With the summer pattern in place, there is not a lot of change to report. The striper fishing continues to be consistent around Cape Ann with good numbers of 20-25 inch fish just about everywhere. The larger “keeper sized” fish are not as plentiful around the shoreline areas as they were a few weeks ago. The larger fish have made their way to offshore locations where there is a large supply of forage. The commercial anglers are finding good numbers of keepers (and dogfish) in a number of locations 2-3 miles off Halibut Point and out off the Dog Bar. This time of season plan your outings for low light conditions; first light and last light if you want a chance at the larger fish.  The offshore tuna fishing has been frustrating to say the least. Capt Al and I had no problem finding good numbers of mixed sized tuna but as was the case the last two times out, we have had zero luck with hook ups. We had several very good shots last Saturday morning but only had the fish chase without taking. The tuna we were chasing were feeding on peanut bunker, in small groups and moving fast. They would stay up just long enough for one or two casts. The bite was early and waned quickly toward late morning. Next trip out will be with fly rod in hand instead of spinning gear!
The fishing in the flats continues to be good from 1.5 hours before the top of the tide to 2 hours after the turn. Fish are also on the beach front North and South of the river mouth on the incoming tide weather and ocean conditions permitting. Use flies, soft rubber lures and poppers; use eels at night in both the flats and beachfront. Lately there have been a growing number of anglers who are trolling in 4 to 5 feet of water in tight along the shoreline near Woodbridge Island with tube and worm rigs. While I believe in each to his own, I don’t believe that your method of angling should negatively impact other folks fishing the same area. Please be considerate of the other anglers who may be working a pod of spooky fish and do your best to avoid ruining their day. Avoid running directly through the holding fish and when repositioning your drift please move out and around the fish concentrations to start your next drift or run; it would be appreciated by all and the fish will stay in the flats longer if they are not being constantly disturbed. What goes around comes around; we are all there to enjoy ourselves. Let us not get into an ugly situation out there as was common during the 60’s and ‘70’s.
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