TIGHT LIPS-GIVE FITS

June 23, 2003 - According too more than one source, inhabitants of Monomoy Island (Chatham) and environs have shifted their dinning habits and are beginning to display their more discerning summertime appetites. On any given session flats rats are reporting that numerous pods of fish have been evident on both incoming and receding tides, it's been getting them to consistently masticate that's been the dilemma.

Generally speaking, most transients have been averaging low-20's to mid-30's in length with an occasional chopper in the mix. Successful longrodders have been employing smallish sand eel and shrimp patterns to seduce these meticulous feeders, which, at times, has been a challenge.

The surfside of South Beach (Chatham) will garner a good to excellent rating depending on the day. The reoccurring problem has been the persistent northeast blow that has been evident for much of the spring season. A prevailing south-southwest wind would dramatically improve conditions as well as put more asses in the seats.

LACK OF BAIT/COOLER WATER
I've noticed this during virtually every inshore fishing session. In my attempt to be more observant in my declining years, two predominant themes that seem to be playing out in essentially every venue, are, the lack of substantial forage and cooler (even cold) water temperatures. Other than the tardiness of the initial pushes of fish, the interesting thing is that it hasn't seemed to effect the migration in an adverse way. Theaters such as Pleasant Bay, Brewster Flats, Mashpee, etc. that traditionally wane during early to mid summer due to increased water temperatures have fished extremely well and should hold up into the mid season. I personally have been focusing my attention on a few old Pleasant Bay haunts and have found superb fishing with a handful of 30+ fish to my credit on every visit.

SANDWICH TOWN BEACH
The outlet of Old Harbor Creek as well as the beachfront itself (between the jetties) has been experiencing the season's best angling. This bayside environment fishes extremely well during sunrise, sunset, and episodes of inclement daytime weather. I've talked with a number of anglers that have been frequenting STB on a regular basis and fish have been averaging mid-20's to the occasional legal. When it's right, an average session could yield 15-25 fish to the experienced longrodder. Ebbing high tides fished into the drop are often best when they are encountered under the above circumstances. Intermediate lines and a handful of baitfish imitations (clousers, sand eels, silversides) are all you'll need to tackle this productive estuary.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB