IT’S DE JA VUE ALL OVER AGAIN

June 12, 2010 - Way back in the early 90’s I was encouraged to sample some of the most incomparable sight fishing for striped bass by central Massachusetts anglers Rich and Bob Benson (eventual founder of “Fishing the Cape” in Harwich). We often took up this endeavor from Rich’s Hewes, Florida style flats boat, incidentally until that date, the only boat of this type I had ever witnessed within Cape Cod waters. In those years, provided the conditions complied, you could expect to have numerous shots at cruising schools of striped bass all within the confines of South Beach and the barrier islands of North and South Monomoy in Chatham. It was an unhurried, blissful yet challenging approach to catching striped bass; it was truly, as my Belizian guide Carlos Marin would say, “classic.”

While the boat fishing was quite satisfying in it’s own right, I began to explore the possibility of wading this immense piece of liquid real estate. Back in 1992 I can assure you there was no, and I mean no, competition from wading anglers and one had to contend with only the occasional watercraft. A simple #1/0 Deceiver pattern or similar would draw the attention of any unsophisticated striped bass and catches of 15-30 bass were typical and even expected. Life was good.

Despite the geological transformation that has transpired during the previous few years (and not for the better), two central Massachusetts anglers have kept the dream alive. Ron “Paxton” Pasternak and Gary “Polareyes” Aho continue to engage in, what has become a simple passion, the abiding art of sight fishing with a fly rod.

Due to circumstances beyond their control, the mates have moved their traveling road show to the north flat of North Monomoy Island. Vast and possessing the integrity of a New England freestone river, the north flat continues to harbor small groups of cruising striped bass and bluefish. Ron recently reports that he donated a handful of his most revered sight-fishing flies to bluefish but insists, “once you put on wire, you’re not fishing for striped bass anymore.” 

THE MAC
If you have been fly fishing around the raindrops lately chances are that you’ve been experiencing some pretty reasonable results. According to a number of locals the Merrimack River has been one of the most consistent areas within an easy poke of central NE. The fish have been very picky and have been showing a preference toward smaller offerings. If your planning a visit be sure to tote along some sparsely tied sand eel and silverside imitations. 

Good fishing and safe wading,
JB