33 Fish, 11 Keepers – New Fish Arrived
Well, right on the heals of vast numbers of fish that left the bay yesterday, some new fish came into the bay overnight, along with new birds and bait. Nothing remotely close to what we experienced earlier in the week, but plenty of nice bass to keeps us busy
On board today, repeat client, Jeff Nelson, and his fishing buddy, Al Wolcott, for light tackle striped bass.
At first light, NE light wind, heavy overcast, misty, and a rising tide. And lots of fish working under birds. The fish continue to be ultra spooky and VERY fast moving, making it hard to set drifts. We found that if you set a drift way up wind and sit tight, the fish will eventually find you. The trick is to not rush or push the fish because they will break up immediately and run a few hundreds before feeding again. Be patient and wait them out when ever possible right now.
Top tackle for us continues to be rubber crank baits. I did fish some hard-body poppers with new bucktails I tied in yesterday, but the fish were suspicious. Many, many bass would follow and turn away. I found the trick was to use the popper to transport the bucktail and then pop the popper and let it sit. The Bucktail waves and flutters and that is when you get the struck. As always, I crimp down the barbs and use single hooks whenever possible.
Total catch and release today was 33 fish, 11 keepers, all in LT. A classic fall morning with two great anglers that have been fishing longer than I have been alive. They crushed it.
Back at it. Stay Posted. Hoping fall fish continue to stop into our bay as the fall migration continues to move South.
Capt. David Bitters, BAYMEN, www.baymenlife.com 29 Years Guiding The Bay
***NOW BOOKING 2022 & 2023 Fly Fishing or Light Tackle Striped Bass on the MA coast***