THE HUNT FOR OCTOBER

September 25, 2003 - Now that summer has bid a fond adieu it takes along with it fond memories of sight fishing some of the most fertile tidal flats on the planet. Traditionally the month of October will signal a shift in the disposition of the striped bass as they initiate their return to southern environments. While inshore angling should remain consistent for another 4-6 weeks, the tactics employed by the shore bound fly rodder should change along with the season.

I have found that one of the biggest misconceptions when attempting to encounter autumn migrants is that they will occupy similar surroundings they frequented during the spring of the year. This is simply not the case. No longer can fish be detected doodling in warmer estuaries, perusing backside barrier beaches or intruding river systems in search of prey. The seasonal change stimulates the urge to migrate, and with it, a change of feeding habit and routine.

Without question this is the time of year that the surf dweller is in his element. Long departed are the clear intermediate lines affixed with gossamer leaders and diminutive flies. The 8 weight is now left in its sheath only to be supplanted by its cousin the 10. The 325-grain line is now the tool of ignorance and the 2/0 full dressed, hackle laden, half a chicken baitfish imitation becomes the weapon.

BLUEFISH, BLUEFISH, BLUEFISH
Certainly a banner year for this species. Capt. Kevin Coackly and friend Rudy Cheko (along with almost every boat angler) can certainly attest to the proliferation of this species. On one recent session, while in the vicinity of the Pamet River, the duo unearthed literally acres of surface feeders, all in the 30-34" range. These fish were not showing partiality toward fly selection and could be persuaded with most common baitfish imitations and surface offerings. The same holds true ocean-side particularly in the Monomoy area of Chatham. Look for pretty reliable action to continue for another few weeks until they one day mysteriously disappear into the ocean's depths.

STRIPERS AND EXOTICS
Craig Miller of Boylston reports that the outside of South Beach in Chatham is holding a number of linesiders in the 30-40 inch category. The trick has been to set up your drift in 35-40 feet of water after fish have been located and canvass the bottom with 400 grain lines, often allowing a minute or two of "sink time" before initiating your retrieve. Fishing has been dramatically superior during early morning hours and gradually tapers to a dull roar once the sun enters into the equation.

We are really concerned about the 2004 albacore and bonito prospects. We have received only spotty murmurs of modest success and have not fielded any "career day" type reports common to late September. Things could change but we would anticipate only a fair conclusion lacking in both quantity of species and longevity.

FLY TYING
In my opinion October is the best time to purchase natural materials for the upcoming season. As with every year, we will be receiving our first hit (over 400 pieces) of saltwater saddles from Whiting on or before, Monday, September 29th. These have proved to be very popular among the saltwater clan as well as freshwater streamer and bass bug tyers. If it's an exotic color your in need of, or just want to replenish your supply of standard white, the selection will not be better than the first week of October.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB