SAME
OLD, SAME OLD
September 21, 2002
- The Central Massachusetts
Chapter successfully defended the 2nd Bay State Challenge Cup, an annual
C&R tournament hosted by the Coastal Conservation Association on
Saturday, September 14th. With over 40 participants to contended with,
chapter vice president, Bob Thunberg took fist honors again this year
with a relatively modest striper of 29 ½" while being hosted by
Chatham reg, Mark Kralian. This is the second consecutive year the duo
hooked up to apprehend the coveted trophy. Also of note was the
outstanding tourney Central Mass Chapter activists Ted Purcell and Mike
Peluso enjoyed. The twosome boated a number of ample bluefish and albies
while toiling along the Monument Beach area. The activities were capped
off with a festive New England clambake, which was thoroughly enjoyed by
all the day's participants.
BLUEFIN MANIA
"Are you ready for some footbaaaaall?" The frenzy that has
been created by the arrival of bluefin tuna within Massachusetts's
coastal waters rivals anything we have ever encountered in our 15-year
history. It reminds me of the "good OLE days" when legendary
salts pursued these sea creatures from 14-foot tin skiffs. While most of
the success to date (and it has been stunning at times) has been
achieved with conventional tuna gear, it will not be long before the fly
guys begin to take advantage of this burgeoning fishery. The fly tackle
requirements are quite extraordinary when in pursuit of these one-man
subs. Your 9, 10 and even 11 weight striper rig (or tarpon outfit) will
be out of place if you intend to get serious about pursuing these fish
due to their ability to sound in over 100' of water. We suggest you turn
your attention to stout tackle somewhere in the 8'6," 14-15 weight
category. Combine this with a quality reel capable of handling 400 to
600 yds. of backing and you should be good to go.
BLUEFISH ABOUND
Our bluefish fishery has certainly been on the rebound in recent years.
Virtually every fly angler we have interviewed in the previous few weeks
has reported encounters with these aggressive gladiators with many
specimens falling into the 30-36" category. Look for consistent
action to continue for at least another 3-4 weeks before the fall
migration begins to wane. Unlike spring fish, which can show remarkable
selectivity at times, the fish of late summer display no reluctance to
pursue flies of varied configuration. Find the population and you will
catch fish.
SO WHATS UP WITH
STRIPERS?
I call them the forgotten fish of the fall. With bonito, false albacore
and BFT's to target linesiders are taking forth billing. For hardcore
striper enthusiasts there remains a generous population of stripers from
the New Hampshire border to Swansea and angling remains good to
excellent. The Chatham flats continue to harbor groups of selectively
feeding bass and I would expect wading fly rodders still have another 2
or 3 weeks of reasonable opportunity. During the month of October look
for the surf to become more consistent particularly during low light
situations or cloudy, rainy days.
Good fishing and safe
wading,
JB
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