IS WADING FADING? July 3, 2010 - Many of you have been voicing a concern that wading, particularly in areas adjacent to shallow water, has fallen into a complete funk. Just this past weekend while canvassing some bayside real estate in the Wellfleet area we were picking up surface water temperatures in the mid-70s, which is quite astonishing for late June. Great for bluefish (which were present in numbers), not so great for striped bass. The tepid weather pattern that has graced our state for the entire spring season and now on into summer has no doubt influenced the approach one must take to be successful. With the exception of a few diminutive school fish, those charming little estuaries and delightful salt ponds no longer support striped bass worthy of a 9-weight. Even the more popular flats of Chatham and Brewster are showing signs of being deserted, with only the occasional fish available to the wading angler. It's not only the warming water temperatures that have influenced the early departure of striped bass during the 2010 season. The lack of sufficient forage has also been a contributing factor. A considerable amount of bait we have been witnessing within a double haul of the shoreline has been minute, often times being harvested by diving terns but vacant of other predators. The wading angler must be willing to change his tactics to experience success during the mid season. May we suggest directing your attention to the south facing beaches of Truro, Wellfleet and Eastham. These locations are best addressed during periods of low light, either pre dawn, post dusk, or during inclement weather. Some shop favorites include; Head of the Meadow, Coast Guard, Longnook, and Ballston (my person favorite) in Truro, Newcomb Hollow, Cahoon Hollow and Marconi in Wellfleet, and the infamous Nauset Beach in Eastham. Water temperatures in these areas will generally register considerably less than bayside locations and baitfish can be available in considerable numbers. Good fishing and safe
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