By Steve Zelck
So here we are rolling into spring and we already have our first tuna bite of the season. That’s right fellas, “bites on,” only problem is you need to pack your stuff and head to the Carolinas… several local Gloucester boats actually made the trek down south to take advantage. Kyle G. of Gloucester actually threw his 30 foot on a trailer and towed it down to Moorehead. Ah, to be 20 and single again. It must be nice. And Captain Kyle actually did quite well landing a beautiful 97 incher as well as a 94 incher. Way to go Kyle on boating this early in the season! Not to say some guys aren’t jealous of his early season success.
Another local captain made the trek down south as well. Captain Bob Cook out of Beverly and Captain of the F/V Far Tuna spent a long weekend chasing giants with A-Salt Weapon Sportfishing Charters. To go one for three in one day of hard fishing. They chafed off a 400 pounder right next to the boat before finally landing a nice 73 incher -and did I mention it was on stand-up gear? Again, congrats Bob on breaking the ice early. Speaking of breaking the ice, I didn’t think it would ever disappear this spring. With water temps in the mid 40’s and increasing each day, it is still not quite what we are looking for. We’ve only had a handful of warm days and not many guys here ventured out. I talked to Captain Jay G. the other day. He thought he might get the jump on the rest of the fellas up gear early. The results-seven lobsters out of 100 traps. As a result, last I heard he was headed back to Tobego…
forever -but to John’s despair. Spring and summer will arrive…I think… they always do. And as I said, last month the typical fish migrates are gonna be late… real late, so plan accordingly.
And lets hope the fish gods will reward us with the hottest summer on record since we had to endure the snowiest, coldest winter on record. It’s coming fellas, it has to be. So save up those extra vacation days and sick days so when we get that first day or two of 90 degree weather with a southwest wind so you can call in without hesitation. Either your boss won’t have a clue or I’m guessing he will know exactly where you are. Tight lines and patience guys. The sun gods have got to reward us.
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.