SCOUTS ARRIVE April 16, 2002 - The true indication that we are on the cusp of another saltwater season was an email from Keith Lincoln of Monomoy Island Ferry notifying us that his shuttle service will commence operation on Saturday, April 27th (Thurs-Sun only). While it’s a bit early to entertain the notion that "sight-fishing" opportunities will be available that early in the season, we would look for some reliable fishing to be accessible in the Chatham area sometime during early May, slightly ahead of schedule. With a mild winter in our wake and the entire northeast migratory throughway experiencing warmer than normal water temperatures, saltwater fly anglers are already experiencing modest success within our neighboring states to the south. Likely areas to peruse should you require a shakedown run would be the Narrows River in Narragansett, RI, the Cole, Lee and Kickamuit Rivers in the Swansea area of Mass, or Mill Gut in Colt State Park, Bristol, RI. These tidal areas are notorious for harboring healthy populations of school fish during the later part of April and on into early May. While these preadolescence specimens are generally in the 10-20" class they do possess an aggressive temperament. Smallish Clousers, bucktails and epoxy flies fished on a modest grain line should provide enough diversion should migrants be located. Pepper in a few surface offerings (white and chartreuse gurglers are our favorites) to round out your box and you will be good to go. Keep in mind we are tremendous proponents of changing fly lines, not flies when faced with less than expected results. The reoccurring faux pas fly anglers make is in presentation, that is, not presenting the fly at the feeding level of the fish (which is absolutely critical). As a consequence of our generous tide displacements along the northeast seaboard, what was so successful an hour previous often requires a different density fly line to render a positive outcome due to an increase/decrease in water velocity or water level. Just a reminder that the CCA 2nd Annual Central/West Mass Chapter Banquet & Auction will be held 6:30 PM, Thursday, April 25th at Hoagland-Pincus Conference Center, Shrewsbury. Tickets are $25 each or $45 per couple and may be purchased at The Lower Forty. Please contact Jim Bender @ 508.752.4004 for more information. Good fishing and safe wading, JB |
