CCA CENTRAL MASS CAPTURES CUP

September 25, 2001 - Congratulations are in order to Worcester native and CCA Chapter VP, Bob Thunberg, for registering an impressive 40.5" striped bass that enabled the Central Massachusetts Chapter of CCA to lay claim to the first annual "CCA Challenge Cup", a saltwater catch and release tournament that took place on Sunday, September, 23^rd. Thunberg was hosted by avid saltwater fly angler, Mark Kralian of Grafton, and apprehended the brute while toiling the South Beach-Monomoy area of Chatham. Richard Armstrong was victorious in the bluefish category with a respectable 32" chopper. Over 30 participants were involved in this year’s event which offered recognition for stripers, bluefish, bonito and albacore, though no anglers laid claim to the latter two divisions.

SANDWICH HARBOR
Now that we are on the doorstep of our 10^th month, one of the more consistent areas we can recommend to shore bound anglers is Old Harbor Creek, commonly referred to as Sandwich Harbor. This unique geographical locale offers an uncommon variety of structure, jetties and beach fronts, all of which can be very productive particularly during the month of October. Access can be gained by an ample town parking facility to the west of the outlet, or by Salt Marsh Road, a tote road of sorts, that parallels Cape Cod Bay on it’s eastern bank.

The best scenario would be to engage this area under low light (early AM, late PM or overcast/rainy days) during events of high tide and well into the drop, particularly when targeting the creek mouth or adjacent beaches. The area located between the jetties will generally fish well prior (1-2 hours) to the high tide ebb on the incomer, when bait fish can be easily corralled by contentious stripers amidst the projecting structure.

Modest grain lines (225-325) will serve you well when wading, however it is not uncommon to encounter surface feeders on random occasions. These opportunists will be more than eager to crush a well located gurgler or slider, and often times, flies of this nature will offer positive results when anglers are in prospecting mode. In any event, as we advance deeper into autumn, the "low light" factor will become more essential in experiencing any modicum success.

AUTUMN ARRIVES
With the vastly contrasting success/failure reports we have been entertaining lately there is no question that we are in the midst of the fall migration. When fish are located they are generally in expansive schools, which can render some exciting angling possibilities. When they are devoid, extended casting practice is generally in the offing. It is much to early to give up on the surf side beaches of Truro, Wellfleet, Eastham, Orleans and Chatham, however the elements will become more of an issue as we proceed deeper into autumn.

I personally have experienced some of the most rewarding angling of a season during the month of October, particularly in the surf of South Beach and generally absent of competing anglers.

Good fishing and safe wading,

JB