NANTUCKET SLAM

July 24, 2009 - The 2009 Nantucket Slam to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is scheduled for September 13th, 14th and 15th, 2009; fishing on the 14th and 15th. This all-inclusive two day competitive fishing tournament designed to please the recreational and avid angler alike. Anglers are invited with or without their own boats and will be supplied with all necessary tackle and equipment. Last year over $160,000 was raised during the event.

This catch-and-release tournament is two days of competitive fishing for bluefish, bonito, striped bass and false albacore. To accommodate various boat sizes and styles of fishing, three different categories are offered: fly fishing, spin/plug fishing and trolling/general. For more information please contact director of special events, Karen Kelly at (800) 966-0444 or visit the website http://mass-ri.cff.org/nantucket.

BLUES IN THE BAY
During the past two weeks the primary species to target, at least from Brewster to P-Town, has certainly been bluefish. Now that we're fully rooted in summer striped bass have migrated into cooler, deeper water in search of forage and habitat creating a dilemma for fly fisherman. Just ask John Amiro of Brewster who has been patrolling the area from Brewster Flats to First Encounter Beach in Eastham on a routine basis. He has been engaging bluefish (and lots of them) in the 5-6lb. class on every campaign. Exhibiting typical bluefish behavior they have not been shy to the fly and Amiro will often land numerous bluefish until the entertainment value wanes.

Steve Haley of Oxford, on our recommendation, recently introduced a friend to this area and echoed Amiro's sentiments to the letter. While all anglers located fish on the surface, they chose to employ subsurface imitations to achieve their success.

I personally enjoyed an impressive day of bluefishing hosted by Mark "Trico" Kralian and "Big Dave" Surdel. We were fortunate to locate a group of somewhat larger specimens (10-13lbs.) in the Jeremy Point area of Wellfleet that were quite receptive to a slider, banger or crease fly and multiple hook-ups became routine once the afternoon dropping tide ebbed. Larger schools were sited over white sand in possibly 3 feet of water allowing for unsophisticated presentations.

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB