Hope everyone that reads these posts is having a good weekend. Most of April in the Massachusetts waters have been windy and difficult to get out. This Saturday, April 23rd, we made our first saltwater excursion on the Steiger. We headed out to Green Harbor in Marshfield and it was nice to see some familiar faces at the ramp. Rich Antonino of Black Rose Charters was on hand. Joel Hubbard, a fellow Steigercraft owner was also at the ramp.
Rich is a fantastic charter captain and trailer the Black Rose to many ramps and fishes several species
during the season. I've long been a fan of his eagerness to chase such a large variety of species and being mobile and flexible with his boat. Joel is someone I met a couple years ago at the ramp and he told me that he was looking for a pilothouse boat similar to me Steiger 21 and boy has he found it. His 255 is gorgeous. Many great years and memories with her Joel!
One of my sayings is that 'Every year is different.' I suppose you could extend that to say 'Every trip is different' What worked last year may not work this year. The fishing wasen't great inshore. I have one friend and customer who caught some haddock in shore, but he was the only one and he said he had to work for them. On my end, we 'worked' our way inshore, the entire west side of Stellwagen, and ended up at the Northwest corner of Stellwagen on a wreck and near the corner for an extended period of time. The north end was the only area of the bank that seemed like there was any life and any marks on the bottom that indicated haddock. We caught a handful of red fish and they didn't touch the bait. They all hit the hook on the jig. These fish are apparently very good eating, and my mom has cooked them whole and the bones provide flavor to the fish.
I heard online and from other contacts I have that the fishing 'north' of the bank has been better and improving each day. Limits of haddock and numerous throwback cod are being taken. The hope is that the inshore bite to the south will improve as the water temperature increases. The water temps were still in the upper 40's the entire trip. We wait and hope for improved fishing and hope for some more frequent weather windows to be able to get out there.
Tautog
I have been looking to try my hand at Tautog. It's a species I have not really targeted because in the early season I am so eager to get for the haddock. However, the good fishing in Buzzards Bay and other early season spots have shown numerous keepers and some overall good fishing.
A story emerged today on 'On the Water' and other outlets that a 23lb monster was landed by an angler on a kayak. I have no reason to doubt the story or the size of the fish because it is an absolute dinosaur !
Image courtesy of 'On The Water Magazine' Instagram Page by @sunrisekayakfishing
Image courtesy of 'On The Water Magazine' Instagram Page by @sunrisekayakfishing
Image courtesy of 'On The Water Magazine' Instagram Page by @sunrisekayakfishing
Congratulations to the angler! The giant tautog missed the CT catch and release record apparently by 9 ounces. The fish went back in to fight another day and is still out there. I would say by next weekend it will have gained the nine ounces to make it a record fish !!!
If the wind continues to the north and east in the haddock waters, I may try my hand at this just yet. The shop does have tautog rigs. I have made some very simple ones, a high low, and a rig that has a trailer hook down near the sinker. Both rigs were requested and tied for Rick Faulkner. Rick, I hope you are having good luck with them.
Fluke New Jersey
Last year, in the first year of the shop, a good number of anglers from New Jersey visited and fished with rigs from the shop. This year many have returned and stocked up for May 1st. A large number of people are eagerly awaiting the start of fluke season with the new bag limit and slot sizes in tow. Can't come soon enough. I myself am eagerly awaiting the start of fluke season in Massachusetts. Last year was a great fluke season. I achieved my personal best fish or just over 7 pounds and I will be looking to improve upon that.
Spirit of Collaboration
For those that followed last year, you may recall that I enjoyed a cooperative effort with Hurst Tackle of New Jersey in using his jigheads to make the 'popcorn' style high low fluke rigs at the shop. Those jigheads are still being used and are going strong.
Since last year I have been looking for a minnow style silicone skirted bucktail, and my search led to the recommendation of Jimmy at JTC Jigs. Jimmy makes with great care, jigs in a variety of sizes and colors and he does so by hand, one at a time, and with tremendous attention to detail. Monomoy Tackle will be using 3 ounce and 4 ounce jigs from JTC in combination with hand tied rigs from the shop or in kits. I encourage everyone to visit both Hurst Tackle and JTC Jigs if you wish to purchase products individually from them. They are good products made by even better people. Much more will follow on the JTC jigs when they make there way on to the website. A sample image is below of the work done by Jimmy.
Before the first 'fishing report of the season is in the books, I want to give a shoutout to a couple more people.
Ryan Collins - My Fishing Cape Cod.
Monomoy Tackle products and my family were featured on a couple of episodes of MFCC TV this season and to say that I was touched and honored doesn't do justice to the work that Ryan does with his content.
Below is a link to the episode. Not only do I encourage everyone to watch it and appreciate the footage and the camerawork of the fluke, but I strongly encourage anyone interested to join as a member.
HarwichSport Bait and Tackle
Chris and Paul took a leap of faith and have put Monomoy Tackle products in their shop. Their store is located on Route 28 near Saquatucket Harbor and they are the first shop to house and offer Monomoy Tackle products.
Bill Mitchell - Seven Stripes
Captain Bill invited me to his fantastic podcast. It's fantastic for many other reasons other than having me on. The list of guests that he has interviewed is impressive and the topics he covers are equally impressive. Please check out his podcast wherever you get your podcast material. It's named Seven Strips Podcast and its great. My bottom fishing conversation with Bill is on there. There is a link on the previous blog post.
St Pete Sportfishing, Black Rose Charters and Team Hook 'Em
Doug Klimavich, Rich Antonino, and Captain Derek Barber purchased Monomoy Tackle rigs to use on their charters this season and again, I am honored that they would consider using the product. Captain Kyle Wiley purchased some fluke rigs last year as well. The partnership
Thank you everyone for your support of Monomoy Tackle and the passion project that it is. I look forward to blogging throughout the fishing season.
Tight Lines.
Eddy K