North Coast Angler
2006 Fishing Reports

August 14, 2006
Cape Ann report
The fishing last week can be best characterized as “on again-off again”. Good numbers of stripers populated the south facing side of Straitsmouth, from the gap on out to the front reef. The fish were quite aggressive and would take any well presented top water hard bait or sub surface fly. Most of the fish were very tight into the first wave against the rocks. The fish ranged in size from 20 to a few at 30 inches. The “bite” turned on and off from tide to tide and from one day to the next day. Down the coast to Milk island, the fishing pattern was the same, one good day followed by an off day. Most of the Milk island fish were tight to shore or cruising along the northwest spit. A few fish were found at the south facing point and east shore. Along with the stripers, good numbers of blues are showing up. On Friday afternoon we found very large schools of 7-9 pounders in the middle of Sandy Bay and just east of the flat ground. The fish were cruising just beneath the surface and would spook as the boat neared them. We did manage a few good hook-ups.

 Steve Montello with a nice blue hooked and landed on a 5 inch mackerel popper from Ocean Lures


On Wednesday I had the pleasure of fishing with John and his son Alex from the Pittsburgh area. Both father and son had the opportunity to hook and land a few stripers; their firsts! Wednesday turned out to be one of those “off days” and the anglers did not have many quality hook-ups but they did enjoy the super weather and great coastal scenery. I look forward to fishing with them in the future, great anglers and sportsman!

 John and his son Alex with his first ever striper! Nice striper on the Jumpin Minnow top water


By all accounts, the football tuna are starting to show in larger numbers. Captain Allan Smith fishing with his dad, Captain Bob Smith landed and released a 37 inch football last week. On another day last week, Allan fished with one of his buddies and they hooked and landed a small fish. All fish were taken while trolling traditional gear. Small tuna are being spotted in increasing numbers from P-Town to the south Maine coastal area. I hope to get out there this week and do some chasing with spinning and fly gear. If you have any specific questions about what tackle to use for the footballs, don’t hesitate to send off an email.

Captain Skip Montello

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