Frank Dwyer
September 15, 2005
The fishing has been great over the past week as most of the North Shore has been alive with bluefish and stripers furiously feeding along the coast. Hopefully this earlier than usual action will not signal an earlier Fall migration than usual.
This weekend, the Plum Island Surfcasters, Massachusetts Beach Buggy Association and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge welcome distance-casting champion Ron Arra for a fun morning of fishing for beginners and veterans alike. The event, called the “Beach Blast” will include instruction and demonstrations by Mr. Arra and their will be fishing rods for usage by those that don’t have their own. The event runs from sunrise to 1pm on Saturday, September 17 at Parking Lot 1 of the NWR.
Marblehead: (4 hooks) Fishing in Marblehead has been good as stripers and blues have been feeding in the harbor as well as around area beaches. Fly and spin anglers have found feeding schools of blues and bass off Devereuax Beach as well as from the Neck. Larger profile flies and popping plugs have worked best on these hungry fish.
Salem: (4 hooks) Bluefish and bass have been in Salem Harbor and anglers have had good luck getting both on the line. The Danvers River has been fishing quite well for shore anglers using chunk bait or clam strips, as well as boat anglers trolling tune-n-worm rigs.
Beverly: (4 hooks) Fly anglers have been catching a mix of blues and stripers at sunrise from West Beach. When the bluefish are biting in numbers, long-rodders do well using a piano wire leader to their fly allowing them to catch these toothy critters without sacrificing numerous flies. The Beverly Fishing Pier has yielded some big stripers to bait fishermen at night.
Cape Ann: (4 hooks) Manchester-by-the-Sea beaches have been hot for surfcasters as White Beach and Singing Beach have been providing good action for bluefish and striped bass. Bait anglers as well as those tossing plugs have done well. In Gloucester, the Annisquam has been alive with bass most mornings at sun up, while bluefish have been just outside the harbor, with some in the mid-teens being landed. Good Harbor and Wingaersheek Beaches have also been good destinations for fishermen. Tuna fever continues as many “footballs” from 30-100 pounds have been seen and landed by anglers off Halibut Point, Thachers Island and out on the Banks. The Essex River has also been providing steady action for bass and some blues closer to the mouth. Cod and Haddock fishing continues to please those in search of ground fish.
Ipswich: (4 hooks) Night fishing from Crane Beach has been quite good with fly anglers using large black flies and spin casters using pencil poppers or other popping plugs landing good sized bass. Bluefish have been at the mouth of the Ipswich River most mornings and have been taking most offerings.
Newbury: (4 hooks) The Plum Island Sound has also been very busy with fish and anglers in pursuit of both bass and blues. The Parker River has also been delivering more consistent action for fishermen in search of bass. The beaches on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge have seen consistent bluefish action close to shore early in the morning and good bass fishing at night.
Newburyport / Plum Island: (4 hooks) Bass have been feeding on top most mornings over the past week as the sun comes up. In the Back River as well as in Town Creek, schoolie bass—and some bigger ones too—have been taken on small popping plugs as well as sluggos. Drifting on Joppa Flats has been good on the outgoing tide as bass have been actively hitting flies, lures and bait. Anglers fishing from Plum Island Point have also had good bass action with some blues in the mix. The Plum Island beachfront has also had several near shore feeding frenzy’s from Plum Island Boulevard to the South Jetty. Party Boats have had great cod and haddock fishing over the past week.
Salisbury: (4 hooks) Much like the beaches of Newburyport, Salisbury Beach has also had some in-shore surface feeds allowing surfcasters to land blues and stripers. The State Reservation has also been attracting anglers who have been catching a mix of stripers and blues from the Merrimack on bait and lures.
Seacoast, NH: (4 hooks) The mouth of Hampton Harbor has had some decent surface feeds over the last week as blues and bass have been actively feeding on bunker. Rye Harbor and just outside has also seen surface feeds this week as the waters have been filled with bait. Further north, the waters around Newcastle have been full of bait and birds and good numbers of mostly school sized bass. In the Piscataqua, surface feeds have been seen near the Navy Yard as well as at the mouth of the River. Anglers taking the ride to the Isle of Shoals report large bluefish and some bass around the rocks.
September 15, 2005
September 9, 2005
Fishing Remains Strong
Frank Dwyer
September 9, 2005
Labor Day has come and gone and apparently the fish know it too. With plenty of bait in the water—especially peanut bunker—fish are on the move and beefing up for the migration south to come.
Striped bass and bluefish have come back in force over the last few weeks and most of the North Shore has been experiencing fantastic fishing action. Cod and Haddock catches have also been plentiful and tuna fever continues to persist.
Marblehead: (4 hooks) Good bass action for boat anglers around Tinker’s and Ram Island. Big bass have been slurping up large chunks of cut bait offered on the bottom. Surfcasters working from Devereux Beach have also reported good action for bass, again mostly on bait. Bluefish have also been taken all around Marblehead, especially off the Neck.
Salem: (4 hooks) Plenty of bait around Salem Harbor and there are big bluefish after them. Many hookups have been had around the Salem Harbor Islands and just outside the harbor. Bass have also been more active around Winter Island and for bait fishermen casting from Salem Willows Pier.
Beverly: (4 hooks) Early morning surface feeds have been happening off West Beach as stripers and blue corralled bait up against the beach. Large popping plugs, kastmasters or swimming plugs have all been landing fish. Fly anglers have been getting in on the action as well as the fish chase bunker closer to shore. Beverly Fishing Pier and the Danvers River continue to produce consistent bass action.
Cape Ann: (4 hooks) A few flounder have been taken around Manchester and Magnolia, but bluefish and bass have been much more cooperative with anglers around Cape Ann. Good Harbor in Gloucester has been home to several heart pounding blitzes this past week as bluefish and stripers boiled on top of the water devouring peanut bunker. The mouth of the Annisquam has been alive with bass and blues and anglers report many keeper-sized bass in the mix. Tuna continue to attract anglers like a Siren’s song and have been found off Thachers Island, Halibut Point and Jeffrey’s Ledge. The Essex River has also heated up, especially towards the mouth as bluefish and stripers wait for an easy meal. Cod and Haddock fishing remains very good for the Party Boat fleet.
Ipswich: (4 hooks) Crane Beach on the Trustees of Reservation property has been quite productive for fly and spin anglers. Near the mouth of the Ipswich River has seen an influx of bait and with that, stripers and bass in pursuit. Pavilion and Steep Hill Beaches are also yielding their fair amount of fish.
Newbury: (4 hooks) With full access available to walk-on and drive-on anglers, the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge beaches have been a popular destination over the last week. Bluefish have been taken close to shore quite consistently at first light and night anglers have been doing quite well for striped bass. Chunk baits, clams and eels have all landed keeper bass.
Newburyport / Plum Island: (4 hooks) Bluefish and Bass are readily available around the Port and anglers are feeling renewed after a somewhat slow August. Joppa Flats has been good for striped bass on moving tides from the American Yacht Club to Woodbridge Island. Bass have been feeding on the surface in the early morning hours from Newburyport Harbor out to Badgers Rocks.
Bluefish continue to be available for anglers from the mouth of the river and all along the Plum Island beachfront. Several surface feeds with birds overhead were seen over the last week, with boat and beach anglers reporting success. Anglers heading out in search of Tuna report good action off Cape Ann while the party boats continue to deliver good cod and haddock action to their patrons.
Salisbury: (4 hooks) Bluefish and Bass blitzes have been within reach of early morning anglers fishing from Salisbury Beach. Those anglers fishing the Merrimack from the shores of the State Reservation are still landing good numbers of bass and bluefish.
Seacoast, NH: (4 hooks) Fishing from Hampton to Portsmouth continues to impress anglers of all methods. Surfcasters working the shore line from Hampton to Rye report decent action from shore for bass and blues, especially around Odiorne Point. Pogies continue to reside around Portsmouth and Great Bay, and with that good amounts of striped bass and blues are available to boat and shore fishermen.
September 9, 2005
Labor Day has come and gone and apparently the fish know it too. With plenty of bait in the water—especially peanut bunker—fish are on the move and beefing up for the migration south to come.
Striped bass and bluefish have come back in force over the last few weeks and most of the North Shore has been experiencing fantastic fishing action. Cod and Haddock catches have also been plentiful and tuna fever continues to persist.
Marblehead: (4 hooks) Good bass action for boat anglers around Tinker’s and Ram Island. Big bass have been slurping up large chunks of cut bait offered on the bottom. Surfcasters working from Devereux Beach have also reported good action for bass, again mostly on bait. Bluefish have also been taken all around Marblehead, especially off the Neck.
Salem: (4 hooks) Plenty of bait around Salem Harbor and there are big bluefish after them. Many hookups have been had around the Salem Harbor Islands and just outside the harbor. Bass have also been more active around Winter Island and for bait fishermen casting from Salem Willows Pier.
Beverly: (4 hooks) Early morning surface feeds have been happening off West Beach as stripers and blue corralled bait up against the beach. Large popping plugs, kastmasters or swimming plugs have all been landing fish. Fly anglers have been getting in on the action as well as the fish chase bunker closer to shore. Beverly Fishing Pier and the Danvers River continue to produce consistent bass action.
Cape Ann: (4 hooks) A few flounder have been taken around Manchester and Magnolia, but bluefish and bass have been much more cooperative with anglers around Cape Ann. Good Harbor in Gloucester has been home to several heart pounding blitzes this past week as bluefish and stripers boiled on top of the water devouring peanut bunker. The mouth of the Annisquam has been alive with bass and blues and anglers report many keeper-sized bass in the mix. Tuna continue to attract anglers like a Siren’s song and have been found off Thachers Island, Halibut Point and Jeffrey’s Ledge. The Essex River has also heated up, especially towards the mouth as bluefish and stripers wait for an easy meal. Cod and Haddock fishing remains very good for the Party Boat fleet.
