By Tim Moore:
Much of the saltwater action along the New Hampshire coast has come to a screeching halt. Annual migrations (of fish and anglers) and rough seas are playing a major role in the decline of fish activity. The black sea bass have vanished and striped bass fishing has dwindled to just a few reports here and there. There are still
a few fish in the mid-30” range being caught, but most anglers who get them report spending most or all day fishing for one or two fish.
I’ll throw a tip into this month’s forecast: when you head out fishing, keep it easy. If it isn’t easy, most people won’t do it. December is a month when fishing, especially from a kayak, can be extremely difficult given the average air and water temperature. Not everyone has the right gear to fish and still be comfortable. I often wear my Ice Armor suit this time of year. Although the suits were designed for ice fishing, they still work when there is no ice.
For those who can stand the cold temps, crappies are still suspended over deep basins about half-way down the water column. A hot bait for us has
been a 2” Live Baby Shad by Lake Fork Trophy Lures. The water is cooling down though and the fish are getting finicky. We are finding it necessary to downsize our bait. A #12 Tungsten Drop jig by Clam Pro Tackle tipped with a glow/chartreuse or glow/pink Jamei by Maki Plastic (also available from Clam Pro Tackle) is a winning combination.
The sea-run smelt have arrived in our harbors. There haven’t been any exceptional catches reported yet, but knowing they are here means the fishing should improve. As the water in the harbors gets closer to 50 degrees the fishing should pick up. The smelt run in the harbors doesn’t usually last long; however as these tasty fish are on their way to eel grass beds to spawn. The fishing is usually best at night; most anglers use a long cane pole with a sabiki rig and blood or sandworms (when you can find them). Hot spots include Rye Harbor, Sagamore Creek, and Hampton Harbor. If you are not fishing from a lighted pier, make sure you bring a lantern so you can see, but also because the fish will be attracted to the light. Smelt are cleaned by removing the head and innards, and then rinsing. Their cucumber-like odor is distinct to anyone who has ever dealt with them. They are commonly rolled in seasoned flour and fried to a crisp golden brown. You can peel them apart and remove the bones if you wish, but if you cook them slowly the bones soften enough that they can be munched down like French fries. My mouth is watering just writing this.
Tim Moore, (603) 842-3572. Tim is owner of Tim Moore Outdoors LLC, offering NH kayak and ice fishing charters, and turkey hunting. He is also a member of Clam, Ice Team, Vexilar, Maki Plastic, Release Reels, and Oozzie Jig Pro Staff. Visit www.TimMooreOutdoors.com for more information.