Striper fishing is off to a fantastic starts here on Cape Cod Bay. The Spring Mackeral run has lasted longer than normal, and with that there are exellent numbers of Big Stripers feeding on them only a few miles from the dock. This week we've had 5 Stripers over 30lbs with the largest stretching out to 45'. Captain Don's daughter Laura (1/2 the namesake of the boat) got in on the action on a trip up from here home in Florida - She nabbeb fish of 31,30, 24 and 18 lbs and even the Admiral (Betty Cianciolo) jumped in for a 22 lber.
In other parts of the Bay, there are oustanding numbers of fish - the size might not necessarily be there, but limits are the norm. We actually just got word yesterday about another mass of fish migrating in on the surface that was full of 40' fish. Anyway you slice it, the Striper season is on, and is going to keep improving from here.
Codfishing on Stellwagon has been steady. Mostly a pick of market size Cod, with some good size Haddock mixed in. There are still about 10 shorts coming over the rail for every keeper, but at least it keeps everyone busy and tired by the end of the day. There have been a few big cod around, but we're really having to look for them - that's ok, it's what we do.
On the Tuna front: rumors, rumors, and more rumors. As there always are this time of year. I will say this, Stellwagon Bank is absolutely covered with bait - Mackeral, Herring, and huge sandeels. When the first of the big fish do show up (and it really should be this week) we could have an outstanding early season. With this much forage on the Bank, the Tuna will certainly put on a heck of a show.
Good Luck out there.
-Captain Don and the Laura-Jay Crew