Frank G. Dwyer
April 19, 2004
It finally feels like spring around the Port, and along with the abundance of normal chores necessary this time of year, it’s time to get your saltwater tackle out of the basement or garage. Certainly, your freshwater gear needs sprucing up too, but your late if that gear is not ready to go. (more on that later)
There have been rumors of striped bass being caught in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, and in a few weeks, they will be in our waters too. Most of the following is common sense, but it’s always good to revisit the basics. Take a look at your tackle and consider the following:
Rods: Check guides for wear and tear. Nicks and abrasions can fray your line.
Ensure all guides are tight and are lined up correctly. Ensure that the reel seat is corrosion free and in good working order. If you have two-piece rods, ensure that the top and bottom portions connect easily and securely.
Reels: Reels typically require the most upkeep. Some can be complex, so if you’re unsure on how to take your reel apart or maintain it, visit your local tackle shop. Alternatively, most reels come with detailed diagrams to help you in this endeavor. Nothing gets the heart pumping like a whole table full of small parts that need to be put back together exactly as you found them! Reel spools should be taken off the reel, and all old line discarded. Reel oil, or some folks use WD-40, should be used on most moving parts after the reel has been washed and rinsed in warm (not hot) soapy water. If you enjoy fly-fishing, these reels also need similar maintenance and care.
Line: I change my line not only at the beginning of the season, but several times during the season. Your mileage will vary, depending on how often you fish, and the conditions you fish under. At the very least, starting the season off with fresh line will hopefully be insurance against having a "the one that got away" story of your very own. In addition, I enjoy tying up several leaders of different size and test for the upcoming season, allowing
me to be ready for whatever conditions might come up without having to stop to make up a leader. Fly lines also require cleaning, although typically won’t need to be replaced each year.
Lures: Lures of all varieties also need some primping to prepare for the upcoming season. Hooks should be checked for rust and if need be, replaced. If not rusted, hooks can be sharpened using a stone or a variety of commercially available hook sharpeners. Other lure dressing such as buck-tail, feathers and paint should be checked and spruced up as necessary. Once again, fly fisherman need to check their flies for wear and tear too, and if you’re like me, you’ve been stockpiling your favorite flies after a long
winter of fly tying.
That certainly covers the basics, but when in doubt, you can certainly enlist the help of your local tackle shop. (or drop me an email)
***
Trout fishing has been good locally as stocked fish have become more active. Over 20,000 fish have been stocked in local lakes and ponds throughout our Northeast District. Most fish are rainbow trout, with some brook trout mixed in.
Recently stocked waters include Stiles Pond and Bald Pate Pond in Boxford as well as Saltonstall (Plug) Lake in Haverhill.
Plenty of trout stocked in the fall are swimming in Pentucket Pond, Rock Pond and the Parker River, all in Georgetown.
***
No Shad have been reported at Rock’s Village yet, but it should not be long before they show up. In addition, early season striper action should also begin to heat up at the Lawrence Dam and other up-river spots as herring begin to move.
April 19, 2004
February 18, 2004
Day Dreaming to Endure the Last Days of Winter
Frank G. Dwyer
February 18, 2004
As the boat leaves the marina in Cabo San Lucas, the warm ocean air laps at my face as we head for open water. Once we are 20 miles offshore, the mates set out an assortment of colorful surface lures with only one intention; to attract marlin.
In unison, two of the big Penn International reels start singing as the rods bend over under the pressure of the two fish that just took the bait. I sit in the fighting chair with one of the rods, while my friend stands at the rail with the other, both prepared to do battle. I’ve been lucky enough to grab the rod with a Marlin attached to the other end! My buddy has himself a decent sized Yellowfin Tuna and I’m thinking dinner!
The striped marlin puts up a valiant fight, many times tail-dancing across the water and is finally at the transom. The mates unhook and revive the beautiful fish as I give it a quick pat on the back and just like that it’s off swimming to fight another day. Meanwhile, my buddy has landed two Yellowfin Tuna that will be brought back to our hotel and prepared for our dinner.
Next, I find myself at the helm of my small motorboat, slowly leaving the fog shrouded docks along the Merrimack River. As I motor under the Route One Bridge, I’m greeted by swirls of surface busting striped bass that are being followed closely by terns and seagulls overhead.
While my visibility in the fog is limited to a small circle of slurping bass around my boat, the extent of the feeding frenzy is clearly quite large as the sounds of the screaming birds combined with the surface activity is quite thunderous in the pre-dawn light.
