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Fishing Reports for Local Area - Location |
    
Mr Zhou shengqun (Mamicn)
New member
Username: Mamicn
Post Number: 24
Registered: 1-2010
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 29, 2010 - 2:53 am: | |
Fishing net factory from china -- Taizhou Winstrong Special Net Co Ltd
We supply nylon multifilament net 210D/2ply to 120ply. mesh 3/8" to 20" 26MD, 52MD, 78MD, 100MD, 400MD and size as you request.
Zhou shengqun
Mobile:86-1390-1431072
Fax:86-523-86331072 86666567
http://www.chinafishingnet.com
fishingnetcn@gmail.com
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CaptainIDS (Captainids)
New member
Username: Captainids
Post Number: 62
Registered: 9-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 05, 2007 - 10:26 am: | |
Are you a Licensed Coast Guard Captain?
This is for you
http://www.captainids.com/ |
Capt. Jack Riley (Maverick)
New member
Username: Maverick
Post Number: 1
Registered: 12-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - 5:54 am: | |
2005 WAS A GREAT YEAR. We caught stripers and blues early in the season on Tom Shoal at Marthas Vineyard and Bearse Shoal at Monomoy. We won the Allen Harbor 4th of July Tournament for the second year in a row. The best mid to late season action was at Nantucket(Sankaty), Monomoy(Bearse and High Bank), Chatham(Inlet) and Nauset. The school/medium bluefin tuna bite was the best I have seen in years. We pursued them in August and September on Crab Ledge, the "BC" buoy and the Regal Sword. We had many charters with 10-15 plus fish up to 90# on stand-up 30's and 50's(green machines and ballyhoo were the ticket for us). In October we started Giant fishing and had three beauties in three straight days. 700# plus, 600# plus and 550#. One of our 2004 catches, 540#, was featured in the On The Water magazine TV show on NESN this year. The 550# 2005 tuna will be shown on the Offshore magazine TV show featuring Allen Harbor this winter.
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Capt. Ken (Nhcapt)
New member
Username: Nhcapt
Post Number: 2
Registered: 9-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 7:40 am: | |
Tried tuna fishing on 8/26, but the water temperature was cool, only 71 deg as far south as the NE corner of the dump. The tuna and mahi were nowhere to be found. Had to settle for some bass and blues.
www.geocities.com/capesharkmarine |
Anonymous
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 29, 2003 - 12:53 pm: | |
Fished the Cuttyhunk Tournament on 8/15. Loads of Mahi and some Bluefin east of the dump. Sunshine, no wind and no seas made for a great day. Capt. Ken
www.geocities.com/capesharkmarine |
saltwater mcgee
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 12, 2002 - 3:20 pm: | |
Subject: recent fishing
update the stories, may fishing is history |
Randy Jones
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 07, 2002 - 3:26 pm: | |
Subject: Seeing 1'000's of Stripers !!
Southeast Cape Cod Inshore Wade Saltwater Fly/Spin Fishing Report's and Ramblings:
I hope you find my reports and articles entertainingly informative and mildly educational
I'll be posting daily fishing reports w/ photo's of the S.E. part of the Cape from a wade angler's perspective after May 21.
(All photo's can be seen at www.yankeeangler.com - fishing reprots)
Sight Fishing the Outer Cape Cod Beaches
May 1, 2002 it was sunny and the surf was forecast to be 1 to 3 feet. As I walked out towards the open ocean on this cold blustery morning, memories of past surf sight fishing adventures filled my mind. Seeing thousands of Bass in a tide, watching them run almost between your feet. Fish (20-28 inch’s today) eager to inhale my almost perfectly cast fly or sluggo. It was all almost too easy.
What would today bring? All of the above.
If you’re the type of angler that loves to sight fish to some of the dumbest fish of the season than read on. Most flats anglers believe that sight fishing is a summer game, which can be done only on the flats. They say, May 1, the waters to cold, not on the flats yet, can’t sight fish until end of May. If I was to tell you all that presently there is a major migration of bass moving up the New England beaches that can be easily sight cast too with flies and lures would you believe me? This is some of the finest, easiest, world class sight fishing and it’s happening NOW, in your own backyard. Need a guide, nope. Need a boat, nope. Need to cast 60 feet, nope. Even Ray Charles could sight cast to these fish. (he-he)
(Scott with another sight fished surf striper)
First off, if you enjoy crowds, this is not for you. I walked about 3 miles that day and saw 1 person who was out for a long jog. I owned that beach! My only steady companion’s were the shimmer of the sun on these crystal clear water’s, the light colored sand beneath my feet, sound of the surf, a strong West wind that was being blocked by the high sand dunes, the adrenaline that kept racing up my back and over a 1,000 striped bass that passed me by during my tide.
(Notice the dark spots in the center of both photo's, those are schools of bass in 2-3 feet of water migrating North)
If you have heart problems, than I would forego this type of fishing. It’s so peaceful and serene that when all of a sudden you sight 500 bass 100 yards down the beach and slowly approaching, your heart will start to race with the anticipation of what’s about to happen. The closer they get, the more your heart reminds you why you love this sport. For many years I’'ve experienced this reoccurring migration and my heart still races. Will this be a school of all keepers? Well they be blues? Will they come with in casting range? Will I flub up my first cast due to the excitement and have to go racing down the beach to get back in front of the school to present my fly again?
(A 39 inch'a from the surf, sight fishing in 2 feet of water with a 2 handed fly rod)
Here are a few helpful tips to help you along the path to hooking up in paradise
One of the simplest tips I could give you is if you don’t see them, don’t cast. They are simply not there. One of the best parts of this type of fishing is it’s a great time to stand up high on the dunes and chat with your friends. Keeping a watchful eye down the beach. When you see a large black blob moving slowly towards you, its time to walk to the shoreline and prepare to cast. Simply throw it out in front of or even right on their heads and get ready. It’s that simple. Any type of retrieve, at any speed, with any fly, lure will produce some action. There are NO smart or spooky fish in this bunch. It’s like taking candy from a baby. The best part is being able to see the follow, take, head shakes and then the run.
What direction should you be looking? Hmmmm lets see, that’s a tuff one. 100% of the fish are migrating up the coast line towards the North presently. I look in one direction only and that’s to the South. All of the outer Cape beaches either run North or South so you’ve got a 50-50 shot of getting it right. (he-he)
The 2 main ingredients you need to enjoy this banquet are sun and fairly calm seas for best results. What fly should you use? I find the ones that are beat up, falling apart; old ones that are gathering dust or the ones you tied and are too embarrassed to show to your friends work the best. Why use your nice ones when it does not make a difference to these fish. Big, small, bright or natural colors all work. Save your nicer ones for later in the season when you HAVE to match the hatch. Save your fluorocarbon for those educated resident bass in July and August. 9 foot - tapered to 16 lb. test works fine for me if I'm fly fishing or for spinning I'll go 12 lb. (The lighter your mono, the further you can cast your lures)
If you love to sight fish your quarry. Then its prime time to hit any outer Cape Cod beach for some of the finest and easiest sight fishing known to man.
Best Fish’s,
Randy Jones
5/5 Fishing Report and Ramblings:
Sunday morning caught myself surfing the Saltwater Web sites, sipping coffee, day dreaming of surf, blue bird skies, crystal clear water over light colored sand flats,
girls in bikinis (see photo) - errrr I mean, cruising blues and bass on the shallow flat's.
5 fish - 2 o'clock! , throw it 12 O'clock, 50 feet ! O.K. , let it sit there, dont move it, stay low, here they come, get ready, Now strip it, strip it! faster, 2 fish just broke from the school, strip it - strip it, their nose is on it, there on it, keep stripping, their on it, He ate it! Ye-haa!! What a honk'a!!!
