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Fishing remains great and anglers are getting used to some of the best fishing we have seen in years. The summer is starting to wind down and the fishing days left this season are limited. Get out and make the best of the time that is left.
Anglers are still aiming their attention to the concentration of school tuna holding off of Cape Ann. It appears that some of the thickest concentrations of tuna have been about ten miles east of Thatchers Island. Fishermen will generally troll imitation squids until they come up on a school of fish then will switch over to a spinning combination so they can cast to the edges of the school. Successful anglers have scored on small poppers, cut bait and yozuri plugs. Often times metal will entice tuna. If you hook up, be prepared for the fight of your life and a strong adrenalin rush.
This week, fishermen have been reporting better striper catches from local waters. Fair to good numbers of bass continued to be caught from the Danvers River along the bridges and marinas the decorate the river. Fishermen have scored drifting chunks of mackerel and herring from the White Fuel Bridge, the Kernwood Bridge and many marina docks. Most of the shore action has occurred during the night tides. Boat fishermen have tallied fair to good numbers of stripers when they trolled large sea worms behind spinners along the edges of the channel. Casting poppers to the bridge supports of the Railroad bridge at the mouth of the river proved worthlwhile for anglers working the dust to dark period. Casting chunks and strips along the supports of the Salem/Beverly Bridge also proved to be successful. Fish were also caught along the rip rap and the mouth of the North and Bass Rivers.
Boat fishermen have been praising the bluefish for their strong presence in local waters. Huge schools of five to ten pound bluefish have made a habit of destroying large concentrations of juvenile bunker and spike mackerel. Often times a school of blues will rise right in the middle of a concentration of bait creating chaos and a bloodbath among the bait. The birds are a dead give away for the presence of bluefish. Another sign that bluefish are in the area and feeding is a visible slick on the water surface. The distinct aroma of cucumbers is another hint of the presence of bluefish. Many anglers have reported that the bluefish activity has been reminiscent of the good old days when bluefish were abundant and aggressive. Just a hint when cleaning your bluefish catch for the table, remember to remove the dark colored meat of the lateral line for a better tasteing fillet.
The best cod catches have continued to be made offshore in the deeper and cooler waters of Jefferies, Tillies and Stellwagen Bank. Party boats continue to score steadily fishing the waters east of Stellwagen. Although jigs have worked well, many anglers choose to present generous portions of sea clams in the hopes of hauling a haddock over the rails. A welcomed bonus for many. Very few undersized have been reported along the inshore hills, bumps and ledges.
The Dogs Days of August are known for difficult fishing. Flounder being one of the less cooperative species have developed lockjaw but will yield to persistence. Stubborn anglers present sea worms in a circular pattern around the boat along the shores of Manchester, Magnolia and Marblehead. Often times, tying a mesh bag of broken clams will emit enough of a scent to draw hungry flats. Some near limit catches have been made just off the mouth of Manchester Harbor, but persistence is the key to success.
Decent and somewhat persistent trout catches have been limited to early risers that are out on the water during the predawn hours. It appears that the best catches continued to be made by anglers that have been working the Ipswich River. Although some of the pools along the river have been reported as very low, fishermen have scored along the shaded areas buried in the thick brush. Difficulty in reaching some of these areas is common but the rewards are great. Powerbait, salmon eggs and meal worms presented on sliding sinker rigs have been reported as some of the most productive offerings. Fly fishermen have reported some of the best action during the dusk period.
Cooler nights and warm days have translated into a slight drop in local water temperatures. This slight drop has increased largemouth bass activity and increased the catches of local bass anglers. More bass have added to stringers with some of the bass reaching bragging proportions. Fishermen have tallied a number of three and four pound bass when they present live shiners along weedlines and overhanging brush. Numerous artificial baits have caught the attention of cruising bass. Among some of the active artificials have been surface swimmers, poppers, plastic worms and spinnerbaits. Die hard bass anglers have reported that turning over the rocks along the shore have revealed crayfish that can be converted into hefty bass. Inflated night crawlers have continued to draw the attention of big bass searching out a good meal. This bait is growing in popularity as anglers learn where to present it during the late afternoon into dusk period. After dark is also a prime time to present the inflated worm.
Panfish activity holds the interest of young anglers as they continue to score on good numbers of Perch and sunnies. Even though we, as adults, have a tendency to frown on catching the smaller species of fish, it is this action that drew us to the sport of fishing. Armed with little more than a light combination, a few hooks and sinkers and a few night crawlers, young anglers can spend the day on a secluded bank of a local pond or lake and reap the rewards of fight with a spunky perch or a feisty sunfish. This reward can be heightened even further when it can be enjoyed with Dad. Anglers have scored at Chebacco Lake, Browns Pond and Pillings Pond.
Fishing activity continues to be the best we have seen in a long time. Small bluefin tuna have added a new level of excitement to an already exciting fishing season. Look for the positive activity to continue right into the fall season.
We have added yet another page to this site. It is The NEFSC frequently asked questions. This page is full of answers to many questions. Do fish see different colors? Find the answer on this new page. This will answer your questions about the effectiveness of certain colored artificial lures. It is a great read. Click on NEFSC-FAQ on the menu list on the left hand side of the page.
We are looking for feedback on the possibility of adding a special kids logbook. This area would be restricted to reports written by the younger fishermen. Kids are great fishermen and they deserve a place to report their best catches and favorite fishing techniques. Kids, drop us a line and let us know what you think.
Striper fishermen have put in a somewhat frustrating week as they try to figure out just where the stripers are holding. On one trip fishermen report activity from the Salem/Beverly Bridge to the harbor island. The next trip out will reveal stripers holding on the outside of Marblehead Neck, Ram Island, the Pigs and the outside shores of Nahant. Chunks of mackerel and herring remain favorites of bait fishermen while some anglers prefer sea clams. Early morning fishermen score on live pogies as schools of these popular baitfish can be seen inside Beverly and Salem Harbors. Bait wholesalers have been reporting the start of shortages of some saltwater baits. Already, we have seen the size of the mackerel that is available drop to half the size it was only a few weeks ago. Fishermen have also been complaining the fresh herring is also disappearing. Surf fishermen have been reporting activity along Devereux Beach, Singing Beach and Plum Island.
The numbers of school bluefin tuna that have been and remain in the local area has continued to excite anglers as well as add a new deminution of challenge and excitement to the sport. Fishermen continued to score on the powerhouses just outside Gloucester's Thatcher's Island. Trolling is the preferred method of searching out schools of fish. Although trolling is a popular method of fishing for these tuna, spinning gear is becoming more popular. Try presenting metal, plugs and bait. Trollers try Psychobeads, green machines and Smoker baits in both 9 and 12 inch lengths.
The numbers that have been in the area resemble the good old days. Bluefish have been just about everywhere including inshore waters. Fishermen have tallied decent catches of good sized bluefish from outside the harbor islands right out to Stellwagen Bank. Bluefish have been caught by jigging as well as trolling. Productive jigs have included Kastmasters and Hopkins. Fishermen report trolling success with Yozuri, Rapala and Rebel plugs. I have weighed in bluefish during the past week that have tipped the scales at as much as fifteen pounds.
Cod reports indicate that only deep sea fishing will result in any cod catches. Small boat will occasionally score on a small cod. Even the popular offshore fishing banks release only limited numbers of the favorite New England delicacy. Party boats the fish well offshore and frequent waters in the 240 to 300 depth range are reporting anything that resembles decent cod fishing. One of the most productive areas have been east of Stellwagen Bank at the appropriate depths. Jigs will attract fish but fishermen using bait,preferable generous portions of sea clams, report the best catches.
Increased reports of better flounder catches have been filtering into the shop during the week. Fishermen have been telling of flats that are closer to doormat proportions than table place mats. Anglers have also been reporting a marked decrease in the numbers of dogfish and skate that plague all ground fishermen. Fair to good reports have also been coming from Marblehead Harbor. Chumming the area that you are fishing with finely ground mix of bunker and corn kernals will help to improve catches. Lighter lines and spinning tackle helps to detect gentle nibbles of flounder,
Largemouth bass fishermen have reported a fairly good week with the largest of the bass tallied reported during dusk to dark fishing trips. Fishermen that work the lakes and ponds during the daylight period have been reporting fair action resulting from hard work. Most fishermen have reported the necessity of numerous bait changes to find what bass are looking for. In most cases spinnerbaits, plastic worms and deep diving plugs have produced the greatest number of strikes. It seems that darker colors have produced well. Fishing the weed beds, overhangs and surface structure, where water temperatures can be a couple of degrees cooler than the main body of water has provided anglers with the best and fastest action. Night fishermen have reported fantastic action when they flog the surface. Poppers, surface swimmers and floaters have been deadly.Inflated night crawlers have been responsible for explosive strikes and fish in excess of five pounds. This week's best bets are Chebacco Lake in Hamilton, Putnamville Reservoir in Danvers and the Merrimack River in Haverhill and Lawrence.
