This article was updated on August 4, 2023. PROVINCETOWN — A decline in scallop stocks combined inexplicably with low wholesale prices have made this a tough year for small-boat scallop […]
Fisheries
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
The Ups and Downs of Temperatures and Fishing
Behind a line of thunderstorms, cooler water, for now
What an up-and-down week this was for fishing. For days, the water temperature climbed, making it back to the mid-70s, and fishing for the most part was good for striped […]
SEEING SPOTS
Clarice, the Calico Lobster
Lobster with mottled shell is a one-in-30-million rarity
WELLFLEET — In his 15 years of commercial lobster fishing, David Stamatis says he’s never seen a lobster like the one he pulled out of his trap in Cape Cod […]
ON THE BEACH
Move, Talk, and Follow the Bluefish
Three tips for catching bass from the beach on a summer day
On most summer days, even when there are no fishermen casting at the water’s edge, fishing rods stick up out of the sand on the back shore like so many […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Smaller Bass, Bigger Blues
It’s still quiet on the big tuna front
Water temperatures have moderated from the unusually high numbers we were seeing the week before last. The harbor cooled down from readings as high as 78 degrees to a more […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
One Fine Week for Bluefish, Bass, and Tuna Fishing
Two fine messes we’re in: warm water and too many seals
Fishing this week was solidly good for bluefish, striped bass, and tuna. Water temperatures are rising to extremely warm levels for this part of the world, however. I recorded temperatures […]
ON THE BEACH
Night Fishing Is an Angler’s Alternate Universe
Some of the best adventures with bass and seals are had under a new Moon
Catching a fish at night off the beach is as easy as turning off a light. Only in striper fishing, that light is actually the Moon. I’m surprised how few […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Tuna Chase Bluefish While the Bass Nap
Warmer water slows bass fishing, but the blues have arrived
What an exciting week this has been, though things were deceptively slow at the start. Fishing was pretty good for striped bass even though water temperatures have been skyrocketing lately. […]
A TIME TO SOW
In Wellfleet, Hats Are a Summer Tradition
Oyster farmers set out cement-coated contraptions to catch the season’s larvae
WELLFLEET — When those perfectly shucked oysters show up at your table, and you lift the shell, tilt your head back, and let that sweet, briny bivalve slide between your […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Cooler Water Turns the Bass On, Big Time
Bluefish and tuna have arrived; the fin whales didn’t stay
Striped bass fishing remains uncharacteristically hot as we head into July. Typically, what happens is that July comes with higher water temperatures, which slow down the bass’s metabolism. As the […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
When Not to Look Elsewhere
Bass and more bass, the first bluefish, and a blessing
Striped bass fishing this season is bordering on epic. We are seeing almost everyone limiting out despite the tight slot-size window we have to deal with. My mentor, Capt. Francis […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Of Live Orcas and Dead Oysters
By the way, striped bass fishing is ridiculously good right now
An orca was spotted a few miles off Provincetown this week, followed by another sighting on Stellwagen Bank. It has been a while since orcas have been observed here. They […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
A Hit-or-Miss Week for Predators
Humans chasing bass, dogfish chasing flounder, sharks chasing seals
Bass fishing was hit or miss last week. It seems the stripers are moving about a lot more than usual. The bass typically arrive in densely packed schools, and when they […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
The Big Bass Arrive Ahead of a Storm
Cold winds sweep in behind a warming trend and plenty of pogies
Some very big striped bass have moved into our area with several fish in excess of 40 inches being caught and released. Capt. Dave of the Ginny G got into some […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Between High Winds and New Rules, Striped Bass and Mackerel
The state goes with the new striper slot rules, but there’s still a chance to comment
We finally got some guidance from the state about the new emergency-mandated striped bass rules, called for by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Striped Bass Management Board on May […]
