Frank Dwyer
June 10, 2004
Marblehead: Mackerel are in thick and fishing the rocky beach line has proven quite productive for striped bass fishermen. Fly anglers do well with fast sinking lines when dropping their fly into the turbulent water. Riverhead and Devereux Beach continue to produce stripers for both spin and fly anglers. While larger fish have been caught, mid-sized schoolies seem most active. Castle Rock on the Neck has also been home to numbers of bass.
Salem: Both the North and Bass Rivers have been fishing well over the last week with both spin and fly anglers reporting decent numbers of bass. The Danvers River has done well for anglers offering swimming shad plastics. Salem Harbor has seen steady mackerel activity with bass in pursuit. Flounder fishing has been consistent with many anglers catching their limit. A few bluefish have also have been reported to have been caught. Cod and Haddock remain plentiful off shore.
Beverly: Beverly Harbor and the beaches have seen good fishing continue as many anglers have landed legal sized bass. Swimming plugs, shad imitation’s and popping plugs all produce fish. Kernwood Bridge and Ober Park continue to be fishy locations for both bait and artificial anglers. Flounder continue to be caught in numbers.
Cape Ann: Manchester-by-the-Sea beaches continue to produce for shore bound anglers. Clousers, Deceivers and Herring pattern flies all do well on sinking lines for fly fishermen. Popping plugs and broken back swimming lures have done well for spin fishermen. The incoming tide on the Annisquam River continued to fish well as did the rocky shoreline in Magnolia. The Essex River continues to fish well, with some decent sized bass showing up. Cod, Haddock and Pollack reports have been good from the party boats.
Ipswich: Crane Beach and Steep Hill Beach continue to offer consistent fishing for striped bass, with most fish in the sub-legal class. Boat anglers fishing at the mouth of the Ipswich River report good fishing on the outgoing tide. Pavillion Beach also continues to be a good option for shore anglers. A few bluefish are in the mix as well. Anglers off shore in deeper water have done well live-lining mackerel for some bigger bass.
Newbury: The Parker River continued to produce striped bass this past week. Boat anglers fishing in the river and Plum Island Sound have reported excellent striped bass activity. Sluggos offered with little or no weight entice surface feeding bass nicely. A little twitch of the rod tip and hold on!
Newburyport / Plum Island: Good fishing continues in the Newburyport area as some bigger fish have moved into the river and along the ocean front with a few 30 pound bass being landed. Large sand eels were present on Joppa Flats most of the week, with striped bass following them and enjoying the feast. Sluggos have been producing very well. Bait anglers have done well anchored just off the channel near the Toothpick. Clams, cut bait and worms all do well. Don’t anchor IN the channel! Upriver, shore anglers fishing Deer Island and other accessible areas have landed stripers to twenty pounds. Mackerel are thick at Breaking Rocks and have made a few appearances at the mouth of the Merrimack. Flounder have also begun to show just outside the river and reports of a few sporadic bluefish have begun to pop up.
Salisbury: Surfcasters patrolling the Salisbury Beach ocean front have reported a few surface feeds over the last week with striped bass taking anything offered during the frenzy. Top water plugs set off the most aggressive hits. Anglers fishing the river from the State Reservation have done well drifting worms with numbers of bass over 28 inches being landed.
Seacoast, NH: Beaches from Seabrook to Hampton have reported good numbers of school striped bass being landed. Estuaries and river systems are all producing good numbers of bass for all who care to wet a line. Large fish have begun to become more prevalent and that should only improve as the water warms.
June 10, 2004
June 9, 2004
Angler Update
Frank Dwyer
June 9, 2004
Port area fishing continues to improve however there have been some dry spells reported over the last week.
The Plum Island Point crowd continues to fish the mouth of the Merrimack and as usual the tides around the low produce best. Many keeper sized bass have come from the Point and both bait and artificial fishermen have done well. Clams, worms and cut bait on fish-finder rigs have worked well as have shad and herring imitation lures. Storm Wild Eye swim baits seem to be the rage this year, and I can see why having landed many stripers over the last few weeks with them.
Fly fishermen are doing well off the sand bar with fast sinking lines and sparsely tied herring and sand eel imitations.