Ipswich: (4 hooks) Crane Beach on the Trustees of Reservation property has been quite productive for fly and spin anglers. Near the mouth of the Ipswich River has seen an influx of bait and with that, stripers and bass in pursuit. Pavilion and Steep Hill Beaches are also yielding their fair amount of fish.
Newbury: (4 hooks) With full access available to walk-on and drive-on anglers, the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge beaches have been a popular destination over the last week. Bluefish have been taken close to shore quite consistently at first light and night anglers have been doing quite well for striped bass. Chunk baits, clams and eels have all landed keeper bass.
Newburyport / Plum Island: (4 hooks) Bluefish and Bass are readily available around the Port and anglers are feeling renewed after a somewhat slow August. Joppa Flats has been good for striped bass on moving tides from the American Yacht Club to Woodbridge Island. Bass have been feeding on the surface in the early morning hours from Newburyport Harbor out to Badgers Rocks.
Bluefish continue to be available for anglers from the mouth of the river and all along the Plum Island beachfront. Several surface feeds with birds overhead were seen over the last week, with boat and beach anglers reporting success. Anglers heading out in search of Tuna report good action off Cape Ann while the party boats continue to deliver good cod and haddock action to their patrons.Salisbury: (4 hooks) Bluefish and Bass blitzes have been within reach of early morning anglers fishing from Salisbury Beach. Those anglers fishing the Merrimack from the shores of the State Reservation are still landing good numbers of bass and bluefish.
Seacoast, NH: (4 hooks) Fishing from Hampton to Portsmouth continues to impress anglers of all methods. Surfcasters working the shore line from Hampton to Rye report decent action from shore for bass and blues, especially around Odiorne Point. Pogies continue to reside around Portsmouth and Great Bay, and with that good amounts of striped bass and blues are available to boat and shore fishermen.
September 2, 2005
Labor Day Should be Fun for Anglers
Frank Dwyer
September 2, 2005
Labor Day Weekend is here and it certainly feels like it on the water. Even with the heat and humidity earlier in the week, there has been plenty of bait in the waters around the North Shore and no shortage of fish feeding on that bait.
Fishing from Marblehead to Portsmouth will only get better from here on out as we approach the dreaded fall migration which signals the beginning of the end of our saltwater fishing season. That said; get out there now as the best fishing of the season is yet to come!
Marblehead: (4 hooks) Striped bass fishing has improved over the last week as anglers report good action from the beaches and on the Neck near the lighthouse. Spin anglers using mid-sized plugs like Skitter Pops have done well, as have fly fishermen with poppers and sliders. Devereaux Beach has been home to several surface feeds as stripers chase peanut bunker.
Salem: (4 hooks) Salem Sound has been full of bait and with that has been home to several surface feeds over the past week with a mix of blues and striped bass foraging on peanut bunker. When the fish are feeding like this, you can’t go wrong with most poppers, metals or swimming plugs while fly anglers will have most offerings devoured. Fishing from Winter Island and Salem Willows Pier continues to produce good numbers of bass.
Beverly: (4 hooks) Fishing for bass in the Danvers River has been good for anglers from both boat and shore. Bait casters using chunks, clams and worms near the Salem/Beverly Bridge have been landing good numbers of bass. Anglers fishing just off West Beach have seen a number of surface feeds over the last week.
Cape Ann: (4 hooks) While flounder fishing has declined as of late, bass fishing has picked up nicely as peanut bunker have invaded the Cape. Manchester Harbor and the beaches of Manchester have seen several bass and blue surface feeds this week as both fly and spin anglers reported good catches. In Gloucester, the fishing has been quite good for bass, blues and school bluefin tuna. Bass have been more active in the Annisquam this past week and surface feeds have been reported off Brace Cove, Cape Hedge and Milk Island. Tuna fever continues as anglers have found tuna in the 30-100 pound range off Thachers Island and Halibut Point. Fishing off Rockport has also been quite consistent with bass and blues being taken from Pebble Beach, while the Essex River has been heating up with several surface feeds at the mouth this past week. Inshore cod action has slowed, but Party Boats have been returning with good numbers of cod and haddock.
Ipswich: (4 hooks) Crane Beach has been good for shore bound anglers as bass and blues have been corralling peanut bunker just off the beach. Anglers hovering near the mouth of the Ipswich River have seen many surface feeds this past week and many have said it certainly feels later in the season than the calendar says. Pavilion Beach has also had its fair share of fish taken from its shores.
Newbury: (4 hooks) Good news for the beach buggy crowd as September 1 was opening day for drive-on access to the beaches of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Permits can be purchased at the gate house or at the Reservations headquarters and all the typical gear is required to gain drive-on privileges. All beaches at the reservation are now open and reports have good fishing from the shore for bluefish and bass.
Newburyport / Plum Island: (4 hooks) Newburyport anglers have been pleasantly surprised with an up-tick in action over the past week.
Surface feeds have been seen from just off Cashman’s Park to the mouth of the river. Joppa Flats has been quite active with many sub-legal fish being taken by spin and fly anglers alike. Bluefish have ventured onto the flats a bit more this week, so don’t be surprised if you get cut off. Fishing from Plum Island Point and the front beach on Plum Island has been quite good as bluefish and striped bass activity has increased this past week. Fishermen trolling for bluefish from just outside the mouth all the way down to Emerson Rocks have seen plenty of hook ups. Anglers leaving from Newburyport in search of tuna have found them off Cape Ann, specifically off Thachers Island and around Halibut Point. Cod and Haddock catches remain plentiful for the Party Boats.
Salisbury: (4 hooks) Surfcasters will be happy that Labor Day Weekend is typically the last big beach weekend, thereby freeing up Salisbury Beach just in time for autumn. Bass and Bluefish have been taken by anglers working the beachfront just before dawn, with bluefish and stripers venturing into the wash in search of bait. The State Reservation continues to produce good numbers of bass and blues for those who like to fish with plenty of company.
Seacoast, NH: (4 hooks) Fishing around the mouth of Hampton Harbor has seen an increase in bass and bluefish activity as both spin and fly anglers have reported good action. Further north, fishing the beaches from North Hampton to Rye has also proven productive for anglers casting for bass and blues. The Piscataqua has been fishing somewhat slowly, however there have been a few surface blitzes at the mouth. Further offshore, cod and haddock fishing around the Isle of Shoals has been very good.
September 2, 2005
Labor Day Weekend is here and it certainly feels like it on the water. Even with the heat and humidity earlier in the week, there has been plenty of bait in the waters around the North Shore and no shortage of fish feeding on that bait.
Fishing from Marblehead to Portsmouth will only get better from here on out as we approach the dreaded fall migration which signals the beginning of the end of our saltwater fishing season. That said; get out there now as the best fishing of the season is yet to come!
Marblehead: (4 hooks) Striped bass fishing has improved over the last week as anglers report good action from the beaches and on the Neck near the lighthouse. Spin anglers using mid-sized plugs like Skitter Pops have done well, as have fly fishermen with poppers and sliders. Devereaux Beach has been home to several surface feeds as stripers chase peanut bunker.
Salem: (4 hooks) Salem Sound has been full of bait and with that has been home to several surface feeds over the past week with a mix of blues and striped bass foraging on peanut bunker. When the fish are feeding like this, you can’t go wrong with most poppers, metals or swimming plugs while fly anglers will have most offerings devoured. Fishing from Winter Island and Salem Willows Pier continues to produce good numbers of bass.
Beverly: (4 hooks) Fishing for bass in the Danvers River has been good for anglers from both boat and shore. Bait casters using chunks, clams and worms near the Salem/Beverly Bridge have been landing good numbers of bass. Anglers fishing just off West Beach have seen a number of surface feeds over the last week.
Cape Ann: (4 hooks) While flounder fishing has declined as of late, bass fishing has picked up nicely as peanut bunker have invaded the Cape. Manchester Harbor and the beaches of Manchester have seen several bass and blue surface feeds this week as both fly and spin anglers reported good catches. In Gloucester, the fishing has been quite good for bass, blues and school bluefin tuna. Bass have been more active in the Annisquam this past week and surface feeds have been reported off Brace Cove, Cape Hedge and Milk Island. Tuna fever continues as anglers have found tuna in the 30-100 pound range off Thachers Island and Halibut Point. Fishing off Rockport has also been quite consistent with bass and blues being taken from Pebble Beach, while the Essex River has been heating up with several surface feeds at the mouth this past week. Inshore cod action has slowed, but Party Boats have been returning with good numbers of cod and haddock.
Ipswich: (4 hooks) Crane Beach has been good for shore bound anglers as bass and blues have been corralling peanut bunker just off the beach. Anglers hovering near the mouth of the Ipswich River have seen many surface feeds this past week and many have said it certainly feels later in the season than the calendar says. Pavilion Beach has also had its fair share of fish taken from its shores.
Newbury: (4 hooks) Good news for the beach buggy crowd as September 1 was opening day for drive-on access to the beaches of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Permits can be purchased at the gate house or at the Reservations headquarters and all the typical gear is required to gain drive-on privileges. All beaches at the reservation are now open and reports have good fishing from the shore for bluefish and bass.
Newburyport / Plum Island: (4 hooks) Newburyport anglers have been pleasantly surprised with an up-tick in action over the past week.