(John Halnon Photo's)
Some keepers are on Nantucket and a few select Cape area's.. Some lucky anglers are hitting 20-30 fish (schoolies) per hour of fishing in some Cape Cod locations.
Squid are presently making there migration around the Cape. Blues are showing up also. Whenever you have squid and schoolies the Blues are always close behind. Guess what fly I'd be throwing.
Lots of bait around. Look for a few pods of mackerel and shad to be present also.
(John Halnon Photo)
It's good to be back!
Randy Jones
(See Photo)
Andrew and (nine year old) brother Matt catches a keeper. It takes two to hold it up for the photo.
4/25 Early Saltwater Striper Report: Some keepers have been caught South of Cape Cod. Schoolies are arriving daily on the Cape. South side best. Tidal rivers, creeks, mud bottom preferred habitat. If you can find some warm water (55 degree's is best) then that's the spot to fish. Sinking line with a slow retrieve works best. Then throw on any old bright fly. If the slow retrieve dose not get them, then try a quick 1-1/2 foot strip. Bass need to be 28 inch's or better to keep them. The migration has started earlier than most anyone can remember. These are new, fresh fish.
Stay tuned for more important lessons learned on this never-ending virtual fishing trip with your host Randy "The Yankee Angler" and friends.
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Randy Jones
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 21, 2001 - 8:27 pm: | |
Subject: Southeast Cape Wade Inshore Saltwater Fly Fishing
Southeast Cape Wade Inshore Saltwater Fly Fishing Report
(Marsh, Beach, Islands, Flats, Tidal Rivers)
Flats 101- Safety first while wading:
Here on Cape Cod, fog can become your worst nightmare when 1/8-2 miles out on a flat. Some of us have had close calls on the flats, so I would like to share some of the things I do to remain safe.
Number one rule is do not wonder into an area you are not familiar with. When I say familiar, I mean having an intimate understanding of all of the following.
2- Before I even walk out onto a flat I have already checked several weather related wind internet sites. I know direction and if its going to swing and at what time. As I walk out I pay attention to what direction I feel the wind on my face. This helps should I have to guess ta mate my return.
3- I know exactly in what stage in the tide I'm walking out and when it will change. I'm very familiar with tidal current direction at every phase of the tide for the flat I am on. Knowing current direction also helps with navigation when seeing land is not an option.
4- Over the years the sand becomes like a road map, every trough, sluice, creek, river, depression is memorized over and over each year. Even if you can not see 10 feet you will come across these things that will help you navigate your way back.
5-Knowing exactly at what stage in the tide I can cross and re-cross certain depressions allowing me access to certain flats and a safe return.
6-Taking in all audible clues as I walk out. (Cars, Fog horns, Bells, Motor boat engine noise coming from the main channel.)
7- I take a compass reading when I reach my destination. I carry a compass on my watchband for easy access. Also a back-up in my chest pak.
8-Know the height of your tides. Worse case scenario is to seek higher ground and sit it out. Knowing were this area is at, is crucial.
9-A cell phone is invaluable should you happen to hurt yourself and walking back is not an option.
10-Go with a friend or someone who knows the area as good as the inside of their pocket.
11- Know your moon fazes. There are certain tides in certain areas that will not allow you to out run them. No high ground to sit it out and the current is so swift you can not walk against it. Put yourself on the edge of a flat with a drop off and this current can at times run like a ragging river, as water drains off it. Someone lost their life last year under this same scenario.
12- An inflatable vest of some sort makes a lot of sense.
13- Look for the way water drains off the flat. If it drains to your right, then the high ground is to your left., you have just found you exit off the flat when faced with high water. Knowing this direct route will save you valuable time when faced with a fast incoming tide that you could not out run.
14- A good pair of polarized glasses are not only an invaluable tool for seeing fish but also for safety.
15- Remember, there is normally only one right way off the flat and 3 wrong ways.
Having to feel your way back in by following the edge of the flat with your feet is not an enjoyable feeling, especially when the tide has turned and the fog is overwhelming. This happened to me once and it well never happen again! So be safe, be smart; don't fool around with Mother Nature. She always has the winning hand.
How To Select Glasses for Sight Fishing
Being able to place the fly in the perfect relation to the fish, demands that the angler be able to see the fish while the presentation is being made. Polarized glasses help eliminate surface glare so the angler can see into the depths. The best all around lens color for fishing is amber especially on bright days. Yellow is good for dark days.
To understand polarization you first need to understand glare. Normally, light waves move more randomly. However, when light reflects off a surface, it is concentrated - polarized - at a specific plane or direction, which intensifies the light into reflective glare. Light reflected from a smooth shiny surface, such as water, a wet road, or snow causes glare. Wherever there are horizontal surfaces producing glare, the use of polarizing lenses is recommended. Non-Polarized sunglasses reduce visible light, however they have little or no effect on reflected glare. Only polarized lenses eliminate glare.
Polarized lenses utilize energized iodine crystals that are positioned in vertical rows on a thin piece of film. This film is sandwiched between two layers of the lens material. The filter within the lens allows selected light rays to reach the eye, while absorbing reflected glare or polarized light. When a polarizing film or filter is properly positioned in front of such reflected light rays, the glare is blocked. This is how polarized sunglasses are able to eliminate glare.
The amount of polarization a lens achieves is proportional to the density of the film. The lighter the PVA film the less polarization a lens can offer. Lenses that utilize a dark film will, in turn, have more effective polarization than a lens that possesses a light film. Tinting a light polarized lens does not increase polarity. It simply darkens the lens and reduces brightness.
Polarized lenses are constructed of a sheet of polyvinyl alcohol film (PVA), sandwiched between, or cast into, two pieces of lens material, either glass, plastic (CR-39), polycarbonate or toriacetate. The PVA film molecule alignment is such that it allows only vertical light waves to pass through the lens (somewhat like a venetian blind), thus eliminating glare.
Being able to watch your quarry and see its reaction to your presentation is a great advantage. Being able watch your steelhead or striper is even more important if the angler is fishing subsurface with a slow moving fly. Both species can suck in a fly and eject it so softly that it can be virtually impossible to feel the strike. If you see them take the fly, then you will know when to set the hook.
POLARIZED SUNGLASSES: I like an amber lens for sunny days and yellow lenses for overcast, dark days. Side shields are a necessity when sight fishing. They can be picked up at Fishing the Cape. I like the Orvis Marquesas Aviator in Nylon-Amber. These are not only needed to sight fish, but more importantly for your safety.
Randy,
I observed a behavior among the bluefish I've never seen here in Chesapeake Bay, may you have some ideas. On one flat in about 4' of glass flat water there were literally acres of blues just finning on the surface. They were not feeding, at times they were daisy chaining like tarpon, mostly they were just barely
moving with their fins and tails sticking up out of the water. We managed to aggravate a couple fish into striking flies, but mostly any fly that came near these fish caused them to spook. Have you experienced this behavior and had any success with enticing strikes?
Good question!
Yup, sometimes you will see the blues doing that. They maybe resting. No one knows for sure. Some think they are in post spawn, just chillin out. Seeking shallower, warmer water. Were would you go if you just had kids? If you throw a big popper at them it tends to spook them. I find that if you throw a small gurggler at them and make 3 small gurgles and leave still, that tends to work the best. With bass try a crab slowly twitched or strip the biggest brightest, gaudiest fly through the bunch of 'm and try to aggravate them. Usually one will attack it. Thanks, Pete!
Sight fishing the outer beaches has been overall productive. Friends landed 5 keepers on fly while looking for them yesterday. They were not spooky and eager to eat!
6/20 Report
(See Photo on below link)
While walking the beach I was able to get a shot of a rare colony of wild black lab's that live on the island during the summer. They swim up here from the Delaware, Chesapeake Bay area where they winter over. If you look hard you can see their heads sticking out of the water.
6/21 Report
(See Photo on below link)
If anyone finds a wallet on the beach it belongs to this gentleman. He was out all day long at low tide digging around in the sand for his wallet that he lost recently.
Thanks!
For "Daily Fishing Reports" plus "Daily Photos", please see http://www.yankeeangler.com - Fishing Reports
May all your door knobs smell of fish,
Randy Jones
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Randy Jones
Unregistered guest
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 11, 2001 - 5:40 pm: | |
Subject: Southeast Cape Cod Wade Inshore Saltwater
Southeast Cape Cod Wade Inshore Saltwater Fly/Spin Fishing Report
(Marsh, Beach, Islands, Flats, Tidal Rivers)
The following fishing reports will include Tips, techniques, Habitat, Presentation, Baitology, Flies-Hooks, Moon Fazes, Flats, and even some highlights from last year's fishing reports. So, sit back, relax and enjoy this Truly World Class Destination Fishery!
Sight Fishing the Flats - Part 4
Imitating the natural fleeing reaction of bait with your fly will greatly increase you catch rate.
Capt. Rich Benson once told me that the hardest fly to fish is a crab, because you don't really fish it at all. The following story sums it up.
Bass in 1 ft. water - Another day we were seeing 100's of Bass and all fish caught were between 28 and 40 in! All were caught on a Toms Rattle crab. The largest Bass of 40 in. was taken by leading it, allowing the crab to sink to the bottom. We gave it 2-2in. quick strips to rattle the crab and get the fish's attention. It changed direction and headed straight for it. The fly was left motionless as most crabs naturally remain stationary w/ claws up when being threatened. The Bass inspected it for realism then tipped up on its head with its tail almost out of the water and sucked it deep into the throat. We never felt the hit but instinctively set by sight. Ye-Haa! I haven't seen that much orange string in a while.
(This bass ate it reel good - photo)
Tom Thomas is the inventor of this unique " HOT" fly. If you haven't got one in your box it isn't complete. It works on permit and bones also. Tan, brown and green are the colors. These can be picked up at Fishing the Cape.
Shrimp-They tend to flee in 1-foot spurts. On a side note, I created a shrimp pattern by tying a piece of no name material on to a hook and forming it into a shrimp body. Then dipped it in softtex and rolled it in sand. Shape, size, silhouette, coloration and a good sink rate was achieved. And it caught fish! HA.
Silversides-These don't burrow into the sand, so I normally do a 1 handed strip, 1 ½ foot, quickly, with a pause in between.
Sandlances-- 2-1/2 foot fast strip works best for me.
Ever wonder what I carry for flies in July and August? Take a peek below.
(John Halnon - Photo)
More Tips:
I check my fly after every cast. Through thorough study of bass and retrieval tactics, I've seen fish look at my fly with one eye, then the other, put their nose on it and turn away. They won't give it a second glance if it is fouled and/or doesn't look like the natural. I've even seen bass spook off a fouled fly. Stripers have incredible eyesight and smell so check your fly after every cast. You normally are only going to get one good shot, so make it count.
Keeping in mind these fish have a brain the size of a pea, you would think they would be pretty easy to catch. But remember we are in their environment. Sight fishing is similar to hunting deer or turkey. The amount of noise generated by you, other anglers or boats means one thing - NO FISH on the flat or at least spooky fish who are less apt to eat. Even the water lapping on the underside of your basket will spook fish. Stand completely still or when walking move slowly. Stay as far away from other anglers and boats that may not be trying to blend in with the sites and sounds of the natural saltwater environments as you are.
For best visibility in the morning face west. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. face anywhere. Afternoon face east.
When the wind is blowing 15 to 30 knots you can still see them but its tough to cast a long leader into it. Find spots where they'll travel by you so you can cast with the wind. Allowing your leader to fully extend and put more distance between fly and line.
These BIG bass are easiest to catch when they are feeding actively. What initiates this? Most of the time its speed of current moving the bait over, around or into structure. The faster the current the more aggressively they will feed and the easier they are to catch! During the course of a day most flats will have fish on them, but I try to only fish the ones that have moving water. This equation works ninety percent of the time. Moving water + structure = a compressed water flow. Compressed (concentrated) water flow + bait = fish.
(Sighting fish on the flats, John Halnon - Photo)
Myself and John Knight, hard at work
Take some time and study current movement. Seek out moving water on the flats and you will be rewarded.
These fish generally travel the same route day after day taking all the guess work out of it once you've put your time into studying it. The routes they take can and will change if there's a lack of food, too much boat or wade activity, seals or water temperature change - too warm or too cold. On the flats everywhere I fish is
structure related - creeks, channels, sluiceways, bars, depressions, holes and rips. These types of structure are their highways and restaurants.
Search out areas that give you a height advantage. The higher up you are the larger your visual cone will be, allowing you to achieve many of the pieces of the puzzle we have already discussed.
When I go fishing, I take all this and more into consideration when deciding where to go. In my opinion, sight fishing the flats is one of the most challenging and rewarding types of fly fishing you will ever experience. But to achieve proficiency you need to have a clear understanding of the flats you fish. Then you'll soon be realizing the best part of fly-fishing - FISH ON!!!!
(John Halnon - Photo)
Randy Jones
*** Get it while it's HOT. Daily "Virtual Fishing Reports" with "daily virtual photos". Hot off the press! (http:www.yankeeangler.com - Fishing Reports) ***
6/11-12 Report
"Gone Fishing"
Hi Randy, I'm kind of new to fly fishing for stripers, and am frustrated so far. Several days this spring I've fished South Cape beach and Waquoit. Seen hundreds of fish, but hooked up only a few times. On South Cape last Saturday the fish were stacked tight against the shore actively feeding, but they were REAL skittish. I must have spooked 10 fish for every 1 that I got a cast to. These fish were very picky, too. I threw everything at them, several sand eel patterns, crabs, surf candy, clouser's. Fast retrieves, slow retrieves, no retrieves. Nothing worked. Obviously, I'm doing something wrong, but I'm not sure what. Thanks, Brian
Hi Brian, If its shallow you could of tried a clear Int. line. Or if they were on the surface a floating line. (line does not make a splash and spook fish like a weighted line does.) Maybe wrong fly for the bait they were eating. Maybe so much bait that they had a hard time finding your 1 fly in thousands of bait? Try something really big next time so it stands out? Maybe leader to short and they were seeing the fly line. Maybe leader was to heavy pound test and they were seeing the heavy mono? Maybe splashing line on surface and spooking them? Maybe you were not lowering your upper body as they approached and they saw you? Maybe there were a number of other anglers around and the fish were spooked? Maybe you were not leading the fish enough? Maybe they were eating small shrimp or micro eels and they were becoming very fussy? (whew) As you can see their are variables to consider and some others I have not mentioned. Don't be to hard on yourself, others guides including myself are finding some very fussy fish also. Once the tides pick up, they will eat your fly good! Try finding an area that has moving water, that
always works best. Good Luck, Randy
6/10 Report
Steve only had one request for today and that was knowledge. He figured he had the rest of his life to catch fish, but to be able to do it on his own he needed a better understanding of rigging, flies, habitat and presentation for sight fishing on the flats. So we covered 7 different flats and coves. Some produce best on the drop, some on the rise and others for a 2 hour period on different parts of either tide. We saw fish in 6 out of the seven spots. 1 spot was loaded and remained that way for an hour of pretty steady action, others were consistent to slow. We covered about 3 miles of real estate giving Steve lots to come back too. It also helped him understand the many different types of habitat available to sight fish. We missed a couple and had follows but none landed. The catching was tuff, but we had a grand day of fishing and learning.
Sam, who was my guest from yesterday. Ventured out on her own to a spot we had visited last year. She caught 2 fish while sight fishing during the afternoon all on her own! She did not venture to far as we had reports of 4 sand sharks sighted by other wade anglers in this same area.