Surfcasters along the front beach on Plum Island have done well from the edge of the NWR all the way to the south jetty. Buck tail jigs and large shad imitations bounced on the bottom have produced nice fish, right up into the wash.
Boat fishermen have been plentiful from Badger Rocks to the Toothpick, with most anchoring just off the channel and drifting clams, worms or cut bait and landing decent sized fish. Unfortunately, some anglers anchor IN the channel, which is quite dangerous and not all that smart. Most of these anglers get the hint when a party boat goes by closely leaving a 5-foot wake in its path. Please don’t anchor in the channel.
Joppa Flats continues to produce numbers of striped bass for boat and wade fishermen. As at the Point, fly anglers do best with fast sinking lines and sand eel or herring imitations. Spin anglers using sluggos with light or no weight have done well on surface feeding bass. Top water plugs have also produced this past week. Try using a larger plug or fly to weed out the small guys!
Upriver, Deer Island has seen increasing fishing pressure over the last weeks as more fish have been landed by shore-bound anglers. Fishing near Eagle and Carr Islands has also been productive, but mostly for sub-legal bass. Rocks Village continues to produce good numbers of shad, with not too many fishermen targeting them.
***
Kay Moulton at Surfland Bait and Tackle on Plum Island reports good numbers of striped bass with some 30 pound fish being taken. Anglers do well at Plum Island Point on the bottom of the outgoing tide and beginning of the incoming tide.
Flounder have begun to appear with a few anglers landing several on worms. Kay reported a few bluefish catches over the last week, including a 10 pound chopper that was landed on Joppa Flats.
***
Nat at First Light Anglers on Main Street in Rowley reported decent fishing from Swampscott to Plum Island. According to Nat, “nothing outrageous”, but plenty of school sized bass being landed up in the rocks and in the rivers.
Nat also mentioned that mackerel have been hanging around the mouth of both the Essex and Ipswich rivers, but have been dispersing at times with no rhyme or reason. Fishing on Joppa Flats has been good, but you’ll have plenty of company so consider a location more off the beaten path.
***
Chris at Captains Fishing Parties on Plum Island reported good Cod and Haddock fishing over the last week on the full day trips with average pool fish in the 20 pound class; however a nice 38 pound cod was also landed. A few Pollock have also been landed on each trip, with a mix of Cusk and Wolfish. Dogfish have been tolerable. The full day boat leaves daily at 7:30 AM.
The half day boats leaving at 8:30 AM have done well fishing for Mackerel and have also been landing a few striped bass on each trip. Call 800-427-1333 for information or to make reservations.
***
The Plum Island Surfcasters monthly meeting on Tuesday June 15 will feature Ed Nowak of The Fisherman Magazine. His presentation, entitled “Fishing from Choice Launching Sites from Boston to Plum Island” should draw a large crowd.
The Plum Island Surfcasters is a club of about 250 recreational anglers. Club meetings are held every 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Newbury Fire Hall behind Newbury Town Hall. Doors open at 6:30 PM. with the meeting beginning at 7:30 PM.
If your interested in becoming a member, visit http://www.surfcaster.com/ or email me for information.
June 9, 2004
Port area fishing continues to improve however there have been some dry spells reported over the last week.
The Plum Island Point crowd continues to fish the mouth of the Merrimack and as usual the tides around the low produce best. Many keeper sized bass have come from the Point and both bait and artificial fishermen have done well. Clams, worms and cut bait on fish-finder rigs have worked well as have shad and herring imitation lures. Storm Wild Eye swim baits seem to be the rage this year, and I can see why having landed many stripers over the last few weeks with them.
Fly fishermen are doing well off the sand bar with fast sinking lines and sparsely tied herring and sand eel imitations.Surfcasters along the front beach on Plum Island have done well from the edge of the NWR all the way to the south jetty. Buck tail jigs and large shad imitations bounced on the bottom have produced nice fish, right up into the wash.
Boat fishermen have been plentiful from Badger Rocks to the Toothpick, with most anchoring just off the channel and drifting clams, worms or cut bait and landing decent sized fish. Unfortunately, some anglers anchor IN the channel, which is quite dangerous and not all that smart. Most of these anglers get the hint when a party boat goes by closely leaving a 5-foot wake in its path. Please don’t anchor in the channel.
Joppa Flats continues to produce numbers of striped bass for boat and wade fishermen. As at the Point, fly anglers do best with fast sinking lines and sand eel or herring imitations. Spin anglers using sluggos with light or no weight have done well on surface feeding bass. Top water plugs have also produced this past week. Try using a larger plug or fly to weed out the small guys!
Upriver, Deer Island has seen increasing fishing pressure over the last weeks as more fish have been landed by shore-bound anglers. Fishing near Eagle and Carr Islands has also been productive, but mostly for sub-legal bass. Rocks Village continues to produce good numbers of shad, with not too many fishermen targeting them.
***
Kay Moulton at Surfland Bait and Tackle on Plum Island reports good numbers of striped bass with some 30 pound fish being taken. Anglers do well at Plum Island Point on the bottom of the outgoing tide and beginning of the incoming tide.
Flounder have begun to appear with a few anglers landing several on worms. Kay reported a few bluefish catches over the last week, including a 10 pound chopper that was landed on Joppa Flats.
***
Nat at First Light Anglers on Main Street in Rowley reported decent fishing from Swampscott to Plum Island. According to Nat, “nothing outrageous”, but plenty of school sized bass being landed up in the rocks and in the rivers.
Nat also mentioned that mackerel have been hanging around the mouth of both the Essex and Ipswich rivers, but have been dispersing at times with no rhyme or reason. Fishing on Joppa Flats has been good, but you’ll have plenty of company so consider a location more off the beaten path.
***
Chris at Captains Fishing Parties on Plum Island reported good Cod and Haddock fishing over the last week on the full day trips with average pool fish in the 20 pound class; however a nice 38 pound cod was also landed. A few Pollock have also been landed on each trip, with a mix of Cusk and Wolfish. Dogfish have been tolerable. The full day boat leaves daily at 7:30 AM.
The half day boats leaving at 8:30 AM have done well fishing for Mackerel and have also been landing a few striped bass on each trip. Call 800-427-1333 for information or to make reservations.
***
The Plum Island Surfcasters monthly meeting on Tuesday June 15 will feature Ed Nowak of The Fisherman Magazine. His presentation, entitled “Fishing from Choice Launching Sites from Boston to Plum Island” should draw a large crowd.
The Plum Island Surfcasters is a club of about 250 recreational anglers. Club meetings are held every 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Newbury Fire Hall behind Newbury Town Hall. Doors open at 6:30 PM. with the meeting beginning at 7:30 PM.
If your interested in becoming a member, visit http://www.surfcaster.com/ or email me for information.
June 3, 2004
Fish Finder – 6/3/2004
Frank G. Dwyer
June 3, 2004
Marblehead: The Lead Mills Bridge area has fished well over the last week. Both bait and artificials have worked well on the moving tides. Reports from Devereaux Beach have also been good with both fly and spin anglers doing well. Large herring pattern flies do well, especially in the wind we’ve had over the last week.
Salem: Salem Harbor and the Danvers River continued to produce numbers of striped bass. Like most of the North Shore, mackerel are now readily available in the waters around Salem. Salem Willow Pier has been fishing well for mackerel with anglers using herring rigs and mackerel trees. Fish have also been to reported to be active in the North River.
Beverly: Striped Bass fishing continues to be good around Beverly. In addition, shore and boat fishermen have reported decent numbers of flounder being caught. These flatties enjoy the blood and sea worms that bait anglers have been tossing them. Clam strips are also popular bait. A small float on your line goes a long way in avoiding skates.
Cape Ann: Those large schools of mackerel and herring have made there way inshore and the bass have followed. Rockport and Manchester have reports of nice surface activity in the harbor and just off the beaches. Anglers fishing Singing Beach landed stripers and mackerel. Top Water plugs and gurgler flies have been taking nice bass. The Essex and Annisquam Rivers continue to have large numbers of striped bass, mostly in the 18” – 26” range. Shore Road in Magnolia has also had bass activity over the last week. Boat anglers off Halibut Point have done quite well in 90-120 feet of water with live mackerel. Cod and Haddock fishing continues to please both the party boat patrons and those recreational anglers who target them.
