By Steve Zelck
Well folks, it is finally over. The most miserable winter in history has finally surrendered and it is time to go fishing. It was a busy winter for me despite the miserable weather. I decided to take things to the next level and get my 50 ton captain’s license through Greg Metcalf at Atlantic Captain’s Academy. I’ve been on the water over 35 years and let me tell you, I learned a lot and highly recommend it to anyone. Therefore, I’ll be running my own lobster boat and taking the occasional charter myself. Also, since my kids are both over the age of 12, I had them take the state boating course. I definitely recommend it for all boaters and googaus alike. I can’t stress enough how important it is to get your kids involved in the outdoors and take them fishing. Get them away from their phones, Xboxes, and televisions and teach them to fish. I had my first boat at 13 and it kept me out of a lot of trouble – of course, it helped me get into plenty as well!
The next big decision I made this winter was to do most of my tuna fishing on the Bounty Hunter with Captain Bill Monte of “Wicked Tuna” fame. Captain Bill extended me the offer to fish with him this summer so I jumped at the opportunity. The season is approaching quickly, but he still has plenty of open days, so if you would like to come along, you can reach him at 928-827-8004 and discuss when you would like to go.
Onto the fishing report! Things have started to come to life. Word is that Stellwagon is full of humpback whales that are bubble-feeding on bait. Apparently, thousands of white-sided dolphins have joined them as well. There’s herring up in all the rivers, so it is just a matter of time until the first school of stripers show.
I hope you’ve all go the covers off of your boats and your bottoms painted. I know it has been a cold spring, but it is going to go from 50 degrees to 90 degrees and you are going to want to be in the water and ready! You can find everything you need and more at Three Lantern Marine and Fishing in Gloucester. If they don’t have what you are looking for, Skip can usually get it for you within 48 hours. Be sure to check all your fluid levels, change your oil, check for any leaks, have your engine tuned and go over your whole boat with a fine toothed comb. Because when the fish get here, all you are going to want to worry about is going fishing! A little preventative maintenance goes a long way. Tighten lines and get ready, folks… things should get real interesting over the next month.
FORECAST BY: Steve Zelck was born and raised in Gloucester. Steve’s love of the sea lured him back to pursue his fishing passion and not a day goes by without him checking the pulse of the harbor for action. If you don’t find Steve at Three Lantern Marine, you can bet he’s out working on his lobster boat, F/V Erik and Devin, named after his kids. He also tuna fishes aboard the F/V Bounty Hunter with captain Bill Monty from wicked tuna. www.threelanternmarine.com.