Despite the warm weather that remains part of this summer's fishing season, early morning trout fishermen continue to score on feeding trout. Successful fishermen have tallied trout when the present trout worms, insects and power bait on sliding sinker rigs. More often than not smaller bait produce best. Tiny hooks baited with "bb" sized baits have had great reviews. Fishing cuts and around ridges have worked for some. Fly fishermen generally do well with size 12 and 14 choices. Ipswich River fishermen have succeeded when the present trout worms and dillies and allow them to drift along currents and deeper pools. When trout fishing, hard work has been paying off in fair to good dividends.
Local panfish activity has kept youngsters baiting hooks, casting rods and fighting fish. Some of the kids that stop by the shop are so excited about their catch that they can't wait to get back on the water. Some of the smaller bodies have been the most productive. This week's best picks are Pillings Pond in Lynnfield, Red's Pond in Marblehead and Brown's Pond in Peabody.
Despite the "Dog Days Of August" the fishing has been extremely productive for anglers that are willing to change their tactics to warm water techniques. Move to cooler and deeper waters.
riper activity continues to draw huge numbers of fishermen. Now that water temperatures are nearing record high levels, stripers are starting to react to the increased temps. Instead of inhabiting the rocky shores if inner harbors, stripers are moving to the cooler waters of submerged rocky structures. The rocky shores of Marblehead Neck have produced well as have the Breakers, Ram Island and the Pigs. The rocky shores of Boston Harbor Islands have given up good numbers of bass and are well worth the trip.
Increased numbers of bluefish continue to enter local waters in near record amounts. When they arrive, they are hungry and will attack anything that swims within their striking range. Jigs, plugs and bait have all attracted goo9d numbers of bluefish. Deep diving plugs are best for blind trolling. The action has been good around the harbor islands. Bluefish have also been active within the harbor limits.
Big numbers of school bluefin tuna are moving closer to inshore inshore waters and have been treating anglers to fights that they have never experienced before. Although metal jigs have done well at attracting tuna most successful anglers report success when they present chunks of herring. Large chunks of bait are not necessary as tuna prefer the smaller offerings. Trolling and spinning rigs must be able to handle at least thirty pound test line and have a capacity of at least 300 yards. The best action has taken place about 10 miles east of Thatchers Island.
Inshore cod action has all but shut down. Water temps have risen to the point that any cod that were around have moved offshore to deeper and cooler waters. Once in a while the hills and ledges will produce a small cod. For the larger fish a trip to the offshore fishing grounds is mandated. It appears that just east of Stellwagen Bank has been one of the most productive. Both clams and jigs have been working. Sweetening the jig with a strip of clam as a teaser helps to entice heavy cod.
Flounder fishermen have been somewhat frustrated as flounder fishing slips into the mid summer doldrums. Flounder activity all over the North Shore has dropped off, according to some, right off the charts. The only reports of flounder activity that I have heard of has been off Devereux Beach and limited action along West Beach and Manchester Harbor. Chumming helps to attract hungry flounder. Fish a wide area instead of limiting yourself to the area under the boat.
Bass fishing overall has been pretty good with successful anglers scoring along overhangs, cuts and shaded areas. Drifting shiners below floats has been very effective. It appears that the heaviest catches have been made during evening and into dark.. A wide choice of baits have yielded good catches. Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits have been effective as have been inflated night crawlers. Inflate a crawler and let it squirm and wiggle on the surface of a quiet body of water after dark. This technique generally creates explosive hits be sizeable bass. Chebacco Lake and the Merrimack River are this week's best bets.