Ipswich: Pavillion and Steep Hill Beach were productive spots for anglers this past week. Several schools of fish were seen feeding on large sand eels, pushing them right up on to the beach. Fly anglers with sand eel imitations as well as larger streamer flies reported taken numbers of striped bass to 30 inches.
Newbury: Plum Island Sound continued to produce striped bass in numbers over Memorial Day weekend. Larger fish were landed this week as anglers increased the size of their bait and lures to weed out the smaller fish. The big fish should only continue to grow in numbers over the next few weeks. The Parker River continued to fish well for both shore and boat anglers, however larger fish are still the exception.
Newburyport / Plum Island: Herring and mackerel have both arrived in the Port and I personally followed several pods of striped bass on Joppa Flats over Memorial Day as they feasted on herring on the incoming tide. Larger fish are present now, with the largest on my watch going 13 lbs and 34 inches. Word from both the beach front and the river at Plum Island Point are that larger fish have also been landed over the past week. Fly rod anglers have been doing well on the sand bar at the mouth of the Merrimack River during the end of the outgoing and beginning of the incoming tide. While the Parker River NWR remains closed to anglers, there have been reports of fish being taken at Sandy Point. Cod and Haddock party boats are reporting good market sized fish with only a few dogfish starting to show up.
Salisbury: The river front at the State Reservation in Salisbury continued to produce nice numbers of striped bass over the past week. Anglers drifting sea-worms on a fish-finder rig have been doing well, as have those using cut bait and clams. I even spoke to one angler who landed numerous schoolies on a 3oz. Kastmaster lure, so it appears that you can add metal to your bag of tricks. The Salisbury ocean front has also been producing fish.
Seacoast, NH: Seabrook, Rye and Hampton have all seen fishing improve over the last week. Fish have been reported in the Taylor and Blackwater Rivers as well as Hampton Harbor. Surfcasters using cut bait (mackerel or herring) have done well along the Seacoast beaches on incoming tides.
June 3, 2004
Marblehead: The Lead Mills Bridge area has fished well over the last week. Both bait and artificials have worked well on the moving tides. Reports from Devereaux Beach have also been good with both fly and spin anglers doing well. Large herring pattern flies do well, especially in the wind we’ve had over the last week.
Salem: Salem Harbor and the Danvers River continued to produce numbers of striped bass. Like most of the North Shore, mackerel are now readily available in the waters around Salem. Salem Willow Pier has been fishing well for mackerel with anglers using herring rigs and mackerel trees. Fish have also been to reported to be active in the North River.
Beverly: Striped Bass fishing continues to be good around Beverly. In addition, shore and boat fishermen have reported decent numbers of flounder being caught. These flatties enjoy the blood and sea worms that bait anglers have been tossing them. Clam strips are also popular bait. A small float on your line goes a long way in avoiding skates.
Cape Ann: Those large schools of mackerel and herring have made there way inshore and the bass have followed. Rockport and Manchester have reports of nice surface activity in the harbor and just off the beaches. Anglers fishing Singing Beach landed stripers and mackerel. Top Water plugs and gurgler flies have been taking nice bass. The Essex and Annisquam Rivers continue to have large numbers of striped bass, mostly in the 18” – 26” range. Shore Road in Magnolia has also had bass activity over the last week. Boat anglers off Halibut Point have done quite well in 90-120 feet of water with live mackerel. Cod and Haddock fishing continues to please both the party boat patrons and those recreational anglers who target them.
Ipswich: Pavillion and Steep Hill Beach were productive spots for anglers this past week. Several schools of fish were seen feeding on large sand eels, pushing them right up on to the beach. Fly anglers with sand eel imitations as well as larger streamer flies reported taken numbers of striped bass to 30 inches.
Newbury: Plum Island Sound continued to produce striped bass in numbers over Memorial Day weekend. Larger fish were landed this week as anglers increased the size of their bait and lures to weed out the smaller fish. The big fish should only continue to grow in numbers over the next few weeks. The Parker River continued to fish well for both shore and boat anglers, however larger fish are still the exception.