With the engine shut off, the outgoing tide slowly carries me towards Joppa Flats as cast after cast is met with the quick hit of one of these freshly arrived striped bass. Their aggressiveness is a welcome fight after a long winter and these spring mornings usually exceed the expectations of this easily pleased angler.
Waiting in line now at the Chappy Ferry on Martha’s Vineyard, I slowly slide on my waders as the cars ahead of me and I wait for the “On Time” to take us on the two-minute ride across Edgartown Harbor to the island of Chappaquidick. To me, and many other’s, this is the surfcasting Mecca of the East Coast.
The beaches of East Beach and Wasque have provided me many exciting outings in the last 20 years, and the anticipation of the fishing to come still jumbles my stomach as we head for the new Dike Road bridge and our access the sands of Chappy.
Driving over the sand, towards the “rip” at Wasque Point, I pass several other surfcasters trying their luck along the beach. Some bent rods give me hope as I drive towards my favorite spot. As I pull the car close to the water line and park, a gentleman in front of me is releasing a health bluefish. Ah, bluefish on Wasque, nothing can please me more at this point in time!
I grab my rod from the roof rack and attach one Arnold Spofford’s famous bluefish lures, the Ballistic Missile, to my leader. I launch a cast into the churning ocean and begin reeling the surface lure frantically across the waves. As I watch the lure skipping across the water, a large bluefish strike’s and I see it bite the lure, then disappear under the waves and the fight is on! The power of the angry bluefish, combined with the frantic churning of the ocean makes the fight more challenging than normal but eventually the 12-pound bluefish is on the sand, both of us tired from the fight. I gently unhook the fish and wade out into the surf to release the fish and cast again.
***
The New England Saltwater Fishing Show is being held from March 5-7 at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The show is being presented by the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association and looks to have quite a busy schedule.
The show will feature over 40 seminars covering a variety of topics, as well as information and giveaways sponsored by many of the top names in the industry. Admission is $10 and further information can be found at www.nesaltwatershow.com
***
The World Fly Fishing Expo returns to the Shriners Auditorium on March 13 & 14 and the show has all the major manufacturers of fly rods, reels and accessories, which equates to over 200 exhibitors. Hours on Saturday are 9am-6pm and on Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $10 for adults and $2 for children.
In addition to the all the fly fishing gear, the expo offers seminars from some of the most recognizable names in fishing. Seminars will be given by Flip Pallot, Lefty Kreh and Lou Tabory to name just a few. Getting there is as easy as taking exit 39 off of I-93 (from north or south) and following the signs to the Shriners Auditorium.
***
Hang in there, spring is coming.
February 18, 2004
As the boat leaves the marina in Cabo San Lucas, the warm ocean air laps at my face as we head for open water. Once we are 20 miles offshore, the mates set out an assortment of colorful surface lures with only one intention; to attract marlin.
In unison, two of the big Penn International reels start singing as the rods bend over under the pressure of the two fish that just took the bait. I sit in the fighting chair with one of the rods, while my friend stands at the rail with the other, both prepared to do battle. I’ve been lucky enough to grab the rod with a Marlin attached to the other end! My buddy has himself a decent sized Yellowfin Tuna and I’m thinking dinner!
The striped marlin puts up a valiant fight, many times tail-dancing across the water and is finally at the transom. The mates unhook and revive the beautiful fish as I give it a quick pat on the back and just like that it’s off swimming to fight another day. Meanwhile, my buddy has landed two Yellowfin Tuna that will be brought back to our hotel and prepared for our dinner.
Next, I find myself at the helm of my small motorboat, slowly leaving the fog shrouded docks along the Merrimack River. As I motor under the Route One Bridge, I’m greeted by swirls of surface busting striped bass that are being followed closely by terns and seagulls overhead.
While my visibility in the fog is limited to a small circle of slurping bass around my boat, the extent of the feeding frenzy is clearly quite large as the sounds of the screaming birds combined with the surface activity is quite thunderous in the pre-dawn light.
With the engine shut off, the outgoing tide slowly carries me towards Joppa Flats as cast after cast is met with the quick hit of one of these freshly arrived striped bass. Their aggressiveness is a welcome fight after a long winter and these spring mornings usually exceed the expectations of this easily pleased angler.
Waiting in line now at the Chappy Ferry on Martha’s Vineyard, I slowly slide on my waders as the cars ahead of me and I wait for the “On Time” to take us on the two-minute ride across Edgartown Harbor to the island of Chappaquidick. To me, and many other’s, this is the surfcasting Mecca of the East Coast.
