Hi Folks, The first Bluefin have been caught this last week. One boat out of Cape Cod Bay caught a big one off Stellwagon Bank last week and Eric Stewart of the Hook Up reported catching a nice 68 incher yesterday in the same general area. Things are improving fast. With the latest reports folks will be exploring further and further and the fish reports will pick up. At this time of year the fish are moving fast and will be feeding on any bait sources in the area, so any report you heard yesterday will not necessarily be the case today. Keep your own eyes open for any changes in bait, temperature, water color, bird life etc and be your own "report". My boat will splash into the waters of Pleasant Bay next week after the mad Memorial Day rush and good folks at Nauset Marine can fit me in.There are bass in Cape Cod Bay, although they have been finicky. when finicky fish are around, all you can do is go early in the day, fish lighter line and lures, and stay out of the fleet if possible. I don't know much about the Sound and rather than give you a report about something I don't know - Ill wait until I do. I do know that there wasn't much squid, mackeral and pogies to speak of this spring. Perhaps those midwater trawlers are doing more damage than you thought. Perhaps a call to your local involved CHOIR or ABTA or CCCHFA to ask what you can do would be in order ? There are sign on letters and call your senator phone lists etc etc. If you like your fishing you have got to be pro active to protect it.
The Department of Commerce and NMFS has set the regulations for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna for this year. The Angling category (that is the recreational fishing category) daily bag limit has been set at ONE fish per boat per day, between the sizes of 27 inches and 73 inches. You will also need a permit to fish for ABT and you may get one at :
https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/default.asp
Keep in mind these fish are ranging from 60 to 70 inches long and weigh in the 150 to 200 pound ranges. Landing these bruisers can get you hurt. Make sure you have the right gear to keep you safe. Harnesses, large gaffs, and harpoons are in order. A couple of helpers on board would be a good idea too ! Lastly if you catch a beautiful fish like this, it will taste much better if you bleed it, take out the entrails and gills, and pack it in some ice before you bring it to the dock.
Good luck to you, hope to see you out here.
Remember Memorial day:
ALL GAVE SOME ; SOME GAVE ALL
Bruce & Marilyn S