Newburyport / Plum Island: Herring and mackerel have both arrived in the Port and I personally followed several pods of striped bass on Joppa Flats over Memorial Day as they feasted on herring on the incoming tide. Larger fish are present now, with the largest on my watch going 13 lbs and 34 inches. Word from both the beach front and the river at Plum Island Point are that larger fish have also been landed over the past week. Fly rod anglers have been doing well on the sand bar at the mouth of the Merrimack River during the end of the outgoing and beginning of the incoming tide. While the Parker River NWR remains closed to anglers, there have been reports of fish being taken at Sandy Point. Cod and Haddock party boats are reporting good market sized fish with only a few dogfish starting to show up.
Salisbury: The river front at the State Reservation in Salisbury continued to produce nice numbers of striped bass over the past week. Anglers drifting sea-worms on a fish-finder rig have been doing well, as have those using cut bait and clams. I even spoke to one angler who landed numerous schoolies on a 3oz. Kastmaster lure, so it appears that you can add metal to your bag of tricks. The Salisbury ocean front has also been producing fish.
Seacoast, NH: Seabrook, Rye and Hampton have all seen fishing improve over the last week. Fish have been reported in the Taylor and Blackwater Rivers as well as Hampton Harbor. Surfcasters using cut bait (mackerel or herring) have done well along the Seacoast beaches on incoming tides.
May 27, 2004
Fish Finder – 5/27/2004
Frank G. Dwyer
May 27, 2004
Marblehead: Marblehead Harbor has been producing striped bass for boat anglers and while the big fish have not shown in numbers, that should happen very soon. Castle Rock on Marblehead Neck has also been producing numbers of striped bass.
Salem: The Danvers River has been producing steady striped bass action on moving tides over the last week. Fly anglers tossing clouser minnow and deceiver patterns on sinking lines have been hooking up on a regular basis. Rubber shad and small metal lures have also been picking up fish. White Fuel Bridge has also been decent for spin anglers.
Beverly: Beverly Harbor and West Beach have both been choked with bait and hungry stripers. West Beach in particular has been hot over the past week with bait, birds and busting stripers. These fish were taking most any lure offered, but top water plugs and fast stripped herring flies seemed most popular. Kernwood Bridge and Ober Park are good spots to try as well.
Cape Ann: Large schools of mackerel and herring have been reported off shore this week and hopefully those schools will move closer to shore with bigger striped bass following them. Herring/Mackerel imitations as well as live or cut bait should both work well around Cape Ann. The start of the incoming tide on the Ipswich Bay side of the Annisquam River has also been a good spot for both shore and boat anglers. The Essex River is also producing nice numbers of striped bass. Singing Beach has been a hit for surfcasters in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Party boats report good numbers of Cod and Haddock on most trips.
Ipswich: Crane Beach and Pavillion Beach have both begun to heat up for anglers from shore. Bass feeding on the surface have been reported from both beaches over the last week and anglers using both fly and spin gear have done well.
Newbury: The Parker River at the Route 1A Bridge has produced nice numbers of bass on the incoming tide and the first part of the outgoing tide. Fly anglers are having luck with clousers, deceivers and crease fly’s, while spin anglers tossing both top water plugs and swimming lures have done well. The Plum Island Sound has also been home to several frenzied bass blitzes.
Newburyport / Plum Island: Fishing around Newburyport has picked up nicely over the last week. While big striped bass are still the exception, bigger fish should be moving in daily. The front beach has produced many striped bass for both spin and fly fishermen, while the ever popular Plum Island Point continues to produce fish for anglers using both artificials as well as bait. Clams and Sea worms are the bait of choice here. Joppa Flats continues to please both wade and boat fishermen on the outgoing tide. Charter trips have been returning with good numbers of Cod and Haddock, as well as a few Wolfish and Cusk.
Salisbury: Anglers fishing the Salsibury side off of Joppa Flats as well as the State Reservation have been doing well catching numbers of Striped Bass. Just as it is across the river, large fish are still not the norm, but things are certainly picking up. Boat anglers anchoring by the Toothpick and Badger Rocks have been doing well drifting clams.
Seacoast, NH: Seabrook, Rye and Hampton have all seen fishing improve over the last week. The Hampton River and the surrounding marshes have begun to fill in with striped bass. Hampton and Seabrook Harbor have also seen increasing schoolie action. Larger fish should make their way to these northern waters in the next few weeks.
May 26, 2004
Memorial Day Weekend Should Produce Larger Fish
Frank G. Dwyer
May 26, 2004
This past weekend I had two very different fishing trips in two days.
