SCALES HITS THE SCALE

May 20, 2010 - We've always felt a distinct obligation to get fly anglers on to fish. It is a way to keep people passionate about the sport and, at the same time, protect our livelihood, no secrets here I can assure you. During the previous season, on our recommendation, we pointed a few of our more enthusiastic saltwater anglers to an area that has become synonymous with providing outstanding early season potential for both striped bass and bluefish. During my younger years the real estate surrounding Popponesset Bay in Mashpee has afforded countless delightful memories that are similarly being crafted by local anglers Jeff Scales, Jon William and Ryan Halliday. Jeff files this most recent report…

"We've been going every weekend and getting into fish every trip. My best day? May 8th. My new personal best Striper! This was caught on a self tied "Rod Bender", either olive over white or grizzled fluorescent chartreuse over chartreuse (I can't remember but it was most likely olive over white as I fish those more in lower light and switch to the other variant as the light increases). I've also caught a fair number of fish on the same fly tied clouser style. Last year when the tide really started to turn and the water velocity picked up action would die down until the water slowed but I knew the fish were still around as the action didn't slow for conventional guys. This year armed with the 400-grain line and the clouser style weighted flies the action stays steady or possibly even gets better as current picks up. Just another advocate of depth first, fly second."

The area has also been harboring bluefish in the 10lb. range. The fish will generally arrive with the turn of the low tide as water begins to fill the bay. Fly anglers Len Renauld of Sterling, Bob Thunberg of Worcester, Mark Kralian of Worcester, and "Big Dave" Surdel have been active participants in the frenzy. Surface flies such as crease flies, gurglers and bangers will generally draw enough attention to keep you busy.

In all honesty it's been a few years since I can recall a better beginning to a season. Not only has the quantity been impressive the quality of striped bass has been outstanding.

NANTUCKET SLAM
The Nantucket Slam to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will take place from September 12-14, 2010. This is a catch-and-release tournament of two-six anglers per boat. Prizes will be awarded for the largest and most species as well as Division champion, First Runner Up and Grand Champion. For more information please contact Karen Kelly at 1.800.966.0444 or visit the website http://mass-ri.cff.org/nantucket

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB