It’s been awhile since keeping a cod was even a consideration in the GOM and because of that many are chomping to set sail for Old Scantum, Tillies Basin and other noted groundfish spots. Striped bass, however, are moving southward rapidly and when found are aggressive and hitting nearly anything thrown their way!
New Hampshire Fishing Report
Scott from Suds ‘N Soda in Greenland said that even though the pogies have left, big numbers of stripers still remain! Surface feeds can be found in Little Bay and throughout the Piscatagua River watershed. Hampton Harbor as well as Rye Harbor have been effective for eel casters at night. Some slab stripers have been taken off jetties by anglers catching and then live-lining mackerel! For a groundfish/cod best bet, Scott suggests Old Scantum between 160 and 190 feet of water with clams getting the nod as the preferred bait.
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Southern Maine Fishng Report
There is no quit among the stripers in Maine according to Brandy from Webhannet Bait and Tackle/Boatyard. Slim-profiled bait among rivers, estuaries and marshes is attracting schoolies and surface feeds. Slug-Gos and similar shaped baits are working in the Saco River, Scarborough Marsh, Webhannet River, the Mousam River and Kennebunkport. For a shot at a bigger bass, the recommendation is to troll a tube-and-worm at the mouths of rivers and adjacent shorelines. Mackerel have resurfaced and they have been effective as bait for large bass by Perkins Cove. Many are highly anticipating being able to catch and keep a cod (21” minimum) in the GOM for the two week period beginning this Sunday. For small boaters Brandy suggests Boone Ledge as a convenient, effective, close spot for a keeper cod.
Striped bass are in full, fall run mode in Maine right now according to Captain Lou Tirado of Diamond Pass Charters and are exhibiting classic behavior. When found they are not fussy and are willing to take topwaters, flies and soft plastics with equal aplomb. Covering a lot of water is necessary and he’s finding better action out front on beaches and ledges. The night/eel combo is the best choice for big bass but you’ll have to be satisfied with slow periods with not much going on as a trade-off for a shot at a big one. Post-full moon, the next few days are not to be missed!
Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont Fishing Forecast
In New Hampshire, live-lining a mackerel from harbor jetties could represent your best chance for catching a fall-run cow. Little Bay may be a better option for tearing after schoolie surface feeds. The tube-and-worm remains a terrific option at the mouths of Downeast rivers while the combination of eels, estuaries and nights should be your priority if you’re hoping for that seasonal best. However, the prospects of a cod for the cooler is looming large for many this Sunday, with Boone Ledge a possible close-to-port producer.
WHy dIdNT yOu IncluDe FLy FiShIng??