TIGER BLUEFISH August 8, 2010 - If you are an inshore angler, either shore bound or from a watercraft, and you've been haunting Cape Cod waters during the previous week, chances are you encountered bluefish. This under appreciated game species has been present in epic numbers from the mouth of the Bass River in Dennis, east to the rips off Monomoy Island in Chatham, and north to Race Point Light in Provincetown. Not having a reputation for nighttime feeding, blitzes can be witness during any part of the day. I have generally found that bluefish feeding habits are more reliant on tidal situations and water displacements rather than weather conditions. Most of the fish have been 8-10 lbs. on average, with some individuals topping the Boga at a portly 14 pounds. The veracity and sheer strength of these larger specimens make them worthy of a 10 wt., and even then your durability will be tested. Cape Cod Bay has also been experiencing it's share of choppers. A favorite mid-summer activity is to "sight fish" bluefish in 2-6 feet of water from Jeremy Point in Wellfleet to the "not so ugly house" just south of Duck Harbor in the same town. Often not more than 200 to 300 feet from shore, the well-trained eye can observe clusters of 8-20 fish casually cruising just below the surface. This diversity of water beckons for a surface offering in conjunction with a floating fly line. Sliders, crease flies and gurglers will often solicit violent assaults, with a lengthy clash your welcome reward. This type of surface fishing does not require lengthy, sophisticated leaders. Lately I have been constructing bluefish leaders with a 3½-foot butt section of RIO, Alloy Hard, 30lb. Saltwater Tippet, connected to 3 ½ feet of 20lb. with a blood knot. To this end Albright a 2½ to 3-foot section of 26lb. American Fishing Wire in camo. The Albright knot, if executed properly, is slick, smooth and absolutely will not fail even during the most intense confrontations. The American Fishing Wire will also accommodate clinch knots, surgeon's knots, perfection loops and Uni knots so your options remain many should you so desire. Good fishing and safe
fishing, |
