|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Saltwater Fishing Tackle, Fishing Reports,
Charters, Fishing News, Fishing Videos, Tackle Reviews and
more!
|
|
08/26/10 |
|
Unfortunately, whether it be my report or someone else's,
the story is going to be the same. The storm this past week
pretty well messed things up. I guess tomorrow the hunt
begins again to find where the fish are at. Read farther
down and I can report where the fish aren't, with a few tips
of where they are. Good luck this weekend. Dave |
|
|
|
08/26/10 |
By: Capt. Hap Farrell
The Stunmai II |
|
|
August Fishing...
|
August has always been a good month for fishing the waters
of Cape Cod Bay. The bluefish have been active and bass have
started moving up on Billingsgate Shoals and become active
also. So far this is what is happening this season. This
last week we had a few days off due to some inclement
weather, a pesky noreaster. I expect this will continue
through September. In Fact I think the bass fishing will
greatly improve as the water cools a bit.
Lately the blue fishing has greatly improve. At first the
only really active area was from the area called the “Ugly
House” which is a mile or so south of the Path. Also, by the
way, the newly constructed house that is there now is a nice
looking house so we are calling this area the “Not so ugly
house”. Anyway, this active area has expanded both north and
south from this area. Also, the bluefish have moved into the
north edge of Billingsgate Shoals right on the edge. They
have taken up residence off the Eastham shore. This area is
not always active but is improving each week so it is a good
place to check out. Basically, the bluefish action has come
alive in the Bay...
The striped bass, what most every fisherman who comes to
Cape Cod wants to catch, is what our fleet out of Rock
Harbor spends much of its time looking for. Cape Cod Bay has
traditionally been a haven for these fish and fishermen who
fish for it. This season has given us, as charter captains,
a reliable source for these fish. Billingsgate Shoals and up
by P-town has produced some very good fishing for the
striped bass. We have not found the really large bass for
the most part but a good amount of what we call dinner fish.
From 28 inches up to 34 inches with the occasional fish in
the 40 to 47 inch range. This good fishing should continue
through the rest of this season and should actually get
better. Also, from what I can find out from the long range
weather forecast we will be dealing with warm and sunny
weather.
This will be the last weekend I will donate the $20 of food
to the Lower Cape Outreach Council in the name of an angler
I’ve had on my boat. This weeks angler is a young boy from
Vermont, actually he is Korean. His name is Jacob MinHo
Hoskins. He is the adopted son of Dan Hoskins. They were out
with me last year and Jason landed a number of big bluefish.
This season he wanted a striped bass. Well, he got his wish
times two. I wonder what he’ll want to catch next season. I
hope it’s not too big, Jason is only nine.
If you’d like to get in this late season great fishing give
me a call at:508-240-8267 or 508-255-6211. |
|
|
|
08/26/10 |
|
Fishing the South Side with the Maverick |
Capt. Jack Riley
Maverick Charters |
|
|
Well, the commercial bass season is over now, with the quota
met. Now the boats can run out to where the comm fleet was
and fight the dogfish and bluefish to get at the bass on the
bottom!
Our bass fishing has been quite good these past few weeks.
With the exception of the storm that moved through. Now I
suppose everything is shuffled around. I will know in a day
or two.
My mate went out to the tuna grounds today and out of
approximately 30 boats there was one bite. The tuna bite,
what there is of it, has been South Crab ledge and SW of the
BC buoy. There are also fish mixed in with the whales 7
miles off the new Chatham Inlet. The fact that the fish are
there doesn't mean they are biting anything. It has been a
tough bite lately. Hopefully the storm stirred things up.
I know of many boats that put on many miles fishing the
Canyons last weekend. As great as the weather was the
fishing was not very good. I heard of catches of small
yellowfin and a few swords after dark. In all, for all the
boats out there, the fishing was poor.
With the weather over and things looking to improve, the
fishing should get better from here on out. Good luck! Jack
|
|
08/26/10 |
|
Elsewhere.... |
|
|
Well, as I said in the opening, all the reports are going to
read the same. It is time to regroup and find where the fish
are. It sounds like Cape Cod Bay has settled into a post
storm pattern of sorts, but everywhere else is up for grabs.
<br><br>
The tuna bite on Stellwagon is about the same as off
Chatham. There are fish around but not snapping at the
baits. This will all change. I can't wait for the bigger
fish to move in from offshore!
<br><br>
I won't spend a lot of time repeating what has already been
said. Go out and find the fish so we can have a real report
next week! Thanks. Dave
|
|
08/19/10 |
By: Capt. Hap Farrell
The Stunmai II
Summer Season nears an End...
The end of August is near. Then, shortly after that Labor
Day. This usually indicates the end of the summer season
here on the Cape. However, It is not the end of the fishing
season. Just the opposite. It can also mean the beginning of
the some of the best fishing of the season. Typically, the
bass will congregate on Billingsgate Shoals and up around
P-town to feed before moving south for the winter. This is
when the really big bluefish show up and are very
aggressive. Really good fishing. I don’t see why this season
will be any different.
I’ve been getting a number of calls about the bluefish up
along the Eastham shore and in the Sunken Meadow area. For
most of this season there have been very few bluefish in
this area which is unusual. I have no idea why, other than
there has been an unusual amount of mung in this area. A
week ago or so a large amount of big bluefish moved into
this area and we had some really good fishing there for a
few days. Then, when the water cooled down some the big
bluefish left. What was left behind were a few small
bluefish up near the #10 can at the entrance to Welfleet
Harbor and also down northeast of the old Target Ship right
at the edge of the flats. They did come back for a day or
two and then were hard to find. I think that is the way it
will be for awhile.
The bass have been a little elusive here for the past few
days. They have been up around P-town but they have been hot
and cold down this way. At times we will do well on the
north edge of Billingsgate Shoals jigging from northeast to
southwest or back the other way. As the tide goes out they
may move to the south edge or just plain disappear out into
the deep water. At any rate, they have us a little confused.
We used to go in behind the sea clammers but there are so
many dog fish, small harmless sharks, you can’t get to any
bass that might be there. Well, as the chinese philosopher
said, ”and this too will change”.
I had a nice gentleman on the boat this week named George
Douglas from Leominster, Ma. He was along with some friends
who took him fishing for his birthday. George is dealing
with alzheimers but still loves to fish. He was shown how to
jig and it was not long before he hooked up and landed a
striper. It was just undersize and had to go back but he was
still proud of his catch. So, I’m donating the $20 of food
in his name to the Lower Cape Outreach Council pantry.
If you’d like to try some of this good late season fishing
give me a call at: 508-240-8267 or 508-255-6211. |
|
|
|
The Hatteras
Creature
has taken
flight.! The response to this bait has been unbelievable.
Two dozen Hatteras
Creatures being
fished in the
Canyons this weekend
as well as east of
Chatham! This is 19" of
squid the likes of
nothing you have
ever seen, and for
sure have never
fished. You need to
see it in action to
believe it. It has
caught blue marlin
and
is splashing for big bluefin,
bigeye and
yellowfin as we speak!.
Available in 4 color schemes. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
It is floated,
weighted, beaded and
balanced! This
combination provides
an action that has
proved irresistible.
This rig is
made with the best
components money can
buy. Bar none...
Click here for
all the
specifications.
|
|
|
|
08/12/10 |
|
The Cape at Large... |
|
|
Once again it is the Bay that is the big producer. Lots of
bass and bluefish with some really big fish mixed in. Hap's
report pretty well spells it out.
There are giants being caught on Stellwagon and beyond.
Reports of some big fish coming off the SE corner are
persistent. Rumors of an 800 lb fish being taken in the past
couple of days are plentiful. There were some fish caught
off Jeffries earlier in the week that pushed the 80" mark.
The story goes that plastic took the fish.
I know a couple hiliners headed to the Bank and beyond
looking for giants this weekend. Live bait under a kite will
be their bait of choice. I will keep you informed as to what
transpires. This same bunch was supposed to fish the
Cuttyhunk Offshore Tournament this weekend but that was
canceled due to weather. I believe the Falmouth Grand Prix
is still on.
All I am hearing east of Chatham is frustration. There are
fish around but they are not active. It appears that the big
fish are way offshore. maybe it will be like last year and
they will come in en mass late in the fall.
That worked for me last year!
The sound seems pretty warm and all am hearing is bluefish
and bonito. What few stripers that are being caught are on
the small side. I imagine the best place for stripers is
just inside the federal waters east of the rips of Monomoy.
That is where the commercial fleet posted in great numbers
last week and I haven't heard of any great changes.
The canal has turned on a bit with all the fresh bait
around. Some decent fish have been taken of late. Jigs and
topwater...both extremes are working.
Offshore south and east to the Canyons will remain to be
seen. Phenomenal fishing out there this year so far, but we
will see what this weekend does to the fishing.
Whatever your flavor, hit it hard this weekend. Just
think...hunting season is just around the corner. Whether
that means giant bluefin or giant whitetail, or both...the
magical time of year is coming sooner than we think. If you
are like me, you are torn between the two. But...bluefin
wins every time!
Good Luck and have a great weekend! Dave
|
|
08/11/10 |
Capt. Hap Farrell
The Stunmai II |
|
|
|
Consistent Summer Fishing.... |
If this summer is one thing it is consistent. Hot, muggy,
and sunny with not much rain. As far as the fish are
concerned this summer is one of more predictable season
we’ve had for a while. Want stripers, it’s Billingsgate
Shoals or P-town. There are days when they are hard to find
but that’s why they call it “fishing” instead of “catching”.
The wire manufactures are having a field day. Jigging is the
main way we are using to catch the striper. Between hang ups
and kinks in the wire, we are going through quite a bit of
it. The people who shuck sea clams
are staying busy because we are feeding the dog fish and
stripers the sea clams when we fish behind the clammers. We
are keeping the economy going just on terminal tackle alone.
The bluefish, for awhile they were a little scarce, but now
they are becoming predictable. The Path and south of the not
so Ugly house is where they are hanging out. Single
hootchies work well. Mainly on 200 foot wires with a 10 foot
leader, but mono will work, just not as well. These bluefish
are huge. They average between 10 to 15 pounds with some
even bigger. They also have shown up in by the #3 can. From
there to the east and up a little on the flats along the
Eastham shore. At times they might work up to the Sunken
Meadow area. These are mixed in size, from 5 pound up to the
really huge ones.
What we need again is another northwest wind. Preferably at
night from 10 pm. to 5 am. so we don’t have to fish in the
wind. This will cool the water down some and drive the bass
up on the shoals. That is the big stripers. There are some
big fish being caught down near Barnstable Harbor out in the
deep water. That is a hit or miss situation. You have to
troll around until you run across a school and then stay
with it.
This last week I had two old friends out with other family
members and thier friends. It had been a couple of years
since I had Lewis Bittle out and even more since Al Johnson
was out with me. I had them both out and we landed a good
number of both bass and bluefish. I met them both when we
used to have the Bluewater Tournament out of Rock Harbor
more than twenty years ago. In that tournament we had folks
from Bermuda and a Boston fishing club fishing with us for
three straight days. It was a treat to have them on the
board. So, I’m donating the $20 of nonperishable foods in
their names to the Lower Cape Outreach Council this week.
If you’d like to get out for some of this good fishing give
me a call at 508-255-6211 or 508-240-8267. |
|
|
|
08/05/10 |
|
Fish of the week |
|
Submitted by Capt. Dan Rooks of the
Tuna Duck |
|
22nd Annual Ducks Unlimited Band the Billfish Tournament |
 |
Dave,
54 boats competed in the tourney, there was a four way tie
on billfish with 550 points, The meatfish weights are the
tiebreaker.
We had three sails hooked Saturday and landed two, It was a
laidback weekend on the Beaufort waterfront. Everyone had
fun. Enclosed is a photo of Mike and Ricky with a sailfish.
Capt. Dan Rooks
Tuna Duck Sportfishing |
|
|
|
08/05/10 |
The Cape at large...
As you read, the Bay is active for stripers and blues. The
backside beaches are seeing some bluefish action here and
there. That is hit or miss though.
I haven't heard if any more great whites have taken up
residence off Chatham, but I would assume none have left! It
should get interesting later in the month.
I told you last week that the Green Harbor Tuna Tournament
was to take place last weekend. The fishing was very
poor...one fish at 73"...that took the prize. The giants are
apparently offshore somewhere...certainly not on Stellwagon.
That can change at any time though. It doesn't sound like
anybody is putting any time in way east of Chatham. There
are some slot fish close, so I guess the majority is
satisfied with that. I do know that if the number of tuna
jigs I sold this week alone is any indication of what is
going on, then the spinning rod and vertical jigging fleet
is out in force. I sold literally every tuna jig I had, and
through conversations with other dealers they are seeing the
same thing. That is a good thing...
Below is a report a customer sent me the other day after
fishing the canyons for the day.
 "We
had 15 mixed bag bluefin/yellowfin (80/20) at chicken canyon
at daybreak on Saturday - chicken canyon - arrived at 5:30
am - first green machine spreader bar went off as soon as
deployed from rigger - rainbow bird was hot. Ballyhoo also -
fish were all 40-60 class with a couple of 80 pounders mixed
in - I am gen'l cat so I can keep the bluefin less than
73"... - we left the fish biting and headed to the hudson -
60 boats trolling the tip hard - clean water - bait, whales,
porpoise, marlin spotted on surface - nobody hooking up at
all - we were there by 8:30 am and trolled to sw corner
without a touch. The canyon water is clean and blue -
especially south of the elbow - was heading across the mouth
when I spoke with Mike on the Desire who was at 100SQ and
heading my way - said it was desolate there - we caught a
couple of mahi in the deep and then headed to the SW corner
for some tiles - took a few hundred pounds in a little over
3 hours - biggest one dressed at 32 lbs "
The Canyons are hot, as the "60 boats" indicates. It has
been the hot bite for a few weeks now. The Cuttyhunk
tournament is next weekend so lets hope the fishing stays
good for the guys fishing it.
Speaking of Tournaments, the White Marlin Open is going on
as we speak, with lots of big fish brought to the scales.
Currently a 1010.5 lb. blue marlin and a 97.5 are leading
the pack. They are both beautiful fish. They will be tough
to beat.
Have a great weekend. Dave |
|
|
|
08/05/10 |
|
Capt. Hap Farrell |
|
The Stunmai II |
www.capecodbaycharters.com
capthap@capecodbaycharters.com |
|
|
|
Fishing Heats Up, Weather Cools... |
|
|
We have enjoyed some pretty good fishing this summer. For
the first time in a few seasons we can mostly count on the
fish being in certain areas of Cape Cod Bay. These areas,
Billingsgate Shoals, the deep water off the north edge of
the shoals or off the Path in the deeper water or in tight
to the beach. So, as we come out of Rock Harbor we decide
where we want to go and the fish will be there.
Oh yes, there’s P-town. That is a unique place to fish. It’s
very active but you have to have a little knowledge of the
area. There are hang ups from Wood End up to Race Point. If
you are jigging you will most likely run across a few of
them. There is a lot of lost wires in this area. Ghost pots
which are covered with jigs. If you don’t know what a ghost
pot is, it’s a lobster pot that the buoy line has been cut
off or come loose so you don’t know it is there. Normally
you would stay clear of a lobster pot if you’d seen the
buoy.
The bluefish are still hanging around the Path. Sometimes
the main body might be a little south down near Great Island
and at times they will move a little north of the Path but
they will be in the area. Also the deep water is another
good area to check out. This has been going on all summer.
I’ve been asked by a large number of people about the Sunken
Meadow area. I have no explanation on why the bluefish
aren’t in there on a regular basis. They do show up now and
then but with no predictability. You just have to take a
ride in there and look for yourself. If the bluefish are
there you will most likely be by yourself for the day.
I take a number families fishing every season. One of the
families is the Ewen family from Connecticut. Chris, his
daughter Emily and Christa come fish at least 3 times a
year, sometimes more. Emily comes just about every time and
Christa once in a while. Emily has become quite an angler.
Every time I develop a new light tackle system or set of
rods she is the first to really put them to the test. In her
times fishing with me she has landed stripers over 35 pounds
with as light a gear as 6 pound test tackle. She was 13 when
she did that. Now she is 16 and has expressed a desire to
learn the skills to be a mate. I believe she will make an
excellent mate when she puts in the time needed. So, I’m
donating the $20 of nonperishable foods in her name to the
Lower Cape Outreach Council this week.
If you’d like to try your hand a this seasons great fishing
give me a call at: 508-240-8267
|
|
07/29/10 |
The Cape at large...
Lots of fish, lots of people. Here we get into the practice
of "fishing the fringe". Whether you are fishing bluefin
tuna or blue marlin, when there is fishing pressure look
outside the ring. move off a quarter or half a mile and fish
the fish that have scattered because of the fishing pressure
and boat pressure.
This weekend we have the Green Harbor Tuna Tournament. These
boats will be fishing the Bay and the Bank.
The consistent method of fishing right now is live bluefish
or pogies under a kite. This method is far outfishing
anything else, especially for the bigger fish.
If you are trolling, you need Carlson or East of Chatham
Green machine bars, Bird bars, Sluggo bars and for that big
bite you need a couple Hatteras Creatures. These lures are
selling at a phenomenal rate and are being fished in two
tournaments this weekend plus another next weekend, plus all
the boats using them in the canyons and the far east! That's
not counting the southern fleet. Talk to your friends who
own some, hold them in your hand and watch them swim. You
will be hooked!
The canyons are proving to be the spot to fish so far this
year. multiple species of fish are around and yellowfin to
60lbs aren't uncommon. More than a few boats are heading to
oceanographers this weekend. Good luck!
Good luck to all fishing the tournaments this weekend. And
for those of you who fished the shark tournament last
weekend, I hope you did well.
Have a great weekend. Dave
|
|
07/29/10 |
|
|
 Capt. Bruce Peters
Po Box 947
East Orleans, MA 02643
bruce@sportfishingcapecod.com
www.sportfishingcapecod.com
(508) 255 0911
Cape Cod Fishing Report |
|
|
Hi Folks,
If you look east of Chatham this morning you will see a
large fleet of mixed boats just inside the 3 mile line.
There are small skiffs and 40 foot custom tuna boats. The
commercial bass season is now in full swing on Sunday,
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays and it appears that this
area off to the east is where they are working. Yesterday I
counted over 100 boats all jockeying for position in this
area. This spot is absolutely loaded with bluefish and
dogfish as well, yet I saw a large percentage of guys
drifting live eels to try to catch the stripers. At a buck
apiece per eel, that can add up the bait bill really quickly
! The talk on the radio yesterday was that there are about
10 short striped bass to every one keeper sized one for the
commercial guys, not really great fishing in anybody's book.
As a "sportie", a recreational boat, we can catch our
recreational limit and have some fun doing it. It took me a
little while, but I finally did figure out how to
consistently produce striped bass from this area, with less
blues and dogfish. Yesterday's trip ended with lots of
bluefish, a limit of bass for all on the boat and a couple
for me to sell for gas money too. There is plenty of fish
and bait in the area, and as long as the water temperature
and the bait stay, the fishing should hold for a while. The
crowd of boats is what makes it a less desirable spot to
fish. There are stripers in the rips too, but its just
another 5 miles away to the south. The rip fishing is usual
summer fishing, where after you take a fish or two off an
edge, you move over to another edge and take one or two, and
then move back etc. One must work around the boat traffic,
be observant and fish where there hasn't been a boat for the
last 15-20 minutes.
