Three Lantern Marine Fishing Forecast

By Steve Zelck

December is here and we all know the 2013 season is winding down. As I look back, it was a long and beautiful summer. The flounder fishing was epic in Gloucester early in May and June and we can only hope they return, only a little bigger next
year. I saw all my
big stripers soon after the flounder with the arrival of the mackerel, but then it petered out when the water got warm— probably too warm—and the big fish moved to cooler waters.

For those of you with an addiction
to tuna fishing, you know what I’m talking about when it warmed up. It was a long and hard season, with many disappointing trips on the books. Those that never gave up were rewarded with the occasional catch, and even
a fish tipping the scales just over the 1000-pound mark. If I had it my way, I would be out there now, even in December.

As I write this in the last week of November, there still seem to be some big guys hanging on in some areas. You can find boats in the usual spots: Northwest Corner, Southern Jeffries, and Ipswich Bay. There’s still plenty
of bait out there. In fact, you can practically walk on the herring and mackerel. The great thing that is you don’t have to venture far at all.

We are still getting reports of fish being caught, so there are still a handful of days left until it’s officially “ova.” Get out there and load up those sabikis and throw some macks on the grill. Work the rods in tight and along the beaches for those last few resident stripers. And if we do get a blue bird day and you want to take one last shot for the elusive bluefin, you don’t need to venture real far.

This time of year, the water is cold
and the weather
can change quickly, so remember to be smart and be safe. Let someone know when you expect to be back or go with
a buddy boat. Good luck, tight lines, and let’s hope the weather holds a little longer.

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 helping customers, 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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