Surface feeds have been seen from just off Cashman’s Park to the mouth of the river. Joppa Flats has been quite active with many sub-legal fish being taken by spin and fly anglers alike. Bluefish have ventured onto the flats a bit more this week, so don’t be surprised if you get cut off. Fishing from Plum Island Point and the front beach on Plum Island has been quite good as bluefish and striped bass activity has increased this past week. Fishermen trolling for bluefish from just outside the mouth all the way down to Emerson Rocks have seen plenty of hook ups. Anglers leaving from Newburyport in search of tuna have found them off Cape Ann, specifically off Thachers Island and around Halibut Point. Cod and Haddock catches remain plentiful for the Party Boats.Salisbury: (4 hooks) Surfcasters will be happy that Labor Day Weekend is typically the last big beach weekend, thereby freeing up Salisbury Beach just in time for autumn. Bass and Bluefish have been taken by anglers working the beachfront just before dawn, with bluefish and stripers venturing into the wash in search of bait. The State Reservation continues to produce good numbers of bass and blues for those who like to fish with plenty of company.
Seacoast, NH: (4 hooks) Fishing around the mouth of Hampton Harbor has seen an increase in bass and bluefish activity as both spin and fly anglers have reported good action. Further north, fishing the beaches from North Hampton to Rye has also proven productive for anglers casting for bass and blues. The Piscataqua has been fishing somewhat slowly, however there have been a few surface blitzes at the mouth. Further offshore, cod and haddock fishing around the Isle of Shoals has been very good.
August 26, 2005
August Dwindles and the Fall Migration Looms
Frank Dwyer
August 26, 2005
As the waning days of August come to an end, the fishing action seems to be slowly improving, almost signaling the beginning of the fall migration. While still a few weeks away from the frenzy that is the fall migration, fishing has certainly improved from a few weeks ago.
A wide array of fish are available for anglers to target, with good table fare like Fluke and Flounder readily available and game fish like Tuna and Striped Bass all available for the taking.
Marblehead: (3 hooks) Fishing from shore has improved for surfcasters as both striped bass and bluefish have been taken from area beaches. Fly fishermen using fast sinking lines along the rocky coastline on the Neck have also taken decent numbers of striped bass.
Salem: (4 hooks)There have been good numbers of bass in Salem Harbor this week, with several early morning feeds as bass chased peanut bunker to the surface. Bigger fish have been taken by the outer islands as plugs, tube-n-worm and bait have all been attracting keeper sized bass. Bluefish continue to remain all around Salem.
Beverly: (3 hooks) No shortage of bass and bluefish along the Beverly coast as fishermen from shore and boat report decent action with striped bass and bluefish. Fishing the Danvers River has continued to produce good numbers of bass, with some nice sized keepers in the mix especially at night. Bluefish continue to wreak havoc and take just about any offering.
Cape Ann: (4 hooks) The mouth of Manchester Harbor continues to produce good numbers of flounder. Bluefish and stripers are also in the mix at the mouth and along the Manchester and Magnolia coast as both spin and fly anglers report an up-tick in activity. Fishing the deeper holes in the Annisquam has yielded bigger fish this past week, mostly for chunk fishermen. Bluefish continue to remain just outside the breakwater and Tuna fever is in full swing as anglers patrol Tillies and Jefferies in search of these speedsters. Party boats continue to produce excellent numbers of cod and haddock. The Essex Estuary has seen better numbers of stripers in the past week for both fly and spin anglers.
Ipswich: (3 hooks) Bass and blues continue to be taken by anglers in Ipswich. Plum Island Sound and the inner part of Ipswich Bay provide a healthy mix of striped bass and bluefish for anglers. Shore fishing has not been as productive as for those in boats, but anglers continue to try their luck from Pavilion, Crane and Steep Hill beaches.
Newbury: (3 hooks) Anglers fishing the southern end of Plum Island have reported decent action for striped bass and bluefish from the beaches at the Parker River NWR. Parking Lot’s 1, 6 and 7 have all yielded fish with stripers and bluefish taking bait, plugs and metal. While not breathtaking, the action has certainly improved.
Newburyport / Plum Island: (3 hooks) Striped bass fishing around Newburyport has been somewhat spotty over the last week, however decent fish have been found by persistent anglers from the Route 95 Bridge to the mouth of the Merrimack and beyond. Drifting Joppa on the outgoing tide from the American Yacht Club moorings out towards Woodbridge Island has yielded schoolie size bass for both fly and spin anglers. Bait anglers continue to land fish from Plum Island Point, mostly on bait. Bluefish continue to be landed from the mouth of the river and all along the Plum Island Beachfront. Fluke have been taken just outside the mouth of the Merrimack, near Ben Butler’s toothpick, as well as upriver by the Ice Breaker.
Salisbury: (3 hooks) Bass and bluefish continue to be the order of the day for anglers fishing from the State Reservation in Salisbury. Anglers fishing from the Jetty have reported bigger bluefish—to 12 pounds—just inside the mouth of the river.
Seacoast, NH: (3 hooks) Just outside Hampton Harbor has seen a good mix of striped bass and bluefish. The beaches off 1A in Rye have also been quite productive for bass fishermen as larger bass have been working bait close to sure, especially at night. Pogies have been in the waters around Portsmouth and using this fresh bait when possible has been landing keeper sized bass for bait fishermen. Bass and Bluefish have been reported from the New Castle Bridge as well as by Fort Foster.
August 19, 2005
No reason to complain
Frank Dwyer
August 19, 2005
While the fishing is not tremendous—and never is this time of year—there are plenty of opportunities for North Shore anglers to wet a line and land a fish.
Striped Bass continue to be caught from Marblehead to Portsmouth, with most large fish still being taken at night. Bluefish remain in large numbers in our area while tuna have been a hit or miss proposition.
Marblehead: (3 hooks) There are plenty of bluefish swimming the waters in and around Marblehead, most in the 3-7 pound range. Boat anglers report stripers hanging around in pods just outside of the Neck, with many keeper size bass being taken on chunk baits as well as large p
lugs. Fly anglers report slower action, which is normal for this time of year. Surfcaster report decent action on clams, worms and cut bait from Devereaux Beach. Flounder fishing seems to be on the upturn, especially just outside the Harbor.
Salem: (3 hooks) Bass seem to be on the move quite often lately as a hot location one day is not so hot the next. Pogies can still be found early in the morning in Salem Harbor and live-lining this striper favorite will increase your chances of hooking a big one dramatically. Bluefish remain in good numbers in and just outside the Harbor, with anglers trolling large, deep swimming lures doing quite well.
Beverly: (3 hooks) The action for bass at the Salem/Beverly Bridge has been somewhat sporadic as anglers fishing with clam strips and tube-n-worm rigs report moderate success for bass to 35 inches. Anglers fishing from boats off West Beach and around the islands report decent action for bass, especially in low-light hours. Tube-N-Worm, cut bait and large popping plugs have all been attracting fish.
Cape Ann: (3 hooks) Surfcasting from White and Singing Beaches in Manchester has been more productive over the last week as anglers report good action for both bluefish and striped bass. Flounder catches have increased for anglers drifting sea-worms near the mouth of Manchester Harbor. Some herring remain in the harbor. Fishing from the beaches in Gloucester, surfcasters also report good action, mostly on worms, cut bait and clams. Boat anglers have been having good luck for bass in the 20-30 pound range in the deeper waters off Halibut Point. Bluefish remain numerous all around the Cape. School Bluefin Tuna have been reported from just east of Thachers Island, out to Tillies and Stellwagen. Trolling covers more water, but if you get the chance, casting plugs and jigs into fish on top can also provide a hook up. The Essex River has seen decent action for school-sized bass over the last week, but no large fish to report. Good numbers of Cod and Haddock reported for those who like to get out on the Party Boats.
Ipswich: (3 hooks) Bluefish and striped bass have been caught in better numbers this past week in and at the mouth of the Ipswich River. Some nice surface feeds have been reported with bluefish and stripers churning up the water and taking both plugs and surface twitched plastics. Fly fishermen report slower fishing from the shores of Crane and Steep Hill Beach, with fast sinking lines and larger flies only registering an occasional hit.
Newbury: (3 hooks) With the additional beach front to work with, anglers have reported decent action for both bass and blues from the beaches at parking lots 6 and 7 at the Plum Island National Wildlife Refuge. Early morning has been good for top water plug action as stripers and bass have both been cooperative.
Newburyport / Plum Island: (3 hooks) Bass have been cooperating around Newburyport, but mostly for anglers out at night. Bluefish have been in quite thick around Newburyport with the choppers venturing further onto Joppa Flats than in weeks past. Several times this week I was cut off when fishing for stripers on Joppa. Some of the bluefish have become quite large as they have fed over the last few weeks and some bluefish in the 15 pound range have been taken. Fishing from Plum Island Point continues to be somewhat sporadic; however decent fish continue to be caught every day, mostly on bait. Outside the mouth of the Merrimack, larger bluefish have been falling for large, trolled swimming plugs, as well as popping plugs twitched on the surface. Fishermen in search of Tuna report decent sightings but sporadic hook ups for bluefin tuna. Cod and Haddock fishing remains strong.
Salisbury: (3 hooks) Surfcasters fishing from the State Reservation have landed a mix of bluefish and stripers over the last week. Most fish have been attracted to bait much more so than lures, with clams and worms working best. Some anglers have been having success with bluefish by casting Kastmaster’s and other metals from the Jetty and Salisbury Beach.
Seacoast, NH: (3 hooks) Like much of our coastline, fishing from Seabrook to Portsmouth has been fairly consistent for bluefish and somewhat more sporadic for striped bass. Larger bluefish and striped bass have been reported around the Isle of Shoals and there has been a few feeding frenzy’s reported just outside Hampton Harbor over the last week. The Piscataqua has been somewhat slow for bass, but bluefish have been active just outside the mouth.
August 19, 2005
While the fishing is not tremendous—and never is this time of year—there are plenty of opportunities for North Shore anglers to wet a line and land a fish.