As for bluefin tuna fishing, it has been spotty, with one
day they are jumping next to the boat, and then the next not
to be seen. I have not had many tuna trips this year, and
the last one I had to reschedule to make a repair to the
boat. The bolts to the cutlass bearing had come undone and I
had to take the boat out of the water to repair and
reinstall them. I am very lucky that the repair was done
within one day and I was back in the water the next. There
is a good bait supply west of the "BC" buoy where we fished
a couple years ago, and that would be where i would look as
long as I had good visibility. I have not heard from my
friend that fished the Regal Sword area yesterday, but I did
hear him say it looked good on the radio before I lost
contact with him. My thinking is that the tuna are where
there is a decent food supply and not many boats. I know
there are fish in the inshore spots, but with all the
bass/bluefish/dogfish/small boats competing with them for a
meal, I am leaning towards fishing in the areas that have
much less pressure. The Regal Sword area has had very little
pressure because its 25 plus miles away. It is situated on a
travel corridor of the bluefin. If there is bait in the
area, there will be tuna fish there. The key is having a
long enough scheduled trip to get there and leaving early
enough in the morning to have a decent morning bite !
With the economy off, my charter bookings are off. I have no
charter today. I had last weekend off with not one booking.
Folks that call are not asking about the boat or the tackle,
or the fishing, or where the boat is, but merely price
shopping, looking for the less expensive boat. I found out
yesterday that one of the better charter guys offering
charters in my harbor has reduced his rates by $25, and
another lesser boat says he charges $150 less for his half
day trip. I have had many folks ask me for a shorter trip
than my usual 5 hour version. I am now considering the
addition of a 4 hour trip, with the rate to be determined,
for those that are just interested in a shorter trip. It is
possible depending upon what feedback I receive, that the 5
hour trip would become a 4 hour trip instead. Any feedback
would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Robust economy or sluggish economy, the stripers don't care.
They feed regardless. This morning I headed out about 2
miles from the harbor entrance and caught 5 limits of
stripers and at least 20 bluefish in 2 hours ! That is
damned good fishing. We were using 15 pound test line on St.
Croix 7.6 foot spinning rods and Penn 560 spinning reels.
There is an area about 2 miles long and 1/2 a mile wide
where if you put your big toe in the water you would
probably catch a bluefish. Yet I have no charter scheduled
for Saturday or Sunday ! Go figure.
So to enhance the
Capeshores Charters experience, I am for the first time,
offering a 4 hour charter. The rate will be $525. You may
reserve a date by calling 508 237-0399
Thanks very much,
Bruce & "Marilyn S"
|
|
07/29/10 |
|
Capt. Hap Farrell |
|
The Stunmai II |
www.capecodbaycharters.com
capthap@capecodbaycharters.com |
|
|
|
The Summer Marches on... |
|
|
Every day we go out of Rock Harbor and head our boats
towards the shoals. We have cut back the jigs on our 300 ft.
wires, set the drags, and put either wooden head hootchies
or reverse atoms on our outrigger lines. We are ready. We
get to the middle of the shoals and set our lines out. More
times than not we will have a good day. This is good
fishing. Now we can add something else to our resume. It
seems that some bluefish have gotten over to the Eastham
shore. Late last weekend a few private boats went up there
just to check on what might be and found fish.
Remember in last weeks article I said if we got a hard
northwest wind some big bass might be pushed up onto
Billingsgate Shoals. Well, it happened. The first fish we
hooked up on Thursday the 22nd on the half day trip was 46
inches long and weighed close to 35 pounds. That day we took
a few more bass from 34 to 38 inches. Not many, but more
than we have seen this summer. The whole trip was really
active with stripers from 28 to 33 inches. We easily got our
limit that day. The same thing happened this last Monday,
the 26th. We had a hard northwest wind and this pushed a
good number of fish onto the shoals. That day our biggest
fish was 37 inches and it was not quite as active as that
Thursday. The shoals should continue to be the place to go
for stripers.
The bluefish, where have they been and where do we find
them? So far the main area has been off the Path from 10
feet of water out to 20 feet. The only other place we have
run across these fish has been in the deep water off the
north edge of the shoals. Well, now we have a new spot. This
last week a large school of big bluefish was found off the
Eastham shore from the cell phone tower up to Sunken Meadow
area. Hootchies or popping plugs were the lures of choice.
It is about time they showed up in this area. I hope they
stick around for a while.
I had the Hodge families out for a half day trip this last
Tuesday. The trip came through the booth at the harbor. I
was told it was a family with young kids. Just who I love to
get out fishing and into some big fish. The first to hook up
was Ryan, who is nine. It was a real big bluefish. Then
Carter who is twelve was next followed closely by little
Brooke who is seven. After that we went after some stripers.
Each one landed a keeper. Little Brooke needed some help but
with the light gear I carry she handled most of it by
herself. These three kids running around on deck catching
fish kept me and Mark the mate very busy. The $20 donation
of food to the Lower Cape Outreach Council will be made in
their names. |
|
|
|
If you’d like to get in on this really good summer fishing
call me at 508-255-6211 or 508-240-8267. Thanks. Capt. Hap
Farrell |
|
|
|
07/16/10 |
NMFS Closes Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Northern Area Trophy
Fishery
NMFS closes the northern area Angling category fishery for
large medium and giant ("trophy") BFT for the remainder of
2010. Fishing for, retaining, possessing, or landing large
medium and giant BFT (measuring 73 inches curved fork length
or greater) north of 39°18' N. lat. (off Great Egg Inlet,
NJ,) is prohibited effective at 11:59 p.m., July 18, 2010.
The intent of this closure is to prevent overharvest of the
Angling category northern area trophy BFT subquota of 1.7 mt.
NMFS closed the southern area trophy BFT fishery effective
June 12, 2010. Anglers are reminded that all non-tournament
BFT landed under the Angling category quota must be reported
within 24 hours of landing either online at
www.hmspermits.gov or by calling (888) 872-8862.
In Maryland and North Carolina, vessel owners must report
their recreational tuna landings at state-operated reporting
stations. For additional information on these programs,
including reporting station locations, please call (410)
213-1351 (Maryland) or (800) 338-7804 (North Carolina).
Anglers may catch and release or tag and release BFT of all
sizes, subject to the requirements of HMS catch-and-release
and tag-and-release programs. NMFS regulations at 50 CFR
635.21(a)(1) require that all released BFT be released in a
manner that will maximize survivability, and without
removing the fish from the water. For further information on
safe handling see: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/PartnershipsCommunications/recfish/ethics.htm
NMFS may make further Angling category adjustments via in
season action, if warranted.
This notice is a courtesy to BFT fishery permit holders to
help keep you informed about your fishery. For additional
information, ca1l (888) 872-8862 or (978) 281-9260, or go to
www.hmspermits.gov. Official notice of Federal fishery
actions is made through filing such notice with the Office
of the Federal Register.
|
|
|
|
07/15/10 |
|
|
Capt. Bruce Peters
Po Box 947
East Orleans, MA 02643
bruce@sportfishingcapecod.com
www.sportfishingcapecod.com
(508) 255 0911
Cape Cod Fishing Report |
|
|
Yes finally there are fish back in the rips. We have
been doing limits on the stripers, using squid for bait on
the light tackle. Of course now that the Massachusetts
commercial striped bass season has started again, there are
more anglers competing for position in the rips as well. For
the record, I DO support a commercial striped bass fishery,
as it is well managed, has a limited quota and the fishery
provides a way for folks that do not have a a boat or a surf
rod to share the common resource of striped bass.
The water temperatures have dropped considerably and we now
have squid and birds in the rips, and therefore the stripers
are under them, boiling and splashing as they seek an easy
meal. The fish are ranging in sizes from 30" to 42" with
most in the 33 inch range. The tides have been running
strong and that I think is what has made the water quality
improve and cool down. The fog has been thick as pea soup,
making it hard to find the fish and birds, and for stressful
operation. In addition the bar has been breaking at 5-7 feet
on a few of the mornings last week. Last Friday a Orleans
angler lost his life as he fell out of the boat trying to
cross a bar in Nauset Inlet with less than optimal
visibility. I saved a couple of lifejacket clad fellows in
the Chatham inlet on Monday. They had dunked the engine and
were without power, and had anchored up right in the
breakers. I quickly pulled them aboard and towed their 13
foot whaler (little pisspot) in to the Fish Pier, berating
them all the way for their incredible stupidity in taking
that little boat out in the huge surf in the fog. I even
asked them if their little fishing trip was worth their life
!
I have not fished for tuna in over a week, due to my daily
bass charters, but I hear the guys on the radio everyday. It
has been hard for the gang to find the fish with the thick
fog. The bluefin are mixed right in with the schools of
bluefish and stripers. They are all feeding on the same food
supply. Usually there are a smattering of birds hovering
these tiny pockets of feeding fish. If you have a good
radar, and its properly tuned, you can see the echoes of the
birds on the screen to help you get on the fish. By the way,
all of those little boats that have no radar reflector on
your boats, you cannot be seen on radar except in flat calm
conditions. With any kind of 2 foot chop, the radar reflects
"sea clutter" on the screen at close range, making your
small boat invisible and undetectable. Invest in a $25 radar
reflector and it just could save you from being run over in
the fog.
Good fishing to you,
Bruce & "Marilyn S" |
|
|
|
07/14/10 |
|
Cape Cod Bay Fishing Report |
|
Capt Hap Farrell |
www.capecodbaycharters.com
capthap@capecodbaycharters.com
|
The striped bass have taken up residence on Billingsgate
Shoals with a sense of almost permanence. For the past two
weeks we have found them either on top of the shoals or on
either the north or south edges. This is during the top of
the tide. As the tide drops they slowly move off into the
deeper water, I think. We’re not sure where they really go
but they do disappear. They show back up about 2 to 3 hour
before high water and make themselves available for catching
which we do with a vengeance. Jigging is by far the best
method to hook up on these fish with trolling hootchies a
second and almost as productive way to land some of the
stripers. It seems that there are not any bluefish mixed in
which is a little unusual.
P-town, the bass capital of Cape Cod Bay, holds the most
striped bass right now. With the commercial season starting
it will be and is a very crowded area. With the way the
economy is right now and the potential price for the bass at
the fish market most everyone with commercial license is
there. From what I’ve heard the first day was not all that
good. A large amount of bluefish have moved in over night
and made it difficult to use eels to catch the stripers.
Many of the fishermen turned to jigging and the tube and
worm, but even that was only marginal. I’m sure things will
change, it’s just when will it change.
The bluefish are settling in out in the deep water off the
east end of Billingsgate Shoals. This area is called the
square, by this I mean it 40 over 40 using the old Loran
system. Just go across the east end of the shoals and go out
to 55 to 60 feet of water and you’re there. Single hootchies
on 200 foot wires works very well. An umbrella rig will work
but you will tear it up, these fish are big.
The Rock Harbor Charter Fleet, plus boats from other
harbors, hosted this seasons Special Olympics type fishing
trip. The fish we usually find along the Eastham shore were
not there but were out in the deep water north of
Billingsgate Shoals. There we found a good amount of big
bluefish and some stripers. Everyone caught their share of
fish and had a great time as usual. These special anglers
are already talking about next years fishing.
The fisherman of the week which I’ll be donating twenty
dollars of canned goods to the Lower Cape Outreach Pantry is
Casey Jagermann. This young lady handled both some big
striped bass and bluefish with the skill of a pro. It was
her first time fishing the bay.
If you’d like to get in on this really good summer fishing
call me at 508-255-6211 or 508-240-8267. |
|
|
|
07/08/10 |
|
The Hatteras
Creature
has taken
flight.! The response to this bait has been unbelievable.
They are going to be fished in the Hatteras Grand Slam
Tournament this weekend as well as on the Bank, East of
Chatham, and a a whole lot of places in between! This is 19" of
squid the likes of
nothing you have
ever seen, and for
sure have never
fished. You need to
see it in action to
believe it. It has
caught blue marlin
and
is splashing for big bluefin
as we speak!.
Available in 4 color schemes. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It is floated,
weighted, beaded and
balanced! This
combination provides
an action that has
proved irresistible.
This rig is
made with the best
components money can
buy. Bar none...
Click here for
all the
specifications.
|
|
|
|
07/08/10 |
Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras
Again, you have read Hap's
report and Jack's
report. The fishing is ok in some spots and down right
tough in others. There is extremely warm water off Monomoy,
depending on the tide. I am hearing between 63 and 69
degrees. This is making for some tough fishing and is
chasing some boats off to Nantucket. At least there if the
bass aren't biting there are some 10-12 lb. bluefish to keep
you occupied.
There are a ton of squid in the sound, but the tides aren't
strong enough yet to push the bait across the rips. That
will change.
We do know that 10 miles east of Chatham, in Federal
waters...there are schools of big bass boiling on the
surface all over. This is no mans land for anyone wanting to
keep a bass...
The tuna bite is spotty. There are a ton of fish around both
east of Chatham and on Stellwagon. Getting them to bite
changes daily. There were some decent fish caught on
Stellwagon late last week using live mackerel under kites. I
haven't heard much from the live bluefish crowd but those
trolling rigs are saying it is hit or miss. What I have
heard consistently is that there aren't many anglers that
like the slot limits they need to fish. I guess we will all
have to get used to it.
The hottest bite around may very well be the Canyons if you
can get there. Two highliners who I will not name from Rhode
Island are slamming the yellowfin on both Green Machine Bars
and Bait Shower Teasers towing a rigged Bullet Nob Green
Machine. All of you know what "covered up" means when
trolling for yellowfin...just about there!
The hot spot for big stripers is a toss up between Block
Island, RI and Montauk, NY. Montauk is giving up fish to 50
lbs. feeding on huge schools of bunker. Block Island just
gave up a fish, as in the last day, that was 63 lbs. These
fish are chasing sand eels.
There are bluefin being caught off Ocean City and Atlantic
City as we speak. There aren't the numbers that are flooding
the Cape, but they seem to be biting.
This weekend is the Hatteras Grand Slam Tournament. The
fishing days are Friday and Saturday, and it is a catch and
release tournament. All billfish are worth the same amount
of points, and the big prize goes to the boat that completes
the Grand Slam...blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish. If
nobody does it, the money rolls over to next year. Sounds
like a fun tournament. I personally know half a dozen boats
and crews fishing it, plus there is a whole lot more that I
don't know. I hope they have a great showing!
I hope all of you have a great , safe, and highly productive
weekend. Good luck to all. Dave |
|
|
|
07/08/10 |
Capt. Hap Farrell
Stunmai II
www.capecodbaycharters.com
capthap@capecodbaysportfishing.com |
|
|
|
The Fish Have Moved in... |
We have been waiting for the bass and bluefish to settle
into somewhat of a pattern. Or, at least staying in a
general area for a period of time so we have some idea where
to look for them each day. It seems Billingsgate Shoals is
the place to go this season. Whether it is the west end or
on the east section up by Great Island or by Billingsgate
Island itself. Jig is the most productive method so far but
if it is deep enough, over 17 feet, you can use an umbrella
rig on a short wire, 150 feet.
As far as the bluefish are concerned they seem to have taken
up residence up by the Path in water from 20 feet into as
shallow as 8 feet There are some bluefish in off the Eastham
shore but not much right now. There are also some small bass
on some of the rock piles east of the #3 can and up towards
Welfleet Harbor. This is also a hit or miss situation,
meaning they are only there now and then. An umbrella rig is
the best but single hootchies can work too. Just troll them
at around 5.5 knots.
Provincetown, now that is a good area to fish, especially if
you want to play bumper cars. With the commercial season
opening up soon, I think the 13th of July, that place will
be very crowded. Last summer it was the only really active
area for commercial size fish, over 34 inches. Most used
live eels but you have to know how to fish them or they will
not work well. If you’re just there to fish for fun jigging
is your best bet but be prepared for hang-ups on the bottom.
There are a good number of them especially by the Bath
House.
One area that might be worth checking out is the deep water.
I was out there with a charter on the half day on the 4th. I
found a few bunches of fish in 55 feet of water and worked
them. We took 3 bass from 29 inches up to 32 inches and 2
bluefish. I used my 150 foot wire with 4 ounces of extra
weight and slowed down when I went of the fish. I normally
troll at 3.5 to 4 knots and would slow to just under 3 knots
over fish and wait. More times than not I’d get a fish on.
I’d look there instead of going up to P-town.
This last week I had Chris Ewen and his daughter Emily out
for a full day trip. Emily loves to use really light gear.
This time they brought Emily’s cousin Brendan who is ten. He
skillfully landed big 12 pound bluefish on my 12 lb. test
rod set up. Not bad for a first timer. So, this weeks
donation to the Orleans Outreach Council will be made in his
name.
If you’d like to get in on this really good summer fishing
call me at 508-255-6211 or 508-240-8267. |
|
|
|
07/08/10 |
Capt. Jack Riley
Maverick Charters |
|
|
I stopped at Snug Harbor on the way home and they said the
bass fishing at Southwest Ledge on Block Island was
fantastic. They are feeding on Sandeels.
I heard the same for the Race and Montauk with big stripers
following the bunker schools.
A customer of ours called me and said he was at West
Atlantis last weekend and caught 14 1/2 40-60# yellowfin on
the troll during the day using green machine bars and an "eyecatcher
bait shower teaser" with a green machine stinger. He loves
the bait shower and calls it his "Lady Dancer". The 1/2 is
because a mako ate half a yellowfin. He caught the mako as
well as a 70# white marlin. Big fish.
The stripers have showed in the race at PTown and at times
are pushing sandeels onto the beach but there are 150 boats
fighting for space in an area the size of your backyard.
Some of the PTown boats are putting their outriggers out to
clear a little space.
Good luck! Capt. Jack |
|
|
|
06/28/10 |
As you have read in
Hap's and Jack's report, there is some pretty consistent
fishing to be had if you put the effort into looking.
The big June run on the backside is over, but there are
still fish being caught. The Race off P-town I'm sure will
be a zoo this weekend for the shore crowd. For that matter,
I am sure the waters will be teaming with boats of all
sizes.
If it is tuna you are targeting, I am sure the "fleet" will
give away where the fish are at. One proven method for
success is to fish the fringe. By that I mean get 1/4 mile
or so away from the fleet and fish the edge. Blue marlin or
tuna, yellowfin or bluefin, a concentration of boats will
put them down and or out. Many a Captain has pulled good
fish from the edges of a concentrated fleet. Ask the
highliners...they will tell you.
For school, medium and giant bluefin tuna pay attention to
the sea surface temperature chart available on the home page
of Offshore Pursuits. The temperature break east of Chatham
from 49/50 degrees up to 58/59 degrees is holding large
schools of bluefin. The break is in around 95/100 feet of
water and runs the length of the Great South Channel from
P-Town down to the BB Buoy. This break changes every day
based on the tide. Some days the fish are on the warm side
and biting. Other days they are on the cold side and
difficult to get a look from. I have not heard anything
specific about the bank. I do know of a boat that jigged a
fish up today put pulled him off. His exact location I do
not know. Like I said though, the fleet will let you know if
they find fish.
Apparently the striper bite around the Vineyard is a live
bait thing. I don't believe there will be any fishing the
"fringes" in this case. Plan on company wherever you go.
The Canal is an on again off again bite depending on what
happens to show up for bait. There have been some 40 lb.
fish caught, but it is spotty.
If I had a choice, I would be east of Chatham fishing the
break with a spread of squid rigs behind me and a pair of
Hatteras Creatures fished out of the long riggers way
back. At squid rig speed the
Hatteras Creature
swims sub surface, which is good. That
puts the bait slightly below the squid rigs. What do you
think is gong to get hit first? If you are trolling
tuna trains and skirted or naked ballyhoo, the
Creature
swims on the surface. You control the action by
your boat control.
I will tell you a proven trick concerning the
Hatteras Creature...come out of gear and let all your
rigs come to a stop. The Creature will be nose up and
tentacles straight down. Put the boat in gear and start to
troll...as soon as the
Creature
arches forward and begins to swim, watch out. A
nice blue marlin was fooled that way. That is a fact...
I hope all of you have a great , safe, and highly productive
holiday weekend. Good luck to all. Dave |
|
|
|
For
Offshore Fishing Reports click here |
|
|
|
06/28/10 |
|
Interesting bit of news picked up today. A tuna fisherman
caught and tagged a great white shark of Scituate. They
filmed the catch and Marine Fisheries verified the fish as
being a great white shark.
Click here for a link to the article and video. This
news is from Fox News. |
|
|
|
|
|
06/23/10 |
Capt. Hap Farrell
Stunmai II
www.capecodbaycharters.com
capthap@capecodbaysportfishing.com |
|
|
It is the end of June. The schools are letting out and folks
are headed to Cape Cod. This means the traffic will be
busier, lines will happen and be long, and the weather will
be hotter. Hopefully the fishing will get the same way.
The west end of Billingsgate Shoals is still the place to
go. That and up around P-town. Although, if you do not like
to fish in a very crowded area I would not go there. It can
be hot and cold, lots of fish that won’t eat, no fish, or
really, really active. When it is active from Wood End up to
Race Point there are usually so many boats you can walk from
one to the other and keep your feet dry.
There are some fish showing up around the Path and out in
the deep water off the Path. It’s a mixture of bass and
bluefish with mostly bluefish. These may be the fish that
were out in the deep water off the north edge of the shoals.
Umbrella rigs on wire work well with these fish or even a
single hootchie on wire will work. Hopefully, these bluefish
will move south and get in the Stony Bar area and off the
Eastham shore where they belong. Only time will tell so when
you have a chance check that area out. It should get active
soon.
I saw something in the paper last week that got me thinking.
The Lower Cape Outreach Council indicated that their pantry
was running very low. So, I’m going to make challenge to the
charter fleet in Rock Harbor, in fact to all of us who are
somewhat skillful in the art of fishing. For every unusually
large fish, whether bass or bluefish, caught by an angler on
my boat I will donate $20 of canned and non-perishable food
to this organization in the name of the angler. I challenge
the fleet and any of you who fish for both pleasure and an
occasional dinner to do the same. The way I see it, it’s
like making a deposit in a bank that we hope we’ll never
have to make a withdrawal from. Drop off points will be at
the booth at Rock Harbor, the Goose Hummock, and the Lower
Cape Outreach office on 19 Brewster Crossroads in Orleans.
The office hours are from 9:30 am. to 3:30 pm. Mon. thru
Thrus. and 9:30 am. to 12:30 pm. on Fridays. You can call
508-240-1490 with any questions.
For those who are not on Cape Cod and able to participate in
this challenge you may sent a check to the Lower Cape
Outreach Council care of Janice Perrin, Human Services
Coordinator, 19 Brewster Cross Rd., PO Box 665, Orleans, Ma.
02653. Thank You.... Hap |
|
|
|
06/23/10 |
Capt. Jack Riley
Maverick Charters |
|
|
I returned from the Cape last night late. Charters every
day. I rescheduled tomorrow because of the thunderstorm
forecast. I was wondering about the returns myself and
called but Dennis is out till the AM and he will call me. We
both want them done. I cancelled the credit card last week
with a -0- balance.
I picked up a regular customer from Texas at Martha's
Vineyard yesterday and spent the better part of the AM
looking for bass and blues at MV. Nothing. No marks and very
little bait. And I watched four other charter boats do the
same thing. Nothing. The charter agreed to pay four hundred
more so I ran back to Handkercheif Shoal and limited out. I
left my dock at 6:30 AM and got back at 5:00 PM. Long day.
The three days before that I limited out in 2-3 hours each
day at Stone Horse off Monomoy. There are bass on all the
shoals around Monomoy and Muskeget Channel. Most of the fish
are in the mid thirty inch range but I had three over 40"
with the largest at 43". We have caught trolling with rigs,
spin casting with lures and flyfishing. Anything that mimics
a sandeel gets eaten.
On the tuna front Matt on the "Menace of Dennis" from my
dock lost a bluefin at the back of the boat last week
estimated to be between 400-500#. He and a friend were
fishing alone on Crab Ledge when their plastic got hit. Said
he would have gotten the fish if he had a third person
aboard. I listen to Channel 68 (the tuna channel) all day
and they are seeing fish from Crab ledge to the "BC" and
south and southwest of the buoy. The bunch that were off
Nauset seems to have moved to deeper water but that can
change daily.
Capt. Randy of
www.firstmatesportfishing.com has gotten some big bass
live lining mackeral and eels in some of his favorite holes
on Cape Cod Bay. Capt. Robbie of
www.seaducedfishing.com caught a 23" Fluke at Stone
Horse waiting for the tide and bass to turn on. |
|
|
|
06/20/10 |
Capt. Hap Farrell
Stunmai II
www.capecodbaycharters.com
capthap@capecodbaysportfishing.com |
|
|
Getting Hooked...
|
 |
 |
|
|
In the last two days both my trips have gone very well. We
fished on the west end of Billingsgate Shoals. Jigging was
the most productive method, but that is not what made both
trips so good. On the trip on the 17th of June a young woman
named Hilary came a long on the trip. She had never fished
before. She landed the most fish and the biggest. Could it
have been beginners luck?
Today, the 18th of June, I have another young woman named
Laural aboard. She also had never fished before. She also
landed the most fish and the biggest. This should tell you
guys something. Take you wife or girlfriend with you when
you go fishing. You will bring home some fish. Hap |
|
|
|
The Offshore Book Combo |
 The
Offshore Book Combo consists of three books guaranteed to
teach you a few things and up your catch rate with tips and
tricks from the pros.
Normally these books are $19.95 a piece, but as a combo we
are letting them go for $49.99 per set.
You won't find a deal like that anywhere.
Click here to Buy Now |
|
|
|
06/10/10 |
Capt. Bruce Peters
Po Box 947
East Orleans, MA 02643
bruce@sportfishingcapecod.com
www.sportfishingcapecod.com
(508) 255 0911
06/09/2010
Cape Cod Fishing Report
|
The fishing in June here on Cape Cod is busting wide open.
The waters are warming rapidly and there are huge amounts of
baitfish and predatory species moving through the area. The
Nantucket Sound spring squid and mackerel runs were a bust,
yet the black bass fishing was phenomenal. there are large
pogies in the sound estuaries to be caught and used for bait
for big bass and bluefin tuna. There are some mackerel
schools reported on the backside, but I think the herring
midwater trawlers have done their damage. If you get a
chance to sign on to a letter looking for increased observer
coverage for these boats please do so.
Cape Cod Bay has had good bass action recently on
Billingsgate Shoals, yet the entire Rock Harbor Charter
Fleet was at the dock today ! There are a few scattered
bluefish around but its been mostly bass so far. There were
a few smaller tuna caught in the bay this last week as well.
By smaller, I mean smaller than the 68" to 72" fish that are
being caught off Chatham. These 45-60" fish are just what
the doctor ordered for the health of our fishery, in that it
is another different year class of fish to spread the
harvest over a wide range of ages of our Atlantic Bluefin
Tuna. Last year it seemed all we could catch was the 60 to
67" inch fish. I did hear that the boats on Stellwagon and
in the Cape Cod Bay were working on the smaller tuna last
fall, I just never saw many.
There is a nice school of bluefin tuna east of Chatham that
are mixed in with stripers. Folks are catching bass on the
squid bars while trolling for tuna. These are the 68 " size
class of fish, so be careful if you think you are going to
catch one on the spinning gear. A local Chatham lobster man
told me he saw a school of smaller "jumpers" 8 miles
southeast of the cut the other day. I hope the smaller ones
do stick around. The tuna and the bass have been keyed in on
a big bait supply that moves from day to day up and down the
coastline according to the wind directions. Watch for the
birds and you should do fine. I have not been to the rips as
yet because the bass are 2 miles out side the harbor! I
think soon I may take a look see at Bearse's and
Handkerchief shoals.
I received a notice from the National Marine Fisheries
Service a day or so ago regarding 3 changes to the rules
regarding ABT. The first change reduces the angling category
(recreational anglers in their own boats) daily bag limit
from 2 per day to one per day, between 27" and 59". It also
allows for the charter/headboat category to still take two
fish, (like last year) but one must be from 27" to 47" and
the other from 47" to 59". Lastly, this first change makes
it illegal for either category to retain or keep any BFT
from 59" to 73". The second change closes the "trophy"
fishery south of Great Egg Inlet, NJ after 12/31/2010. The
third change is a transfer of 1.7 MT of quota from the
reserve to the northern angling category "trophy" quota. OK,
so what does this mean ? I truthfully have mixed feelings
because although I think it is good for the fish, I think it
may be tough on the Chatham charterboats, if the fish are
all like last year's fish. My own short term, self seeking
motives aside, it allows the large mediums a chance to make
it to giant sizes and perhaps more will spawn. We need all
the help we can get with the oil disaster happening in the
gulf of Mexico.
Thanks very much,
Bruce & "Marilyn S" |
|
|
|
06/10/10 |
The Hatteras Bite...with Capt. Dan Rooks
|
 Capt.
Dan Rooks
Tuna Duck Sportfishing
Hatteras, NC
(252)216-6160
|
|
|
|
Red Hot Yellowfin Bite! |
 |
 |
This past week has seen the yellowfin bite take off with
great catches of fish in the 60-65 lb. range. Big schools of
hungry fish are in the mixed water inshore of the stream. We
have had days of 14 fish...
Offshore on the edge, about 40 miles or so, there is a great
dolphin bite happening. Both gaffers and bailers...lots of
white marlin around with some boats landing 3 in a day. Good
sailfishing and some good blue marlin around.
The Big Rock Blue marlin Tournament starts this weekend. The
actual tournament starts on Monday. It should be an
interesting week!
Capt. Dan |
|
|
|
06/10/10 |
Capt. Hap Farrell
Stunmai II
www.capecodbaycharters.com
capthap@capecodbaysportfishing.com
|
|
Fish Staying in Deep Water... |
|
|
I have predicted that the stripers would start moving to
different areas in the Bay by this time of the season. Well,
they have, a little bit. By this I mean they have moved from
the northeast section of the north edge of Billingsgate
Shoals down to the southwest near the #1 can at the end of
the shoals. There does not seem to be much activity in by
the #3 and #5 cans or along the Eastham shore. I’m at a loss
to say why. There is or was plenty of bait in there. I have
found some fish there, once, but that was it.
Lately, we have been dealing with an unusual amount of
weather changes. Sun and relatively calm one day, wind and
rain the next and then sun and wind. Plus, the fleet as a
whole has been fairly slow this spring so not that many
boats have been out fishing. This makes it hard to keep
track on where the bass and bluefish are concentrating. So
far, it seems that out in the “Square”, an area where the
Loran, when it was working, read 40 over 40 on the 13 and 44
lines, is the most active area. Another way to find it is 3
miles off Griffin Island out in 45 to 55 feet of water.
Billingsgate Shoals is starting to get a little active now,
especially on the west end. This is good sign because last
season the shoals itself was dead. It was unusual to find
any amount of fish on top of the shoals. It was the north
edge out in 25 to 30 feet that was the most productive area.
Now, it is the south edge and up on top anywhere from the #1
can and a mile or so to the east.
The 3rd Annual Vets Fish P-town was a big success last
Saturday. Even with wind and rain six boats from Rock Harbor
made up and took these vets and their families fishing. I
had Kyle and his uncle Joe, plus Dominik and Katye who were
marines. Kyle’s father is in Iraq serving as an MP so Joe,
his brother accompanied Kyle out fishing. We got everyone a
keeper, as the other boats did, and a large number of small
fish. The weather improved and it turned into a great day
for all.
Capt. John Shakliks, of the Luau, had a regular trip with
Dick Stroble and Kenny Henderson, from Stockhome, N.J., plus
their crew, that day and fished Billingsgate Shoals and the
north edge. They landed a full compliment of stripers
trolling, casting and jigging. Capt. Shakliks threw
everything including the kitchen sink at these fish with
extremely good success. His anglers were worn to a nub by
the end of the trip, but they were smiling from ear to ear.
If you’d like to get into some this really good bass fishing
give me a call and we’ll get you out and see how lucky you
are.
508-240-8267 or 508-255-6211 |
|
|
|
06/9/10 |
The first bluefin picture of the season! Send your pictures
to
dave@offshorepursuits.com and the best picture of the
week will receive a ProFishCo Bullet Nob! Submit as many as
you like. I will get them all up here and in our gallery.
Thanks! Dave
|
 Richard
Radulski sent me this picture this afternoon of this nice
fish he caught east of Chatham this morning. The fish
measured out at 68"...a nice fish for the second week in
June. Imagine this fish after it had fattened up over the
summer! I do believe that this year will prove to be an
awesome year offshore. It started south and moved up the
coast to the Cape.
Nice work Richard and I expect to see lots more pictures of
this class and bigger!
The fishing offshore is improving daily, both of Cape Cod
and Cape Hatteras. The yellowfin are snapping in the blended
water and are going around 65 lbs. Dolphin are
abundant...both gaffers and bailers. The white marlin bite
was hot today with the
Sea
Creature hooking up 4 times with 3 releases. Great tune
up for the Big Rock Tournament that starts Monday. We will
have daily updates on all the action! Check back often and
follow your favorite boat.
The Sea
Creature with Capt. Steve Coulter won it last year, and
my money is on a repeat. Who knows though...Good luck to all
participants! Dave |
|
|
|
06/8/10 |
|
The tuna bite continues to the east and on Stellwagon. It
sound like the guys in Green Harbor and such are doing a
little better than the guys going East right now. I talked
to one today and they were doing "ok". Especially this
early. Nice yellowfin bite going on off Hatteras. 60-65 lb
fish in the mixed water inshore of the break. The big Rock
starts Saturday...Good luck to all. Dave
|
|
06/8/10 |
Capt. Bruce Peters
Po Box 947
East Orleans, MA 02643
bruce@sportfishingcapecod.com
www.sportfishingcapecod.com
(508) 255 0911
06/07/2010
Subject: Bluefin Tuna Abundance
Hi Folks,
First let me correct the last report. The buyer of the
supposedly 74" bluefin last week never bought the fish
because it was
too small according to Will Case of Nauset Marine East. I
saw the fish
and knew it was close, but with the fish bent into a curve
like that,
it may have been measured wrong. At any rate it was a "no
sale" - too short !
There are lots of fish being caught east of Chatham and up
on
Stellwagon though. These fish are on either side of 68 "
with lots of 71"
fish in the mix. These will fool you into thinking you have
a legal
fish, but once on deck you have nothing more than a huge
amount of
shashimi for all of your sushi loving friends. The Green
Harbor boats
are using live pogies when they can get them for an instant
bite. A
real big menhaden splashing around on the surface really
gets the tuna fired up !!!
Fran, from the Goose Hummock told me there were huge schools
of bait fish 3 miles off the beach north of Coast Guard
beach. Bass
and tuna were feeding on these bait balls and he reported
fish were
puking up butterfish. Ben a lobsterman friend in Chatham
told me
today he saw a mile wide school of smaller (3 footers) tuna
breaking
water on Saturday. Today he saw only the big ones again.
ONLY ??????
The small ones are good to see, as that is another younger
years class
of fish and multiple year classes is an indication of a
healthier
resource of bluefin tuna. Lets hope they continue to show
up.
The Marilyn S went into the water today and we are now
booking charters for bass and tuna. We got the bait, water
temperature and the fish.
I hope to see you on the water.
Good Fishing,
Bruce & Marilyn S
Capt. Bruce Peters
P o Box 947
East Orleans, MA 02643
(508) 255 0911
bruce@sportfishingcapecod.com
www.sportfishingcapecod.com
|
|
06/03/10 |
Capt. Hap Farrell
Stunmai II
www.capecodbaycharters.com
capthap@capecodbaysportfishing.com
Early
Season Fishing
Well, it’s official. The 2010
season has started on the Cape. Memorial Day weekend has
come and gone. It left behind some really good fishing. The
north edge of Billingsgate Shoals came alive with bass and
bluefish. Yes, I said bluefish. Big ones too. It is early
for these toothy critters and they showed up in an unusual
place, in the deep water off the edge. Normally, we first
find these fish in the shallow water along the Eastham shore
or in the channel between the #3 and #5 cans. The fish
themselves are good sized fish. They are running from 10 to
12 pounds and very aggressive, which is a good thing. If
this is preview of the season to come, it will be one of the
best in many years.
There is an event going
to take place this Saturday in P-town that 5 or so of our
boats, the charter boats in the Rock Harbor Charter Service,
are going to participate in. The 3rd annual Vets Fish P-Town
is taking place on MacMillian Pier from 7 am. to 4 pm. There
will be two shifts of Vets taking part in this fishing
event. Because of Rock Harbors unique tidal situation, our
boats will take out these vets from 10 am. to 2 pm..
Basically a third shift. If you’d like to find out more
about this fishing event go to “www.vetsfishingptown.com”
and all will be explained. Having spent some time overseas
learning how to duck flying objects I have a vested interest
in this trip. Remember, the basic responsibility of the
military is to protect this country, us, and they must be
appreciated.
There are still fish out to the
west off the Brewster Flats. Just not as many as a week ago.
Plus, they are more spread out. Towing an umbrella rig
around will find them, but it’s hit or miss situation. A few
schools of both bass and bluefish are on Stony Bar now. The
birds were on them big time this last Sunday. Most of the
fish are undersize with a few keepers mixed in. I think they
are part of what was west of the old Target Ship Buoy. It
will take a while for these fish to get settled in. This
area, Stony Bar, the Screen Range, and along the Eastham
shore has always been a active area for both the bass and
bluefish during the month of June.
I think you will
find everything in a bit of transition this coming week. As
what has already happened, the New Ground area slowing down
and bit, and the north edge getting more active, many areas
will have the fish come in and then disappear. It will be
hard to find them at first until they settle into where ever
it is they go. Plus some of these fish will continue to
migrate north and new fish will show up. You just have to
keep checking out each area to see what is going on. If you
don’t find any fish, move on to another.