The Dog Days of August have arrived and trout fishermen have been experiencing the full force of the period. Trout have seemed to disappear from local trout waters. The only fishermen that have been catching any trout have been the seasoned fishermen that are willing to be on the water during the pre dawn hours. Successful anglers report the best baits have been trout worms and dillies. A slow drift has been the best technique to use when fishing the river. Ponds and lakes dictate the use of a sliding sinker rig. Limit catches have been far and few between.
Good numbers of panfish have been keeping local anglers busy baiting hooks and fighting fish. For many, the best action has been taking place at popular lakes and ponds when they present angle worms, dillies and night crawlers. Working the shaded areas produces the greatest number of hits. Evening fishermen seem to score more steadily. Small spoons have also done well at attracting hungry panfish. Shiners do well at catching the attention of calico bass. Get out and give it a try, the action has been good.
August is starting as a picture perfect summer month with bright skis warm temperatures and plenty of fish. The summer is starting to wind down so get out and enjoy the great fishing.
The numbers of striped bass moving about within the harbor have started to shift into deeper waters and rocky holds. More stripers have been caught around the Breakers, Satan Rock and the Gooseberries. Presenting baits close to the submerged structure or drifting live bait just over structure produced numbers of good sized stripers. Tube n' worm combinations have been very productive, especially the smaller tubes when trolled in the Danvers river. Present your baits along the clam flats along the major bends in the river. Successful fishermen will be on the water of Salem Harbor in order to snag a few live pogies. Present the live pogies under a balloon and around any structure including rocks and floats.
As numbers of bluefish invade the harbor and local waters, they have become more aggressive. These hungry arrivals have been quick to assault any bait that is in their path. Thiey have been quick to pounce on live baits meant for stripers and will destroy tube n' worms. Aggressive bluefish have been found within the harbor limits as well as just outside. Bluefish blitzes have taken place along the Aquavitaes, at the Gooseberries and in the Misery Island Channel. Although many bluefish have been described as being somewhat on the small side, we have had bluefish up to 13 1/4 lbs. hanging from the shop scale. Shore fishermen working the beaches have tangled with aggressive blues while fishing the night tides.
Inshore cod catches continue to be caught in decent numbers despite a drop in their numbers due to warm waters. Small boat fishermen have caught enough cod for a good family feed at Tinker's Ledge, Newcomb's Ledge and many of the smaller ledges and hills located inshore. Cod were caught at Hill 47, the 101 Hill and Cole Ridge. Numbers of cod have also been caught around the Dumping Grounds and the "B" buoy. Most fishermen score when bouncing sea clams or drifting strips of herring. The wrecks off Boston are generally good for a fish or two but don't expect any tackle busters. Offshore fishermen continue to do well on decent sized cod. Both bait and jigs work well. Party boat fishermen generally score well.
Even though flounder, overall, has been difficult to find, a number of different flounders have been caught in local waters from Marblehead to Magnolia. Winter flounder, commonly referred to as blackbacks have been somewhat difficult to find because of the warm water. Those persistent anglers that have scored on blackbacks have found limited numbers along Manchester and just inside Marblehead Harbor. A few yellowtail flounder have been caught around Manchester and Magnolia. Some windowpanes have been tallies around Newcomb's Ledge and increased numbers of fluke have been caught off Devereaux Beach in Marblehead. It appears that the warmer waters have drawn some of these additional flounders.
Largemouth Bass action has been very good despite the extreme heat of August. Good numbers of bass have fallen victim to offerings of shiners and numerous artificial baits. Early morning fishermen presenting live shiners along most submerged structure. During the heat of the day, presenting live shiners along the edges of weed lines and overhanging brush generally have positive results. Night fishermen score consistently when presenting spinnerbaits and buzzbaits along weedlines, breakwaters and weed lines. Take advantage of any structure that is in the area. At times, surface swimmers and poppers will trigger explosive strikes. Jigs will often trigger strikes along drop offs and deeper pools.
Trout fishermen have experienced the normal ups and downs of August. Early morning anglers are still able to score a fish or two if they work deeper pools and protected areas. Pond fishermen continue to be frustrated by the lack of actively feeding trout. River fishermen score before dawn when working well protected pools and well oxygenated waters. Casting baits above a pool and allowing the bait to drift through the pool has been a productive technique. Casting a small bait under the overhangs of brush along the river produces trout. At times, trout action picks up after dark,particularly for fly fishermen.
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