Now you can cross that bridge -- and cast from it, too
The big news in Boston this week is the removal of a catwalk on the Congress Street Bridge, which had impeded fishing for more than 50 years. But multiple reports from around New England confirm Cape Cod Bay is the hot spot right now. It's said to be loaded with everything from tuna to striped bass and bluefish.
Area A: Mackerel are crawling the Merrimack River, with 40-pounders reported near the mouth. Boats are having success near Woodbridge Island, especially with flounder. A lot of fish in the 26- to 28-pound range, but not many smaller ones reported.
Area B: The Congress Street Bridge is good for stripers, and after 9 p.m., they can be seen near the surface. A good spot is in the middle of the bridge near the Children's Museum. A few eels have been caught off Somerset Bridge, but not much else. A 12-inch flounder was recently caught on the Evelyn Moakley Bridge.
Speaking of flounder, it has been "absolutely incredible" near Georges Island, Hospital Shoals, and the south side of Rainsford Island, reports Pete's Bait & Tackle. The south side of Green Island is also producing flounder, as are Calf and Little Calf islands.
Some very large striper catches, including a 48-incher, have been made off Deer Island. They've been caught as far north as Beal Cove in the Weymouth River, including some 39- and 40-inchers.
Bait is all over, so bring plenty of snag hooks, because the pogies have moved into the area. A big school of tuna was reported near Stellwagen Bank.
There are lots of mackerel, and red and black Santini Tubes have been working well, says Pete Santini of Fishing Finatics. For flounder, Santini recommends sea worms on Zobo Rigs.
Area C: Cape Cod Bay was a frequent topic during this week's reports. From Buzzards Bay to Chappaquiddick to the outer Cape, everyone seems to be talking about it.
It is said to be loaded with 50- to 100-pound tuna. Goose Hummock reports Cape Cod Bay is "on fire right now," with loads of striped bass and bluefish.
Captain Roger Jarvis reports keeper bass in Duxbury, Kingston, and Plymouth bays.
Area D: The warm weather has driven a lot of the striped bass and bait away to Cape Cod. But the weather is good news for fluke fishing, which has gotten better the last few days. Barnstable and Provincetown have been quiet except for some tuna.
Bass fishing has been slow around the Bay, but bluefish and striped bass are reported to be around Marian Harbor. The bass have also been consistent in the canals around Horseshoe Shoals and Bishop and Clerks.
Area E: It's bass and bluefish near Chappaquiddick, and the time to strike is at night. In the evenings, use bombers and darters. East Beach has also been drawing bass. Near Chilmark and Menemsha, sluggos and broken-back rebel have been catching bass.
Fly fishermen also have been doing well, and boats have had success with bigger bass using eels near the North Shore with dragging lines and wire.
The marshy Middle Ground near West Chop is loaded with bass and squid. Use pink sluggos and other top-water lures like jumping minnows.
Area F: Big tuna have been spotted near Stellwagen and Chatham - anywhere from 3-15 miles offshore. Poppers have been working well near Billingsgate. Those near the beaches can find striped fish.
The 10th Boston Harbor Striper Shootout is tomorrow from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., limited from Cape Ann to Scituate. The longest striper is worth a $5,000 prize. There will be nine top-finisher prizes. Team Osprey won last year with a 46-inch striper. The tournament raises money for the Soldiers' Home in Chelsea.
The tournament will begin at 6 tonight at Admiral's Hill Marina with a captains meeting and dinner. After the tournament, there will be an awards barbecue.