If you’d
like to get in on some of this deep water fishing before the
fish move on call me at: 508-240-8267 or 508-255-6211. |
|
|
|
06/01/10 |
I received the below report this morning from Capt. Bruce
Peters of
Capeshores Charters.
"Hi
Folks,
The first salable tuna I have seen was landed
this morning in Orleans. The fish was small at 74 ", but was
still a legal for sale (>73") bluefin tuna. The fish was
caught by the F/V "Amazing Grace" a 24' boston whaler,
captained by Mike Vaughan. Doing battle with the bluefin was
crewman and local boy, Patrick Skayne.
Congratulations
boys !
This fish was caught because the fishermen
went fishing ! The guys admitted to me they were the only
ones out there this morning and that they left the Chatham
Break at 4:30 this morning to get an early start.
Considering that they were back at the dock with a fish to
sell by 11 AM, I would say they did very well. The tuna was
caught on a trolled splash bar in natural colors.
There are tuna in the area and they are feeding. I heard
rumors of a nice tuna show in Cape Cod bay this morning as
well. If you are up for a tuna trip, send me an email, make
a reservation and try to land one of these bad boys.
Good fishing,
Capt. Bruce & "Marilyn S"..." Great
start! Dave |
|
|
|
05/31/10 |
 I
hope all of you had a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend,
and that today you took a moment to give thanks to all, past
and future, that have made and will maintain our way of life
as we know and love it. There are no words to truly express
the gratitude felt by all of us towards those who have given
the ultimate sacrifice so we can live the freedom that we
do. All we can say is thank you... |
|
|
|
05/31/10 |
|
The 2010 Bluefin Tuna Season |
|
|
The 2010 bluefin tuna season starts tomorrow. There are fish
around, and if the bite they had off NC and VA late into the
spring is any indication of what is off the Cape now, or on
their way, it should be a great season with some very good
fish caught. As was indicated in Thursdays newsletter, there
have been fish caught and released already. We wish everyone
the best of luck during the new season!
To make sure
you are geared up with the best there is, all
East of Chatham Squid Rigs, Sluggo Bars, Bird Bars and bulk
squid will be 10% off untill the 14th of June! Your
discounts will be applied to your order at the time of
checkout. Good luck! |
|
|
|
05/26/10 |
Capt. Hap Farrell
Stunmai II |
www.capecodbaycharters.com
capthap@capecodbaysportfishing.com |
Changes in the Bay...
This is the
time of the season when the habits and locations of the
striped bass change a bit. For the last two weeks the most
active body of fish nearest Rock Harbor has been to the west
of the old Target Ship. This area is called the New Grounds.
There are also schools of bass off the north edge of
Billingsgate Shoals in the deep water from northwest of the
#1 can up to the area off Great Island or called The Square.
These fish have been a bit more finicky and don't hit as
readily. There has not been any real activity in on Stony
Bar or any of the Rock Piles as of late. I think this will
change soon.
Right now it seems the stripers are
mainly feeding off the abundant sand eels plus small bait
fish found in the Bay. What first brought them into the Bay
was the herring, however, most of them have made it up the
runs. There are still some that are late arrivals and with
the amount of fish in the Bay they most likely will not make
it. What will really spice things up is when and if the
squid arrive. Some years we get just a small amount in the
Bay, other years we get slammed with them. Lets hope we get
slammed with squid. If so, the hootchie will be the lure of
choice and man, will they work well.
I've been
checking up in by the #3 and #5 cans and along the Eastham
shore when I get a chance. So far, I've not found much. One
of the other captains did report he found a few small
schools of small fish on the Rock Pile area but that was
just one day. Because of this early and warm spring we keep
thinking it is later into this season than it really is. So
we think the fish should be active in areas they really wont
be for a while longer. This last Tuesday when I was in there
I recorded lots of bait in the area of Stony Bar and up
towards Welfleet Harbor. The fish will find this bait and
when they do all hell should break loose.
I had an
old friend of mine named Jimmy Rainey out on the half day
this last Tuesday. He used to bass fish commercially many
years ago. Then it was not unusual to land stripers in the
30 to 40 pound range. Then you were doing well to get 25
cents per pound. On this trip we used lead core line
trolling an umbrella rig. We got two small bass every time
we went tight. One of these bass was dinner size. Twenty
Eight and a quarter inches, perfect eating size. I hope the
big fish will show up soon.
If you'd like to get a
shot at this good spring fishing give me a call at:
508-240-8267 or 508-255-6211 and we'll get out on the Bay.
|
|
05/26/10 |
Around the Cape with Dave
I have
heard it from three sources and I read it...there was a
bluefin caught on Stellwagon earlier in the week. They say
it was 88"...nice "pre-season"!
Although with the
spring bluefin bite they had off Cape Hatteras and north it
doesn't surprise me! They caught a ton of big fish and saw
acres and acres of good fish. They were still catching them
of Virginia last week.
You have read Hap's report on
the bass fishing in the Bay. There are some big stripers
moving through the canal, and the bluefish are just starting
to show on the west end. Still mackerel on the east end too.
There are fish moving up the backside...soft
plastics are working well.
The bluefish are getting
aggressive on the south side. There are stripers on Tom's
Shoals and fish being caught on Middle Ground. Nantucket is
giving up fish on the south side right now.
From our
friends in RI they are telling me that the southwest corner
of Block Island is loaded with bass and they are seeing more
sandeels than in recent years. It is should be a great
weekend to kick the summer off!
Good Luck! Dave
|
|
05/25/10 |
Capt. Dan Rooks
Tuna Duck
Sportfishing
Hatteras, NC
(252)216-6160
May 25th Fishing Report
There are
plenty of good dolphin to be had right now, both bailers and
gaffers. Of course when the dolphin show up in numbers the
billfish aren't far behind.
We landed a 500 lb+ blue
marlin on Tuesday. We also had two whites that day. There
were more fish landed that day with a bunch seen.
There is a scattered yellowfin bite going on, some decent
wahoo fishing, and good numbers of sailfish, blue marlin,
white marlin and of course the dolphin.
Right now
the water is pushed in closer than it was tournament week
witch means less running and more fishing!
If you
would like to try some of the best fishing in the world,
give us a call and head on down to Hatteras for the
experience of a lifetime.
Capt. Dan Rooks
Tuna Duck Sportfishing
Hatteras, NC
(252)216-6160 |
|
|
|
05/24/10 |
The Season Begins...
|
 I
just got back late last week from a beautiful 9 days in
Hatteras, NC. We fished the Hatteras Village Offshore Open
aboard the
Tuna Duck with Capt. Dan Rooks, Mike Edwards (mate...and
a good one at that!) Nunzio Litterio Jr., and John Simpson.
We didn't win, but not for lack of effort. We had a fish on,
as in he had the bait locked tight in his jaws without the
hook in him. When he let go it was over. We saw some other
fish in the spread and caught plenty of dolphin. We also
fished three beautiful days almost 50 miles offshore. The
warm water was pushed way off so everybody had a long ride
to and from the fishing grounds. We will get it right next
year :). The above picture is of Nunzio and John as we
trolled 50 miles offshore in 79 degree water.
 We
also spent a day hunting for marlin aboard the
Sea
Creature with Capt. Steve Coulter and his mate Jeremy.
Again we had beautiful weather far offshore. We didn't see a
marlin but the girls caught some nice dolphin. A great trip
as usual.
If you ever get the opportunity to get down
to Hatteras, or if you are looking for some of the best
fishing in the world, you owe it to yourself to contact
Capt. Dan Rooks on the
Tuna Duck
and Capt. Steve Coulter on the
Sea
Creature. By the way, Steve and his crew on the Sea
Creature won the Big Rock Tournament last year! The above
picture is of Dakota Jecevicus taking us home under the
watchful eye of captain Steve Coulter aboard the
Sea
Creature.
With the bluefin season about to start,
the striper bite starting up around Cape Cod and the fishing
off Cape Hatteras getting red hot we are starting our weekly
news and reports and will be adding items daily as they
happen. Look for a lot of videos to come as well as some new
and interesting features in the coming weeks.
We will
put out a report this coming Thursday night just in time for
the Memorial Day weekend. Check back then or sooner! |
|
|
|
05/09/10 |
|
Things are getting "fishy".... |
|
From around the Cape... |
|
|
There are small stripers all around the Cape and in the
Canal. There was a good school of keeper fish off Sesuit
last week, but they have vanished. Keepers have been taken
on chunk mackerel off South Sunken Meadow and some small
keepers have been landed off Crowell Road.
The Bay is
full of herring and mackerel, with sand eels being seen by
the #3 can.
Haddock and pollack are plentiful on the
east end of the bank, with some small keeper cod in the mix.
There have not been any squid around yet, but there have
been rumors of some bluefish off the south side (Falmouth
area?).
I am leaving tomorrow (05/10) for Hatteras NC
to fish the Hatteras Village Offshore Open on the Tuna Duck
with Captain Dan Rooks, Mike, and the rest of our team. It
should be a good week.
For this reason there won't be
a report next week, but after that there will be the weekly
newsletter and real time updates when things start
happening. Good luck to all of you! Dave |
|
|
|
02/16/10 |
Cape Cod Bay’s “2010” Season...
By: Capt. Hap Farrell
 One
of the common questions a fisherman poses to him or herself
is, “What is going to happen next season?” It’s a question
there is no known answer to. No one can predict the future.
So, we have what is called an “educated guess”. And believe
me in that this is as much a guess as it is educated.
Last season the main body of stripers settled in around
P-town. From off Race Point all the way over to Day’s
Cottages. There were some on Billingsgate Shoals, mainly
right on the north edge, with some in the deep water. Near
the end of the season there was a few schools of big fish
just outside Barnstable Harbor also. However, the main area
of action was P-town. The bluefish stuck to their more
traditional areas. Up by the Path, off the Eastham shore,
the deep water north of the shoals and some just off the
Brewster Flats. This was last season.
