PIMPIN THE FLATS

June 3, 2004 - Despite the somewhat cooler than normal water temperatures larger fish have begun to filter into the shallow water environment of the Monomoy Island Wildlife Refuge in Chatham. It's not just a question of sheer numbers of smaller fish any more. Modest groups of larger specimens, with many in the 30-36" range, have been providing excellent sport for wading anglers. The next few weeks should offer the best opportunity of the year to experience a true fly rod trophy as these migrating fish will generally come readily to a meticulously presented offering, at least for the moment. Here's just a sampling of a few current reports.

"… All I can say is wow. I took over 60 fish on South Beach in one afternoon. About 5 really nice ones in there, but it was just how you described it to me 3 years ago… acres of fish. One school took 10 minutes to pass me. I took 4 fish out of it, one around 23", before it passed completely. I still am in a state of shock. This is sick, sick fishing. Follin's fished really well for me, too. I took some larger fish with the Gurgler popped over the schoolies. Need to try that a few more times to see if it really is a good technique for teasing bigger fish out.

Still I can't wait till we get into the singles and larger fish on South Beach. I did not see much of any of those this weekend at all. Ocean side fished well too." ~ Gary M.

"Went to SB flats on Monday. I got 11 sight cast fish to 25 inches. Missed about a half dozen others. Smallest pods were about 15 fish -larger ones were 50 to 100. Fish were up on the flats and not just on the edges. I saw two pods of larger sized fish but they refused my offerings. Visibility was very good. I was trying to estimate how far away I could see the pods coming at me. I kept coming up with 300 feet as the estimate. Spent the last two hours of the day on the surf side. Pulled 4 more stripers up to 25 inches out of 6 pods that came down the beach very close to shore. Others said that the surf was very good including some larger fish. Big Dave got one of 35 inches." ~ Mark K.

This is only a sampling of the many positive reports we have fielded during the previous week. As water temperatures continue to moderate fishing will only improve. Bluefish have yet to appear in substantial numbers but this event could be only a few days away.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB