Ideal water temperatures and ample bait exist in close and offshore waters, making both options attractive for anglers looking to catch striped bass. Off area beaches, some are doing well by waiting for roving schools to circle back, while in deep water the best advice is to try and get ahead of the striper schools, which when intercepted are proving to be anything but fussy.
New Hampshire Fishing Report
Pogy schools off Salisbury Beach, Wallis Sands and Rye are holding striped bass, with anglers appreciative of the small size of the bait, which affects an easier hookset. Trolling mackerel colored X Raps and other deep-water trollers along area beaches should help you find the striper schools. Squid are swarming around marinas and bridges throughout the Piscataqua River watershed as well as Pepperell Cove, with nights more active. Offshore remains an attractive alternative with the Isles of Shoals and beyond holding mackerel, pogies, bass and bluefin. Do not dismiss rivers, however, especially if you have a few eels within reach, as there are always a few spin-off stray cows lurking upstream in such spots as the Squamscott River, Salmon Falls River, Oyster River and Lamprey River.
Southern and Coastal Maine Fishing Report
Weston from Saco Bay Tackle Company said that uniform water temperatures and ample bait have striped bass on the move. Surf fishers who are successful are having to hit a number of spots until they find the bass biomass, while boaters are burning through gas until they hit pay dirt. The results, according to those who find the fish, are striped bass which often top 40”! The forage is diverse, consisting of pogies, mackerel, sand eels and squid. Those who are paying attention to what’s on the menu and matching it are doing best. Option two is to show up with a livewell full of mackerel and offer those stripers a snack they have a hard time passing on. As to the where, Biddeford Pool and Fortunes Rocks have been two of the better spots. Haddock can be found as close as Tantas Ledge. Cod have been caught there as well, which will matter when the limited take season begins in September.
According to Captain Lou Tirado of Diamond Pass Outfitters, his Downeast chums are seeing bass off the beaches that are feeding on sand eels primarily, but are more than willing to eat a live mackerel. Schools are moving up and down the beaches in compact schools which regulars refer to as “rafts”. A shortcut to finding the stripers is to look for the boat brigade. If you don’t appreciate such communal casting, Captain Lou suggests you chill in place and wait a bit as the roving schools often circle back. Go-to baits have been Albie Snax XLs in olive and in pearl. The fish are also fond of pearl 9” Gravity Tackle Eels as well. Rig them with the BKK Titan Rider or similar hook and walk the dog just under the surface. Bass are also belting top water spooks, such as the Top Knock and the Doc. Flies have been effective, especially for anglers who allow them to sink below the schools of bait/bass and fish them slowly.
The deep water bite rages on as fish cruise among troughs between structure anywhere from a half mile to 2 miles offshore in water from 80-200’ deep. The key to getting those cows to commit is to get ahead of the marauding school; what you throw almost seems irrelevant as long as you intercept the fish on the move. Tuna are constant out there, with some falling for heavy-duty poppers and RonZs.
New Hampshire And Southern Maine Fishing Forecast
Bass are cruising the beaches, seemingly traveling from bait ball to bait ball, which is rewarding anglers who are keeping on the move. Mackerel remain plentiful and are a best bet for live-lining or trolling off area beaches such as Salisbury, Wallis Sands or Rye. Biddeford Pool and Fortunes Rocks are solid options along the Maine Coast, with anglers aware of what the forage is – and matching it – catching best. The offshore option remains a strong one with anglers who are able to get ahead of the nomadic striper schools catching the most consistently. Those targeting Tantas Ledge for haddock are doing well with plenty of cod in the mix.