Month: May 2024

When I began shellfishing, and more specifically, learning how to gather oysters in the mid-90s, there were enough wild oysters around for a decent harvest. But, a few years later, the Northeast was hit with the perfect storm for the destruction of our oyster beds. A severe case of the fatal Dermo virus took hold […]

Fluke fishing has changed dramatically over the years due to synthetic baits like Berkley Gulp and the increased popularity of jigheads and bucktails over traditional rigs.  With this new paradigm, hook-setting has become increasingly important to effectively catch more of them.  As a charter captain, I’ve identified a couple tips for hooking fluke, as well […]

Every year, a few unusual species find their way onto the lines of Northeast anglers. Here are a few of the strangest catches of 2023.  Connecticut’s State-Record Barracuda Jon Rogers displays a near-20-pound barracuda that later became the new Connecticut state record under their exotic marine species category. You never know what you’ll hook when […]

Wabi-sabi is a Japanese philosophy that places heavy emphasis on the acceptance and appreciation of aesthetic imperfection and impermanence. Like many Eastern philosophies, such as Zen Buddhism or Taoism, this world view highlights the beauty of nature as it comes: a pug-nose striped bass, though aesthetically imperfect, can be perceived as stronger or more unique […]

Nothing quite compares to that feeling of finally arriving at the beach to go striper fishing after a long call shift in the hospital, tired and partly delusional, and seeing those beloved Northern Gannets dive-bombing en masse into the water. The bliss I find myself in during those moments when it all comes together is […]

Long live the trout, curer of cabin fever and conqueror of the cold water. When saltwater fish have gone south, and large and smallmouth bass have gone dormant, the trout keeps biting, barely slowing its feeding even when the temperatures dip into the 30s. As local fishing options grow slim in January and February, and […]

Yamaha and Siren Marine have announced a new mobile app featuring integration with Yamaha outboards and control systems. The Siren Connected Boat app, which will be available for download on February 15, 2024, will have the ability to personalize the boating experience, combining the branded look of the customer’s boat builder with specific information curated […]

While the celebration of a good catch is sufficient reason to tip back a fishing-themed spirit, knowing that your selection is supporting a good cause, makes that big fish toast taste even sweeter. Rye Finished Rum Papa’s Pilar Distillery, Key West, FL Price: $51, 750mL Cause: Advancing literacy and promoting water and reef conservation – […]

Capt. Cody Rubner of High Roller Guide Service spotted a school of finning bluefish that gave his charter some thrilling topwater action in Florida in January 2024. (Photo by Capt. Cody Rubner @captcodyrubner) With the exception of cow stripers or albies frothing on the surface, few things rile inshore fishermen of the Northeast as much […]

The Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board approved conservative management options for striped bass at their winter meeting in Arlington, Virginia. The options were part of Draft Addendum II, and the decision considered public input collected at public hearings in recent weeks. For the ocean (non-Chesapeake Bay) fishery, the striped bass slot limit of 1 fish […]