By Coastal Angler Staff
Bucket lists come in all different forms and sizes. Some people brainstorm places that they want to travel to, or crazy activities that they want to complete before they die. Whatever the case, bucket lists help us accomplish our exciting desires. And as anglers, we’re interested in the latest and greatest fishing adventures that we can partake in. So, during this August month, Coastal Angler is here to help you create and fulfill all of your angling aspirations. The following list might not include skydiving or a journey to the Great Wall of China, but it’s guaranteed to excite our fellow fishermen nonetheless. Take a peek at our collection of events and activities in the Boston area that you should be gearing up to accomplish during this summer season.
1. Okay, so maybe you’d prefer to be a part of the angling action – getting your hands wet and grabbing as many stripers as possible. But, if you want to take a break from this chaotic catching, we suggest that you go on a relaxing sail with Schooner Sails, aboard the Thomas E. Lannon. This 2-hour sail sets out of Gloucester harbor and gives people an inside look at what it was like to sail aboard a fishing schooner a hundred years ago. Feel free to check out the Facebook page, Schooner Thomas E. Lannon, in Gloucester, MA for more information.
2. Are you in need of a place to rent canoes, kayaks, boards, or flotation devices? If so, check out Newbury Kayak & Canoe in Newbury, MA. Along with rentals, lessons are also available. Kayak lessons begin on land, where boaters learn about necessary equipment, clothing and techniques to make kayaking far more enjoyable. Now, Newbury Kayak & Canoe even offers stand up paddleboard yoga sessions! Maybe you’re already a pro, but your kids might not be. And who knows, perhaps you’ll fall in love with one particular kayak, canoe or paddleboard and bring it home for the whole family to enjoy. Newbury Kayak & Canoe sells kayaks, canoes, clothing and accessories, equipment and much more. If you’re interested, visit www.newburykayak.com.
3. Another summer month should come with new experiences and fresh places to fish. Abandon your favorite coastal spots and branch out a little bit. For example, try some salt water fishing at the Scusset Beach Reservation in Sandwich, MA. This park is perched in the east end of the Cape Cod Canal and is perfect for snagging salt water creatures, picnicking and being a part of the fluid boat traffic on the canal. Or, you could opt for a little lake fishing at Lake Mattawa in Orange, MA. Since the state stocks this lake with trout every spring, it’s known to be a bit of a hot spot for trout fishing and various other species. Ramps for motorboats are even available for boats with less than 10 horsepower. Better yet, if these 2 locations don’t spark your interest, perhaps you could venture to a more populated location, like the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area. This spot is perfect for catching flounder, striped bass, bluefish, skate, cod and haddock. Boaters particularly frequent the Brewster Islands, or you can catch a ferry to a different location.
4. Treat yourself. Stop in for a snack or a drink at the Island Creek Oyster Bar in Boston, where you can munch on fried oyster sliders or crispy soft shell crab at the high-tops located in the front of the restaurant. Or, you could also try Jasper White’s Summer Shack, where the pan-roasted lobster is a crowd-pleaser. With locations in Boston, Cambridge and Dedham, MA, this casual eatery is a perfect place to kick back with your friends or family after a long day of water activities. On the other hand, The Daily Catch, located in the North End of Boston, always has a long line of hungry customers waiting out front. And if you don’t mind the wait, you’ll certainly get what you pay for. This hole-in-the wall establishment serves your beloved favorites: stuffed calamari, shrimp scampi, surf and turf and much more. Enjoy!
5. Team up with someone who you might not have before. For example, spend the day with Captains Chuck and Skip DiStefano of Boston Sportfishing in Boston, MA. While aboard the Skip-A-Dory or Linda Rose, these angling pros will show you how to catch the perfect pollack, haddock, bluefin tuna, winter flounder, or striped bass. They allow you to have a basic and enjoyable, fun-filled day of fishing, provided with plenty of enthusiasm. Head out with 5 of your friends or family members (up to 6 paying passengers are allowed on the boat) and be prepared to bring home dinner! If you’re interested, contact the captains at gofishing@bostonsportfishing.com for further information.
This bucket list is manageable: go to a fishing location that may be fairly close to home (but one that you’ve never tried before), indulge in seafood delights at various delicious restaurants in the Boston area, spend the day on a kayak rather than a motorboat, relax on a rustic sailboat for a change and pair up with a fellow angler for a fun day of fishing. Coastal Angler of Boston hopes that not only will these items peek your interest, but you’ll pursue them excitedly.