The decision by state and federal regulators to allow the harvest of one cod of at least 21” for the time being has been greeted with a great deal of enthusialsm. Timing for that overture has been ideal as many species of groundfish are now cooperating in relatively shallow water. Of course for many mid-September is all about striped bass and for those the rivers are where it’s at!
New Hampshire Fishing Report
Captain Andy from Adventure & Catch Charters said that just in time for the change in cod regulations, a mixed bag of groundfish have moved onto the top sections of Jeffrey’s Ledge. The diversity of species he and his crew are encountering is staggering with cod, haddock, cusk, pollock and hake all figuring into the mix! However, “dogs” are on the big side as in blue-shark-big, so be prepared to haul your catch in quickly once the apex predators show up! While the cornucopia of fish to catch on such areas as Old Scantum and New Scantum is the goal, the good captain would be remiss if he didn’t admit he was a bit torn as he passed surface feeding schoolie stripers as he slipped out of port from Great Bay Marina!
Regarding Great Bay, Ryan from Dover Marine told me that herring fry are attracting a lot of schoolie attention throughout Great Bay and Little Bay. For a shot at a bigger bass, he suggests you load up on macks which are in close now and drift through the Piscataqua River. Pay special attention when you pass through bridge sections where the better bass will be lying in ambush.
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Southern Maine Fishng Report
Zach from Saco Bay Tackle Company said that the better bass fishing right now is taking place in rivers. Anglers trolling a tube and worm or spiking a rod while baiting with a worm are encountering plenty of action at the Saco River, Mousam River, York River and Kennebunk River. Beaches such as Old Orchard, Pine Point and Hills have also been hot with chunk mackerel the preferred bait. Macks are in close and can be found by the Richmond and Wood Islands.
The slight loosening of cod regulations has made a lot of anglers happy as they have been able to scratch together a mixed bag of gadoids as close as Tantas Ledge! That same ledge has been productive for tuna with sea herring the preferred bait.
From the Casco Bay captain himself, Lou Tirado (of Diamond Pass Outfitters), comes news of cooler temps as well as “happy” and hungry striped bass! Topwater has been terrific with mid-size schoolies blasting pencils and spooks with equal ferocity! If he had to pick one, it would be the 1 ounce white or yellow Guppy pencil. Flies have been fishing great as well with Hollows and Deceivers the skippers choice. Nights remain a big bass best bet with needles, darters and eels all working well in estuaries, marshes and rivers in the Casco Bay area. Lou’s gut tells him that there is at least two weeks left to the season!
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New Hampshire And Southern Maine Fishing Forecast
If groundfish is your game than your home court should be on top of Jeffrey’s Ledge or as close as Tantas Ledge. Of course September and stripers go together like frost on a pumpkin and for those who live for linesiders the going is still good in Great Bay as well as Hills Beach!
Caught a nice 40in bass in Kennebunk late last week!she swam away great and will be on her way south!
Good to know Dave, I’ll sharpen my hooks in anticipation! Thanks, Ron
Ummm, what kind of rig is that blue dog tied up in?