Saturday began with a cold, windy and rainy trip that ended early with few fish and two very wet anglers. The temperature on Joppa Flats was in the high 40’s with a steady chop in the early dawn hours. We managed some five striped bass in three hours, with the largest hitting the tape measure at 24 inches. All fish were landed on fly rods with fast sinking lines and herring imitation flies.
At 3AM on Sunday morning I was stirred from sleep by passing thunderstorms accompanied by brilliant lightning. I was thinking fishing in an hour and half might not be happening, but luckily that was not the case.
I was on the water by 5 AM, and as I passed under the Route 1 Bridge heading towards the mouth of the river, I was pleasantly surprised at how calm it was, especially when compared to the day before. The tide was outgoing at a good clip and it appeared to be a great day to drift the edge of Joppa Flats.
Appearances turned to reality as the boat eased under the Route 1 Bridge. Fish were actively feeding on the top from just under the bridge, all the way out to the Ice Breaker. I have been known to get frustrated with the fly rod and switching to spinning gear if the fly rod does not produce quickly enough for my taste. No worries on this morning as the first cast with the long wand, and many after that, produced fish.
Once I cleared the Ice Breaker, I motored to the edge of the channel and enjoyed many drifts on the fast moving outgoing current. Numerous fish were landed on each drift, with two fish over 30 inches landed. Hopefully bigger fish will soon start to become the rule and not the exception.
Sinking lines with olive and white clousers, and grey and white deceivers all worked well. Fast, one-handed stripping of the fly line seemed to work best, however this worked best after a 5-count to let the line sink a bit.
Mid-week brought more of the same as fish stayed up on Joppa Flats during high tide and for most of the outgoing tide. Once again drifting towards the mouth of the river, a sinking line and herring imitation fly provided hours of entertainment as striped bass devoured most flies offered to them.
***
When I visited with Kay Moulton at Surfland Bait and Tackle on Plum Island this past Wednesday, she said many anglers were having success at Plum Island Point on clams as well as buck tail jigs and sluggo type plastics.
The ocean front continued to produce fish and anglers using any number of methods have caught fish along the entire front beach. Kay said that while she’s selling lots of bait, there’s really no reason to use it this early in the season since most lures and flies will produce fish while the striped bass continue their spring feeding frenzy.
Top water lures are also attracting stripers and that can create surface strikes that are quite something to witness. Kay suggests both Stillwater and Creek Chub top water plugs, and I can attest that they were both working well this past Wednesday out on Joppa Flats
***
Nat at First Light Anglers on Main Street in Rowley reported excellent fishing up and down the coast. The river systems from the Annisquam to the Parker Rivers are all producing nice fish for both spin and fly anglers.
The morning outgoing tide at Crane’s Beach has produced some large fish mixed in with the smaller striped bass, with several mornings providing surface feeding bass.
Large schools of herring and mackerel have moved in off Cape Ann and there is hope that the somewhat slower paced fishing from Beverly to Gloucester will pick up very soon.
***
George at Captains Fishing Parties on Plum Island reports good cod and haddock fishing, with pool fish weighing from 16 to 30 pounds over the last week. Wolfish and cusk have also been caught on trips during the last week.
Daily trips will resume on Memorial Day weekend and run throughout the summer. It’s not a bad idea to make a reservation as the boats can fill up quickly. To do so, call 1-800-427-1333.
May 26, 2004
This past weekend I had two very different fishing trips in two days.
Saturday began with a cold, windy and rainy trip that ended early with few fish and two very wet anglers. The temperature on Joppa Flats was in the high 40’s with a steady chop in the early dawn hours. We managed some five striped bass in three hours, with the largest hitting the tape measure at 24 inches. All fish were landed on fly rods with fast sinking lines and herring imitation flies.
At 3AM on Sunday morning I was stirred from sleep by passing thunderstorms accompanied by brilliant lightning. I was thinking fishing in an hour and half might not be happening, but luckily that was not the case.
I was on the water by 5 AM, and as I passed under the Route 1 Bridge heading towards the mouth of the river, I was pleasantly surprised at how calm it was, especially when compared to the day before. The tide was outgoing at a good clip and it appeared to be a great day to drift the edge of Joppa Flats.
