STELLWAGEN BANK, MA- Cod & Haddock Fishing 4/9/2009
Strong winds have put a damper on Stellwagen Bank cod fishing the on first two weekends of the season, similar to early April of last year. However, once again, the bait concentrations in the shoal-water on the bank right now are making the early season bottom fishing as good as it gets. Limits of medium codfish between 10 and 15 pounds have been the rule by mid-morning, when we can get out. Easy fishing using jigs and teasers in the 100-120 ft shoal-water is keeping the customers happy and coming back for seconds!
Dale Keck's group from Stratford, NY had a banner day with Capt. Scott on B-Fast's DECISIVE. Bait, whales and cod provided the entertainment for the hardy anglers from upstate New York on Wednesday. 16 oz jigs with a grubs as the teaser were all the group needed to fill the boxes and limit-out by 11 am. With the wind freshening to 25-30 knots SW, the group opted to head for the barn and make every effort for a return trip later in the month. Although Dale hasn't re-booked yet, his trip report to friends back in the Mohawk Valley has resulted in new customers booking later this month.
B-Fast's FOUR SONS had the same results on Good Friday. Capt. Bill's group jigged the limit of medium cod including a few haddock. The haddock fishing should improve steadily through the spring season east of the bank using skimmer clams. However, with the jig fishing for cod as fast and furious as it is now, the haddock are playing second fiddle to the codfish!
The wind is supposed to dissipate by mid-week. Hopefully, this trend will carry through the weekend so that more traveling anglers can partake of the excellent spring cod run on the bank.
Capt, Mike Bartlett
B-Fast Charters
www.bfastcharters.com
781-293-6402