McMEEKIN
- McKILLS EM
May 12, 2002 - Talk about the luck of
the Irish. Converted cold-water angler, Gary McMeekin, recently returned
from his second encounter with the upper reaches of the Bass River in
Yarmouth and in the process, recorded one of the most successful salt
water angling sessions of his fly-fishing career. Coaxed by our
recommendation, the wading angler was able to entice 20-30 full-bodied
stripers to his offerings, the largest measuring a respectable 27"
in length. The entire reach of river is now producing impressive results
particularly during low light situations (early AM, late PM or cloud
cover). This is due, in part, to the temperate water temperatures that
are common to this watershed.
Look for impressive
cinder worm hatches to commence throughout the system sometime between
May 17-22. This event is predominant in the area north of the Mid-Cape
Bridge and anglers can expect to encounter challenging fishing for 3 or
4-day periods before the activity abates. Make sure to tote along a few
clam worm patterns if attempting to time this occurrence as usual
patterns will frequently go unscathed. This we can assure you.
UNUSUAL CATCH
Now we all realize that it's not uncommon for fishable numbers of
weakfish to take up residence somewhere along Rhode Island's coastline.
Random success with the species is routinely reported on bulletin boards
and periodicals. What is uncommon is to have one appear at the business
end of Dave Pearson's leader while fishing the Stage Harbor Inlet in
Chatham. Dave reported this unusual occurrence a few days ago while he
was enjoying his first Morris Island "Slam" of the season: a
bluefish, a weakfish, a hermit crab and a horseshoe crab.
THE MIGRATION
The entire Cape and north to Boston Harbor is beginning to experience
dramatic pushes of fish. It may only be a week or so before the
continuous Massachusetts coastline can boast of extraordinary numbers of
migrating stripers. Considering the exceptional early season reports we
have been privy to, we at the shop are extremely optimistic regarding
the health of our northeast striper fishery. This is, without question,
one of the earliest seasons fly anglers have experienced quality
fishing, both in numbers and size. If you have yet to sample some of the
action we implore you to do so, you will not be disappointed.
SO WHERE'S THE BLUES?
A few week's ago we were encouraged by reports of sporadic bluefish
activity along Cape Cod's south side. This was apparently short lived.
It appears that the majority of fish have remained to our south, yet we
remain encouraged concerning the species vitality. Look for a major push
of bluefish to inhabit south facing beaches somewhere around May 15th.
Good fishing and safe
wading,
JB
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