from Captain John Christian
F/V Susan Jean
Winter Newsletter-February, 2002
There are grey areas in fishing, as there are in many other areas in life, and I'm sure many have ventured into that ambiguous territory when seeking the ever-elusive striped bass. We may have flirted with some of these activities ourselves, or observed others engage in them. Still others may exist, as Johnny Cochran would say, as "only hypotheticals." Yet, no matter how you look at it, at some level, shady dealings are part of the territory.
Some of the more common examples of deception in fishing might include moving off a good spot when other boats approach, or crossing Vineyard Sound four miles to the westward after having a big day so other fishermen would see you coming back from a different direction. Teaching a young nephew to hold the pole as if he's snagged bottom when other boats approach while he is actually fighting a big bass is another trick. In the late 80's and early 90's, when pogies were extremely scarce, it would have come as no great surprise to hear of someone telling an outright lie about the existence of a pod of pogies in Quissett Harbor. This next example is one I can assure you I never have done myself, but did observe once-ducking down in a 13-foot Boston Whaler behind Pine Island to avoid being seen, although the boat was only 200 feet away. You surf fishermen are surely familiar with the trick of erasing drag marks from big tails to prevent others from following you and discovering that you're catching fish or finding where you buried them.
I remember a classic example of deception that occurred at Cataumet Fish Market some time ago. While watching a fisherman unloading a few fish, an onlooker commented that the fishing at Cuttyhunk must be really good. The successful fisherman agreed that it certainly must be, although his bass actually had been caught 12 miles to the east! Now, this reply was not exactly a "lie," for the fishing at Cuttyhunk can always be presumed to be good, can it not? For that matter, the fishing really can be viewed as good no matter where one fishes, if you simply look at it from the right perspective. As one old-timer who fished Cuttyhunk years ago wisely said, "The fishing is always good; it's just the catch that varies."
This brings us to the moral question, "Is all this deception really wrong, or is it simply a survival skill?" Why should someone who has put in thousands of hours on the water hand over his or her hard-earned data to someone who is merely looking for quick tricks in order to avoid putting in time or hard work? Somehow, keeping things to yourself seems justified at times.
Over the last few years, you've probably noticed that it has started to feel like space on and around the water is growing tighter. It seems everyone has a boat, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to fish an area properly or peacefully. Fortunately, this generally isn't a problem for me because I leave the dock early enough, often in the dark, and there isn't much competition in the wee hours as of yet. The rocks along the Elizabeth Islands also help keep the traffic down, at least until mid-morning anyway. To be honest, although I have seen it happen, I rarely run across much interference. I remember many years ago speaking with a real original Cuttyhunk guide and asking him if there were any rules for fishing Sow and Pigs reef. He replied, "Yeah, keep out of my *#!&@! way!" Most fishermen have mellowed over the years, however, and for the most part, there are few problems these days.
On the other hand, there's a brighter side to the dark underbelly of tricks, competition, and territorialism that live in the world of striped bass fishing-the obligation that I believe all fisherman have to pass on their skills and love of the sport of fishing to the younger generation. Personally, I am more than willing to help out someone who is truly interested in learning how to fish, just as I was helped by some of the old fishermen of years gone by. When one hopes to pick the brains of more experienced fishermen, a little patience, a desire to learn, and a willingness to commit some time and effort go a long way in earning their respect.
It is a great joy to me now to begin to pass along some of the tricks of the trade to today's youth. In this day and age, when many kids spend much of their time in front of one type of screen or another, it's refreshing to see young people who enjoy being outdoors and have a passion for the sport of fishing. This past summer, I had the pleasure of watching my 3-year-old grandson, Jarrett, catch his first fluke at Middleground. The sheer joy and excitement he felt as he reeled in a 3-pound fluke all by himself is something that transcends all time.
New Upgrades and Hopefully New Thoughts
For the sixth season in a row, I'm running a new 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The old one, a 2001, is for sale and has some warranty left. It's a steal at $4,200 firm and should sell soon. If you're interested, please don't hesitate to give me a call. The engine is in great shape since it's been yard-maintained by master technician John Kalberg at Falmouth Harbor Marine.
Another equipment upgrade that I made, was a pair of Daiwa wire line trolling poles. These rods have good jigging action and are not heavy, so fighting a fish is more enjoyable. These rods plus all other tackle were purchased at Eastman's Sport & Tackle. Manager Jim Young is not only an expert fisherman, but he can recount almost name for name the hockey players from great Falmouth/Barnstable rivalries of the late 1960's.
Another potential purchase may be a small radar setup. The one downside of this is the drawbridge; I'd have to lower the radar every time I went out. The plus side would be much more safety in the fog. After running Sam Vincent's boat in thick weather, I was amazed at the number of boats in the area that appeared on radar but would not have been visible to the naked eye. I always sound my fog signals and post a watch, but radar would definitely make life easier. Maybe I'll take the jump this season.
A Look Back at 2001
Last season, the schools of big bunker were still scarce, although I saw a few big pogies being chased out of the water by large stripers. Perhaps the most noticeable change was the shortage of bonito and false albacore in Great Harbor and along the Elizabeth Islands. I heard reports of sightings in Buzzards Bay and Hedge Fence, but never saw them myself.