Appearances turned to reality as the boat eased under the Route 1 Bridge. Fish were actively feeding on the top from just under the bridge, all the way out to the Ice Breaker. I have been known to get frustrated with the fly rod and switching to spinning gear if the fly rod does not produce quickly enough for my taste. No worries on this morning as the first cast with the long wand, and many after that, produced fish.
Once I cleared the Ice Breaker, I motored to the edge of the channel and enjoyed many drifts on the fast moving outgoing current. Numerous fish were landed on each drift, with two fish over 30 inches landed. Hopefully bigger fish will soon start to become the rule and not the exception.
Sinking lines with olive and white clousers, and grey and white deceivers all worked well. Fast, one-handed stripping of the fly line seemed to work best, however this worked best after a 5-count to let the line sink a bit.
Mid-week brought more of the same as fish stayed up on Joppa Flats during high tide and for most of the outgoing tide. Once again drifting towards the mouth of the river, a sinking line and herring imitation fly provided hours of entertainment as striped bass devoured most flies offered to them.
***
When I visited with Kay Moulton at Surfland Bait and Tackle on Plum Island this past Wednesday, she said many anglers were having success at Plum Island Point on clams as well as buck tail jigs and sluggo type plastics.
The ocean front continued to produce fish and anglers using any number of methods have caught fish along the entire front beach. Kay said that while she’s selling lots of bait, there’s really no reason to use it this early in the season since most lures and flies will produce fish while the striped bass continue their spring feeding frenzy.
Top water lures are also attracting stripers and that can create surface strikes that are quite something to witness. Kay suggests both Stillwater and Creek Chub top water plugs, and I can attest that they were both working well this past Wednesday out on Joppa Flats
***
Nat at First Light Anglers on Main Street in Rowley reported excellent fishing up and down the coast. The river systems from the Annisquam to the Parker Rivers are all producing nice fish for both spin and fly anglers.
The morning outgoing tide at Crane’s Beach has produced some large fish mixed in with the smaller striped bass, with several mornings providing surface feeding bass.
Large schools of herring and mackerel have moved in off Cape Ann and there is hope that the somewhat slower paced fishing from Beverly to Gloucester will pick up very soon.
***
George at Captains Fishing Parties on Plum Island reports good cod and haddock fishing, with pool fish weighing from 16 to 30 pounds over the last week. Wolfish and cusk have also been caught on trips during the last week.
Daily trips will resume on Memorial Day weekend and run throughout the summer. It’s not a bad idea to make a reservation as the boats can fill up quickly. To do so, call 1-800-427-1333.
May 19, 2004
Just in Time, the Fish have Arrived in the Port
Frank G. Dwyer
May 19, 2004
While the fish have been resident in force around the Cape and Islands as well as the south shore for sometime now, our saltwater season here has really just started to get underway. School striped bass have been reported to have been caught in the Essex and Parker rivers, as well as the Merrimack this past week and with the warm weather heading our way, fishing in the Merrimack and other fishing haunts around the Port should bust wide open any day.
Earlier this past week found fish just above the Route 1 Bridge, right up to the Point Shores area. While the fish were not thick, they were spread over a wide area enjoying the warmer up-river waters. The windier days had the fish hugging the banks of the river and an offering of an albino sluggo on a small lead head seemed to be the preferred meal.
Mid-week, the fish were not quite as hungry up river so I tried my luck drifting the Joppa Flats area as well as the waters just off the basin on the outgoing tide. I picked up several small striped bass on each drift and on these mornings the fly rod out-fished the spinning gear by a 2 to 1 margin. Clouser Minnows in chartreuse and green as well as deceivers and small sand eel patterns all worked well, with most fish hitting the fly on the “drop back”.
Surfcasting along the ocean front has also yielded fish over the last week, with fish being caught from Atty. May’s all the way to the South Jetty. Metal and top-water lures as well as buck-tail jigs all proved worthy of catching fish.
***
When I visited Kay Moulton at Surfland Bait and Tackle on Plum Island this past Tuesday, she already had three “keepers” up on her photo board. One lucky angler scored a 24 lb. bass on the incoming tide on the ocean front.
Kay reports that shore fishermen have been doing well in the river at Plum Island point using worms and clams as well as artificial lures, with buck-tail jigs working best. The bottom half of the outgoing tide seems to be the best time at this spot.
