BLUES BREAKERS CRUSADE June 11, 2005 - Well they took there time arriving but bluefish have now infiltrated many of the Cape's south side beaches and estuaries. Usually evident sometime around the middle of May, I really can't remember another season that these migratory brutes have delayed their return by so much. Lower than normal water temperature probably accounts for their tardiness as many boat anglers are reporting ocean side water temps well shy of the 60-degree mark. We personally witnessed marauding schools of 8-10lb fish routinely roust the shallow flats of South Beach in Chatham this past weekend. While many of the fish fell in the 30-inch category they still showed signs of winter wear and have yet to add mass, a routine summer hobby. These early season "choppers" are anything but selective and will usually come readily to the fly. Be sure to tote along some wire (our favorite is Surflon Micro Ultra 26lb. nylon coated wire in camo), should you encounter them in your travels. This material actually reacts similar to heavy mono and will accept a multitude of knot configurations and is resistant to kinking. Blues can be encountered in all types of water (except brackish) from river mouths to shallow flats to offshore destinations and are tolerant of the higher water temps that are prevalent during the summer months. Lower Forty regular Wayne Pepeler issues this brief but poignant report on his recent visit to the Rhode Island coast… "Blue fish blitzed at the front of Charleston Breachway last Thursday." So you can see we are now in full migration mode. STRIPERS Flat's fishing fans can expect to find cruisers throughout the Monomoy and South Beach preserves as we approach the middle of the month. With all the adjusted geography due to winter and spring storms, it will be interesting to see how the year pans out. Anglers familiar with this area will have to relearn the nuances and subtleties of the area if success is to be achieved. Good fishing and safe
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