If your neighbors to the south take a peak at this report they might get jealous! While Bay Staters are bemoaning the lack of bunker northern New England has plenty. Not surprisingly there are big bass shadowing the bait schools. Tuna fishing is terrific with some Charlies cruising close to the coast looking for a pogy snack.
New Hampshire Fishing Report
Captain Bob from Seacoast NH Sportfishing said that pogy schools milling around the Isles of Shoals are getting mugged by seriously large linesiders up to 50 pounds! The easy menhaden meal has not gone unnoticed by recreational and giant tuna. There’s also a bluefish presence in the area. When the nomadic blues have moved on, mackerel will often move in; it’s pretty obvious that you could do a lot worse than to be fishing in the Isles of Shoals area! Skipper Bob suggests that just in case you should pack some titanium leaders or you may be in for an expensive day.
Captain Andy from Adventure and Catch Charters also has Charlie on the brain with some tuna busting by Boon Island drawn in by the pogy and mackerel schools.
There are also some scary big stripers feeding among the giants including a 56” monster taken by Kyle and Alex Bozocous of Hooked On Fish Charters. For a groundfish/tuna combo consider The Curl and inner Pigeon Hill where the haddock bite has not been half bad and combined with cusk, pollock and whiting make for an interesting day and impressive cooler!
Southern Maine Fishing Report
Captain Paul Hood of Touch of Gray Fishing Charters pushed out to Platt’s Bank last Friday and Sunday and has been finding a nice little bite of cusk, haddock, whiting, hake, mackerel and dogs. The last one may be of interest to anyone who has a masochistic streak! The action has been in 40-70 fathoms. Casco Bay has been holding pogy schools and mackerel not far out which in large part has been attracting schools of some very nice bass.
According to Captain Lou Tirado of Diamond Pass Outfitters, between squalls the fish are still chewing. They are seeing good amounts of herring dropping out the rivers which is producing some “whack a mole” type blitzes. It’s great excitement, but not great for the fuel tank. Casco Bay is also seeing some bigger fish push in and take up residence in their usual haunts. The rivers have been fishing well on the dropping tide and the bays and beaches on the incoming.
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New Hampshire And Southern Maine Fishing Forecast
Pogy schools off the Isles of Shoals and Boon Island have attracted everything from bluefish to big bass to bluefin tuna! The appearance of bluefish have scattered mackerel but they can be found with a little bit of searching. While wheezing to a stop, rivers holding herring runs are still supporting hungry linesiders. Tuna have also taken hold of offshore ledges such as the Curl and Pigeon Hill with deep dropping jigs and bait coming up with a mixed bag of gadoids. Just watch out for those dogfish!
Our party of 6 had a great trip; even managed to bring a few fish home to eat. Both the Captain and Mate were friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. Looking forward to another trip next year.