6/9 Report
We fished again today by ourselves with not a sole around. Just blue bird skies and about 100 or so Bass that swam by us through the course of the day. Mostly singles and doubles. Since it was sunny, I always like to sight fish on the flats all day long. Certain area's can provide you with this even with out a boat. Why blind cast when you have the rest of your life to do it. Later in the day we moved to another warm water flat and found the temperature to be 67 degrees! (Perfect) We were rewarded with more fish tracking straight at us. While we did not spank'm today we sure had fun trying and learning some tricks on fishing these world class destination flats.
Through this guides eyes: The tides are slowing which seems to me why the fish are a little more picky and choosy on the presentation. Im noticing shrimp from 1/4 to 1 inch long on the flat. Lately when they have been eating them you will notice a flash in the water as they turn their body side ways to eat them. This was how I spotted several fish today. Sometimes I am not able to spot the silhouette of the fish but notice a silvery flash which is a sure give away that its a fish feeding. Once you key in on the flash, normally you will see the fish or school. Im noticing the adult sand lances and baby ones too on the flats all balled up tight. The micro eels could be another reason the fish are fussy. Normally when they key in on shrimp or the micros they can leave you scratching you head as to why they are not eating you perfectly cast fly.
Today was Dons first time fishing the flats and he found out how exciting and also frustrating it can be. Challenging is the word I would use to describe sight fishing. All the pieces of the puzzle need to all come together to be consistently successful. Im sure Don would use another "word" to describe this type of fishing. (he-he)
Sam on the other hand is a seasoned pro. It seamed that every time see threw it, a hurricane force wind would blow out of no where and keep her fly from hitting the target. Then all of a sudden the wind would die to nothing. At least that's what see said (he-he)
Join me tomorrow for another "safari fishing adventure report." Hot of the flats!
(See Photo)
After Sam's fish was cast too, the fish changed it's direction on the flat and charged 10 feet to intercept and slam her fly. Congrats!
6/8 Report - Feast or famine
Again today we fished an area that was void of crowds, boats and we had numerous flat's all to
ourselves.The only other company we entertained were horseshoe crabs that were trying to mate with our wadding boots and a fair number of bass. Once again we saw some big bass in the 15 -20 lb. range but could not get them to eat. Today the fish acted more like fussy August fish and refused our flies on a pretty consistent basis. Saw less fish than yesterday but all in all it was not to bad. At times the bass were very plentiful with us sighting fish almost non-stop. Then it would shut down to nothing for 5-10 minutes. This repeated itself all day on this flat. So we decided to move to another warmer flat and were rewarded with a couple more sighted and landed. We all got to see the fish track our fly and then open up wide and inhale it! Pretty neat stuff if you have never done this before.
Judy works for "Angling Adventures" out of CT. in case anyone is interested in booking a trip to some far off exotic port of call. Im booked with her company for some bone fishing in the Bahamas this winter.
Judy had an amusing way of fighting her fish. After hooking up and the fish would go on a marathon run she would excitedly jump up and down and scream, I cant believe it, this is so exciting, with more jumping up and down, I cant believe it, this is so exciting, with more jumping up and down, I cant believe it, this is so exciting, with more jumping up and down. (he-he)
(See Photo)
Judy with her first flats fish of the day and Jeff with another one of several caught while sight fishing.
6/7 Report
Dick experienced what it was like to see fish from the time our ankles hit the water in the A.M. until I had to literally pull him off the flat at days end. While we did not see the big schools of fish on the flats as days past. We changed location from the previous few days and were able to sight fish all day with a pretty good stream of Bass in singles up to schools of 10. The other reason we switched location was to escape the crowds. It all worked in spades. Sun, crystal clear water, light breeze and hungry Bass were the ingredients for a memorable day on the flats with my good friend.
(See Photo)
Dick with a couple of 34'ish inch Bass. He used the 2 handed Orvis 14 foot 9 weight fly rod today for the first time and loved it! Not a single blue was spotted by myself or a friend who was working an entirely different flat. Water temp. was 56 degrees in the AM. and rose to a reel nice 62 degrees at the high!
6/6 Report
We started off blind casting into a area that the fish travel. Up until today this spot had been productive. While we did hit and miss a few, the incoming tide was not our friend today. With hopes of sight fishing, it was off to the flats as they started to flood. While the sun played hide and seek it made sighting difficult. With a thin cloud layer it created a glare on the water which put my eyes on overtime. It closed down my usually large window of 200 feet and more to about 60 feet or less. Sometimes sighting them as they were upon us. We saw a fair number of fish in schools of a few to a 100. Some swam right between us. Several keepers and schoolies were landed on the flats today. Saw some reel honkers ! (20-30 lb.'s)
(See Photo)
Tom with a 34 inch'a taken in 3 feet of water while sight fishing. He landed another almost as big..Congrats!
Until the next fish bites,
Randy
|
Steve Ellis
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2001 - 7:36 am: | |
Subject: June stripers Cape Cod bay
Right now [june 2001] the striped bass fishing in the bay is beyond your wildest dreams.Fish ranging in size from 2 to 40lbs. There are still fish that are moving north and they are chowing down. Don't miss out on this non stop action!!!! |
Randy Jones
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2001 - 8:36 pm: | |
Subject: Cape Cod, fly, spin, wade, Chatham, Monomoy
Monomoy Island, Chatham, MA
Wade Cape Cod - World Class Destination Flats Fishery - May thru August
*** Get it while it’s HOT. Daily “Fishing Reports” with “daily photos”. Hot off the press! ( See - http://www.yankeeangler.com - Fishing Reports ) ***
Recent cancellation:
*** I have room for 2 people on June 10th. (Sun.) Will probably be fishing Monomoy. 2 anglers total for the day. Interested? ***
Monomoy Island - Sight Fishing the Flats - CAPE COD Chatham, MA.
How to Catch Big Bass on the Flats in July and August
Fishing tactics and techniques must change at this time of the year. Care to learn?
The now "educated" residents have all graduated from high school and are now on their way to receiving their bachelor's degree on what is edible or not. These are
our FUSSY fish! To me this is the most challenging and fun time of the year. We're seeing on the average of one to two hundred fish on the flats in a day under the
right conditions. Thirty percent of them are big - ten to twenty pounds. Talk about mastering your technique of sight fishing on the sand flats. There's no such thing as
an easy fish. All the pieces of the puzzle must come completely together to succeed on the flats. Leading fish by thirty to seventy-five feet. Knowing your water to
determine exactly when in the tide they will show up on certain flats. Knowing structure, so the fish will be funneled by you, allowing you the most "shots." Believe it
or not, we're catching lots of the big ones on bonefish flies. We're just showing them something different and helping with their education. Slowing down your retrieve
and sometimes dead drifting the fly to a big sighted fish works. Lots of the time no retrieve at all using crabs is best, and setting by sight is the answer. Achieving
speed and accuracy in your casting skills is a must.
July 7- 8 Report
From the second we waded onto the flats in the early morning until we pulled ourselves away in the late afternoon, we were sighting large numbers of ten to twenty
pound bass in one to three feet of water! Did we slay'em?... I wish! Did we have the time of our lives trying to outsmart them? You betcha! All fish caught were
done so on either the dropping or incoming tide. We cast to lots of big ones during slack tide but none were too eager to eat. They were only eating 1 ½ inch sand
lances and 1 ½ inch shrimp
Aug. 8-Report
Perfect day for sight fishing. I walked, walked and walked and saw lots of fish, fish, fish. More than I have seen in a while (400-Aprox.) Came to one creek and
counted no less than 100, just hanging around feeding on the dropping in 3ft. water. Caught some, but got bored, no challenge, moved on. The most productive fly
for me has been Tom's rattle crab! Walked a short distance to where the creek empties into a tidal river and found 75 or so hanging around the drop-off. Decided to
only present to the biggest bass and could not fool them, so moved on leaving them undisturbed and less educated, if there is such a thing this time of year. Normally
you’ll see 100-200 in a day if conditions are right and you know where they feed and travel at different stages of the tide. Monomoy is a huge vast area which, in my
opinion, requires lots of T.O.W. (time on the water) to fish it proficiently. Knowing structure and currents, well help you figure out the routes they travel day after
day and take the guess work out of it. Knowing the dominant bait and imitating it exactly will put you in the ballpark (silver sides and sand lances-1-3 in. long, half
the thickness of a pencil. Use clear int. lines, long leaders and your rigged for most sight fishing situations this time of year. Hope this will help you the next time you
visit my home away from home.
More Tips:
Try holding ten to fifteen feet of fly line outside the tip when sight casting to allow fewer false casts. Don’t blind cast. If you can't see them, they are not there. The
commotion generated from blind casting will surely spook any fish just out of sight that you may have had a shot at. Or what usually happens to me after I've made
that eighty-foot cast, a nice bass comes by within twenty feet and swims under my line. Ha!
Try leading the fish by forty to fifty feet. Before casting, decide its projected path. Current direction, depth of water and contour of bottom are the keys to success in
this determination. By leading the fish so far in advance you are allowing your fly to sink to eye level of the fish and tripling your chance of success. Hoping the fish
will rise up to your fly is normally met with a refusal, unless you are lucky enough to be on a hot fish. Anytime you can make it easier for the fish to feed, so fish has
to exert as little energy as possible, you'll triple your catch rate. Ever thought about using a 300 to 400 grain ORVIS depth-charge fly line in two to six feet of water
to achieve this? I've been doing it for years (Thanks, Bob) and it’s produced some real COWS!
Temperature of water is key. In the spring and early summer search out warmer water, you'll be rewarded with fish. In mid to late summer do the opposite
The end
Odds and Ends Presently
Water Temperature Tip coming from the Pro’s:
A tip I received from flats boat Capt. Dave Steeve’s is to look for water temps in the 55-deg. range. When you find it, you will find
fish. Especially on the flats on and around Monomoy. He was recently looking for fish in Stage Harbor and all that was required was to look at his temp. gauge. If it
read 55, he was into fish! Monomoy wade guide George Ryan (Mayor of Monomoy) says when you feel a warmer temp. change through your breathable waders,
stop and fish it or look for them. Normally in the spring when you’re on the flats this warmer water is a prime spot. Search out warmer water on the flats and you
WILL be rewarded.
Randy
What is the best way to connect American Wire Co. braided stainless steel to your leader/tippet. All the knots I tied broke. I don't know how to do a Bimini twist. I
end up with a loop-to-loop. What do you recommend? Thanks, Mike
Mike,
Start off with a 12-inch piece of wire. Could try tying the wire to the fly with a surgeon’s loop. This gives the fly a little more action. Personally I don't think the
small amount of additional action makes a difference with Blues. Plus, I think the larger knot could make a Striper think twice about hitting it. I like the clinch knot. It
takes a little more time, as you have to manipulate it a bit to tighten it. I always tie these up at home and not on the water, so time is not important. This knot is small
enough that I can even catch Stripers on it at this time of the year. Then tie on a 3-foot piece of 15 lb. Fluorocarbon to the wire using an Albright knot. This knot is
used when attaching 2 different materials together that are of vastly different diameters. Like Backing to Fly line, etc... The fluorocarbon is used to increase the odds
of hooking a striper by cutting down on the visibility of the leader. Roll this up and place it in a plastic bag. If Mr. Blue shows up, clip off several feet of you leader
and tie this on with a surgeons knot. Its quick, fast and you will still be able to catch Stripers.
Friends have been hitting Stripers and Blues while site fishing. Seeing more Blues now. BOY! Do they love a big popper splashed as HARD and as FAST as you
can. I like using the baseball grip retrieve to achieve the most noise and commotion. This retrieve gives you the most bangs for your buck!
Bait and Flies:
Found several Bass with micro eels in their throats and terns were picking up the same. No need to match this bait yet, as these fish are still on fire and will hit
almost anything with-in reason. I have my best luck with Blues if I imitate large bait, 3-5 inch's tall-5-8 inch's long. That's what they want, so give it to'em. The other
major profile of bait that is present is Thin (pencil or less in thickness), 4 inch's long. Adult Sand Lances and Silversides. White on bottom, Olive on top. Or all
white, all chartreuse. Throw in a little gold flash as an attractor.
Birds, Bait and Flies:
Normally, if I see seagulls diving, I will put on a medium to wide profile fly. Terns diving, I will always use thin profile. Smaller birds can not pick up the larger stuff.
Please be careful with these exaggerated tides! CARRY A COMPASS!
Happy Hookin;
Randy Jones
5/29 Report
Craig and Ken were foaming at the mouth in the early AM. to have at'em. And that they did. Perfect sunny day with the wind on our left shoulder. Fair number of
cooperative fish through out the day made it a memorable trip. We were bitten off by a few blues who were running high and happy and we even got lucky and
landed the below one without wire. As long as the water was moving we were into fish. At one point you could not make a cast without expecting to hook-up as we
had doubles and triples going on for an hour straight! One gentleman on the beach landed a 26 pound, 46 inch striper on a white bunny clouser that took him for a
long walk down the beach. I got lucky and sight cast to a 20 pound Bass in 1 1/2 feet of water, 20 feet away and within 2 strips he was on. Ye-haa!
(See Photos)
Craig almost got spooled on the above monster striper! He even fell in as he tried to land it and I had to pull him from the water. Craig had a grand slam today as he
landed a star fish, mussel and crab. He even had a horse shoe crab trying to mate with his boot. Both of my guests hooked up numerous times and were happy as a
clam at days end. Congrats!
5/28 Report
What was supposed to be a day of rain, storms and wind turned into a nice sunny day with just enough wind at our back to add a little distance. We worked the
dropping tide and were happy to find about 20 fish eager to inhale our sand lance pattern. Big fish of the day was the below 30 incher. With these exaggerated tides
it was almost as easy as taking candy from a baby. At the low we decided to take a short walk and were rewarded with fish chasing and crashing bait on the surface
with a group of terns diving on them. They were picking up sand lances. Anytime you see terns diving you can bet they are on thin profile baits. As we waded into
position we thought we were once again going to spank'm. But, wouldn't you know it, they were just out of our casting range by 15 or so feet. We just could not
reach them. We returned back to another area to fish the incoming and I found it disappointingly slow. We picked up a few but not the numbers I had been seeing.
All in all Frank learned how to double haul, work on other aspects of his casting technique, learned a few new area's to return to and hooked up a lot!
Ill see you all tomorrow!
(See Photos)
Frank enjoyed a grand day of fishing and catching. Congrats!
5/26-27 Report
Just got in from Nantucket where we sailed yesterday in the "Where the fig our we?" race. We left out of Harwichport after getting stuck in the mud harbor at dead
low for several hours. Then we ran aground on our way out of the harbor on some sandbars. I took a look below and informed our Capt. that we better start the
bilge pump as the floor of the sail boat was covered with water and oil and we were sinking! On the way over the duck tape did not hold the stay on to the mast and
it broke. This meant we were not going to be able to tack or face the mast collapsing. Or they would have to hoist the skinniest person up the mast to fix it. Being
that I was the skinniest crew member on board I started to drink a little more and claimed I was to drunk to be hoisted up to the top of the mast by 3 other drunk'n
sailors while in 4 foot sea's. (Sailing to Margaritaville?) Fortunately for us the wind was out of the S.E. and we played the wind tight and did not have to tack once.
We finished a respectable dead last. All in all the day was spent with a group of "dogs" that I've spent many memorable times with over the last 20 years and this trip
well be another great memory etched in the history books forever!
