devoted to specific topics like boating, electronics and regional fishing reports.
Reel-Time.com (www.reel-time.com): Reel Time bills itself as the Internet Journal of Saltwater Fly-Fishing and while the content is heavy on fly-fishing, all methods of fishing tend to be discussed.
The site has great content on the standard topics like fly-tying, locating guides and regional reports, but also has one of the longest running forums (bulletin board) and a very informative section called “Ask the Guide” where readers submit their questions to expert fishermen on many ranges of topics.
National Data Buoy Center (http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/Maps/Northeast.shtml): This site allows you to see a graphical depiction of the buoys along the New England coast. Each buoy is represented on the map and with a click of the mouse you can get information relevant to that buoy’s location.
Conditions reported include air and sea temperature, wave heights, and wind velocity and direction and sea depth. Links are included for the latest National Weather Service forecasts and even for observations from nearby ships.
ESPN Outdoors (www.espn.go.com/outdoors/): A terrific site from the powerhouse sports broadcaster, this site encompasses so much information that I’m still finding new things. While the site concentrates primarily on fishing and hunting, there is also a comprehensive conservation section, as well as an abundance of outdoor and environmental news.
Saltwater Sportsman (www.saltwatersportsman.com): This is the companion web site to the magazine, thus you only get a few of the current article’s as they still need to sell magazines. That said, the site contains a wealth of information on a wide range of topics. Sections covering fishing, boating, gear/electronics and news provide detailed information on each topic.
You can also see the “Traveling Fisherman” chart that is in each magazine. The chart--which is one of my favorite parts of the magazine-- illustrates the best places to catch the most popular species of fish for that particular month.
Saltwater Sportsman also has an “Animated Knot Series” which provides detailed animation on each step for tying some of the most used fishing knots. Included so far in the series are the Albright Knot, Spider Hitch, Palomar Knot, Dropper Loop, Uni Knot and Clinch Knot. New knots are added monthly.
MassWildlife (www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/dfw_toc.htm): MassWildlife is the official site of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. The site is a must read for resident sportsman as it encompasses all the information needed regarding fishing and hunting regulations in the State.
Special bulletins are updated regularly to alert residents to important information like recent trout stockings and regulation updates or changes. In addition, there are many links to help you to explore our States natural resources. You can even purchase sporting licenses on-line!
Surfcaster.com (www.surfcaster.com): Surfcaster.com says that it is “serving the New England fishing community”, and they do that quite well. The site has a good layout and many, many links to regional fishing information.
Visitors will find up to date weather and tide information as well as links to a variety of topics including fishing books, local fishing organizations and even a directory of fishing guides, shops and government agencies.
Big Mouth Bass (www.shockwave.com/sw/content/bmb3d): This one does not fall under informational or educational, but just silly fun. Available from the Shockwave web site, Big Mouth Bass provides you with a fun way to target the “big one” from your computer screen.
You’ll need to have the Shockwave plug-in installed, and the game is somewhat of a resource hog so you won’t want to play over a dial-up connection or if your using a circa 1995 computer.
October 12, 2002
As fishing dwindles, it's time to enjoy Fall
Frank G. Dwyer
October 12, 2002
Saltwater fishing around the port is still active, with reports of abundant schoolie bass in the river and along the beaches. The late season fishing has been much better this year than season’s past, but the migration south has begun, and it’s time to find other activities to fill the fishing void.
Some of the leaves have begun to turn in my backyard, which means farther north the leaves are getting towards their peak brilliance. Our location gives us excellent access to some terrific day hikes to enjoy the colors of the season.
Mount Kearsarge, located in Warren and Wilmot, NH--not far from my alma mater, New England College—has always been one of my favorite mountains to hike. It is the home of both Winslow and Rollins state parks and this 2,937-foot peak is a popular family destination as the trails afford both challenging and less rigorous ascents. For the hiker that reaches the summit there are sweeping views of Sunapee, Ragged and Cardigan Mountains, as well as Mt. Monadnock and Mt. Ascutney. If it is a very clear day, views can extend to the White Mountains, the Green Mountains in Vermont, The Atlantic Ocean and even Boston!
Beyond the views from the top, it is also quite interesting that the summit is quite “bald”, apparently the work of a large glacier that swept over most of New Hampshire over 25,000 years ago. An added bonus is the Fire Lookout tower that is at the summit. In years past, visitors were allowed in the tower, which was quite enjoyable however I’m not sure if this is still the case. I’ve enjoyed hikes in the spring, summer and fall, and all offer tremendous views.
One of the reasons that Kearsarge is so popular with families is the fact that there is a 3-½ mile scenic auto road up the southern slope that is accessed from Rollins State Park in Warner. The ride is quite fabulous, with many “lookouts” along the way. A small parking lot and picnic area greets those who make the drive and it’s a mere ½-mile hike up the Warner trail to the summit from the lot.
While you’re in the area, you may want to stop by the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum in Warner. The museum has an abundance of Indian artifacts and history, mostly from the Abnaki tribe, and will interest both children and adults. The museum is situated at the foot of Mt. Kearsarge in Rollins State Park and is open through Thanksgiving.
There is also an auto road from Winslow State Park in Wilmot that ascends the northwest slope of Mount Kearsarge. Once again, there is a parking and picnic area at the end of the road, and in this case, a bit more challenging 1-mile hike to the summit. The most popular route seems to be to ascend via the Wilmot trail, and to return via the gentler Barlow trail. The trails are well marked and maps are available at the Park.
To get to Rollins State Park, take Route 93 North to Route 89 North. Take exit 8 off of Route 89 and follow the signs to Warner and the Park. If you prefer the longer, more challenging hike that Winslow State Park offers, stay on Route 89 North for another 10 miles or so to exit 10 and follow the signs to the Park.
***
Archery season for deer this year is October 14-November 23 and muzzleloader season is from December 16- December 31. Shotgun season for deer runs from December 2-December 14 in Zones 1-11 and 14. In Zones 12 and 13, the season is from December 2- December 7.
Duck season for the Coastal Zone is October 15-October 26 and November 23-January 18. The fall turkey season runs from October 28-November 2 this year.
There is no hunting on Sunday and all hunting seasons except waterfowl are closed during shotgun deer season. There are many additional regulations required before hunting in Massachusetts, and one should request the MassWildlife Abstracts from the State or by visiting the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife web site at: http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/dfwrec.htm#LAWS
***
Trout fishing is picking up again with many area ponds having been recently stocked or in the process of being stocked. Locally, only Stiles and Baldpate Ponds in Boxboro and Saltonstall (Plug) Pond in Haverhill are on the fall stocking schedule.
Many area waters were stocked in the spring, including the Parker and Mill Rivers in Newbury, Pentucket Pond in Georgetown and the Ipswich River in Ipswich.
Don’t forget; you need a fishing license for freshwater fishing. The standard license fee is $27.50 with lower fees available for seniors and children
October 12, 2002
Saltwater fishing around the port is still active, with reports of abundant schoolie bass in the river and along the beaches. The late season fishing has been much better this year than season’s past, but the migration south has begun, and it’s time to find other activities to fill the fishing void.
Some of the leaves have begun to turn in my backyard, which means farther north the leaves are getting towards their peak brilliance. Our location gives us excellent access to some terrific day hikes to enjoy the colors of the season.
Mount Kearsarge, located in Warren and Wilmot, NH--not far from my alma mater, New England College—has always been one of my favorite mountains to hike. It is the home of both Winslow and Rollins state parks and this 2,937-foot peak is a popular family destination as the trails afford both challenging and less rigorous ascents. For the hiker that reaches the summit there are sweeping views of Sunapee, Ragged and Cardigan Mountains, as well as Mt. Monadnock and Mt. Ascutney. If it is a very clear day, views can extend to the White Mountains, the Green Mountains in Vermont, The Atlantic Ocean and even Boston!
Beyond the views from the top, it is also quite interesting that the summit is quite “bald”, apparently the work of a large glacier that swept over most of New Hampshire over 25,000 years ago. An added bonus is the Fire Lookout tower that is at the summit. In years past, visitors were allowed in the tower, which was quite enjoyable however I’m not sure if this is still the case. I’ve enjoyed hikes in the spring, summer and fall, and all offer tremendous views.
One of the reasons that Kearsarge is so popular with families is the fact that there is a 3-½ mile scenic auto road up the southern slope that is accessed from Rollins State Park in Warner. The ride is quite fabulous, with many “lookouts” along the way. A small parking lot and picnic area greets those who make the drive and it’s a mere ½-mile hike up the Warner trail to the summit from the lot.
While you’re in the area, you may want to stop by the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum in Warner. The museum has an abundance of Indian artifacts and history, mostly from the Abnaki tribe, and will interest both children and adults. The museum is situated at the foot of Mt. Kearsarge in Rollins State Park and is open through Thanksgiving.
There is also an auto road from Winslow State Park in Wilmot that ascends the northwest slope of Mount Kearsarge. Once again, there is a parking and picnic area at the end of the road, and in this case, a bit more challenging 1-mile hike to the summit. The most popular route seems to be to ascend via the Wilmot trail, and to return via the gentler Barlow trail. The trails are well marked and maps are available at the Park.
To get to Rollins State Park, take Route 93 North to Route 89 North. Take exit 8 off of Route 89 and follow the signs to Warner and the Park. If you prefer the longer, more challenging hike that Winslow State Park offers, stay on Route 89 North for another 10 miles or so to exit 10 and follow the signs to the Park.
***
Archery season for deer this year is October 14-November 23 and muzzleloader season is from December 16- December 31. Shotgun season for deer runs from December 2-December 14 in Zones 1-11 and 14. In Zones 12 and 13, the season is from December 2- December 7.
Duck season for the Coastal Zone is October 15-October 26 and November 23-January 18. The fall turkey season runs from October 28-November 2 this year.
There is no hunting on Sunday and all hunting seasons except waterfowl are closed during shotgun deer season. There are many additional regulations required before hunting in Massachusetts, and one should request the MassWildlife Abstracts from the State or by visiting the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife web site at: http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/dfwrec.htm#LAWS
***
Trout fishing is picking up again with many area ponds having been recently stocked or in the process of being stocked. Locally, only Stiles and Baldpate Ponds in Boxboro and Saltonstall (Plug) Pond in Haverhill are on the fall stocking schedule.
Many area waters were stocked in the spring, including the Parker and Mill Rivers in Newbury, Pentucket Pond in Georgetown and the Ipswich River in Ipswich.
Don’t forget; you need a fishing license for freshwater fishing. The standard license fee is $27.50 with lower fees available for seniors and children
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)