Fly and Spin anglers wading on Joppa Flats have had success of late with top water lures from sliders to poppers. The aggressive spring schoolies are knocking them clean out of the water on some hits!
Surfland is open from 6am to 8pm weekdays and 5am to 8pm on weekends.
***
Nat Moody and Derek Springer, proprietors of First Light Anglers, have moved their store from Manchester-by-the-Sea to Main Street in Rowley. This is a good thing for Port area anglers, especially fly fishermen.
Nat and Derek are experienced fishermen who beyond providing a great store to shop in for all your fly fishing needs, are excellent fishing guides offering both shore and boat trips. In addition, they offer tuna charters come the fall, which is a real blast on the fly or light spinning tackle.
Derek reported good fishing in the Essex and Parker River as well as down by Crane’s Beach.
***
If you’d prefer some deep sea fishing, George at Captains Fishing Parties on Plum Island reports good Cod and Haddock fishing with the first mackerel trip scheduled for this coming Saturday.
Pool fish have weighed from a modest 13 pound wolfish to a hefty 42 pound cod caught last week. Plenty of market sized fish have been caught on each trip.
The trips run Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through May and move to a full seven day schedule come June. Night trips will also resume in June.
May 19, 2004
While the fish have been resident in force around the Cape and Islands as well as the south shore for sometime now, our saltwater season here has really just started to get underway. School striped bass have been reported to have been caught in the Essex and Parker rivers, as well as the Merrimack this past week and with the warm weather heading our way, fishing in the Merrimack and other fishing haunts around the Port should bust wide open any day.
Earlier this past week found fish just above the Route 1 Bridge, right up to the Point Shores area. While the fish were not thick, they were spread over a wide area enjoying the warmer up-river waters. The windier days had the fish hugging the banks of the river and an offering of an albino sluggo on a small lead head seemed to be the preferred meal.
Mid-week, the fish were not quite as hungry up river so I tried my luck drifting the Joppa Flats area as well as the waters just off the basin on the outgoing tide. I picked up several small striped bass on each drift and on these mornings the fly rod out-fished the spinning gear by a 2 to 1 margin. Clouser Minnows in chartreuse and green as well as deceivers and small sand eel patterns all worked well, with most fish hitting the fly on the “drop back”.
Surfcasting along the ocean front has also yielded fish over the last week, with fish being caught from Atty. May’s all the way to the South Jetty. Metal and top-water lures as well as buck-tail jigs all proved worthy of catching fish.
***
When I visited Kay Moulton at Surfland Bait and Tackle on Plum Island this past Tuesday, she already had three “keepers” up on her photo board. One lucky angler scored a 24 lb. bass on the incoming tide on the ocean front.
Kay reports that shore fishermen have been doing well in the river at Plum Island point using worms and clams as well as artificial lures, with buck-tail jigs working best. The bottom half of the outgoing tide seems to be the best time at this spot.
Fly and Spin anglers wading on Joppa Flats have had success of late with top water lures from sliders to poppers. The aggressive spring schoolies are knocking them clean out of the water on some hits!
Surfland is open from 6am to 8pm weekdays and 5am to 8pm on weekends.
***
Nat Moody and Derek Springer, proprietors of First Light Anglers, have moved their store from Manchester-by-the-Sea to Main Street in Rowley. This is a good thing for Port area anglers, especially fly fishermen.
Nat and Derek are experienced fishermen who beyond providing a great store to shop in for all your fly fishing needs, are excellent fishing guides offering both shore and boat trips. In addition, they offer tuna charters come the fall, which is a real blast on the fly or light spinning tackle.
Derek reported good fishing in the Essex and Parker River as well as down by Crane’s Beach.
***
If you’d prefer some deep sea fishing, George at Captains Fishing Parties on Plum Island reports good Cod and Haddock fishing with the first mackerel trip scheduled for this coming Saturday.
Pool fish have weighed from a modest 13 pound wolfish to a hefty 42 pound cod caught last week. Plenty of market sized fish have been caught on each trip.
The trips run Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through May and move to a full seven day schedule come June. Night trips will also resume in June.
April 19, 2004
Let's Get Ready to Fish
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
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.
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.
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