( See Photo's - http://www.yankeeangler.com - Fishing Reports )
Nantucket harbor was alive with sailing vessels and drunken sailors. Scott finally dropped anchor at 3 AM. after many Dark and Stormies.
( See Photo's )
Mike O'Mara was still all a glow at 3 AM. after a day and late night of festivities. What would you do with a drunk'in sailor? We had to lock him in the forward
bunk so the rest of us could get some sleep. Would you trust this man with your daughter?
5/25 Report
Today's forecast was not favorable for sight fishing, but we kept our fingers crossed. It worked, as the bright sun was our companion and over our shoulder's all
day. Off to the flats we raced, with the anticipation level of a child getting ready to open presents x-mas morning. What did today have in store for us? Normally
what we do is called fishing, but today it was called catching and catch we did. John and I were happy to see all fish we threw at today were eager to eat our
perfectly cast fly. (At least in my case!) These fish were on fire and not easily spooked. Big fish of the day was taken by yours truly as John was off taking pictures of
something or other. It was a nice 32 incher taken on a white and olive half and half clouser in 1-1/2 foot of water. I spoke with several other Flats Capt.'s. today and
all agreed that yesterday was a stinker. The water temp. dropped by 4-6 degrees which is why we all figured was the reason we all did so-so, compared to pretty
good the previous few days. Water temp's rose 4 degree's today which will only help this weekend
Stay tuned for more adventures,
Randy
( See Photo's )
Just one of many John H. landed on the flats today. The big one got away!
( See Photo's )
John Halnon is one of the top fly fishing professional photographers around. His work will be featured on my web site all summer long. This was one of many John
took last year while sight fishing the flats.
( See Photo's )
Another of John's photo's. Can you believe the clarity of the water?
5/24 Report
With today's low at approx. 8 AM, I needed a spot that would have moving water. This current normally helps as Stripers equate moving water with food. We
went to a spot that has been producing incredibly well over the last 4 days and nights. I was expecting a banner morning. After a few hours of fishing we left with
only a couple hook-ups. A couple of guys I spoke with who were fishing this same area said it was the slowest they had seen it in the last few days. (Why me,
he-he) At this time of the year this is always a possibility with the migratory fish here one day and gone the next. We ventured into another area that we had been
doing pretty good in recently and once again it was slow fishing. We picked up a few, but I was personally disappointed. The afternoon was nasty with
very hard gusting winds, lightning and rain. Both of my guests could cast a country mile, were reel troopers and tuffed it out. We decided to call the day early.
O-well, it sure beats a sharp stick in the eye!
( See Photo's )
Jeff and Mark with a couple nice ones.
Your definitely the Man Randy!! I was wondering for future reference what length of leaders you use on the flats. How long on the intermed. line and the sinking
line.
When I fish deep I'm using a standard 15lb. 9-foot mono tapered leader. Presently on the flats I'm cutting it back 3 feet and tying in 3 feet of 12-lb. floro. I'm also
only using natural cooled flies to imitate the bait exactly on the flats. I'm seeing some big fish and with their education level I respect them enough not to throw a white
and chartreuse clouser.
Good Luck,
Randy
Hey,
Thanks for the response. Your trips to the flats do they include lessons or is it just great fishin'.
Regards,
Charley
Hi Charley,
I've ran the Orvis fly school for 2 years on the Cape and also have been teaching it for 20 years. So, I always want to help in everyone's casting skills if I can. I
normally watch your casting all day and offer suggestions and tips as I see needed. Its all team work, striving for the same goals. So I cover everything from habitat,
safety, casting, baitology, presentation, rigging, etc. All for 1 low price. He-he. My goal is to share as much knowledge as possible, so the next time you go out you
will be self-sufficient and not need me. This seems to work as my business has never been better.
Thanks,
Randy
Stay tuned for more fun and excitement on this never ending "daily" virtual fly/spin fishing adventure.
Randy Jones
The Yankee Angler
Outermost Harbor Marina "Adventures" brings you seal watching tours and public shuttle boats to South Beach and Monomoy
Island. Fish to your hearts content, take your girlfriend on a long walk on a deserted beach (he-he) or just kick back and read a good
book. Its an incredible beautiful, scenic world on the outer Cape. Its only accessible by boat and away from all the hustle of the main
land. Kick-off your shoes and take a walk on the wild side of the national wildlife refuge beach's. On site parking and rest rooms. I
highly endorse their services and ride their shuttle's daily. http://www.outermostharbor.com
Directions-- Travel East on Cape Highway 6. Take Exit 11. Turn left onto Rt. 137 and follow all the way to end where it intersects with Rt. 28. (Approx. 5
miles) Take a left and stay on Rt. 28. (Approx. 5 miles) You will come to the Chatham Rotary, continue straight through rotary. You are now on Chatham
Main St. Continue straight through town until road ends. Take a right and continue past Chatham Lighthouse. Immediately after lighthouse bare to the
left and follow signs to marina and park in back, towards water.
|
Randy Jones
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 11, 2001 - 7:48 am: | |
Subject: Southeast Cape Wade Inshore Saltwater Fly Fishing
Southeast Cape Wade Inshore Saltwater Fly Fishing Report
(Marsh, Beach, Islands, Flats, Tidal Rivers)
The following fishing reports will consist of Inshore Saltwater (Fly) Fishing. It will include Tips, Techniques, Habitat, Presentation, Baitology, Flies-Hooks, Moon Fazes, Flats, and even some highlights from last year's fishing reports. Some of which are pretty exciting.
Some of the material will come straight from my past experience as chief instructor of the Orvis 2 ½ day saltwater fly fishing schools. Additional material will come from first hand knowledge, gained from my many years of eating, breathing, living and loving the, New England - Cape Cod Inshore Saltwater environment. So, sit back, relax and enjoy this Truly World Class Destination Fishery!
Through these Guides Eyes
Well, here we go again. The following fishing reports will be concerning mostly the Chatham area. For any of you who are unfamiliar with Chatham, it is a small quaint drinking village with a fishing problem. The tunnel leading to the Cape is finished and the bridge to P-Town is almost done.
MA. Regs have changed for Striped Bass, 1 fish per day, 28 inch's or better.
For the next 2, 3 weeks expect 500- 2000 stripers per day migrating along the outer Cape beaches with-in casting range. Expect there size to increase every few days until most will be in the 30 inch and above range mixed in with Blues. If sunny, sight fishing for them as they cruise along the beach in schools of 50-100 (Average) within 30 feet of the shoreline will be an optional treat. Expect blues to be mixed in, starting next week. For the Blues I enjoy working a surface popper.
Most of these outer beach Bass cruisers do not like surface poppers or gurglers. Instead keep your fly sub-surface with any type of line. What I find to be the most visually exciting is to fish a big fly on a floating line. Watching them break from the school to chase your fly to the surface with reckless abandonment, inhaling it with eagerness as if it was there last meal.
Brewster Flats, Pleasant Bay and South Cape are with fresh fish. Mostly schoolies with a few keeper's thrown in.
Herring:
It's the perfect time to be throwing large Herring flies on the high tide. Look for spawned out Herring to be leaving their freshwater spawning grounds and re-entering the saltwater marshes, estuaries and tidal rivers. The larger Bass will be keying in on this return.
Squid:
Presently there are a good number of squid around that are spawning close to shore. Noticed 2 that were over a foot long. We have been doing very well on all white deceivers, clousers and squid imitations.
Mackerel, Tinker:
Have noticed a fair number of these fish in 5 inch's to 2 feet in length.
Sand Lances:
I'm also noticing a fair number of these bait fish around. A thin profile fly would imitate their profile in 3-6 inch length.