This coming season, I think, will show us some changes.
Because of the massive amount of bait that was on
Billingsgate Shoals last season I think the bass will be
there this season. Since fish work in cycles I believe it is
going to be the Billingsgate Shoals turn to be the most
productive spot in the bay this season. It may be in the
deep water for a while with the fish moving up onto the
shoals at other times. As far as the bluefish are concerned.
I think there wouldn’t be much change from last season, just
more fish this season. Remember, this is my opinion.
Hopefully it will come true but at least it will give a
place to start.
I’ve been writing reports and articles for a few web sites
like this one, which is one of the better ones by the way,
for a while now. I also write a small weekly report in the
Cape Codder, a local newspaper for the Lower Cape area. The
one thing I’ve noticed is that they are not as timely as I’d
like. So, I’m making changes in my web site,
www.capecodbaycharters.com, so I can post timely reports
on what exactly is happening in Cape Cod Bay. They will be
short in nature and right to the point, giving areas, what
lures seem to be working the best, and such like that. It
should be up and running in a week or two. Until the fishing
starts I’ll put occasional short statements on what to do to
get ready.
If you have a Facebook account type in one of these pages:
Stunmai II Charter Fishing, Stunmai II Sportfishing Service,
or Sportfishing, Rock Harbor, Cape Cod. This will show you
something of what I do fishing in the Bay. There are videos
on each site. I have videos up on YouTube also. Just type in
the search box Stunmai II and they will come up. What I’m
hoping is that those who come to the Cape and want to fish
the Bay will put my information to good use. Of course,
those who are coming to go fishing will look me up to take
them out for a day or half day of good Cape Cod Bay fishing.
That is what I do.
www.capecodbaycharters.com
capthap@capecodbaycharters.com |
|
|
|
12/14/09 |
|
"Save Your Tuna Fishery!" |
|
|
|
I received the below, and a dozen like
it, in the last day. It is very important that you read the
below and respond to the petition. I decided to use the one
I received from Capt. Bruce Peters. |
|
|
Hi Folks,
We (tuna fishermen) want to quickly do a sign on letter to
oppose a CITES listing for BLUEFIN TUNA. A CITES listing
will devalue the ABT fishery and penalize sushi and
sportfishing businesses, YET do nothing to limit overharvest
in the European countries, due to the "reservation" clause
in CITES rules !
As you know we have decided to use an online petition as our
way of expressing our opposition to the US supporting a
Cites listing. Please go to the following link:
http://www.petitiononline.com/tuna09/petition.html
Sign on and feel free to pass it on. Also we all know people
who do not use email but we still want their support. If you
have people who don't use email then get their permission
and sign them on. We need all the people we can get and I
know a lot of fishermen who do not use email. They are
important so please do it for them.
These sign on letters have been very successful for CHOIR.
Most people while they may intend to write their own letter
do not ever follow through. A sign on letter can be a very
effective means of showing our government and our elected
officials where people stand. We do not want to put
someone's name on the list unless we have their permission.
We would appreciate it if you could help us build this list.
Individuals, fishermen (commercial or rec), fishing
organizations, marinas, tackle shops, restaurants, fuel
suppliers, marine hardware shops, etc should be the targets.
We will only submit one list so please respond promptly
Thanks very much,
Bruce & Marilyn S |
|
|
|
10/29/09 |
Well, I missed a week again, although for good reason. My
younger sister, Ginny Tasso, passed away last week
unexpectedly and I had to go to Chatham for the funeral and
such. She was far too young, only 51. I will miss her, as
will all that knew her.
Below is a synopsis of what happened on Tuesday of this
week. I honestly believe my sister paid me a visit. I will
be writing a full story on the day, but read below and you
will get the idea. |
|
|
|
One Last Time... |
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
This past Tuesday was supposed to be a nice day on the
water, but as is often the case, Monday was the nice day and
Tuesday was not so nice. The two to four that was forecasted
was four to six stacked up every four seconds, with six to
eight common and a few eight to tens thrown in the mix. It
was a long ride to the grounds at reduced speed, but we
jogged our way out to give it a shot.
"We" consisted of Capt. Jack Riley and the Maverick, Capt.
Randy Black and myself. I was in town to attend the funeral
of my younger sister and found myself with a day with no
obligations the day before we had to head back. I asked Jack
if we could possibly go offshore to get my mind off of
things and he readily agreed. Tuesday looked like the best
day at the time so we planned on that.
Once we completed the long ride out we set up our first
drift to the north edge of the fleet. Things were pretty
quiet and there weren't a lot of bites. Our first drift
didn't even produce a mark, so we pulled up and steamed to
the SE corner of the fleet and set up in the vicinity of
some gillnetters working their gear. We had the tail section
of a mackerel with the hook buried and sewn shut set at 140
feet, a chunk of herring presented the same way at 110 feet,
and another chunk of mackerel slowly let out to match the
sink rate of the chunk and brought in, reset, etc, etc.
Sometime around 1:00 pm the deep mackerel went off. Jack was
jigging cod, Randy was cutting bait and I was looking at the
screen. There were no marks around when we went off so it
was a surprise. I jumped on the rod and started fighting the
fish. The way that it was coming in Randy and I figured a
short or a shark. Not much fight at all. That lasted about
10 minutes. At that point the fish must have decided that it
was hooked a made the first of 10 hard runs. He dumped 75%
of the spool before we realized that this fish wasn't
fooling around. We needed to back down in a hurry to get
some line back then turned and put him off the corner.
This was the beginning of a three hour battle. I have caught
my share of big fish but never have I dealt with a fish that
was this powerful and this determined to be anywhere but
near the boat. At an hour and a half he came up fifty or
sixty feet off the stern and showed us his entire upper
back, all lit up and huge! We knew we had a big fish then
and all the "what if's" start racing through your mind.
At the end of the second hour we had him just off the stern
and straight down. he was within reach of the long harpoon
so Randy drove it deep, only to have the fish turn and avoid
the dart. I put everything I had into turning the fish so
Randy could get a second shot. This time he drove it home
and put all his weight behind it once he felt meat. This
pissed the fish off!
Now we are still hooked up, a dart in the fish, and we can't
control him. So we begin another hour of give and take with
a very big fish that refuses to give up. At the end of the
third hour we had him close enough to drive a second dart
deep into him. Now we have two darts in him, plus he is
still hooked up, and he is thrashing at the stern. It is
quite an experience trying to tail rope a big fish that is
mad as hell! I finally got two tail ropes on the fish and
tied him off. We cut the line and took a third harpoon and
raked his gills, bleeding him as we eased ahead.
Without going into too much detail here (I am writing a
story about the day that will cover all the details) I will
tell you that it took us another hour to get him in the
boat. This fish would not die and made our life miserable!
We did prevail and in the end had a 900 lb fish on the deck.
I am not into such things but I honestly believe that this
fish was a gift from my sister. Not something handed over
but offered up as a test. If we were willing to give it all
we had, and then some, plus put up with one last surge of
strength and determination from one taken too young, then
the prize could be ours, maybe.
We took the challenge and came out winners on a day that
none of us will ever forget. Thanks Ginny...Dave |
|
|
|
10/15/09 |
|
|
 I
must apologize for missing the last two weeks but I was
offshore the first week and away on business the second.
Again, I do apologize.
As most of you know there has been one heck of a giant
bluefin tuna bite going on east of Chatham the last 3 weeks
or better. The bite died down early this
week and the weather negated this weekend. So...the big
question is are the fish still around and will the bite turn
on again next week? Or, did the fish move on with another
wave to follow?
I have talked with some of the most knowledgeable tuna
fishermen there are, guys who have fished Chatham for many,
many years and made a very good
living at it and there is a common theme I am hearing.
What I am hearing is that this year is like years in the
"old" days. There are a lot of fish around, a lot of fish
being caught, and some truly huge fish being both caught and
lost. I have heard stories, true stories, that I won't
repeat because no one would believe them.
I can tell you that I lost the biggest fish I have ever had
on, plus I caught a very large Dusky shark. I have 3
witnesses that will verify that one!
I wish you all the best of luck when ever you can get back
out! Dave |
|
|
Fall Specials!
|
|
14" East of Chatham Black Squid - $2.50 each, any quantity. |
|
|
|
09/17/09 |
|
|
|
Fishing with the Maverick |
|
Capt. Jack Riley |
|
Maverick Charters |
|
|
The bass fishing has slowed a bit. There are some fish
around, but you need to work for them. As you read in Hap's
report, the best striper action is off P-Town. We have a few
bass charters left, then it is on to commercial bluefin
fishing. In a week and a half Dave will be out and we are
going to hit it hard for the week.
The bluefin bite is very good when you can get out. From the
BC to the BB buoy is good, with the best bite south of the
Regal Sword.
A couple of our commercial contacts report good catches of
giants in the Bay this week. One boat went 3 days with 3
fish, another went two for two. All fish were caught on live
bluefish under a kite. It is the only way to fish live bait
now with all the dogfish around. We have a friend that tried
to slow troll (2 knots) a bluefish last week and within ten
minutes the fish was destroyed by dogfish.
So...it is bluefish and kites for us the last week of
September!
The draggers have been active at Mud Hole, attracting tuna
to 900 lbs. These fish love the floaters left behind by the
draggers. This is an anchor up fishery confined to a
relatively small place. It gets interesting at times when
the bite is on and the fleet is thick!
It seems like anyone you talk to is getting ready to hunt
deer or hunt tuna. Whatever your pleasure, good luck!
Capt. Jack |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
© Offshore Pursuits LLC 2010 |
|
|
|
|
