Welcome to Local Summer '24
But first, shop news…
We added a new headlamp to the store, this one from South Bend Tackle. The South Bend LED headlamp is a simple headlamp with 5 LED lights, 3 intensity modes, and a strobe function for emergencies. Good to use as either a primary headlamp or a backup to a primary headlamp, every fisherman should have one of these handy.
With the Spanish mackerel, Atlantic bonito and false albacore showing up, you are going to need epoxy jigs. We have recently restocked on both Hogy Epoxy jigs and JoeBaggs Resin Jigs. For the next couple of weeks (at least) don’t go to the beach without an epoxy jig in your bag.
The fishing this holiday weekend was good. As stated above, the Spanish mackerel, Atlantic bonito, and false albacore have been making appearances within casting distance from the beach. Short appearances, but within casting distance nonetheless. Keep a rod rigged with an epoxy jig handy for when they do.
The fluke fishing in the surf remains good. We have also been hearing good reports from anglers fishing both nearby inlets. There is also a couple of reports of a good fluke bite in the back bay. There is a river of fish available if you know where to look.
The bluefish in the surf remains good for cocktail sized bluefish. They are taking mullet on mullet rigs or hitting smaller metals.
The name of the game in the bay is still spot. The spot fishing remans good with the spot still taking Fishbites. The crabbing is also good, but the popular spots seem like they are getting picked through for keepers.
Some notable recent catches:
Our cover shot: At this point, Pat V is just rubbing it in that we have to work. Maybe it’s the Fish gods rewarding him for his choice of sports teams.
It seems that the Lucky Craft DD Jerk baits are not the only jerk bait style lures that can take a fluke in the surf. Here is Mike M with a 19” 3.05 lb fluke on an SP Minnow.
Sammy with some bonito off the beach! He reported good blue fishing and albies pushed into casting range as well.
Ray is back, so all the unofficial “Scott Specials” are officially over. Don’t ask, it’s too late. Actually, we probably shouldn’t be mentioning them at all now that Ray is back. Anyway, Ray’s 2nd (or is it 3rd or 4th) annual camping trip went well. Nice weather and good fishing on the first day. The fishing slowed down afterwards which Ray attributed to the cold air temps at night. But what he isn’t considering is the bear. What does a bear have to do with slow fishing? Well, Ray ended up feeding all of his live bait to the bear.
