Looking for some advice on the fall....

[Bubba9ner]

Hey guys,
I'ts been a while since I posted. I have not had much to report other than a few trips in August with some smaller schoolies and yellow eyed deamons. The gas prices and the economy in general have got me down a bit. So the trips to the coast have been trimmed.

I want to go out a few more times. Is it still going on, or have the fish passed by already? I was hoping to go out this weekend, but with 3-5's once again predicted, it makes for a long day in a 19' glass boat.

I am not looking for a spot or specifics, but I was wondering if taking a day or two off during the week with calmer seas would be worth it.

It costs more to trailer the boat from my house to the ocean than it does to run the boat for a day.

The other question is for the bay guys.... Is the great bay still good right now, or do you need to "go outside"?

Sorry for all the questions, I am just trying to maximize my trips due to fuel costs.

I have been reading through the posts, but all seems quiet.

Peace,
Bubba

[HarryG]

Leave the boat at home and grab a long rod

[Riverjim]

My experience is pretty limited, but I'm sure the pro's around here will speak up if I am off base.

This year is different than any I have seen so far. It started off with ton's of macs out front. Many river and bay fishermen I spoke with were suprised at how many times they fished around the time of the herring run, often using live bait, with thousands of herring all around them, but few stripers to be found. So in my opinion the bay started slow...Last year at this time , there were peanut bunker by the millions tight up inside some of the river systems of the bay, and they weren't even thinking about leaving until October.

Also the adult pogies seemed to go back further into the bay last year for a lot longer period of time. Although they moved into the bay this year, they seem to be harder to find ...I was catching Blues on adult pogies for a few weeks and the bay stayed alive for a long time....I remember people posting about the fact that the fish didn't want to leave, and the action continued into October.

Although we are going to have a bait drop from the bay, I don't think it will be nearly as good as last years. The herring hatch looked good, but not the number of peanuts around we had last fall...

So to make a long story longer...I would bet on the front this fall rather then the bay...I can't wait to see if the fall mac run looks like the spring one did, but if it does there will be many a fat cow to be had. I would normally fall back from the bay as the bait dropped out the river, but unless I can find that elusive pogie pod, I would bet on the front earlier this year only getting better with time....Don't think they are leaving yet....From what I have seen , there are usualy big fish to be had into the last half of October.

[oddfish]

On the 16th and 17 the front of the PIS was looking very good. Today was a windy bastid of a day and it seemed to change things up a bit but there are fish out there and I think they will be there for a while.
I have heard a rumor that the 3-5 was going to be a long roll but don't quote me on that check a reliable soure, I am going to after I get done with this.

For good wave height and period information check this site out if you haven't already. Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System | Welcome They have several buoys around the gulf of Maine and some good information. Hit the Go button somewhere near the top it is blue, it will show you the locations ofthe buoys.

Oddfish

[Coalman]

There are no striped bass in Great Bay. They are all gone. They won't be back this year. They don't eat eels and they hate pogies.
Stay away.

You would think I was a moonshiner hiding a still?

I fish Little Bay last night. With the long rod Harry. One fish on and 2 bites in an hour slinging an eel.

Tube and worm and umbrella rigs have been producing lots of schoolies with an occasional keeper. A 34 pounder was caught and released last week on a swim bait at Fox Point.

I will be on the line tomorrow. See you out there.

[Roccus]

Bubba.. still lots of fish to be had and there will be until late October... I'm about had it for another season, My knee wont get better and needs a scope and my shoulders are shot.. a couple more trips and I'm pulling the boat....

[Bubba9ner]

Thanks for all the responses. Roc, sounds like you are quite a mess. If you still want to go out and don't want to frig with a boat, let me know and I'll take you out. We will catch dogfish, skate, sea robbins, and green crabs til your arms get tired . And I will scare the shit out of you with my fast action bouy dodging boat driving.

Seriously, for all those who have responded to me, thank you.

And Coleman, Roc, Harry and Oddfish, if you ever wanted to go out, my boat is fairly new and sea-worthy. Just PM me.

Bubba.

[oddfish]

Humm.................I have not caught a skate this year, gusee I need to get closer to the coast. Havent caught a goose fish yet this year either???? Maybe this morning.

Thanks for the post Bubba
Oddfish