SO CLOSE

April 12, 2007 - While it's still a bit early to consider an excursion to our southern shoreline, reliable striped bass fishing should be only a few weeks away. Inshore water temperatures are generally in the 40-44 degree range well in arrears of the magic 50-degree mark necessary to encourage our migratory stocks of striped bass to enter Massachusetts's waters.

Thus far we have received only token reports of early season successes originating from Connecticut and Rhode Island. Generally fish have been in the 16-22" neighborhood and show signs consistent with resident fish.

If you are in need for some early season "bullpen" we would encourage you to give Middlebridge on the Narrow River in Naragansett, RI a go. The fishery is easily accessed from Rt. 1A (Boston Neck Road) by traveling east on Old Boston Neck road to Middlebridge Road. Under normal weather conditions (whatever that is) this is ideal kayak or canoe water and the system promotes good holdover potential as well as a healthy population of hickory shad during the spring and early summer seasons. Smaller clousers, sand eel and silverside imitations should be considered standard fare when perusing either species. Under most situations an intermediate sinking line may be all that is required to achieve success as the entire river has only modest water velocity and depth even during peak tidal intervals.

CAPE WAY
Our best early season Cape Cod barometer is local legend, Tony Penny. Penny resides on the banks of the Bass River in So. Yarmouth and is no stranger to it's inhabitants. During normal years we would expect to receive a call sometime around between April 20-24 with reports of fresh fish entering the system. Typically these migrants are in the 12-18" range and lack selectivity that only age can achieve. Along with numerous wading areas, the entire river can be generally negotiated by canoe, kayak or small craft as long as commonsense is practiced. If you are planning a visit to the area we would encourage you to contact us for the latest information, wading accesses and general information.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB