It was a much need break from the drought and heat that has blasted the trout fishing scene through much of New England. It had been two years since I took out the 8wt or tied up anything larger than a size 4 but I did just that to prep myself for a week at Plum Island. I had some good early morning tide changes to play with which would leave the rest of the day to spend with my other half. Not a bad deal!!
The first thing that I wanted to do was catch a blue for the grill. That was easy and it was delicious. The second thing was to break the 28 inch striped bass barrier, a feat that I hadn't accomplished in 15 years. That wasn't easy! This shore bound angler got as close as 24 inches with one of the two bass that I landed. That's when blog reader Jim Chase came to the rescue.
Jim, by the way, is a Plum Island resident and had read that I was staying there. He called me and extended an invitation to get "on the water". Invitation accepted!! At 5:15AM we were heading down to the mouth of the Merrimack in Jim's 21 footer. The next four hours were pretty good if you like catching striped bass!!
A few notes must be made:
1. Jim knows what he's doing. His 10wt and large flies resulted in 15+ fish in the 24 to 36 inch range.
2. My 8wt was not up to the task of throwing the large flies (rambos) or fighting the wind. Note to self: invest in a heavier option!!
3. I had forgotten that my backing was a goofy yellow color. I saw my backing on a number of runs. Thanks Jim!
4. I have no "sea legs".
5. I still managed to cast well enough to take 5 bass. The 28 inch barrier was broken!!! Thanks again Jim!!
I'm back home in Northampton where I plan to hit the lower Swift in a day or so. I've noticed that this Bondsville section is now being mentioned on various blogs and forums which I think is a good thing. I'm also scouring the internet for a 10wt set up which will not break the bank. That will be a good thing too!!
Ken
9 comments:
ken,
what other blogs are worth checking out ?
Cliff
Cliff,
There are so many blogs/forums devoted to fly fishing!! Fly Fish New England (check the link on my main page) and Fly Fish Massachusetts are two worth checking out. They have both mentioned the Bondsville section of the Swift. Remember, you first heard about it here!!
Ken
Good post. Where ere you catching the blues?
I caught the blues in the river just downstream from where the Captains Lady is docked.
Ken,
It was a pleasure having you aboard last week. I'll be sure to keep you posted as/if the fall run develops into anything. Cut my mini-vacation short this week but still managed two days on the Ammonoosuc River in the Twin Mountain area. Water's incredibly low but still cold.Surprisingly I found that there were plenty of fish to be had; stockbows and native brookies. Stood over one pool and counted a dozen fish holding on a deep edge in the bright sunlit. Felt a bit like shooting fish in barrel but what the heck, I was on vacation!
Ken,
Here you go...
I picked up a Ross Essential FC 9ft 9wt on clearance, an LL Bean streamlight 3 and SA saltwater WF10wt at the Bean outlet... Rod- was $100, reel was $16, line was $9.99... That's what I use for stripers... And I am shocked- I like the rod. It throws a 2/0 clouser 70-75ft with ease.
-Eric
Ken,
Been watching the Millers gauge and can't believe it is still only flowing at 50 cfs after four days of rain. Can that be right? Are the conditions still that rough there?
Most of the rain in Mass fell east of Rt 495. The west end of the state had some rain earlier in the week. The Knightsville guage was looking promising for a day.
Anonymous,
Yes, the gauge is right. It's been dry but hopefully September will be better. Look for a flow of 150cfs or so.
Ken
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