As the summer weather returns and the boats return to the back bays and ocean, things have started to return to normal. The local fishing community had its unwelcome weekend hiatus, but is now trying to make up for lost time. Early word has been positive, but steadiness of catches has been slow yet increasing. As more anglers get out this weekend, more opportunities for success will occur, and the reports should follow. Hey! Here they come.
Utsch’s checks in with Captain Fred reporting that they “made it through the storm” and they were now focusing on returning to fishing. With that in mind, on Thursday the Fishin Fever returned to the marina with nine keepers and word of 80 that went back over the rail. As the ocean settles down, they figure “fishing should be getting better.”
Two late additions to the Utsch’s report again concerned Full Ahead Sport Fishing and the Fishin’ Fever. Both have been heading out and returning with keeper fluke. On Friday, the Fishin’ Fever reported good catches from that day and the previous one, then on Tuesday the Full Ahead reported 22 keepers for that day’s charter. Quoting Captain Bob, “Who says they’re gone?”
The back bays are providing a lot of small stripers for your enjoyment, while crabbing is doing well.
Don’t forget the date of September 24. Set 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. aside so you can visit the Utsch’s Marina Yard Sale. The Ship’s Store and the Tackle Shop will have items available at “yard sale pricing.”
Captains Irv and Brandon have the Miss Avalon out and looking for fish, returning to their schedule after the storm has provided small weakfish, croakers, small flounder and some bluefish. I talked to Captain Irv on Saturday while they were on the water, and he said they were going to head to a local wreck, anchor up and try for triggerfish. I followed up with him the next day and found out you can now add triggerfish to their post-storm list of fish caught. As the weekend ends, they plan on taking their weekday customers to the same areas to continue the success. They plan on making the last couple weeks of flounder season productive.
Captain Chuck of the Sea Star III went through the same situation as everyone else. The ocean, while slowly returning to normal, was giving up a few good fish but nothing steady. Then the weekend wind kicked up, and provided another obstacle. Regardless of these circumstances, fluke were brought aboard. Highlights of the first few days back, which were all fluke (weight in pounds) went to Neil Boyle (4.65), Frank Servocky (3.75), Harry Theurer (3.5) and Don Fagan (another 3.5). Captain Chunk will keep hitting the reefs looking for more flounder as the season dwindles down.
Susie Q checks in from the Royal Flush to say that things are still slow. They have been cruising out front getting some bluefish, and working for kingfish, weakfish and croakers. As with all the boats in the area, they have been battling the storm residue and wind over the weekend. On the flip side of that is the fact that they will keep going out and doing what they do. Perseverance will pay off.
Another local boat that is back to fishing is the Miss Chris. They report that “fishing is improving after the weather over Labor Day.” They leave the dock twice daily with four-hour trips leaving at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Sterling Harbor with Cathy checking in reports that flounder are still in the back. Charles was out fishing over the weekend from his kayak and pulled in a nice size flounder. Everything else is basically status quo as fishing is still returning to normal.
Captain Andrew from Sailor’s Delight Back Bay Fishing has been venturing out since Wednesday of last week. His customers have been bringing in some keeper weakfish and sea bass, while the captain is still putting them on some tasty crabs to help supplement the catch. As the weather cools (hopefully), I’m sure they will start throwing some top water plugs along the sod for stripers. To be honest, I’m sure they have already started doing that.
From Off The Hook Bait and Tackle comes word that Joe Campbell and his son returned with a 4.6 pound bonito. The staff, like the rest of us, are waiting for things to pick up and return to a more normal pace.
Over at Grassy Sound Marina, Tuesday proved to be a good day for George Roverano. He was in the back fishing and had only one bite all day. Not to worry as he was ready when it hit, and was rewarded with a 24 inch fluke. He caught the fish along a sod bank. Bill knows what he’s doing as he was the 2014 Flounder Tournament Champ at the marina.
Captain Mike from the Miss Chris checked in with word of a couple of pool winners. First listed was Giovanni Perricone who boated a 19 incher, then we have Thomas and Judi Brady of Boston who won their trip’s pool with a 20 incher. No word on who actually caught their winner, so let’s credit Judi.
Good news for the back bay striper lovers. Captain Skip Jastremski from Stalker Fishing Charters has been filling his early morning hours with top-water striper action. While fishing from his skiff he got some nice pictures of recent catches. It gets me wanting to get out early, although later would work better, and hook up from the kayak. If you get the chance, take advantage of it and get out there.
The Y-Knot got out and took advantage of a beautiful Tuesday. They docked with a 50 inch wahoo caught by Bruce Fish, some tilefish and a number of blackbelly rosefish. The crew consisted of Bruce, Joe Gillan, Greg Bulifant, Gene Cuneo and Christopher Lowery.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
