REVVING UP!

May 20, 2005 - Let's start out by stating the obvious. Striped bass have infiltrated virtually every estuary, river mouth, backside beach and shoal throughout the Commonwealth and have actually been reported to be present as far north as the Merrimack River (although optimum fishing may still be a week or so away).

In the previous few weeks school fish have been fairly common but legals have now entered the mix making for some interesting opportunities for wading anglers.

The clam worm hatches that often dominate the evening's fare in the Popponesset Bay, Cotuit Highlands and the upper reaches of the Bass River have been in full swing providing anglers with some challenging fishing. Word has it that CW's have also been evident in the mud ponds of Rhode Island, which always provides excellent sport.

While angling under almost perfect conditions this past weekend we were witness to a very unusual occurrence. A dropping tidal situation found flocking gulls herding schools of portly squid into shallow flats while attempting to partake of the bounty. Just imaging the sight of an average sized gull trying to masticate 8 inches of slithery squid in mid flight, a task that was accomplished only through shear determination.

ANY BLUEFISH REPORTS?
While rumors abound we have yet to converse with a single angler that has come in contact with bluefish. As in past years, May 15th (give or take a day) usually signals the arrival of bluefish on the south side. Areas that will provide early season action are: Waquoit Bay, South Cape Beach, Popponesset Beach, Cotuit Highlands, Wianno, and the mouth of the Bass River just to mention a few. These initial migrants are commonly in the 5-8lb range and lack the majestic size that only a summer in Cape Cod waters will provide. What they lack in girth is made up for in fighting quality and heart.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB