By Guide Rick Buss:
Well, it has happened. That lovely, rubenesque woman has stepped onto the stage and belted out a tune like Ethel Merman. Those last two northeast blows we had sent the majority of the striped ones south to warmer waters and greener bays. So, now whatâs a âyakker to do? Plenty: the three Câs and a little S.
The âCâ is for cod, the fish that âourâ bay is named for. No other fish has been more sought after in the North Atlantic than our sweet cod fish. This time of year, they come within range of an experienced kayak angler who picks the day wisely. Anywhere along rocky shore lines, where you can get into 60 feet of water, will usually have a few keeper cod hanging around. Find some humps and bounce a small metal jig above bottom and youâll soon know if there are fish down there. I like Hogyâs 3.5 oz. heavy minnow in his standard issue tackle line. I can use light tackle rods and reels that make fighting a keeper cod a whole different animal.
The second âCâ is for cunner. They will be around ledges, rock piles, and ends of jetties in shallower water and usually closer to shore. Try to set the hook and get âem away from the structure asap as they will swim into cracks and caves. Give âem a little slack line and theyâll often swim back out. These little cousins of tautog are a tasty fish that sometimes are 15-18 inches and well worth the effort to catch. Tiny flashy jigs, soft plastics or jigheads will put these in your boat. Out and back in a couple of hours is doable. Always dress accordingly and pick your days.
Now for the big âC,â the hardest freshwater fighting fish in the Northeast, the undisputed record holder for most rods pulled in, the Brown Bombers of Greater Boston, Cyrinus Carpio. The common carp is anything but common. They are spectacular fighters on medium tackle, like snagging a runaway locomotive.
All of our rivers and lots of our ponds have this secret army of tanks lurking around and willing to bite and fight if youâre up to it. Some of the most rabid striper anglers I know have gone Carpaholic and may need an intervention. Google is your friend so check out how to fish for these monsters, and tell âem Lefty sent you.
Last but not least, âSâ is for smelt. Theyâre back!! After a no-show year or two, there are smelt all over the place. Sitting on a pier under the lights, chewing the fat with a couple of buddies and filling a bucket with smelt is one of my favorite haunts on these crisp evenings. Toe warmers, hot beverage (spiked), folding chair, catching two or three at a time on a sabaki rig, watching all kinds of little critters flash through the shadowsâ what a great show! Smelt chase silversides and little shrimp and this year, there are whiting in the mix. Then you get to fry âem all up. The tails crunch like potato chips. I think Iâm salivating right now.
Warm weather fishing may be over, but thereâs always something to catch. Catch yâall later!
FORECAST BY: Guide Rick Buss, (617) 719-2036, www.belleislekayakadventures.com. Kayak specialist and fishing guide Rick Buss fishes, dives & snorkels off his kayak. He runs his guide service out of Belle Isle in Winthrop but can deliver kayaks to your location.