RED, WHITE AND BLUEFISH

July 13, 2006 - General statement… If you've fished either bayside, adjacent to an estuary mouth or generally in the vicinity of Cape Cod within the previous few weeks suffice it to say that you caught bluefish.

My last four outings that have included Wellfleet (boat), South Beach (Chatham, wading) and the outlet of Pleasant Bay (wading), while peppered with an occasional striper have been greeted with a plethora of bluefish.

Most of the critters have been your typical 4-5lb summer dwellers that aggressively welcome a 2/0 Gurgler presented on a floating line. This was not the case while canvassing Sunken Meadow directly adjacent to Lieutenant's Island in Wellflett. Here the rascals averaged 30" and 8-9lbs (Boga gripped) in dimension and offered a tremendous account of themselves on 10-wt tackle.

A POINT OF CONCERN?
I must admit that I am a little concerned about the striped bass population, especially in southern New England. Many R.I. and CT saltwater zealots have been reporting dismal success, particularly those that have been shore bound. This could be due to the unusually high water temperatures we have been experiencing at the immediate shoreline. While I must admit that it is not uncommon to achieve temperatures in the low to mid 70's as we approach the middle of the month, the warmer water arrived earlier than usual, despite the somewhat dreary late spring and early summer weather.

COMMS
For all those concerned the commercial striped bass season commences, Wednesday, July 12th. Expect to experience a few more vessels perusing your favorite bass haunts.

GOLF LEGEND JOINS FFF
From "Tackle Trade World"… "Top international competition golfer Jack Nicklaus has agreed to be a national spokesperson on behalf of the Federation of Fly Fishers, a member of the board of directors and the first honorary chairman of the FFF Presidents Club."
"Nicklaus has been an avid fly fisher for most of his life and has visited many exotic destinations worldwide to pursue his passion. Comparing his personal philosophy with that of the FFF, he said: "I am an avid sportsman and few activities or sports provide me with as much joy as fishing does."

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB