This past week we all got a grim reminder of how unforgiving the sea can be, particularly with a small craft taken far offshore. A 17-foot boat was found upside-down […]
Fisheries
ON THE BEACH
In Praise of the Single Barbless Hook
When fewer fish are keepers, using the right lure matters more
The last time I used anything more than a single hook while fishing was a memorable mid-September day in 1978, when an enormous school of 15-pound bluefish cornered an even […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Circle Hooks Supported by Study on Why Catch-and-Release Fish Die
The stripers have reached Rhode Island, and the tautogs are here now
The northern fringe of the striped bass migration reached Rhode Island this past week, and if we continue to get this unseasonably warm weather the bass could be in our […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Right Whales Are in View From Shore at Herring Cove
Striped bass are migrating now, too, but it’s early to name an ETA
It looks like we’re finally getting the beautiful spring weather that towns inland have been enjoying for a week or two. We have been in an easterly fetch pattern, which […]
PLEAS
Fisherman Launches Petition Against Release of Pilgrim Water
Over 214,000 people ask Holtec to hold back
PLYMOUTH — Bourne resident Ryan Collins, whose father and grandfather were fishermen, continues the family tradition. He has now become an advocate as well. Collins has collected more than 214,000 […]
ON THE BEACH
Singin’ the Waiting-for-the-Striper-Run Blues
Striped bass are migrating earlier than ever, but they’ve made bigger transitions
I remember asking the old-timers when they thought the first spring stripers would appear. The answer was always the same: “Stripers show up when the lilacs start blooming.” My fishing […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
New Whale Rules Could Hobble Ferries and Fishing
Extended ‘slow zones’ won’t protect whales where they really need it
Just as I was about to sail away for the season, the news arrived that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is considering some substantial changes to the regulations […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
One by One, the Boats Go to Bed
We saw good fishing but rising water temperatures, too
It’s that time of year when the weather is not so hospitable for fishing and one by one the party and charter fishing, and whale watching crews shut down their […]
RESTORATION
Ecologists Establish a Baseline on Herring River Oysters
Scientists and shellfishermen prepare for increased tidal flow
WELLFLEET — In the late 1960s, the Chequessett Neck tide gate on the Herring River started to rust. As a result, the tide pushed through openings and into parts of […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Lobstermen Don’t Deserve Monterey Bay Rating
Why putting lobster on the ‘red list’ misses the mark
Fishing remains very good for both striped bass and bluefish. They were both solidly inside the bay for a few days, providing some excellent fishing close to home. They’ve since […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Stripers, Blues, Bonito, and Sunsets
Now is prime time for big fish and spectacular autumn skies
Fishing has looked like the old fall runs we used to get around here. It’s as if we’re making up for all the fish we’ve missed out on over the […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
The Magical Month of September Is Upon Us
Bluefishing is good and the fish are big
With Labor Day and the peak summer season now in the rear-view mirror, we can collectively take a deep breath and enjoy the quieter pace of September before we all […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Ups and Downs of Late August Include a Boat on Fire
Provincetown’s first responders once again show their quickness and skill
The fishing community experienced some wild ups and downs last week. The earlier part of the week saw striped bass fishing as good as it has ever been, with many […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
North Winds and Pogies Come and Go
Changeable weather may be part of global warming’s domino effect
The inconsistent weather has continued to affect fishing at the tip of the Cape, making it very difficult to get a handle on where the fish are and what they’re […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Fish Flee the Cool Front
After a thunderstorm, runoff heads for the harbor
Fishing had a major reversal this week, as a fall-like weather pattern with stiff north and northeast winds and cooler temperatures took hold. This followed the mother of all thunderstorms, […]