Striped Bass continue to be caught from Marblehead to Portsmouth, with most large fish still being taken at night. Bluefish remain in large numbers in our area while tuna have been a hit or miss proposition.
Marblehead: (3 hooks) There are plenty of bluefish swimming the waters in and around Marblehead, most in the 3-7 pound range. Boat anglers report stripers hanging around in pods just outside of the Neck, with many keeper size bass being taken on chunk baits as well as large p
lugs. Fly anglers report slower action, which is normal for this time of year. Surfcaster report decent action on clams, worms and cut bait from Devereaux Beach. Flounder fishing seems to be on the upturn, especially just outside the Harbor.Salem: (3 hooks) Bass seem to be on the move quite often lately as a hot location one day is not so hot the next. Pogies can still be found early in the morning in Salem Harbor and live-lining this striper favorite will increase your chances of hooking a big one dramatically. Bluefish remain in good numbers in and just outside the Harbor, with anglers trolling large, deep swimming lures doing quite well.
Beverly: (3 hooks) The action for bass at the Salem/Beverly Bridge has been somewhat sporadic as anglers fishing with clam strips and tube-n-worm rigs report moderate success for bass to 35 inches. Anglers fishing from boats off West Beach and around the islands report decent action for bass, especially in low-light hours. Tube-N-Worm, cut bait and large popping plugs have all been attracting fish.
Cape Ann: (3 hooks) Surfcasting from White and Singing Beaches in Manchester has been more productive over the last week as anglers report good action for both bluefish and striped bass. Flounder catches have increased for anglers drifting sea-worms near the mouth of Manchester Harbor. Some herring remain in the harbor. Fishing from the beaches in Gloucester, surfcasters also report good action, mostly on worms, cut bait and clams. Boat anglers have been having good luck for bass in the 20-30 pound range in the deeper waters off Halibut Point. Bluefish remain numerous all around the Cape. School Bluefin Tuna have been reported from just east of Thachers Island, out to Tillies and Stellwagen. Trolling covers more water, but if you get the chance, casting plugs and jigs into fish on top can also provide a hook up. The Essex River has seen decent action for school-sized bass over the last week, but no large fish to report. Good numbers of Cod and Haddock reported for those who like to get out on the Party Boats.
Ipswich: (3 hooks) Bluefish and striped bass have been caught in better numbers this past week in and at the mouth of the Ipswich River. Some nice surface feeds have been reported with bluefish and stripers churning up the water and taking both plugs and surface twitched plastics. Fly fishermen report slower fishing from the shores of Crane and Steep Hill Beach, with fast sinking lines and larger flies only registering an occasional hit.
Newbury: (3 hooks) With the additional beach front to work with, anglers have reported decent action for both bass and blues from the beaches at parking lots 6 and 7 at the Plum Island National Wildlife Refuge. Early morning has been good for top water plug action as stripers and bass have both been cooperative.
Newburyport / Plum Island: (3 hooks) Bass have been cooperating around Newburyport, but mostly for anglers out at night. Bluefish have been in quite thick around Newburyport with the choppers venturing further onto Joppa Flats than in weeks past. Several times this week I was cut off when fishing for stripers on Joppa. Some of the bluefish have become quite large as they have fed over the last few weeks and some bluefish in the 15 pound range have been taken. Fishing from Plum Island Point continues to be somewhat sporadic; however decent fish continue to be caught every day, mostly on bait. Outside the mouth of the Merrimack, larger bluefish have been falling for large, trolled swimming plugs, as well as popping plugs twitched on the surface. Fishermen in search of Tuna report decent sightings but sporadic hook ups for bluefin tuna. Cod and Haddock fishing remains strong.
Salisbury: (3 hooks) Surfcasters fishing from the State Reservation have landed a mix of bluefish and stripers over the last week. Most fish have been attracted to bait much more so than lures, with clams and worms working best. Some anglers have been having success with bluefish by casting Kastmaster’s and other metals from the Jetty and Salisbury Beach.
Seacoast, NH: (3 hooks) Like much of our coastline, fishing from Seabrook to Portsmouth has been fairly consistent for bluefish and somewhat more sporadic for striped bass. Larger bluefish and striped bass have been reported around the Isle of Shoals and there has been a few feeding frenzy’s reported just outside Hampton Harbor over the last week. The Piscataqua has been somewhat slow for bass, but bluefish have been active just outside the mouth.
August 12, 2005
Stripers a bit Finicky
Frank Dwyer
August 12, 2005
The summer heat has pushed many of the striped bass in our area to deeper water as they seek relief from the heated shallow waters of the North Shore. Bass have been much more active at night; however the next few weeks will see a resurgence of bass activity as the beginning of the fall migration approaches. Bluefish remain ever present, while cod, haddock and school bluefin tuna remain in good numbers.
Mark your calendars, as the Third Annual Leo Almeida Memorial North Shore Striped Bass Tournament will be held Labor Day weekend. Last year 350 anglers entered and $3,500 was raised for three North Shore food pantries, the Cape Ann Food Pantry in Gloucester, Our Neighbor’s Table in Amesbury, and the Danvers People to People pantry. For full details, visit http://www.northshorestriper.com/
Marblehead: (3 hooks) Fishing the beaches in Marblehead has slowed as the waters have warmed to a near season high. Fishing around the Neck has been more productive than the beaches as anglers look for deeper holes near rocky structure. Bluefish remain active around most of Marblehead.
Salem: (3 hooks) Bluefish have been both inside and outside of the harbor in Salem and anglers targeting them with light spinning gear and fly rods have been having a ball with fish ranging from 3- 12 pounds. Stripers have been reacting to the heating waters and moving to deeper environs, however night anglers have reported success with chunk bait off Winter Island.
Beverly: (3 hooks) Fishing in and around Beverly has been somewhat slow in the daylight hour’s, however bluefish and flounder have been taken in the sunlight by persistent anglers. Fishing the Beverly Fishing Pier at night has produced good results for anglers finding the right tide at night. Boaters around Bakers and Misery Island report good bass action at night.
Cape Ann: (3 hooks) Things have slowed for surfcasters off Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea, with only sporadic action reported over the last week. The same story is being heard in Gloucester as well as surfcasters struggle to find decent action for striped bass. Bluefish remain plentiful, but most seem to be out of the casting distance of shore bound anglers. The big attraction for anglers with boats that can travel some distance are the good numbers of school bluefin tuna that are being caught about 10 miles off Thachers Island. Tuna have been taken by anglers trolling Green Machines and casting metal jigs and even tossing chunk baits. You’ll need at least 30 pound test and 300 yard capacity or a 12 weight fly rod to have a shot of landing these fish. Rockport and Essex striped bass fishing has slowed as well, with bluefish remaining the more prevalent catch this past week. Party boats continue to please their customers with good numbers of cod, haddock, cusk and wolfish.
Ipswich: (3 hooks) Fishing from the beaches of Ipswich has been slow for anglers casting from shore. Many bluefish have been hanging around the mouth of the Ipswich River with a few striped bass in the mix. Pavilion, Crane and Steep Hill beach continue to produce for anglers willing to get out in the dark of the night.
Newbury: (3 hooks) Fishermen have gained additional real estate to work with on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge as parking lots one, six and seven are now open and ready for anglers to wet a line. Some reports of decent striped bass catches in the early morning hours, with seaworms and cut bait working best. The Plum Island Sound has also gotten better over the last few weeks with both striped bass and bluefish catches reported.
Newburyport / Plum Island: (3 hooks) Fish have been finicky around Newburyport this week, even at night. Slurping bass have been on top working small bait fish from the central waterfront right out to the Toothpick.
While most of the fish are small, some bigger fish have been in the mix, but most remain quite temperamental with plenty of bait and lure offerings going untouched. The Point continues to attract throngs of anglers, but most of the fish of any size are coming at night. Bluefish remain present from the mouth of the Merrimack and along most of the Newburyport beachfront. Some flounder catches have been had over the past week but are not as plentiful in weeks past. Many anglers have been heading out into Ipswich Bay in search of the school bluefin tuna that have started to populate our waters. Cod and Haddock Party Boats continue to please anglers with good market-sized catches.
Salisbury: (3 hooks) Some bluefish have been taken by surfcasters off Salisbury beach, most just after sunrise. Large plugs, Kastmasters, Rangers or Ballistic Missiles should do the trick. Bass fishing has slowed from the beach, but some bass are still hanging around the Merrimack with anglers fishing the jetty and State Reservation having limited success.
Seacoast, NH: (3 hooks) Striped Bass fishing from Seabrook to Portsmouth has also seen a slow down mostly driven by rising water temperatures. Anglers need to find deeper holes, or head out at night to increase their chances. Big bluefish have been carousing off the Isle of Shoals as well as some bigger striped bass hanging around the cooler rocky structure. The Piscataqua and Great Bay area have also seen a slow down in fishing activity.
August 12, 2005
The summer heat has pushed many of the striped bass in our area to deeper water as they seek relief from the heated shallow waters of the North Shore. Bass have been much more active at night; however the next few weeks will see a resurgence of bass activity as the beginning of the fall migration approaches. Bluefish remain ever present, while cod, haddock and school bluefin tuna remain in good numbers.
Mark your calendars, as the Third Annual Leo Almeida Memorial North Shore Striped Bass Tournament will be held Labor Day weekend. Last year 350 anglers entered and $3,500 was raised for three North Shore food pantries, the Cape Ann Food Pantry in Gloucester, Our Neighbor’s Table in Amesbury, and the Danvers People to People pantry. For full details, visit http://www.northshorestriper.com/
Marblehead: (3 hooks) Fishing the beaches in Marblehead has slowed as the waters have warmed to a near season high. Fishing around the Neck has been more productive than the beaches as anglers look for deeper holes near rocky structure. Bluefish remain active around most of Marblehead.
Salem: (3 hooks) Bluefish have been both inside and outside of the harbor in Salem and anglers targeting them with light spinning gear and fly rods have been having a ball with fish ranging from 3- 12 pounds. Stripers have been reacting to the heating waters and moving to deeper environs, however night anglers have reported success with chunk bait off Winter Island.
Beverly: (3 hooks) Fishing in and around Beverly has been somewhat slow in the daylight hour’s, however bluefish and flounder have been taken in the sunlight by persistent anglers. Fishing the Beverly Fishing Pier at night has produced good results for anglers finding the right tide at night. Boaters around Bakers and Misery Island report good bass action at night.
Cape Ann: (3 hooks) Things have slowed for surfcasters off Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea, with only sporadic action reported over the last week. The same story is being heard in Gloucester as well as surfcasters struggle to find decent action for striped bass. Bluefish remain plentiful, but most seem to be out of the casting distance of shore bound anglers. The big attraction for anglers with boats that can travel some distance are the good numbers of school bluefin tuna that are being caught about 10 miles off Thachers Island. Tuna have been taken by anglers trolling Green Machines and casting metal jigs and even tossing chunk baits. You’ll need at least 30 pound test and 300 yard capacity or a 12 weight fly rod to have a shot of landing these fish. Rockport and Essex striped bass fishing has slowed as well, with bluefish remaining the more prevalent catch this past week. Party boats continue to please their customers with good numbers of cod, haddock, cusk and wolfish.
Ipswich: (3 hooks) Fishing from the beaches of Ipswich has been slow for anglers casting from shore. Many bluefish have been hanging around the mouth of the Ipswich River with a few striped bass in the mix. Pavilion, Crane and Steep Hill beach continue to produce for anglers willing to get out in the dark of the night.
Newbury: (3 hooks) Fishermen have gained additional real estate to work with on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge as parking lots one, six and seven are now open and ready for anglers to wet a line. Some reports of decent striped bass catches in the early morning hours, with seaworms and cut bait working best. The Plum Island Sound has also gotten better over the last few weeks with both striped bass and bluefish catches reported.
Newburyport / Plum Island: (3 hooks) Fish have been finicky around Newburyport this week, even at night. Slurping bass have been on top working small bait fish from the central waterfront right out to the Toothpick.
While most of the fish are small, some bigger fish have been in the mix, but most remain quite temperamental with plenty of bait and lure offerings going untouched. The Point continues to attract throngs of anglers, but most of the fish of any size are coming at night. Bluefish remain present from the mouth of the Merrimack and along most of the Newburyport beachfront. Some flounder catches have been had over the past week but are not as plentiful in weeks past. Many anglers have been heading out into Ipswich Bay in search of the school bluefin tuna that have started to populate our waters. Cod and Haddock Party Boats continue to please anglers with good market-sized catches.Salisbury: (3 hooks) Some bluefish have been taken by surfcasters off Salisbury beach, most just after sunrise. Large plugs, Kastmasters, Rangers or Ballistic Missiles should do the trick. Bass fishing has slowed from the beach, but some bass are still hanging around the Merrimack with anglers fishing the jetty and State Reservation having limited success.
Seacoast, NH: (3 hooks) Striped Bass fishing from Seabrook to Portsmouth has also seen a slow down mostly driven by rising water temperatures. Anglers need to find deeper holes, or head out at night to increase their chances. Big bluefish have been carousing off the Isle of Shoals as well as some bigger striped bass hanging around the cooler rocky structure. The Piscataqua and Great Bay area have also seen a slow down in fishing activity.
August 5, 2005
Keep on Fishing
Frank Dwyer
Front Page!! https://home.comcast.net/~dwyer.f/Aug5FrontPage.pdf
August 5, 2005
There are plenty of choices for North Shore anglers as the fishing season continues to roll on. Bait fish continue to be somewhat plentiful and anglers are scoring good catches from both shore and sea.
Larger bass have been caught mostly at night by those utilizing live baits like eels, or large cut baits. Bluefish continue to patrol our shoreline while groundfish and tuna await those looking to get off shore.
Marblehead: (4 hooks) Pogies remain around Marblehead Harbor, but you need to get out early to find them. Live-lining these favorite striper baits has been yielding fish into the 30 pound range. Fishing around the Neck has improved for bait, spin and fly fishermen.
Salem: (4 hooks) Early-risers report consistent Pogie catches in Salem Harbor and success can be had live-lining or chunking these fish. Bluefish are available inside and outside the harbor and have been quite aggressive. Winter Island and Salem Willows Pier continue to attract throngs of anglers.
Beverly: (4 hooks) Fishermen trolling tube-n-worm combinations in the Danvers River have been catching good numbers of striped bass. Fishing around the islands just off West Beach has also proven quite productive for bass. A live pogie set up on a balloon rig has been deadly around the rocks. Bluefish continue to please anglers on light spinning and fly rods as the fish get fatter as they continue to feed.
Cape Ann: (4 hooks) Flounder have been somewhat scarce, however persistent anglers have found them in Manchester and off Magnolia. Tuna are now in quite thick around Stellwagen Bank as well as 10 miles off Thacher’s Island. Anglers have reported success trolling for these speedsters as well casting plugs and mega-bait jigs to pods that appear on top. Striped Bass fishing continues to impress anglers at night with many fish in the 20-30 pound range coming out of the Annisquam and off the beaches. Bluefish continue to wreak havoc around the Breakwater and anglers trolling large, deep-diving plugs have reported blues to 12 pounds. Fishing off Halibut Point has been yielding more bluefish and dogfish, however some bass have been taken in deeper water. Party boats report good action for Cod and Haddock.
Ipswich: (3 hooks) The greenheads have become a bit more bearable around Crane Beach, but the best angling for bass remains at night. Fly anglers casting large black sliders have reported bass action close to shore. Bluefish remain plentiful throughout Ipswich Bay and especially close to the mouth of the Ipswich River. Pavilion and Steep Hill have also yielded their fair share of bass.
Newbury: (3 hooks) Fishing from boat off Emerson Rocks over the last week has produced a good mix of bluefish and striped bass. Trolling off the reservation beaches has been quite productive with many double hook ups on my boat during the past week. Striped bass fishing in the Parker River has slowed a bit, however some smaller bluefish have ventured upriver.
Newburyport / Plum Island: (4 hooks) Upriver of the Route 1 Bridge has been quite productive at night. If you can find a nice hole or change in surface structure, dunk your bait and hold on. There are nice drop offs and holes near the Gillis Bridge as well as off Ram, Carr, Eagle and Deer Island.
Joppa Flats has continued to yield good numbers of schoolie sized striped bass in the early morning, however the bigger fish are being taken at night by anglers using both bait and artificial lures, especially around Woodman Island. Bluefish continue to be available just outside the mouth of the Merrimack and along the entire length of the Plum Island Beaches. Off shore, anglers have been pleased with the numbers of school bluefin tuna available near Stellwagen Bank and the Party Boats continue to please patrons with Cod, Haddock and Bluefish trips.
Salisbury: (3 hooks) With camping season in full swing, most of the fishing from the banks of the river at the State Reservation is of the elbow to elbow kind. Bluefish have been taken from the North Jetty for those anglers willing to brave the walk on the jagged rocks. Striped Bass—some keepers—have been taken at night from Salisbury Beach.
Seacoast, NH: (4 hooks) Bluefish have know thoroughly invaded the waters off the coast of New Hampshire and are available and willing from Seabrook to Portsmouth and out to the Isle of Shoals. Striped bass have been somewhat fussy during the day, but anglers fishing the rocks near Hampton and Rye have done quite well with chunk baits and eels. Further north, the Piscataqua has been somewhat quite, however bluefish and stripers have been congregating at the mouth.
Front Page!! https://home.comcast.net/~dwyer.f/Aug5FrontPage.pdf
August 5, 2005
There are plenty of choices for North Shore anglers as the fishing season continues to roll on. Bait fish continue to be somewhat plentiful and anglers are scoring good catches from both shore and sea.
Larger bass have been caught mostly at night by those utilizing live baits like eels, or large cut baits. Bluefish continue to patrol our shoreline while groundfish and tuna await those looking to get off shore.
Marblehead: (4 hooks) Pogies remain around Marblehead Harbor, but you need to get out early to find them. Live-lining these favorite striper baits has been yielding fish into the 30 pound range. Fishing around the Neck has improved for bait, spin and fly fishermen.
Salem: (4 hooks) Early-risers report consistent Pogie catches in Salem Harbor and success can be had live-lining or chunking these fish. Bluefish are available inside and outside the harbor and have been quite aggressive. Winter Island and Salem Willows Pier continue to attract throngs of anglers.
Beverly: (4 hooks) Fishermen trolling tube-n-worm combinations in the Danvers River have been catching good numbers of striped bass. Fishing around the islands just off West Beach has also proven quite productive for bass. A live pogie set up on a balloon rig has been deadly around the rocks. Bluefish continue to please anglers on light spinning and fly rods as the fish get fatter as they continue to feed.
Cape Ann: (4 hooks) Flounder have been somewhat scarce, however persistent anglers have found them in Manchester and off Magnolia. Tuna are now in quite thick around Stellwagen Bank as well as 10 miles off Thacher’s Island. Anglers have reported success trolling for these speedsters as well casting plugs and mega-bait jigs to pods that appear on top. Striped Bass fishing continues to impress anglers at night with many fish in the 20-30 pound range coming out of the Annisquam and off the beaches. Bluefish continue to wreak havoc around the Breakwater and anglers trolling large, deep-diving plugs have reported blues to 12 pounds. Fishing off Halibut Point has been yielding more bluefish and dogfish, however some bass have been taken in deeper water. Party boats report good action for Cod and Haddock.
Ipswich: (3 hooks) The greenheads have become a bit more bearable around Crane Beach, but the best angling for bass remains at night. Fly anglers casting large black sliders have reported bass action close to shore. Bluefish remain plentiful throughout Ipswich Bay and especially close to the mouth of the Ipswich River. Pavilion and Steep Hill have also yielded their fair share of bass.
Newbury: (3 hooks) Fishing from boat off Emerson Rocks over the last week has produced a good mix of bluefish and striped bass. Trolling off the reservation beaches has been quite productive with many double hook ups on my boat during the past week. Striped bass fishing in the Parker River has slowed a bit, however some smaller bluefish have ventured upriver.
Newburyport / Plum Island: (4 hooks) Upriver of the Route 1 Bridge has been quite productive at night. If you can find a nice hole or change in surface structure, dunk your bait and hold on. There are nice drop offs and holes near the Gillis Bridge as well as off Ram, Carr, Eagle and Deer Island.
Joppa Flats has continued to yield good numbers of schoolie sized striped bass in the early morning, however the bigger fish are being taken at night by anglers using both bait and artificial lures, especially around Woodman Island. Bluefish continue to be available just outside the mouth of the Merrimack and along the entire length of the Plum Island Beaches. Off shore, anglers have been pleased with the numbers of school bluefin tuna available near Stellwagen Bank and the Party Boats continue to please patrons with Cod, Haddock and Bluefish trips.Salisbury: (3 hooks) With camping season in full swing, most of the fishing from the banks of the river at the State Reservation is of the elbow to elbow kind. Bluefish have been taken from the North Jetty for those anglers willing to brave the walk on the jagged rocks. Striped Bass—some keepers—have been taken at night from Salisbury Beach.
Seacoast, NH: (4 hooks) Bluefish have know thoroughly invaded the waters off the coast of New Hampshire and are available and willing from Seabrook to Portsmouth and out to the Isle of Shoals. Striped bass have been somewhat fussy during the day, but anglers fishing the rocks near Hampton and Rye have done quite well with chunk baits and eels. Further north, the Piscataqua has been somewhat quite, however bluefish and stripers have been congregating at the mouth.
July 29, 2005
Stripers , Blues and Tuna Too
Frank Dwyer
July 29, 2005
Striped Bass fishing remains quite strong for night fishermen and bluefish are still plentiful off our coast. Flounder and Fluke catches have been quite good for the last few weeks and school bluefin tuna have started to make appearances in our waters.
As we move into August, we can expect the fish to continue to head for cooler/deeper water and the tuna to arrive in more numbers.
Marblehead: (3 hooks) Fishing out on the Neck near Castle Rock has been good at night especially for those using eels or fresh cut bait. Surfcasters reported limited success working the beaches at night this week as skates have become more prevalent. Fishing just outside the harbor has been good for bluefish.
Salem: (3 hooks) Boaters have found good sized bass and blues from Satan Rock to Newcome Ledge. Live and Chunk Bait has been working well as has trolling deep diving lures. The Willows and Winter Island continue to attract fishermen and bass are still willing to eat, especially at night. There has not been as much bait in the water this week as in weeks past. The Salem/Beverly Bridge is still a good spot to search out bass.
Beverly: (3 hooks) Beverly fishermen have reported excellent flounder fishing just off shore. The largest sea worms you can find will work best! Bass continue to traverse the Beverly coast line with most anglers finding fish in the rocks early in the morning or after sunset. Fly fishermen need to let their fly sink for a solid 10 count to get down to where the fish are.
Cape Ann: (4 hooks) Manchester-by-the-Sea continues to be a good spot for flounder, blues and striped bass, but most of the action is before sunrise or after sunset. Good fishing abounds for those working the water in Gloucester as bass, blues and flounder are all plentiful. Trolling for bluefish just outside the breakwater has proved productive for many anglers. Using lures that swim from 18-25 feet seems to work best. Striped bass fishing continues to be strong in the Annisquam as I was lucky enough to get out this weekend in Gloucester and it’s amazing how many fish we landed in broad daylight with extreme boat traffic. The fish were all taken with cut bait in a nice 20 foot hole up river, with a couple of keepers in the mix. Halibut Point continues to offer up good action for bluefish and bass, especially in some of the deeper water. Off shore anglers in search of Cod, Haddock and Pollock have been pleased with their catches but the bigger news is that surface feeds of tuna in the 30-100 pound range have been spotted. If you can get close enough, these fish will take popping plugs cast in their direction or trolled lures like the green machine. Rockport continues to fish just as well as Gloucester, while fishing in the Essex River may be quite picturesque, the fishing has been slow.
Ipswich: (3 hooks) Ipswich Bay has been loaded with bluefish with many anglers hooking up on the troll and others coming upon surface feeds and casting to their catch. The mouth of the Ipswich River has also had a potpourri of bass and blues for the taking with fly and spin fishermen reporting success. Pavilion, Steep Hill and Crane Beaches are all still good bets for bass, especially after dark.
Newbury: (3 hooks) Fishing the Parker River at night has been productive lately, especially for boat anglers fishing in low light conditions. Some bluefish have been carousing in the river as well. Plum Island Sound has had decent action for bass and bluefish with many fish being taken on cut bait. On the southern end of Plum Island, Sandy Point continues to be a destination for anglers in search of bass and blues.
Newburyport / Plum Island: (4 hooks) Plenty of fish and pressure around Newburyport and Plum Island this last week. I fished last Friday night in-between some severe lightning storms, and we had many bass to the boat, with three over 30” in the mix. We were anchored not far from the Route 1 bridge and using fresh herring. Joppa Flats has been fairly inconsistent during the daylight hours, however good bass fishing can be had at night around the flats and out towards the Toothpick and Badger Rocks. Plum Island Point continues to attract large crowds of anglers in search of their dream fish. Some bluefish have been taken off the South Jetty and flounder fishing just outside the mouth has been good. Anglers have been motoring towards the ledges in search of tuna and the fish should become more plentiful in the coming weeks. Party boats have been returning to the dock with lots of fish and happy patrons.
Salisbury: (3 hooks) As it is across the river, the State Reservation has seen its share of fishing pressure over the last week. Anglers pitching sea worms, cut mackerel or herring and clams have all been hooking up with fish, most in the 20-26” range. Salisbury Beach has yielded keeper bass to bait fishermen at night this past week.
Seacoast, NH: (4 hooks) Bluefish have been patrolling the waters off the New Hampshire coast in good numbers from Seabrook to Portsmouth. As with other areas, trolling deep diving swimming lures tends to lead to a hook up with these toothy critters. Bass fishermen are still finding fish during the day, but many are casting into the rock strewn shorelines around Rye and Hampton. Further north, bluefish and stripers have been just outside the mouth of the Piscataqua while anglers working off Pierce Island have also reported decent fishing conditions.
July 29, 2005
Striped Bass fishing remains quite strong for night fishermen and bluefish are still plentiful off our coast. Flounder and Fluke catches have been quite good for the last few weeks and school bluefin tuna have started to make appearances in our waters.
As we move into August, we can expect the fish to continue to head for cooler/deeper water and the tuna to arrive in more numbers.
Marblehead: (3 hooks) Fishing out on the Neck near Castle Rock has been good at night especially for those using eels or fresh cut bait. Surfcasters reported limited success working the beaches at night this week as skates have become more prevalent. Fishing just outside the harbor has been good for bluefish.
Salem: (3 hooks) Boaters have found good sized bass and blues from Satan Rock to Newcome Ledge. Live and Chunk Bait has been working well as has trolling deep diving lures. The Willows and Winter Island continue to attract fishermen and bass are still willing to eat, especially at night. There has not been as much bait in the water this week as in weeks past. The Salem/Beverly Bridge is still a good spot to search out bass.
Beverly: (3 hooks) Beverly fishermen have reported excellent flounder fishing just off shore. The largest sea worms you can find will work best! Bass continue to traverse the Beverly coast line with most anglers finding fish in the rocks early in the morning or after sunset. Fly fishermen need to let their fly sink for a solid 10 count to get down to where the fish are.
Cape Ann: (4 hooks) Manchester-by-the-Sea continues to be a good spot for flounder, blues and striped bass, but most of the action is before sunrise or after sunset. Good fishing abounds for those working the water in Gloucester as bass, blues and flounder are all plentiful. Trolling for bluefish just outside the breakwater has proved productive for many anglers. Using lures that swim from 18-25 feet seems to work best. Striped bass fishing continues to be strong in the Annisquam as I was lucky enough to get out this weekend in Gloucester and it’s amazing how many fish we landed in broad daylight with extreme boat traffic. The fish were all taken with cut bait in a nice 20 foot hole up river, with a couple of keepers in the mix. Halibut Point continues to offer up good action for bluefish and bass, especially in some of the deeper water. Off shore anglers in search of Cod, Haddock and Pollock have been pleased with their catches but the bigger news is that surface feeds of tuna in the 30-100 pound range have been spotted. If you can get close enough, these fish will take popping plugs cast in their direction or trolled lures like the green machine. Rockport continues to fish just as well as Gloucester, while fishing in the Essex River may be quite picturesque, the fishing has been slow.
Ipswich: (3 hooks) Ipswich Bay has been loaded with bluefish with many anglers hooking up on the troll and others coming upon surface feeds and casting to their catch. The mouth of the Ipswich River has also had a potpourri of bass and blues for the taking with fly and spin fishermen reporting success. Pavilion, Steep Hill and Crane Beaches are all still good bets for bass, especially after dark.
