By Steve Zelck
Well I hope all my other fellow anglers out there are having as much fun as we are on the F/V Bounty Hunter. We’re doing pretty well on the tuna front, with the most recent being a 97-inch fish just over 500-pounds. Before that, we had a massive 110-inch, 800-pound slob. Multiple hook-ups seem to be the norm when they are around. There is certainly no problem with the mackerel population. Getting bait for the day has been nothing short of easy most days, with some honking 2-pounders mixed in. They are as big around as Coke cans, and make an irresistible treat for Charlie. They are also great on the grill or smoked.
Steve Zelck and Jeff Statile with a 97 incher caught aboard the F/V Bounty Hunter in mid-September.
Steve Zelck and Jeff Statile with a 97 incher caught aboard the F/V Bounty Hunter in mid-September.The striper fishing finally improved on the North Shore with the outgoing tide being favored by most. There seems to be a decent body of schoolies around, with a good number of big girls mixed in as well. Target the outside of the cooler rivers, the inlets and your favorite rocky spots, and you should have success with fall run fish.
Bluefish – yes, there has been a bluefish sighting. These toothy critters have been scarce in these parts the last few years. While doing an overnight or two for Charlie over the last month, we tried to fish livies, but the blues made it impossible. They were biting the tails off as soon as they hit the water, and destroyed our leaders. I don’t know where they hide during the day, but there out there. One morning, we even woke up to find a halfback laying on the deck that must have made the leap of his life during the night. Fun to watch these little guys greyhound in fear during the day.
Right after Labor Day, it seems like a switch was thrown, bringing epic surface feeds and hungry aggressive fish who are just dying to be caught. The great weather looks to hold up for a great fall – perhaps even play hooky from work – so be sure to pick your days off, and plan your escape and excuses well in advance.
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 & Fishing, 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 Monte from Wicked Tuna.