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BONES

July 30, 2010 - It's official; we just received our first confirmation that north Atlantic bonito have taken up residence within Massachusetts's waters. These early arrivals have been witnessed within the confines of Martha's Vineyard and throughout Vineyard Sound. This is not to assume that they are available in "fishable" numbers because this has not been the case thus far. Things could change dramatically within a short period of time and targeting the species could be realistic within a week or so. Hopefully the 2010 hardtail season with regards to bonito will resemble that of a few years ago when the northeast experienced a glut of bones with double-digit fly rod catches not uncommon.

Keep in mind that when in pursuit of bonito it would be wise to keep your imitations on the smaller size (#2-#4), rather than the more traditional (#1/0-#2/0) commonly utilized for striped bass and bluefish. Bonito Bunnies, small Clousers, Bonito Magics, Mini Candies, Bob Bon Baitfish and Rod Benders remain some of our most popular selling patterns for both bonito and false albacore, which could join the fray within a few weeks.

JUVIE MENHADEN
Fly anglers are reporting considerable numbers of juvie menhaden on the south side of Cape Cod. Hopefully they are the predecessors of larger specimens (10 inches and larger) that occupied our waters during late summer 2009. It has been common to locate multiple schools of this appetizing baitfish with bluefish in pursuit. Many of the bluefish that fly fishermen have been witnessing are in the 10-14lb. category offering outstanding sport to both surface and subsurface offerings.

Unless you're concentrating your efforts during the early morning hours, after sunset or during a weather event chances are your experiencing the summer doldrums with regards to striped bass.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB