Greetings from Capt. Dave & Baymen Charters!

The 2023 striped bass season is on our doorstep. Even though this is my 31st year guiding on the bay, I still get as excited as a child on Christmas Eve and I hope you do too!

The rumor fish have already started and it’s only March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day – as I write this. Reports of fish being landed in MD, PA, NJ, NYC, and CT are starting to pour in. Also, some local “holdovers” have been caught here on the MA coast!

Trout fishing as you know, is well underway and the fishing has been good to great. Lots or rainbows and brookies have been stocked in all the ponds around MA South Shore and Cape Cod. A few browns in the mix, as well as Tigers. As much as I love to trout fish and guide for trout, pre-season striped bass prep takes up the majority of my time in March. That said, here is one solid tip I can give you: Littles Pond in Plymouth receives the most stocked trout of any pond in the state. I have my “Top Five” ponds that I like to fish, but Littles is always at the top of my list.

I awoke this morning to the singing of cardinals, robins, titmice, bluejays and mourning doves. It was just great to hear them all, all singing together. Last night, just about dusk, big flocks of geese were flying high overhead and migrating north, cackling up a storm. And as I headed out to run Big Dog this morning and grab a cup of coffee, I noted some hints of yellow starting to show in the patches of daffodils around my yard. They will be in full bloom before we know it. One side note: I did scout the ocean for whales yesterday and today but did not see any. But they are out there and there are many reports of sightings in my social media scrolling.

So, steep in the sights, sounds and smells as Spring approaches and the striped bass bass begin to leave the Chesapeake, Delaware and Hudson Rivers and head up the the coast to take up residence in our waters for another season. Egrets should arrive any day now, herring and shad will soon fill the local rivers, and striped bass will be right one their tails. Keep your gear handy, it’s going to be a great season!

Tight Lines & Stay Posted. Soli Deo gloria!

Capt. David Bitters, BAYMEN Charters, www.baymenlife.com 31 Years Guiding The Bay