The beaches of East Beach and Wasque have provided me many exciting outings in the last 20 years, and the anticipation of the fishing to come still jumbles my stomach as we head for the new Dike Road bridge and our access the sands of Chappy.
Driving over the sand, towards the “rip” at Wasque Point, I pass several other surfcasters trying their luck along the beach. Some bent rods give me hope as I drive towards my favorite spot. As I pull the car close to the water line and park, a gentleman in front of me is releasing a health bluefish. Ah, bluefish on Wasque, nothing can please me more at this point in time!
I grab my rod from the roof rack and attach one Arnold Spofford’s famous bluefish lures, the Ballistic Missile, to my leader. I launch a cast into the churning ocean and begin reeling the surface lure frantically across the waves. As I watch the lure skipping across the water, a large bluefish strike’s and I see it bite the lure, then disappear under the waves and the fight is on! The power of the angry bluefish, combined with the frantic churning of the ocean makes the fight more challenging than normal but eventually the 12-pound bluefish is on the sand, both of us tired from the fight. I gently unhook the fish and wade out into the surf to release the fish and cast again.
***
The New England Saltwater Fishing Show is being held from March 5-7 at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The show is being presented by the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association and looks to have quite a busy schedule.
The show will feature over 40 seminars covering a variety of topics, as well as information and giveaways sponsored by many of the top names in the industry. Admission is $10 and further information can be found at www.nesaltwatershow.com
***
The World Fly Fishing Expo returns to the Shriners Auditorium on March 13 & 14 and the show has all the major manufacturers of fly rods, reels and accessories, which equates to over 200 exhibitors. Hours on Saturday are 9am-6pm and on Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $10 for adults and $2 for children.
In addition to the all the fly fishing gear, the expo offers seminars from some of the most recognizable names in fishing. Seminars will be given by Flip Pallot, Lefty Kreh and Lou Tabory to name just a few. Getting there is as easy as taking exit 39 off of I-93 (from north or south) and following the signs to the Shriners Auditorium.
***
Hang in there, spring is coming.
December 9, 2003
Gift Ideas for Anglers
Frank G. Dwyer
December 9, 2003
Most Fishermen I know can't get enough of fishing gear, gadgets and anything else to do with our beloved sport, so why not consider a few of these select items for the angler on your holiday shopping list.
A good set of pliers is invaluable to a fisherman. I’d been through many cheap pairs, prior to investing in a pair that at first seemed expensive, but after doing the math for all the “cheapo’s” I’d gone through and the other’s lost overboard, I decided a decent pair that would not rust, combined with a lanyard for safe-keeping was the best bet for me. There are many out there, but in my opinion, the ones offered by The Surfcaster, a catalog-shopping outfit for anglers, are the best. The Surfcaster offers several options in both stainless-steel and titanium, with a very useful telephone cord lanyard that allows for use while safely clipped to your belt or jacket. Prices range from $89 to $279 depending on size and quality. Check them out at www.thesurfcaster.com
I used to laugh out loud when I’d look through the many fishing catalogs I receive and see some guy modeling a “miner” style head lamp. While it may look silly, I found out this past fall how useful this light can be when fishing on a beach at night in a wind-driven rain. These lights are widely available in many hardware stores, as well as tackle shops and catalogs, and offer a terrific light source while leaving both hands free for releasing fish, tying on new lures in the dark, and generally any night-time situation where hands-free light is needed on a sporadic basis. These lightweight flashlights are attached to an elastic headband that allows for a comfortable fit over your head, allowing light to be shone in any direction you face. Should be a hit for a lucky angler on your list.
Good fishermen get better by keeping detailed fishing logs. A logbook helps you notice patterns in fish movements and behavior related to water conditions, food supply, weather, tide, time of year and time of day. Information that should be in your logbook includes site, date, time, weather, temperature, water clarity, water conditions, barometric pressure, water level, how you fished, depth, lure (type, size, color used and presentation), number and size of fish caught, plus anything else you think that could be helpful down the road. Whether you fish for freshwater or saltwater species, a well kept logbook will dramatically increase your odds of catching fish consistently. Many anglers just use notebooks or plain journals, which work fine, but there are some nice fishing journals out there for anglers who want a bit more. Major bookstores have several varieties I have seen, and some tackle shops also carry them. A quick web search for “fishing log” at Amazon or Barnes and Nobles will also provide you with several options.
