SOUTH MONOMOY OPENS

August 23, 2002 - OK… let's catch up on the latest rumors originating from the elbow. One good, one not so good. As of September 1st rumor has it that the island of South Monomoy will become a regular stop for the shuttles that service the Chatham basin. (On 8/29/02 we were notified by the Monomoy Wildlife Refuge that the rumors pertaining to South Island are without base and will remain closed to shuttle services.) This, in essence, means the north-south island cut and the entire west side flats of South Monomoy Island will now be accessible to anglers devoted to wade (sight) fishing. This pleasant turn of events will also allow surf zealots to peruse miles of very productive shoreline but will require a "Cuban death march" to access.

That's the good news. The second rumor involves the construction of a gate across the National Wildlife Sanctuary's newly renovated parking facility on Wikis Way. The gate supposedly would remain open during daylight hours but would prevent nocturnal dwellers from using the facility for parking while fishing the Morris Island peninsula and environs. The causeway that connects Morris Island to the mainland would remain open requiring a slightly longer trek to access these more remote areas. More info on this as it becomes available.

SB OUTSIDE
While reluctantly accepting the futility of wading during the daylight hours of late August, I accepted the invitation of gracious host, Mark Kralian, to join him aboard his Maritime (all decked out for fly guys) this past weekend. Mark has become quite knowledgeable regarding the outer coast of South Beach in Chatham with many fish in excess of 32" to his credit. On the water by 5:05 am and into fish shortly thereafter was the order of the day. The action lagged dramatically after 7:30 but when the smoke cleared a dozen linesiders in excess of 30" where brought aboard. The largest a portly 37" brute estimated at 18 lbs.

For fly anglers wanting to pursue this style of fishing, random groups of fish have been present throughout the entire shoreline of South Beach anywhere from ¼ mile to 1 mile from the surf line. Be sure to have your 400-500 grain lines and "half-a-chicken" flies at the ready. Incidentally we just received confirmed reports that bonito have been taken in the cut between South Beach and South Monomoy by anglers trolling hardware. It would be advised to have a rod rigged with a "bunny" should the opportunity present itself.

BONITO
Vineyard Sound continues to support pushes of fish and overall should receive a fair to good ranking. The next few weeks should provide excellent sport to those willing to canvas large expanses of water. It is quite possible to achieve success on these speedsters without joining the cadre of weekend "run-and-gun" anglers. While I don't propose to be an authority in things exotic, my best success in past years has been achieved by locating smaller groups of fish in remote areas away from the masses.

Good fishing and safe wading,

JB