CHATHAM REVIVAL August 9, 2007 - During the entire summer season we've been discouraging saltwater anglers from targeting South Beach and North Monomoy Island in Chatham. The shuttles that service these areas have been reporting extremely high water temperatures and lack of fish due to appropriate habitat. It's no secret that the closure of the southway located on the southern tip of South Beach is the cause of this calamity. In spite of this occurrence, two central Massachusetts anglers, Ron Pasternak of Paxton and Gary Aho of Ashburnham never surrendered their passion for the area. Not discouraged by the dismal reports and staring futility in the face, the duo boarded a shuttle destined for North Monomoy Island, which was to be their fishing destination for the day. This was to be a day dedicated to prospecting with little hope for success other than gaining a better knowledge of the real estate. To make a long story short their efforts were rewarded. Straddled with a dropping tide that exposes a lovely sand flat on the north end of the island, the anglers encountered waves a baitfish that were being masticated by both striped bass and bluefish. Many of the stripers were of the medium variety while the blues were, in the words of Aho, "nice size." Maybe there is still hope after all. As the middle of August draws near there are limited opportunities for the wading angler, particularly during daylight hours. The areas of South Beach (that, incidentally according to reports remains baron) and North Monomoy have always been a haven for sight fishing anglers even during the torrid summer months. This was the first positive report we have received from this area since the late spring and bodes well for others interested in visiting the area. BONITO Good fishing and safe
wading, |
