Now that the seas are settling, it’s time to get back to fishing for striped bass and maybe even bluefish. As to what may also have interest in bluefish, 700-pound-plus giant tuna are testing the mettle of tuna fishermen.
New Hampshire Fishing Report
According to Captain Bob Weathersby of Seacoast NH Sportfishing, striped bass fishing in the Piscatqua River remains solid. In fact, until the weed brought on by Erin clears out, it might be the only game in town. The good news is that a slug of big blues – many over 10 lbs – have moved in on the bait with the bass. Mackerel are available coastwide and through the Isles of Shoals. Groundfishing on Jeffrey’s Ledge is still evolving into a pollock and whiting fishery.
Chances are that when you encounter Charlie on Scantum, it’ll be a beast of 700 pounds plus. More “manageable” tuna can be taken on Jeffrey’s Ledge, with anglers finding that blue sharks are a common “occupational hazard”!
Coastal Maine Fishing Report
Captain Lou Tirado of Diamond Pass Outfitters said that Maine anglers have been busy trying to put the pieces of the puzzle back together after Erin blew everything up! Striped bass appear to be in the initial stages of the fall run, and if nothing else, are on the move. With cooler and more comfortable water temperatures and plenty of bait, bass, and somewhat blues, could be anywhere. A tip as to where the skipper is finding them is to look for rivers and embayments where river herring fry are moving out. In spite of the tiny forage, the fish are still taking larger offerings, the change of which is an indication that the run has begun. Docs, Glide Baits, and larger flies are all working. Mackerel off the rocks are holding fish with many a linesider caught from shoreline ledge now such as Black Point
New Hampshire And Southern Maine Fishing Forecast
With Erin in the rearview mirror, rivers that support herring runs and nearby embayments are solid choices for striped bass. A few blues are adding spice to the Piscataqua River as well. Mackerel out front off ledges are attracting striped bass. Offshore pollock and whiting rule, with the possible exception of tuna for those so equipped with the right gear and nerve!