State shares striped bass tips and how to reduce release mortality  

In a media advisory last week, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) outlined how it is continuing to make the stiped bass fishery enjoyable and sustainable.  

DMF said, “This year will likely be a great one for striped bass fishing. The remaining fish born in the late 2000s and early 2010s are providing excellent catch and release trophy opportunities. The 2015 year-class are nearing that status, likely between 35” and 40”, and the 2018 year-class should provide lots of slot-sized fish (28” to < 31”) for folks.”  

At the same time, the striped bass fishery will continue the trend of fewer people encountering constant action with schoolies throughout our waters. We are also likely to hear about places and times where the fish just aren’t around like they used to be.”  

To help anglers succeed in the current fishery, and to prepare for what is likely coming in the future (see Striped Bass Frequently Asked Questions for a deeper understanding of where we are and how we got here), DMF is launching the third phase of post-release mortality research.  

“We are kicking it off with a series of Striped Bass Tactics videos to help you boost your striped bass angling, while also teaching you how to maximize the survival of your catch after you put it back in the water.,” said DMF.  

Hats off to Kevin Blinkoff and Jimmy Fee from On The Water magazine, Ryan Callaghan from MeatEater, Bryan and Taylor Sears from Mass Bay Guides, and Nantucket surf fishing guide Tammy King for creating the series of videos that offer plenty of tips and tricks from the professionals on how to be a better angler from a boat, kayak, or the surf. The videos also capture the lessons learned from DMF studies and how you can implement them in all these different settings.  

Find more information at A Few Ways You Can Help Striped Bass This Summer | Mass.gov.  

Where’s the bite?  

Striped bass, bluefish and false albacore.  "We've been seeing a lot of "half bass" lately, and I'm not fooling around! The warm water means sharks are around, and many anglers this week have reeled in bass only to find half the fish gone. If this happens to you, I suggest moving to a new spot, as they'll likely return.  In the salt ponds, a good amount of bait—including silversides, bunker, and mummies—are gaining size. The ponds have been fishing really well on some days, but can seem almost lifeless on others.” said Declan O’Donnell of Breachway Bait & Tackle, Charlestown. East End Eddie Doherty, Cape Cod Canal fishing expert, said, " If you like catching schoolies, the Canal is the place for you. Bob “Bull” MacKinnon brought so many to the rocks during a marathon session over several hours mid-week with his small Tsunami shad, that he lost track. Rain bait including silver sides are dominant now. Success hinges on matching the hatch with small swimmers like the Daiwa SP Minnow. The slot bite has diminished after the positive effects of the full moon, probably taking up temporary residence in Cape Cod Bay. Last week started with John “Seadog” Schmidt reeling in a black sea bass from the floor of the Canal that was an inch short of a keeper and Bill “Slots” Walsh worked an early east tide with his 7-inch white Cotton Cordell Red Fin, landing a striped bass that will soon grow into slot size. The east end is still chock full of mackerel; Carlos Reis snagged his limit of 20 macks throwing a sabiki rig."  

Bluefin/yellowfin tuna, false albacore.  Ryan Collins of My Fishing Cape Cod, said, “This week one of our group trips headed nearly 100 miles offshore to the Northeast Canyons. Despite some crazy weather they had a great trip landing bigeye, yellowfin, bluefin and a white marlin.” See the complete story at The July 20-21 MFCC Overnight Canyons Adventure: A Dream Trip Finally Realized - My Fishing Cape Cod.    

Freshwater.  “We still have customers fishing for trout and doing well.  The largemouth bass bite continues to be good,” said Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle.  

Dave Monti holds a captain’s master license and charter fishing license. He serves on a variety of boards and commissions and has a consulting business focusing on clean oceans, habitat preservation, conservation, renewable energy, and fisheries related issues. Forward fishing news and photos to dmontifish@verizon.net,

visit www.noflukefishing.blogspot.com or www.noflukefishing.com .