Bluefish:
With the presence of bluefish in the Cotuit area look for them to be arriving in our area any day. Normally they arrive 3 days after they are spotted in Cotuit. With good numbers of squid, mackerel, herring and some schoolies around I would be throwing any large-wide profile flies and bright top water poppers, gurglers. I rarely catch any Blues when throwing thin, medium profile flies. Stick with the big stuff to increase your odds of hooking up. They do not eat a lot of the smaller bait when they are keying in on the bigger stuff and have much of this food easily available to them. This just in - some Blues have been reported in our area by some of my friends who run flats boats..
I have found a wire that is better than American Fishing Wire Co. that I endorsed last year. This year I've found a better, thinner and less visible wire from Malin BOA No-Kink Titanium 1-800-967-9697 www.malinco.com Its strength is equal to all others but best of all their 15 lb. test is as thin as a strand of hair. This should increase the odds of hooking Stripers who are known to have incredible eyesight and not easily caught when using wire.
Flats:
Late May: Sight fishing on some of the early, warm water flats will produce big results with hardly anyone around. Presently flats are too cold to be holding fish. Normally the last week in May to the second week in June is when you will start to see them. It's all water temperature related.
Marsh and tidal rivers:
Have recently noticed an increase of fish moving east along the south shore of the Cape and moving into all tidal rivers and Marshes. Also an increase in size. We call these the " Salad Days."
May 6 -
Took the 7 students who finished the Orvis 2 ½ day fly fishing school out fishing to put their newly learned skills to the test in 20-25 knot winds out of the N.E. Would they pass? They did with honors and "SPANKED'm" but good!" Stripers galore feeding on the surface and sub. Multiple hook-ups were the norm for the first hour. All in the 20-29 inch range, fresh, covered in lice. 9-foot leaders tapered to 15-lb. test w/ big white Clousers did the trick. Did not see any squid but would guess that was what they were feeding on. Lots of schools of sand lances on the edges and on flat. One of the students landed 15 with the biggest measuring 29-inch's. The following 2 hours were one here and there if you were in the right structure that was most effected by this part of the tide. Some were holding over the shallow eelgrass where the water was warmer, while others were holding off the point, off the drop off feeding on the bait as it was funneled around it.
Normally when ever you have a point of structure that goes out into the water combined with moving water (current) you will have a concentrated or compressed water flow over and around this point. Sometimes this equation will create a rip. Fish tend to key in on this type of structure to feed as the bait is swept into this area and can be at a disadvantage due to this increased current speed. This structure can be in any type of habitat, (flats, beaches, marsh, and bays) and can be made up of sand, mud or rocks (jetty). These are normally some of the easiest areas to catch fish. Fish relate to structure as we and every other species does. If not, we all die. When we want to go out to eat, we do not go to a clothing store; we go to a restaurant. These fish are no different. There is a lot of empty ocean out there. So study there habitat and find their restaurants and give'm dessert with a cherry on top!
Having an intimate understanding of the relationship between structure and currents in the habitat that you are fishing will help give you the predator instinct. Look for the best place to ambush, find their weaknesses and exploit it. Only through the study of all aspects of your prey's environment, habits
will you become a proficient hunter and be able to take full advantage of natures banquet table.
May 9-
Had and saw about the same results with this new batch of students. We had a celebrity in this school. It was Linda Greenlaw who wrote the best seller " The Hungry Ocean". She is one of the top swordfish Capt.'s in the country and was also out in the same storm that took the lives of her fellow fisherman. (The Perfect Storm)
She landed her first fish on a fly rod after several missed hits. Her first hit was followed by a look of surprise and her action was one of "what do I do next?" The second fish she missed was followed by a word I can not print here. With the third hit; strip strike and bent rod it all came together with her first fly rod fish landed! All students graduated the Orvis school with diplomas and lasting memories.
Additional highlights of my kick-off report can be viewed at http://www.yankeeangler.com "Fishing Reports" (High speed connection a plus)
1. Heather wore something very special for all of you when we went fishing at the bass river jetties. She wants to welcome you all to my Spring kick-off report. Take a peek, you won't be disappointed!
2. "Fly of the year" with tying instructions for those sand lance eating machines.
3. World famous photographer John Halnon has out done himself with an incredible slide show with sound covering the waters surrounding Chatham. Flats, Open Ocean and Monomoy Island are yours for the viewing on your computer.
As in past years, I hope you will find my " Daily virtual fishing reports with pictures" entertainingly informative and mildly educational. (Starting soon on my site)
Best Fish's,
Randy Jones
|
Randy Jones
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 01, 2001 - 6:20 am: | |
Subject: Monomoy Island, Sight fishing, Flats, Flies
8/8
Fish were caught while blind casting into the channel in combination with moving water. When the water stopped, so did the catching. All
Stripers equate moving water with food. One of the best times (places) to fish is when each individual type of structure is compressing the
current flow. Fish each spot when it’s current is at its maximum speed and 95% of the time you will be into fish. With the glowing sun,
sight fishing was next on the agenda. Saw fish every 5 - 10 min. (slow). All were quality fish in the 10-15-20-25 lb. range. Landed one at
36 inches on a lil tiny sand lance pattern.
( See Photo - www.yankeeangler.com )
Tom with a 40 inch Bass on a Tom's Rattle Crab
Sight fishing in 2 feet of water!
8/16
Slow, few here and there. Two brother in-laws enjoyed a day away from screaming kids.
8/18
I had one last sight fishing spot up my sleeve to share with Samantha and Mike. All 15, 20 lb. fish. Everyone hooked a few before the tide
reminded us that it was time to return to the safety and comfort of the Island. All on crabs. Long leaders made of hand tied Fluorocarbon.
( See Photo - www.yankeeangler.com )
Monomoy Island Flats!
8/19
Returned to the only consistent, productive area I have been able to find lately that provides you a combination of blind casting or sight
fishing. As we crept to the waters edge with Dave, J.T and Scott, the first thing we saw was a Striper about 15 lbs. Then another and
another. This looked like a good omen; everyone hooked up almost immediately. It was cloudy and overcast but sight fishing was still an
option as these fish always run very shallow here and their size is larger than average. As we went into low tide the fishing slowed down.
I reminded the guys that Samantha hooked 3 fish in 1 hour in this same spot and was wondering what their excuse was. This must of lit a
fire under them as we finished the A.M. tide with 2 – 32 inch Bass and a host of other landed and lost fish. These fish were eating crabs
so well that 3 of them left us with my flies in their lips. Returned to old faithful and was happy to land 4-5 more before the Squire Pub
started beckoning us to share the days fish stories, good times and memories over a few cold ones.
J.T. and Scott with 2 @ 32 inch's, all on crab flies
8/20
Woke up all congested. Must be all that pollen in the air! Ha.
From the second our ankles touched the water until the second I had to physically pull Bob off the flat we were seeing BIG fish. 96%
were 15lb to 30 lb. fish! No, we did not slay them. Actually we had a blast trying to fool these very educated, big resident Bass in 2 feet
of water. Saw at least 150, cast to at least 60. Had glances, stares, lots of interest but few takers. Welcome to August on the Destination
World Class Monomoy Flats in August. Where the fish are the smartest, most challenging Bass you will ever find at high noon, blue bird
sky, crystal clear water in 2 feet of water or less in this here parts. Most people call this type of fishing *#^!#@% TUFF! I like to call it
challenging; this is my favorite time to fish. All pieces of the puzzle (we have discussed these) must come completely together to be
consistently successful on the flats. Because of the size and the master’s degree these guys have achieved over the summer on what’s
edible or not we decided to throw them Happy Meals. Ever heard of big fish, big fly? We threw silver dollar sized crabs (Toms Rattle
Crabs) at them. Straight 12 foot - 12 lb. fluorocarbon leaders. In all we lost a 20 lb’er and landed a fat 25 lb. fish while sight fishing.