Putting new line on fishing reels is a common occurrence and most anglers do so several times a season. Fishing line winders are a must have for the serious fisherman as it allows for an easy and reliable way to spool (an un-spool) fishing line. There are many variations of products from winders that will attach to a rod for manual spooling to electronic spooling machines like the ones you see used in tackle shops. I recently picked up one from Berkley Fishing (www.berkley-fishing.com) called the “Dog Bone Line Spooler” which costs about seven bucks and is easy and reliable to use. Held between your feet or legs, the winder has a tension spring you control during the winding. Cabela’s (www.cabelas.com) also has a wide variety of line winders, as will most large bait and tackle shops.
Handling and releasing fish got a whole lot easier when I was given a BogaGrip as a gift a few years ago. Boat and Shore fishermen alike will enjoy this easier way to handle, weigh and release fish. It’s especially useful with the toothy fish! The BogaGrip works by using the weight of the fish to shut the prongs of the grip to stabilize your catch. It comes with either a 15 or 30-pound scale built into the handle that is quite easy to read. This is a great gift for the angler that has almost everything. BogaGrips are available in most fishing and tackle stores, as well as at www.bogagrips.com .
I got sick of all my rods leaning up against the wall in my garage and invested in a very nice looking, yet functional, fishing rod rack. The rack I purchased is made of solid oak and holds 24 rods and reels, all in a very compact space. It is on wheels, allowing me to move it around the garage as I rig for my next outing, all the while allowing the rods to be kept in a safe place for years of use. There are many varieties to choose from and you can get a good idea of the many variations available by visiting www.cabelas.com and clicking on the rod storage/rod racks section.
May your holidays be filled with family, happiness, health, peace and visions of large fish and tight lines for the New Year!
December 9, 2003
Most Fishermen I know can't get enough of fishing gear, gadgets and anything else to do with our beloved sport, so why not consider a few of these select items for the angler on your holiday shopping list.
A good set of pliers is invaluable to a fisherman. I’d been through many cheap pairs, prior to investing in a pair that at first seemed expensive, but after doing the math for all the “cheapo’s” I’d gone through and the other’s lost overboard, I decided a decent pair that would not rust, combined with a lanyard for safe-keeping was the best bet for me. There are many out there, but in my opinion, the ones offered by The Surfcaster, a catalog-shopping outfit for anglers, are the best. The Surfcaster offers several options in both stainless-steel and titanium, with a very useful telephone cord lanyard that allows for use while safely clipped to your belt or jacket. Prices range from $89 to $279 depending on size and quality. Check them out at www.thesurfcaster.com
I used to laugh out loud when I’d look through the many fishing catalogs I receive and see some guy modeling a “miner” style head lamp. While it may look silly, I found out this past fall how useful this light can be when fishing on a beach at night in a wind-driven rain. These lights are widely available in many hardware stores, as well as tackle shops and catalogs, and offer a terrific light source while leaving both hands free for releasing fish, tying on new lures in the dark, and generally any night-time situation where hands-free light is needed on a sporadic basis. These lightweight flashlights are attached to an elastic headband that allows for a comfortable fit over your head, allowing light to be shone in any direction you face. Should be a hit for a lucky angler on your list.
Good fishermen get better by keeping detailed fishing logs. A logbook helps you notice patterns in fish movements and behavior related to water conditions, food supply, weather, tide, time of year and time of day. Information that should be in your logbook includes site, date, time, weather, temperature, water clarity, water conditions, barometric pressure, water level, how you fished, depth, lure (type, size, color used and presentation), number and size of fish caught, plus anything else you think that could be helpful down the road. Whether you fish for freshwater or saltwater species, a well kept logbook will dramatically increase your odds of catching fish consistently. Many anglers just use notebooks or plain journals, which work fine, but there are some nice fishing journals out there for anglers who want a bit more. Major bookstores have several varieties I have seen, and some tackle shops also carry them. A quick web search for “fishing log” at Amazon or Barnes and Nobles will also provide you with several options.
Putting new line on fishing reels is a common occurrence and most anglers do so several times a season. Fishing line winders are a must have for the serious fisherman as it allows for an easy and reliable way to spool (an un-spool) fishing line. There are many variations of products from winders that will attach to a rod for manual spooling to electronic spooling machines like the ones you see used in tackle shops. I recently picked up one from Berkley Fishing (www.berkley-fishing.com) called the “Dog Bone Line Spooler” which costs about seven bucks and is easy and reliable to use. Held between your feet or legs, the winder has a tension spring you control during the winding. Cabela’s (www.cabelas.com) also has a wide variety of line winders, as will most large bait and tackle shops.
Handling and releasing fish got a whole lot easier when I was given a BogaGrip as a gift a few years ago. Boat and Shore fishermen alike will enjoy this easier way to handle, weigh and release fish. It’s especially useful with the toothy fish! The BogaGrip works by using the weight of the fish to shut the prongs of the grip to stabilize your catch. It comes with either a 15 or 30-pound scale built into the handle that is quite easy to read. This is a great gift for the angler that has almost everything. BogaGrips are available in most fishing and tackle stores, as well as at www.bogagrips.com .
I got sick of all my rods leaning up against the wall in my garage and invested in a very nice looking, yet functional, fishing rod rack. The rack I purchased is made of solid oak and holds 24 rods and reels, all in a very compact space. It is on wheels, allowing me to move it around the garage as I rig for my next outing, all the while allowing the rods to be kept in a safe place for years of use. There are many varieties to choose from and you can get a good idea of the many variations available by visiting www.cabelas.com and clicking on the rod storage/rod racks section.
May your holidays be filled with family, happiness, health, peace and visions of large fish and tight lines for the New Year!
October 31, 2003
Leafing through the winter bookshelf
Frank G. DwyerDecember 17, 2005 (Originally Published October 31, 2003)
Another saltwater season has come and gone for the most part, and what a great season it was! From spring stripers rolling on the flats to an abundance of bluefish carousing in our surf, 2003 (and 2005!) was a terrific season for fishing. The late start to the season we experienced due to a brutally long winter led to some terrific fall fishing this year.
As you prepare your gear to be banished to the garage or basement, take comfort in knowing that we will once again feel the tug of the line next spring. In addition, we can also fight may a fish vicariously through the efforts of several fine authors who have taken the time to write the following books that can help you through the upcoming winter.
Readers of this column know I have a certain interest/addiction to the annual Martha's
Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. In Robert Post's Reading The Water, the fishing adventures of many legendary island anglers are recounted, with several of the stories concentrating on derby time. I've read this book too many times to count , and never get tired of it. It was out of print for years, but has recently come back into circulation with a new forward by Henry "Hal" Lyman. 
More recently, Ray Ellis and Ed Jerome put out a book entitled Fishing The Vineyard. Ellis is a wonderful artist who has painted many terrific Vineyard scenes. Jerome is a resident of Martha's Vineyard and has been intimately involved with the annual Derby as Chairman for many years. The book has wonderful stories, paintings and photographs celebrating the awesome fishing experience that awaits anglers who visit Martha's Vineyard. The book is readily available on-line and in traditional bookstores.In Blues, John Hersey weaves a tale of a stranger and a fisherman who meet on Marth
a's Vineyard. The stranger accepts an offer to join the fisherman on one of his outings, which leads to a summer of discovery for both the fisherman and stranger. This is another book that can be tough to find, but its seems to be currently available .On the Run: An Anglers journey Down the Striper Coast, by David DiB
enedetto, traces the annual fall migration of the striped bass from Maine to North Carolina. The book is an entertaining read but also educational in that you will learn quite a bit about the striped bass and their history. DiBenedetto is an editor at Field and Stream magazine and writes with a style that stimulates the reader's interest and imagination.John Waldman's compilation of stories devoted to striped bass, Stripers, An
Angler's Anthology, is a collection of writings from author's who have a certain affinity to the striped bass. Stories by the likes of John Cole, Nelson Bryant, Frank Daignault and J. Kenney Abramson, to name a few, grace the pages of this book and provide a wonderful look at the often sought after moron scuttles.For a look back at the way things used to be, pick up a copy of Frank Daignault's Twenty Years on the Cape: My Time as a Surfcaster. While the book depicts a time when it was
commonplace to harvest large numbers of striped bass each and every night, it also provides the insight of a dedicated and successful fisherman like Daignault. The book provides vivid details of a family that spent many a day and night on the beaches of Cape Cod.
Close to Shore: A True Story of Terror in the Age of Innocence is an account of the summer of 1916 when a Great White shark terrorized swimmers along the New Jersey shore. Michael Capuzzo does an admirable job of interweaving historical accounts of the times with the attacks that were part of the inspiration for Jaws, Peter Benchley's novel (and movie). Read this one long before summer arrives!
For a deep and explorative look at the fishermen of Gloucester, pick up a copy of Kim Bartlett's The Finest Kind: The Fishermen of Gloucester. You'll feel as though you are part of the crew on the boat as the book provides the reader with details and descriptions of this difficult profession. While The Perfect Storm was an excellent portrayal of one Gloucester crew's story, this book provides terrific insight into the Gloucester fishing industry.
September 25, 2003
She's Not Singing Yet
Frank G. Dwyer
September 25, 2003
They say it's not over until the fat lady sings, and she certainly has not found the Port yet. Fishing continues to please both shore and boat fishermen and perhaps the late start to the season this year will extend our saltwater fishing later into the Fall than usual.
This past week saw the return of the bluefish. Reports from Cape Ann to Portsmouth had schools of hungry bluefish chasing pods of bait to the pleasure of those anglers lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. Reports from shore anglers had bluefish-- with a few stripers mixed in--being landed in Hampton, Rye, Salisbury and on Plum Island.
Joppa Flats has been a hit or miss proposition over the last few weeks, with sporadic schools of fish chasing bait, and then dispersing. Anglers fishing with plastics as well as bait have reported some success with striped bass in the vicinity of Woodbridge Island, as well as around the moorings near the AYC.
Fly fishermen have battled some steady winds over the last weeks, however those persistent enough to stick it out have been finding fish in the swift moving currents of the Merrimack, as well as in the wash of the ocean beaches. Fast sinking lines with silverside or sand eel imitations have been working well.
All in all, it makes sense to keep getting out to wet a line as the fishing action continues on the Seacoast.
***
Kay Moulton at Surfland Bait and Tackle on Plum Island reports that anglers are enjoying catching bluefish from the beaches on the northern end of the island, as well as in the river at Plum Island Point. Just about any surface plug or metal lure is going to entice these feisty blues.
Striped Bass continue to be caught off the beaches of the Parker River NWR with fish being caught along the entire reservation. Anglers fishing near Emerson Rocks have been landing keeper size bass on Kay's snake-sized sea worms.
***
George at Captains Fishing Parties on Plum Island reports that the fishing continues to be good. On this past Wednesday, a lucky angler won the pool with a 52-pound Cod. Many cod in the 20-pound range were also caught. Haddock and pollock continue to bend the rod of fishermen, as well as some cusk and wolfish. The ½ day trips have had luck with bluefish on the surface, with anglers enjoying the terrific fight the bluefish put up.
Fishing will continue through the end of October, with full day trips running on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as Columbus Day. Half-day trips are running on a less specific schedule, so please call for further information.
***
Last, but certainly not least, let's all join together for a collective "Boo" for our governor, Mitt Romney. Apparently Romney has taken money from the Fish and Wildlife Service and moved it to the state’s "General Fund". As I understand it, because of budgetary shortfalls, Romney has taken the money collected for the Inland Fish and Game Fund and Land Acquisition Fund –which have been eliminated-- and put that money into state’s General Fund. The Governor brought this to the state legislature as a “budget consolidation” effort, which was approved.
This means that approximately $9 Million dollars collected from various sources such as hunting and fishing licenses and land stamps, may not be applied as promised and may be used as the governor or legislature sees fit.
The effect is already being felt as the state Board of Fisheries and Wildlife announce earlier this week that it would be closing two of its five fish hatcheries because of lack of funding and staff. This will ultimately lead to fewer trout being stocked in Massachusetts’s waters. Another problem with this action is the possibility of losing millions of dollars in federal excise taxes devoted to wildlife management. All states must use hunting and fishing license revenue solely for their fish and wildlife agencies to qualify for the federal funds.
If you’re like me, you’ll write your state senator and state rep to let them know that this in not right.
September 25, 2003
They say it's not over until the fat lady sings, and she certainly has not found the Port yet. Fishing continues to please both shore and boat fishermen and perhaps the late start to the season this year will extend our saltwater fishing later into the Fall than usual.
This past week saw the return of the bluefish. Reports from Cape Ann to Portsmouth had schools of hungry bluefish chasing pods of bait to the pleasure of those anglers lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. Reports from shore anglers had bluefish-- with a few stripers mixed in--being landed in Hampton, Rye, Salisbury and on Plum Island.
Joppa Flats has been a hit or miss proposition over the last few weeks, with sporadic schools of fish chasing bait, and then dispersing. Anglers fishing with plastics as well as bait have reported some success with striped bass in the vicinity of Woodbridge Island, as well as around the moorings near the AYC.
Fly fishermen have battled some steady winds over the last weeks, however those persistent enough to stick it out have been finding fish in the swift moving currents of the Merrimack, as well as in the wash of the ocean beaches. Fast sinking lines with silverside or sand eel imitations have been working well.