Newbury: (3 hooks) Fishing the Parker River at night has been productive lately, especially for boat anglers fishing in low light conditions. Some bluefish have been carousing in the river as well. Plum Island Sound has had decent action for bass and bluefish with many fish being taken on cut bait. On the southern end of Plum Island, Sandy Point continues to be a destination for anglers in search of bass and blues.
Newburyport / Plum Island: (4 hooks) Plenty of fish and pressure around Newburyport and Plum Island this last week. I fished last Friday night in-between some severe lightning storms, and we had many bass to the boat, with three over 30” in the mix. We were anchored not far from the Route 1 bridge and using fresh herring. Joppa Flats has been fairly inconsistent during the daylight hours, however good bass fishing can be had at night around the flats and out towards the Toothpick and Badger Rocks. Plum Island Point continues to attract large crowds of anglers in search of their dream fish. Some bluefish have been taken off the South Jetty and flounder fishing just outside the mouth has been good. Anglers have been motoring towards the ledges in search of tuna and the fish should become more plentiful in the coming weeks. Party boats have been returning to the dock with lots of fish and happy patrons.
Salisbury: (3 hooks) As it is across the river, the State Reservation has seen its share of fishing pressure over the last week. Anglers pitching sea worms, cut mackerel or herring and clams have all been hooking up with fish, most in the 20-26” range. Salisbury Beach has yielded keeper bass to bait fishermen at night this past week.
Seacoast, NH: (4 hooks) Bluefish have been patrolling the waters off the New Hampshire coast in good numbers from Seabrook to Portsmouth. As with other areas, trolling deep diving swimming lures tends to lead to a hook up with these toothy critters. Bass fishermen are still finding fish during the day, but many are casting into the rock strewn shorelines around Rye and Hampton. Further north, bluefish and stripers have been just outside the mouth of the Piscataqua while anglers working off Pierce Island have also reported decent fishing conditions.
July 22, 2005
Heat has Fish heading for Deeper Water
Frank Dwyer
July 22, 2005
The warm weather has finally taken its toll on fishing on the North Shore as anglers and fish alike seek cooler environments. Mackerel and Pogies have thinned out as the bluefish have spread throughout the area, but are still available early in the morning before heavy boat traffic starts.
Striped bass fishing is best at night now, with these nocturnal fish coming out to feed when the sun is down. Cod and Haddock fishing remains quite good.
Marblehead: (3 hooks) If you want big fish, you’ll need to get out at night for the most part. Anglers fishing the neck at night have reported good fishing action for keeper sized striped bass. Chunk herring or mackerel has been slaying the fish. Surfcasters fishing at night from Devereux Beach have been quite productive as well. Bluefish are still available just off shore and anglers trolling deep diving Rapalas having the best luck.
Salem: (3 hooks) Pogies remain available in Salem Harbor and those able to snag them live have been having their way with big striped bass. Bluefish continue to patrol inside and outside the harbor, with fishermen ending up with a few blues on the line even when not targeting the toothy critters. Salem Willows Pier continues to attract fishermen with bait at night working best while chunk fishermen at Winter Island have done well for bass.
Beverly: (3 hooks) Fishing from the Beverly Fishing Pier has yielded some decent sized keeper bass for anglers tossing chunk baits at night. A mix of bluefish and striped bass has been available in and around the rocks off Bakers’ Island, with mostly undersize bass available during the day. Worms and large sluggos twitched slowly along the bottom have been enticing bass to hit.
Cape Ann: (3 hooks) Surfcasters setting up on Singing Beach have done well with all manner of bait, including sea worms, clams and chunk herring. Anglers fishing from the State Fish Pier in Gloucester at night have had consistent action for bass well over the legal 28 inch limit. Chunk herring, mackerel or pogie has been working quite well, with or without a weight. In deeper water, fishing off Halibut Point has been yielding larger fish on bait in some of the deeper holes. Bluefish have been taken from most of the local beaches as well as just outside Gloucester Harbor and dogfish are becoming more prevalent. Cod, Haddock and Pollock fishing has been very good for the Party Boats with plenty of fish coming off Stellwagen and Tillies. School Bluefin Tuna rumors are starting to be heard.
Ipswich: (3 hooks) There are many bluefish to be had at the mouth of the Ipswich River as well as throughout Ipswich Bay. Striped bass fishing during the day has waned, with mostly schoolies available during daylight hours. Crane and Steep Hill beaches continue to produce healthy sized striped bass for night fishermen.
Newbury: (3 hooks) Greenheads are more abundant now than striped bass in the Parker River, but as with most of the area, stripers are active at night. Plum Island Sound has been slower than the last few weeks, but is still yielding striped bass and bluefish to anglers willing to put in the time. Sandy Point at the southern end of Plum Island has been producing some fish, with mostly bait anglers hooking up.
Newburyport / Plum Island: (3 hooks) Fishing upriver of the Route 1 Bridge this past week has yielded some decent fish for anglers using both fly and spin gear. Around the 95 Bridge as well as near Deer Island, anglers have been having decent luck during the day mostly for sub-legal bass. Night time around Carr and Eagle Islands and in some of the holes in the back river has been quite good, especially for bait fishermen. Joppa Flats continues to attract both wade and boat fishermen day and night; with anglers fishing at night with eels, large popping plugs or large black flies. Some small bluefish have also been carousing on the flats, most in the 3-5 pound range. Just outside the mouth, flounder fishing has been good, as well as just off the Plum Island beaches. Bluefish continue to patrol the ocean from Sandy Point to the mouth of the Merrimack. Look for a cloud of birds or just troll a deep-diving plug for a near certain hook up. Party boat patrons have been loading up on Cod and Haddock and even some Pollock.
Salisbury: (3 hooks) The camping/RV season is in full swing and many of those staying at the Salisbury State Reservation are crowding the river bank and jetty in search of bass and blues. Anglers using bait across from Plum Island Point have been catching good numbers of bass, with the best fish coming at night. Bluefish have been taken from anglers willing to brave the jetty to get closer to the mouth. Boat anglers fishing just off Salisbury Beach have been finding more Flounder than in the last few weeks.
Seacoast, NH: (4 hooks) Bluefish and Bass remain quite plentiful for anglers fishing the Seacoast. From Seabrook to Portsmouth, anglers have been hooking up with both fly and spin gear. Fishing near the railroad bridge in Hampton has yielded some fish to 30 pounds for anglers using live and cut bait. Further north, the rocky coastline in Rye has also been yielding it’s fair share of striped bass. In the Portsmouth area, Great Bay has been flooded with bluefish and bass, with both large swimming or popping plugs and bait working quite well. Blues, Cod and Haddock are all available around the Isle of Shoals.
July 22, 2005
The warm weather has finally taken its toll on fishing on the North Shore as anglers and fish alike seek cooler environments. Mackerel and Pogies have thinned out as the bluefish have spread throughout the area, but are still available early in the morning before heavy boat traffic starts.
Striped bass fishing is best at night now, with these nocturnal fish coming out to feed when the sun is down. Cod and Haddock fishing remains quite good.
Marblehead: (3 hooks) If you want big fish, you’ll need to get out at night for the most part. Anglers fishing the neck at night have reported good fishing action for keeper sized striped bass. Chunk herring or mackerel has been slaying the fish. Surfcasters fishing at night from Devereux Beach have been quite productive as well. Bluefish are still available just off shore and anglers trolling deep diving Rapalas having the best luck.
Salem: (3 hooks) Pogies remain available in Salem Harbor and those able to snag them live have been having their way with big striped bass. Bluefish continue to patrol inside and outside the harbor, with fishermen ending up with a few blues on the line even when not targeting the toothy critters. Salem Willows Pier continues to attract fishermen with bait at night working best while chunk fishermen at Winter Island have done well for bass.
Beverly: (3 hooks) Fishing from the Beverly Fishing Pier has yielded some decent sized keeper bass for anglers tossing chunk baits at night. A mix of bluefish and striped bass has been available in and around the rocks off Bakers’ Island, with mostly undersize bass available during the day. Worms and large sluggos twitched slowly along the bottom have been enticing bass to hit.
Cape Ann: (3 hooks) Surfcasters setting up on Singing Beach have done well with all manner of bait, including sea worms, clams and chunk herring. Anglers fishing from the State Fish Pier in Gloucester at night have had consistent action for bass well over the legal 28 inch limit. Chunk herring, mackerel or pogie has been working quite well, with or without a weight. In deeper water, fishing off Halibut Point has been yielding larger fish on bait in some of the deeper holes. Bluefish have been taken from most of the local beaches as well as just outside Gloucester Harbor and dogfish are becoming more prevalent. Cod, Haddock and Pollock fishing has been very good for the Party Boats with plenty of fish coming off Stellwagen and Tillies. School Bluefin Tuna rumors are starting to be heard.
Ipswich: (3 hooks) There are many bluefish to be had at the mouth of the Ipswich River as well as throughout Ipswich Bay. Striped bass fishing during the day has waned, with mostly schoolies available during daylight hours. Crane and Steep Hill beaches continue to produce healthy sized striped bass for night fishermen.
Newbury: (3 hooks) Greenheads are more abundant now than striped bass in the Parker River, but as with most of the area, stripers are active at night. Plum Island Sound has been slower than the last few weeks, but is still yielding striped bass and bluefish to anglers willing to put in the time. Sandy Point at the southern end of Plum Island has been producing some fish, with mostly bait anglers hooking up.