( See Photo - www.yankeeangler.com )
Toms Rattle Crab in action
8/21
A day for Kings! Perfect tide, sun, wind. Ed Kelley had requested a SIGHT fishing trip with LOTS of BIG fish to cast too. He received
his wish. (I try to satisfy all my clients wish’s) Unfortunately for Ed he did not ask for fish that would EAT his perfectly cast (ha) crab fly.
Returned to the same spot as days past to find good #’s of large fish. Several 30 inch Bass were released. Today was very consistent
with sighting fish on a very regular basis. Stopped at the squire pub w/ Ed and enjoyed a couple dozen Oysters on the ½ shell with a few
pints of Bass ale to wash them down. Doesn’t get much better!
( See Photo - www.yankeeangler.com )
Ed with a Cape Cod Keepa!
Casting to a sighted fish that is coming behind you:
This happens more than you would think. I normally instruct folks to just pretend your throwing it forward but release it on you back. The
two things I see most anglers do is they swing their upper body around when making the cast and then they turn their entire body around.
It’s quite common that when you swing your body around you tend to hook your rod tip. This opens up your loop, loosing energy and
power. Plus the line will always travel in the direction that you excellerate and stop your rod tip. Normally this is of f to one side and not
directly behind you where your target is at.
In addition, the noise generated by you turning your lower body around is all that is needed to blow the one shot you had. I recommend
only turning your UPPER body, AFTER the cast is made. Rod tip does not hook and no commotion is generated by you turning your
lower body around. The rest is easy! Ha
( See Photo - www.yankeeangler.com )
Capt. Dave Steeves always puts me onto the fish!
When walking a flat, sight fishing:
My good friend, George Ryan says, if you walk slowly then you are walking to fast.
( See Photo - www.yankeeangler.com )
George Ryan on the flats with a cow!
Monomoy Island fishing forecast:
Look for things to improve, now that we have normal to above normal tides.
This could be you!
See you on the Salmon River, N.Y.
Until next May, that’s all folks,
Randy Jones
Randy Jones is a full-time professional fly/spin fishing guide with over 18 years of experience. He has represented the Orvis
Corporation as a guide and chief instructor of their 2 1/2 day Saltwater Fly fishing schools.
During the summer, Randy can be found guiding the Monomoy Island area where sight casting on the flats to trophy Striped Bass is his
specialty. During the Fall, Winter, and Spring Randy runs drift boat and wade trips on the world class Salmon River for Steelhead, Coho,
Browns, Atlantics, and Kings.
For more information see his web site or drop him an email.
Randy Jones
Hm (315) 298-5999
V-mail (315) 251-8210
E-mail randysjones@earthlink.net
Web Site http://www.yankeeangler.com/
( See Photo - www.yankeeangler.com )
Hamming it up!
See ya ladder
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JeffS
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 28, 2000 - 1:05 pm: | |
Subject: Giant Bluefin tuna
It was a weird day on the water....Everything that could go wrong did go wrong.....Beautiful sunrise as we jetted out of Wellfleet harbor....The heavens shinned down through a small hole in the clouds and I took 5 minutes to stop and talk to my maker and ask him to bless our boat and quest for the day.....The day before a front came through in the afternoon and it was still blowin N NE while we looked for bird activity to find blues for bait...None were found within the harbor so we chugged out onto the shoal and picked just one up in the hour we looked for them....With the N NE blow we figured the tuna would be up towards P-town since all our baits swim into the wind when rigged....We thought we could find more blues up there so we started that way and then the boat broke down.....After a half hour of bobbing around we found that one of the tank lines had become blocked with RTV silicone from some recent fittings.....Cleaned the fuel water separator and emptied all the rtv chips out of it and switched over to the other tank....She ran fine but we decided to go back in and play it safe. On the way back we passed a huge slick and said *what the heck* and grabbed a few top water rods and started catching blues every cast....We threw them in the bait well and decided we would try a spot closer than P-town known as the Fingers down off Barnstable....Away we went and after chugging for an hour we slowed and I had my eyes peeled to the color sounder looking for a small temp break of some sort....It was 61.9 degrees F the whole way and then it changed to 62.2 and then 62.4....Not much of a change but enough to say let's try this spot. Problem was it was riddled with lobster pot buoy's so we steamed due N about 1/3 of a mile and dropped the anchor and got up on the ball....We rigged the blues with balloons and garbage sacks to keep them way off the stern.....Sat down and started watching/prayin/wishin.. ...Fishing the bay has alot of waiting around doing nothing....Some people hate it but my senses start going 500% once I get the baits set...The day goes by really quickly for me.....The nite before my buddy told me that a commercial seiner came into the bay two days earlier and corralled 94 giants in one haul!!!!!!....We heard this on the radio and it was said that the fishing in the bay had become almost non-existant since this haul for people believed that the catch was 90% of the bay fish that were present...This was not good news for the home team....We listened to the radio for awhile and also noticed that all the tuna boats in the bay had headed to Chatham or had decided not to go out due to this seine haul....At 2:30pm we decided to call it the day and head in....While reeling in the farthest bait the line felt like we hooked a huge wet towel or something similar....Then it starts going out slowly and then it REALLY started going out....I hurried and got the handline in while Tommy started the boat and got us off the ball....Then the fish went bonkers and came half out of the water going E and then immediately turned and headed W and then NE up near the ball all in a matter of a couple seconds...If you have never seen 200lb mono racing through the water at 30mph it is quite a site... Fish was on and he turned E and *thank god* ran in front of the anchor and pulled us to open water...I had the drag set max at 42lbs of pressure and we used 2/3 of that at first...After several mini runs we had the fish within 100ft of the boat and could see his huge silver flanks glistening in the waves...We almost fainted as we gave high fives to each other...Remember this is the first tuna for both of us and my biggest fish before this was a 120lb tarpon and Tommy's was a blue shark a week earlier we caught...The fish took a look at us and laughed and took off line at blazing speeds...The Penn 80 was holding up fine but was losing line fast!!...WE chased him and got line back on the spool and then put the screws to him since he was pulling us stern first towards a lobster pot field...We increased drag to 42lbs and this just made the fish pull us at 2knts backwards where he wanted to pull us....We were in 75ft of water so the fish was pulling us instead of heading down...We got uncomfortably close to the lobster pot field and released pressure on the fish so that maybe he would turn back into the wind...He did and we chased him and re-gained line and miracously followed him through the field without tangling around any bouy's....At this point we had been hooked up over an hour and he pulled us into open water and we put the screws to him again....The fish was almost directly under the boat now and as we cranked and pulled line in, a lobster pot bouy comes into view and our stomachs just dropped to our ankles for we were tangled around it....I reached down and pulled the pot up and looped the line around it and it was immediately free and the fish moved fast away....Unbelieveable....Our nine lives were just about up...Another 20 minute slug fest and the fish was close to the boat...Our 220lb floro leader is 15ft crimped to 200 lb mono...The crimp came up towards the tip top and the fish was in view but pointing directly downards....I grabbed the leader and got the tail up out of the water as Tommy harpooned the fish behind the gills.....As he held the harpoon line I double tail wrapped him and we knew at that point that we were now bonafide tuna men...By now we were closer to the canal than Wellfleet and it was a long steam back in a 23ft Penn Yann that was 30 years old...We bleeded the fish with the harpoon as we slowly steamed in and then gaffed his jaw and put a rope through his gills and out his mouth and then slowly tured him around for the trip home....Got his head out of the water and tied him off at the stern cleats...The two tail ropes were still attached for safety....We steamed in at 7.5knts....The fish was beautiful....What a creature!!....And what a day for two guys green behind the ears who had more faith than ability... ........... |
MRSHARK7
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 25, 2000 - 4:46 pm: | |
Subject: STRIPERS IN CHATHAM/MONOMY
Some great action on near Chatham, caught 2 37 inch
stripers on wire line. Trolling was great, and some very nice blue action on Aug 1, 2000.
Great action
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