All in all, it makes sense to keep getting out to wet a line as the fishing action continues on the Seacoast.
***
Kay Moulton at Surfland Bait and Tackle on Plum Island reports that anglers are enjoying catching bluefish from the beaches on the northern end of the island, as well as in the river at Plum Island Point. Just about any surface plug or metal lure is going to entice these feisty blues.
Striped Bass continue to be caught off the beaches of the Parker River NWR with fish being caught along the entire reservation. Anglers fishing near Emerson Rocks have been landing keeper size bass on Kay's snake-sized sea worms.
***
George at Captains Fishing Parties on Plum Island reports that the fishing continues to be good. On this past Wednesday, a lucky angler won the pool with a 52-pound Cod. Many cod in the 20-pound range were also caught. Haddock and pollock continue to bend the rod of fishermen, as well as some cusk and wolfish. The ½ day trips have had luck with bluefish on the surface, with anglers enjoying the terrific fight the bluefish put up.
Fishing will continue through the end of October, with full day trips running on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as Columbus Day. Half-day trips are running on a less specific schedule, so please call for further information.
***
Last, but certainly not least, let's all join together for a collective "Boo" for our governor, Mitt Romney. Apparently Romney has taken money from the Fish and Wildlife Service and moved it to the state’s "General Fund". As I understand it, because of budgetary shortfalls, Romney has taken the money collected for the Inland Fish and Game Fund and Land Acquisition Fund –which have been eliminated-- and put that money into state’s General Fund. The Governor brought this to the state legislature as a “budget consolidation” effort, which was approved.
This means that approximately $9 Million dollars collected from various sources such as hunting and fishing licenses and land stamps, may not be applied as promised and may be used as the governor or legislature sees fit.
The effect is already being felt as the state Board of Fisheries and Wildlife announce earlier this week that it would be closing two of its five fish hatcheries because of lack of funding and staff. This will ultimately lead to fewer trout being stocked in Massachusetts’s waters. Another problem with this action is the possibility of losing millions of dollars in federal excise taxes devoted to wildlife management. All states must use hunting and fishing license revenue solely for their fish and wildlife agencies to qualify for the federal funds.
If you’re like me, you’ll write your state senator and state rep to let them know that this in not right.
September 12, 2003
Fall is in the air (and water)
Frank G. Dwyer
September 12, 2003
Fall is in the air, and the fish will soon be making their annual trip south, leaving all of us to either dream about fishing for six months, or migrate with them. That’s the bad news. The good news is that good fishing is still ahead of us as the fish start to fee aggressively prior to their departure.
Over the last week, fish have been seen feeding on bait on top of the water along the oceanfront and in the river—bird’s overhead—in a classic fall scene. On the other hand, there have been days lately with hundreds of cormorants, gulls and terns floating on the water waiting for the fish to show up, just like me.
Seals have been showing up in larger numbers in the Merrimack over the last few weeks, with some venturing up onto Joppa Flats in their search for food. While their presence indicates that fish are around—I saw one with a small striped bass in it’s mouth the other morning—it has never been a harbinger of good fishing to come in my experience.
Fishing up river has been hit or miss over the last few weeks. Anglers fishing near the Chain Bridge and Route 95 bridge have tallied some bass on both chunk bait as well as worms. Fishermen anchored in the fast moving current near the Gillis (Route 1) Bridge have also had success with the stripers in the 20”-30” range.
Joppa Flats has been home to some finicky fish over the last few weeks, but in my last two outings I’ve found fish willing to cooperate a bit more. Fish have been taking sluggo’s in both white and sand color, both floated on top and twitched, and dragged along the bottom. Fly fishermen have had good luck with sand eel and bunker imitation flies, as well as deceivers and clousers.
Bait fishermen have been anchoring in the vicinity of the Toothpick and Plum Island Point, providing fish with offerings of clams, worms and cut bait. In an hour spent in the vicinity the other morning, I was three keepers raised from the depths, and many other sub-legal fish landed. Angler’s drifting the same area have also landed nice fish near where the channel drops off.
Boat traffic has slowed a bit in the river, thus making drifts near the mouth more possible than at the height of the season. Drifting from the south jetty, across the sand bar on the rising tide produced some hefty bass over the past weekend. We were jigging 2-ounce lead-heads with 6-inch rubber shad’s to entice the bass. Fishermen drifting whole and chunk herring were also seen with bent rods.
Outside the mouth, bluefish remain, with dogfish in the mix as well.
