WIND FROM THE EAST

June 24, 2005 - To fly anglers the sedate cliche "wind from the east (or in this case north, northeast or east) fishing is least" couldn't be more spot-on. Cooler than normal air temperatures combined with solid north, northeast blows have somewhat hampered inshore fishing possibilities leading many longrodders to proclaim the past few weeks as being only so-so. With the promise of a return to summer within the next few days (along with the prevailing south, southwest wind) things should receive a much-awaited kick in the pants and a return to more normal fishing conditions.

The barrage of bluefish we have been experiencing on the Cape's south side has somewhat subsided, and while they are still available, they are certainly less evident than they were several weeks ago. The Chatham area has also experienced somewhat of a slump in action as the north wind has churned up many of the shallow water flats frequented by sight-fisherman.

This season to date has been somewhat of a conundrum. When conditions have acquiesced (light south, southwest wind) for prolonged periods of time, inshore fishing has experienced some of the most rewarding opportunities of the season.

The next few weeks should signal-in the true summer season for flat's rats alike. This is a time when sight fisherman can expect to encounter some of the most challanging conditions of the year. Due to selectivity issues it is quite common for wading anglers to extend leaders to 12, 14 and even 16 feet with the intent of presenting their offerings with stealth and delicacy. Tippets could reflect those that are employed by our trout fishing brethren often tapering to 3 and even 4X (.007). Fly patterns will also go through a dramatic transformation. The portly 1/0 and 2/0 clousers, deceivers and epoxies that were so successful during our blind casting outings of May and early June will be replaced by tiny sand eels, mummys, silversides, crabs, crustaceans and shrimp (a personal favorite of the shop). These patterns are often tied on diminutive (by saltwater standards) #2, #4 and even #6 stainless steel hooks with the purpose of better simulating the minute forage experienced while canvassing your preferred piece of real estate.

FAREWELL JOE MICH
In the event you haven't heard, outdoorsman, scribe and friend, Joe Michniewicz recently passed away at his home in Paxton. Along with writing the popular book "The Best Trout Streams in Massachusetts" Joe was also the weekly outdoor columnist for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette. I had spoken to Joe on a matter regarding the Wachusett Reservoir drainage about a week prior to his passing and am deeply saddened. We wish to extend our deepest condolences to his family, as the entire fly-fishing community will sorely miss him.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB