OF BONES AND BALLS

August 7, 2003 - To date anglers anticipating the early arrival of bonito and BFT's have been disappointed. The bluefin population thus far has consisted mainly of "giants" as we have yet to receive a single confirmation of a "football" being tamed by the long rod. This year there has been an extraordinary number of fly rodders gearing up to tackle these torpedoes however the current weather funk we have been experiencing will only add to the frustration as angler go in search of migrating schools. While there have been a few unsubstantiated reports of bonito in the Nantucket Sound area, good fishing throughout the entire south side may still be a week or two away. Some of our favorite flies for bones are smaller all white clousers #2, white and chartreuse bonito bunnies #2, and epoxy sand eels #2. These fish can display a remarkable propensity toward selectivity particularly as the migration begins to mature and we tread deeper into the season.

THE CHATHAM FLATS
At last check there were still fishable numbers of linesidders inhabiting the shallows of both South Beach and North Monomoy Island. With any luck it appears that we will have enough fish to test our competence throughout the balance of the summer. Due to abysmal weather circumstances I have not been able to personally peruse my favorite haunts for a few weeks now, however area shore guides are reporting a better than average summer census of fish.

Small, smaller, smallest should be the August theme, as you will experience ultra-selective feeding behavior, with many specimens cruising 10-12 inches of water. Darker baitfish imitations (dark olive/ olive-grizzly) and shrimp patterns in 6's and 8's have been responsible for taking the majority of my summer fish. Don't be afraid to experiment with longer leaders (10-13') and finer fluorocarbon tippets (.007), as modern materials will permit you to do so and not sacrifice breaking or knot strength. Since there are few (if any) obstacles to contend with during a conflict, landing even a healthy specimen, when done with skill and patience, should not be much of an issue.

LOW LIGHT
August is also the time when the pivotal portion of your outing will be early morning and late evening. You will get no argument from seasoned anglers that mid-summer usually signals a return to "low light" angling (that is, unless your sight fishing). The intense August sun often lulls active feeders into dormancy, which will become less of an issue once we enter September.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB