New England - South Shore Massachusetts to Maine Fishing Reports

Captain Rich from Black Rose Fishing Charters told me it is tuna season now. The crisp nights have the tuna in feeding mode. Without a commercial fishery right now, catch and release giant fishing is a great option as is the run and gun fishery. Fewer boats translate to less pressure and better fishing. Shark fishing still remains a great add-on option while ground fishing for cod and haddock.

Jackson from Belsan?s Bait reported that fishing is still very good along the beaches, rocky shorelines and cliffs in 5- to 10-feet of water, especially during the evening tides. The fall run has begun and there have been some hot bites at Minot Ledge and at the mouth of the North River which have both been extremely consistent all season. Mackerel remain hard to find and catch. You have to go early in the morning if you expect to have any decent results. Cod fishing has been very good at Stone Ledge and Stellwagen Bank. With the commercial tuna season closed until October 1st, shark fishing remains a good option as well as fishing for medium sized bluefin.

Martha from Surfland reported there are a lot of fish around there are strong signs that the fall run is starting. Bluefish action remains very steady particularly for the boat fishermen. Striper fishing has definitely improved. Beach fishing picked up considerably this week but a lot of weeds moved in on Sunday putting a damper on the activity. Martha told me a young angler from their junior program landed a 45-inch striper from the beach on Saturday. Anglers fishing from the jetties at low tide has been productive. Tube and worm boat fishermen in the river have also been enjoying success. There are also good numbers of stripers in Plum Island Sound. Barring any more fall nor?easters fishing should continue to build as we move into October.