Newburyport / Plum Island: (3 hooks) Fishing upriver of the Route 1 Bridge this past week has yielded some decent fish for anglers using both fly and spin gear. Around the 95 Bridge as well as near Deer Island, anglers have been having decent luck during the day mostly for sub-legal bass. Night time around Carr and Eagle Islands and in some of the holes in the back river has been quite good, especially for bait fishermen. Joppa Flats continues to attract both wade and boat fishermen day and night; with anglers fishing at night with eels, large popping plugs or large black flies. Some small bluefish have also been carousing on the flats, most in the 3-5 pound range. Just outside the mouth, flounder fishing has been good, as well as just off the Plum Island beaches. Bluefish continue to patrol the ocean from Sandy Point to the mouth of the Merrimack. Look for a cloud of birds or just troll a deep-diving plug for a near certain hook up. Party boat patrons have been loading up on Cod and Haddock and even some Pollock.
Salisbury: (3 hooks) The camping/RV season is in full swing and many of those staying at the Salisbury State Reservation are crowding the river bank and jetty in search of bass and blues. Anglers using bait across from Plum Island Point have been catching good numbers of bass, with the best fish coming at night. Bluefish have been taken from anglers willing to brave the jetty to get closer to the mouth. Boat anglers fishing just off Salisbury Beach have been finding more Flounder than in the last few weeks.
Seacoast, NH: (4 hooks) Bluefish and Bass remain quite plentiful for anglers fishing the Seacoast. From Seabrook to Portsmouth, anglers have been hooking up with both fly and spin gear. Fishing near the railroad bridge in Hampton has yielded some fish to 30 pounds for anglers using live and cut bait. Further north, the rocky coastline in Rye has also been yielding it’s fair share of striped bass. In the Portsmouth area, Great Bay has been flooded with bluefish and bass, with both large swimming or popping plugs and bait working quite well. Blues, Cod and Haddock are all available around the Isle of Shoals.
July 15, 2005
Fishing still on the Upswing
Frank Dwyer
July 15, 2005
Despite our changing weather, the fishing continues to please anglers throughout the North Shore. Bluefish, Flounder, Striped Bass and numerous other species are out there for the taking.
As we get deeper into July, we can expect the striped bass to head for deeper/cooler water, and to be more active in the nighttime hours. Large bass are the norm at night and using an eel, cut bait or a large plug can put you on the fish of your life.
Marblehead: (4 hooks) Bluefish, Striped Bass and Flounder continue to please fishermen around Marblehead. Just outside the harbor, flounder fishermen have been catching their limits. Striped Bass fishing has been strong from the beaches for surfcasters, with most fish being landed before dawn or after sunset. Bluefish remain quite abundant.
Salem: (4 hooks) The Willows and Winter Island have seen good bluefish activity over the last week. These toothy critters have been taking all offerings and are especially fun on light tackle or fly rods. Flounder fishing has also been good in the harbor and just outside. Bigger bass have been taken outside the mouth out to the Gooseberries.
Beverly: (4 hooks) Mackerel and Pogies are still around in numbers but you’ll need to get out early to find them. Plenty of bass off the beaches and around the Islands just off the Beverly coast line. Flounder fishing has also been good as anglers dunking healthy portions of sea worms have been rewarded heartily.
Cape Ann: (4 hooks) Striped bass fishing continues to be strong for anglers fishing the Manchester-by-the-Sea area. Boat anglers reported good action for bass from House Island to Kettle Island, mostly for school sized bass to 26 inches. Further up the coast, fishing activity in Magnolia, Gloucester and Rockport continues to be good. Fishing the rocks from Eastern Point to Halibut Point has been yielding many keeper size bass, most taking fresh cut bait. Mackerel are still around the Cape, but you will need to search them out before the sun is up and the boat traffic is heavy. Bluefish are still quite thick around the Cape and the ever pesky dogfish have also been showing up more and more. Fishing for the ground fish boats has been good with many market sized cod, haddock and pollock being taken.
Ipswich: (4 hooks) Pavilion and Steep Hill Beach have been home to a few surface feeds this past week, with bass and blues feeding on top. Fly rodders with poppers or sliders have had a ball as have those with spinning rods. Crane Beach has also been producing for anglers patrolling the sand in lowlight hours.
Newbury: (4 hooks) The Parker River continues to yield striped bass and a few bluefish. Plum Island Sound has also been fishing well with a good mix of bluefish and striped bass. Sandy Point at the very end of the Parker River NWR has also seen a good mix of blues and stripers. Sea worms, clams and cut bait are the favorites among the bait crowd, while popping plugs have been yielding both striped bass and bluefish.
Newburyport / Plum Island: (4 hooks) Plenty of company out on Joppa Flats at night these days as the larger fish are becoming harder to find in the daylight hours. Needelefish and large popping plugs have been working well, as have eels, clams and cut bait. Fishing from the AYC mooring area continues to produce good amounts of school bass—with an occasional bluefish mixed in—being taken, mostly on the outgoing drift. Fishermen anchoring just off the channel near the Toothpick as well as by Badgers Rocks have reported many legal sized fish taken on bait. Bluefish continue to patrol the waters just outside the mouth of the Merrimack and along the beaches and have been taken by anglers casting and trolling. Party Boat action remains consistent for Cod, Haddock and Pollock.
Salisbury: (4 hooks) No shortage of fishermen on the riverbank and jetty off the Salisbury State Reservation. Anglers have seen good catches of bass and blues over the last week, with bait fishermen out-fishing all other anglers. The Salisbury beach front has also been yielding both bluefish and stripers, however you need to get your fishing done prior to sun bathing times.
Seacoast, NH: (4 hooks) Fishing in New Hampshire continues to please those drawn to the coast. Bluefish and striped bass are quite abundant, with no shortage of school sized bass. Larger bluefish have shown up in the Granite State’s waters, with some over 12 pounds being caught. Fishing in Portsmouth, specifically in the Piscataqua and Great Bay area has been consistent with plenty of legal bass for those willing to put in the time.
July 15, 2005
Despite our changing weather, the fishing continues to please anglers throughout the North Shore. Bluefish, Flounder, Striped Bass and numerous other species are out there for the taking.
As we get deeper into July, we can expect the striped bass to head for deeper/cooler water, and to be more active in the nighttime hours. Large bass are the norm at night and using an eel, cut bait or a large plug can put you on the fish of your life.
Marblehead: (4 hooks) Bluefish, Striped Bass and Flounder continue to please fishermen around Marblehead. Just outside the harbor, flounder fishermen have been catching their limits. Striped Bass fishing has been strong from the beaches for surfcasters, with most fish being landed before dawn or after sunset. Bluefish remain quite abundant.
Salem: (4 hooks) The Willows and Winter Island have seen good bluefish activity over the last week. These toothy critters have been taking all offerings and are especially fun on light tackle or fly rods. Flounder fishing has also been good in the harbor and just outside. Bigger bass have been taken outside the mouth out to the Gooseberries.
Beverly: (4 hooks) Mackerel and Pogies are still around in numbers but you’ll need to get out early to find them. Plenty of bass off the beaches and around the Islands just off the Beverly coast line. Flounder fishing has also been good as anglers dunking healthy portions of sea worms have been rewarded heartily.
Cape Ann: (4 hooks) Striped bass fishing continues to be strong for anglers fishing the Manchester-by-the-Sea area. Boat anglers reported good action for bass from House Island to Kettle Island, mostly for school sized bass to 26 inches. Further up the coast, fishing activity in Magnolia, Gloucester and Rockport continues to be good. Fishing the rocks from Eastern Point to Halibut Point has been yielding many keeper size bass, most taking fresh cut bait. Mackerel are still around the Cape, but you will need to search them out before the sun is up and the boat traffic is heavy. Bluefish are still quite thick around the Cape and the ever pesky dogfish have also been showing up more and more. Fishing for the ground fish boats has been good with many market sized cod, haddock and pollock being taken.
Ipswich: (4 hooks) Pavilion and Steep Hill Beach have been home to a few surface feeds this past week, with bass and blues feeding on top. Fly rodders with poppers or sliders have had a ball as have those with spinning rods. Crane Beach has also been producing for anglers patrolling the sand in lowlight hours.
Newbury: (4 hooks) The Parker River continues to yield striped bass and a few bluefish. Plum Island Sound has also been fishing well with a good mix of bluefish and striped bass. Sandy Point at the very end of the Parker River NWR has also seen a good mix of blues and stripers. Sea worms, clams and cut bait are the favorites among the bait crowd, while popping plugs have been yielding both striped bass and bluefish.
Newburyport / Plum Island: (4 hooks) Plenty of company out on Joppa Flats at night these days as the larger fish are becoming harder to find in the daylight hours. Needelefish and large popping plugs have been working well, as have eels, clams and cut bait. Fishing from the AYC mooring area continues to produce good amounts of school bass—with an occasional bluefish mixed in—being taken, mostly on the outgoing drift. Fishermen anchoring just off the channel near the Toothpick as well as by Badgers Rocks have reported many legal sized fish taken on bait. Bluefish continue to patrol the waters just outside the mouth of the Merrimack and along the beaches and have been taken by anglers casting and trolling. Party Boat action remains consistent for Cod, Haddock and Pollock.
Salisbury: (4 hooks) No shortage of fishermen on the riverbank and jetty off the Salisbury State Reservation. Anglers have seen good catches of bass and blues over the last week, with bait fishermen out-fishing all other anglers. The Salisbury beach front has also been yielding both bluefish and stripers, however you need to get your fishing done prior to sun bathing times.
Seacoast, NH: (4 hooks) Fishing in New Hampshire continues to please those drawn to the coast. Bluefish and striped bass are quite abundant, with no shortage of school sized bass. Larger bluefish have shown up in the Granite State’s waters, with some over 12 pounds being caught. Fishing in Portsmouth, specifically in the Piscataqua and Great Bay area has been consistent with plenty of legal bass for those willing to put in the time.
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