By Steve Zelck
Well anglers, as we move into August, we know this time of year can be some of the best fishing in these parts. I’m on the water everyday now, on either the F/V Subdivider or F/V Jean Elizabeth. We have had epic cod and haddock fishing. Plenty of 20-pound cod and 10-pound haddock. All of our charters have been getting their limit every time out. Throw in a few 15-pound racer pollock, as well as a few one-pound turd pollock, a few cusk, and you got yourself a great day. The only drawback is that the doggies have just shown up. Dogfish can be a pain but don’t worry— we have a few tricks on-board to outsmart most of them.
As far as stripers go, I’m not hearing great things. A few fish here and there, but it’s spotty at best. One day you can hear guys catching some 30-pounders and the next you are lucky to get keeper size fish in the mix of schoolies. Temperature, over- fishing, not enough bait or the biomass just hasn’t moved in; you sit on the couch guessing all day long. One thing’s for sure: the guy catching fish isn’t complaining—he is out there wetting a line.
On the tuna front: the stick boats have been having a field day. One day last week a guy down the Cape harpooned 14 in one day. Another guy stuck an 1100-pounder, dressed. On the home front, the F/V Huntress has already brought in 9 fish already. The hook fishing remains spotty as the fish just haven’t settled yet. There are some good indications that this will be a good year.
We’ve been getting some black sea bass and tautog in the lobster traps near Dog Bar Breakwater, as well as some scup— which I’ve haven’t seen in 30 years. And my buddy Jim Alvarez had a brief fight inside Gloucester Harbor with a 5-foot porbeagle shark while striper fishing.
Next time you’re going fishing be sure to stop by and get the updated report from Three Lantern Marine.
It’s a great thing when fish cooperate – Pat with Winthrop Linesiders.
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 the F/V Jean Elizabeth hauling traps or hunting bluefin on the F/V Eagles Nest. www.threelanternmarine.com.
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