***
Kay Moulton at Surfland Bait and Tackle reports sporadic fishing as well, but did mention that the 4x4 crowd was doing well off the beaches of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Earlier in the week, bluefish were thick at the mouth of the river, with any and all offerings being hit by the toothy critters.
It’s a smart bet to stop in for the latest information on any trip to Plum Island. Kay’s fall hours are 6am to 7pm.
***
George at Captain’s Fishing Parties on Plum Island reports good cod and haddock fishing on the last few trips, as well as decent amounts of pollock landings.
Full day trips are running on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday with ½ day trips on a more limited schedule. It’s best to call in advance for schedules and the latest fishing conditions.
***
It’s time for my annual mention of the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, which runs this year from September 14th to October 18th. This is the 58th year for the Derby and it is an event that I have participated in many times over the last 16 years.
As the name implies, the Derby includes striped bass and bluefish, but also includes false albacore and bonito. There are award categories for both boat and shore fishermen, as well as a fly fishing only category. Awards are offered for adults and juniors, as well as special prize categories.
This is an event every fisherman should experience at least once, so visit www.mvderby.com for more information.
September 12, 2003
Fall is in the air, and the fish will soon be making their annual trip south, leaving all of us to either dream about fishing for six months, or migrate with them. That’s the bad news. The good news is that good fishing is still ahead of us as the fish start to fee aggressively prior to their departure.
Over the last week, fish have been seen feeding on bait on top of the water along the oceanfront and in the river—bird’s overhead—in a classic fall scene. On the other hand, there have been days lately with hundreds of cormorants, gulls and terns floating on the water waiting for the fish to show up, just like me.
Seals have been showing up in larger numbers in the Merrimack over the last few weeks, with some venturing up onto Joppa Flats in their search for food. While their presence indicates that fish are around—I saw one with a small striped bass in it’s mouth the other morning—it has never been a harbinger of good fishing to come in my experience.
Fishing up river has been hit or miss over the last few weeks. Anglers fishing near the Chain Bridge and Route 95 bridge have tallied some bass on both chunk bait as well as worms. Fishermen anchored in the fast moving current near the Gillis (Route 1) Bridge have also had success with the stripers in the 20”-30” range.
Joppa Flats has been home to some finicky fish over the last few weeks, but in my last two outings I’ve found fish willing to cooperate a bit more. Fish have been taking sluggo’s in both white and sand color, both floated on top and twitched, and dragged along the bottom. Fly fishermen have had good luck with sand eel and bunker imitation flies, as well as deceivers and clousers.
Bait fishermen have been anchoring in the vicinity of the Toothpick and Plum Island Point, providing fish with offerings of clams, worms and cut bait. In an hour spent in the vicinity the other morning, I was three keepers raised from the depths, and many other sub-legal fish landed. Angler’s drifting the same area have also landed nice fish near where the channel drops off.
Boat traffic has slowed a bit in the river, thus making drifts near the mouth more possible than at the height of the season. Drifting from the south jetty, across the sand bar on the rising tide produced some hefty bass over the past weekend. We were jigging 2-ounce lead-heads with 6-inch rubber shad’s to entice the bass. Fishermen drifting whole and chunk herring were also seen with bent rods.
Outside the mouth, bluefish remain, with dogfish in the mix as well.
***
Kay Moulton at Surfland Bait and Tackle reports sporadic fishing as well, but did mention that the 4x4 crowd was doing well off the beaches of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Earlier in the week, bluefish were thick at the mouth of the river, with any and all offerings being hit by the toothy critters.
It’s a smart bet to stop in for the latest information on any trip to Plum Island. Kay’s fall hours are 6am to 7pm.
***
George at Captain’s Fishing Parties on Plum Island reports good cod and haddock fishing on the last few trips, as well as decent amounts of pollock landings.
Full day trips are running on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday with ½ day trips on a more limited schedule. It’s best to call in advance for schedules and the latest fishing conditions.
***
It’s time for my annual mention of the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, which runs this year from September 14th to October 18th. This is the 58th year for the Derby and it is an event that I have participated in many times over the last 16 years.
As the name implies, the Derby includes striped bass and bluefish, but also includes false albacore and bonito. There are award categories for both boat and shore fishermen, as well as a fly fishing only category. Awards are offered for adults and juniors, as well as special prize categories.
This is an event every fisherman should experience at least once, so visit www.mvderby.com for more information.
August 18, 2003
Parker River Refuge Opens Entire Beachfront
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
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 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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)