My Nantucket Sound trap fisherman, and friend, did not put his fish weir in this year due to not having a large enough crew and he and his girl are starting a family ! Congratulations and best wishes to Kurt and Lara! So far, the other trap boat operating in the Sound’s waters has not had a very productive start to this season. The reports I’ve received, are that the Hyannis based draggers are not catching squid or mackerel in the sound, and neither have the guys fishing the weirs. There have been some menhaden caught recently and I haven’t checked in today, other than to call in and let them know I’m available to come pick up any catches on short notice should they get lucky. I would love to get a hundred pounds each of squid for bass fishing and macks for tuna baits.I spoke with another Captain, that was fishing in Cape Cod bay, but in summer fishes out of the Sound, who told me he thought the water temps were cold and things were late this year. He mentioned the sea bass catch numbers were down at the start, and was hopeful things would be improving. We need a good two weeks of sunshine and SW winds to help things along. He was fishing in Cape Cod Bay which has good numbers of bass feeding on the mackerel schools on the eastern side of the Canal entrance. There are reports of sporadic fishing along the beaches in Nantucket Sound as well. There are small schoolie stripers in Pleasant Bay and the Nauset estuaries. Take a trout rod and have some fun.
The Marilyn S will splash in the water on Saturday, and I’ll bolt on the mast and outriggers for the start of the 2013 bluefin tuna season and our first tuna charter on June 1st. Our tuna charters seem to be drawing increased attention this year, possibly due to the Wicked Tuna television show on National Geographic’s channel. I am already reserving more trips than usual at this time of the year. Last year, we managed to catch 8 giants, to add to our school tuna charters and hopefully this year we will double that ! We have some excellent tide configurations falling on the “sweet spots” in the calendar. If we have the bait supply, the big fish will be here. If you are considering a bluefin trip this year, it is important to call and reserve your day before the better tides and less crowded days are already booked. Yesterday I booked a 3 consecutive day bluefin and cod expedition with some devoted guys from Ohio for a week in late September. They wanted to make sure they got a good range of days. Early departures are a necessity if you want to beat the crowds. Many days we depart the dock at 4:15 - 4:30 am. Make your reservation and beat the other anglers to the better days !
Good fishing to you all,
Bruce & “Marilyn S”