On a more somber note, 2001 marked the passing of two fishermen who spent a lot of time on the water. EPO Mike Craven, someone I've known for nearly 30 years, died of cancer at the young age of 51. When Mike wasn't patrolling the coastal waters on duty, I'd often see him on his day off bass fishing along the Elizabeth Islands. I always thought of Mike as a friend as well as a good warden. When my son, Johnny, was having trouble with poachers cutting or stealing his lobster traps, Mike took the time to explain the situation out there to him, which helped ease the pain of being victimized.
Another great fisherman and true gentleman who passed away was Dr. Robert Berne. Bob, who was in his 80's when he died, fished with me a number of years, many times a season. He always seemed to enjoy the trips and kept in top physical condition. I can remember many times watching in awe as Bob would climb the ladder at the dock better than many men 50 years younger than him. Bob fished all over the country, from Florida to Alaska. Besides all the big fish Bob caught, what stands out most in my mind is when he once said, "When I was a young man, I couldn't fish because I had time and no money or money and no time. Now I've got both, and I'm going for it." These words show a spirit for life that I hope I ,too, will share as I get older.
Highlights From My Always Failing Memory
The Fourth Annual Swope Fishing Tournament proved to be successful once again, providing plenty of fish for the annual cookout at Bill Kramer's house. Joe Hayes kept his streak running, landing a nice 17-pounder at North Rock. Judith Wilson didn't fish, but was rewarded by spotting six rainbows, a real treat for a 60's Californian, or anyone else for that matter.
On the second trip, Joe Hayes served as mate for his better half, Susan Joslin, helping her to land two 16-pound stripers in Quicks. Carlos Castro, in the true form of the Latin man, landed the biggest bass, a beautiful fish in the 20-pound class. Patricia Yoos didn't fish with us this season, but once again has contributed some more of those great recipes found in this newsletter.
The eel-slinging along the Elizabeth Islands was once again fair, with some very good trips and some very slow ones, although the biggest fish of the season, a 41-pound, 15-ounce cow, was caught by Vaughn Silva on baitcasting tackle and an eel. Bill Oberholtz, on the same trip, caught good fish to 28 pounds slinging eels.
Sam and Bea Vincent also had a good day at the Cuttyhunk Bass Club, taking four or five big fish until the swell forced us to calmer waters.
Mark Challant and Jim Nuttleman had several fish from 18 to 39 pounds at Quicks Hole and broke off several other big fish before the bite was over-pretty good eel fishing for a calm, bright, sunny mid-morning tide.
Art Lavalle and Pat Abate, who always manage to catch fish even when things are slow, took many fish to 20 pounds on Sluggos and eels along the Elizabeths.
Mr. & Mrs. John Dower continued their streak of good luck casting eels by landing three fish in the 20-pound class. That day we were all treated to the spectacle of a huge school of 20 to 30-pound stripers rolling on the surface at slack tide in Quicks Hole.
That same day, Phil Stanton, who has spent many years fishing the Elizabeth Islands, as well as restoring the eider duck population there, reported seeing big schools of large bass on top all the way from Quicks Hole to Woods Hole. I've always wondered what sets off this apparent group behavior. For obvious reasons, it would be nice if this feeding could be predicted!
Another interesting observation from very limited sampling last season was that two different fishermen who accidentally ran over possums on their way to the boat enjoyed exceptional fishing. I certainly don't endorse efforts to run over one of those nocturnal little critters, but I thought it was a coincidence worth mentioning.
Pete Goodwin and Mark Quinn, who leave no rock uncovered when casting eels, enjoyed fair success. Pete took the biggest fish, a nice 20-pounder, on a chartreuse Bomber-not a bad fish for plug fishing!
Jack Doyle and Ray Beaudoin, who target only big bass, enjoyed some good fishing with fish into the 30-pound class bracket.
Things are never slow when Norm Lavallee and crew are around! Quicks Hole, which was a little off last season, heated up for Norm on a south wind. The group took six nice fish in the 20 to 30-pound class, casting until the big rip chased us out.
Peter Ragonese had to battle seasickness in the fog and big swells at Cuttyhunk, but prevailed, taking four nice fish to 25 pounds casting eels.
Bill Couilliard, Erick Williams, and Bill Yacovitch, on their annual trip, worked hard to land several keepers casting at Cuttyhunk.
David Isenberg, an old classmate from Woods Hole Elementary School whom I hadn't seen for more than 30 years, enjoyed great traditional bass fishing casting eels in the swells off southwest bluff at Cuttyhunk. Dave took 15 old-fashioned keepers that day, which is the way it should be!
Steve Micolo took four fish from 18 to 25 pounds on eels in Quicks as well as a huge 6.1-pound fluke.
The spring jig fishing was hot last season. Dave Michael and crew took eleven keepers, many in the 20-pound class, at Cuttyhunk on the red and white Hairball jig.
Ed Callahan and Paul Carr enjoyed good jig fishing, taking 20 fish to 25 pounds.
Dennis Fox had to struggle a little, but managed to fish through a slow day jigging up three keepers at Pasque Island.
The following day, Bruce Manning took fourteen nice fish at Sow and Pigs on jigs.
Tony Sgariglia, who almost always hangs a big fish, had to work for two keepers on eels at Quicks.
Warren Boutin, Warren, Jr., and John O'Neil fought off the curse of the northwest wind and landed six keepers in the 20-pound class at Sow and Pigs.
Mark Wolko and son, Casey, fished two days and took eighteen big fish from 18 to 35 pounds. The 35-pounder was an 11th hour fish and required a great father-son effort to get it out of the rocks.
Stan Wasilauski and Dave Campbell, who usually enjoy good fishing, kept their streak intact, landing twelve keepers, 18 to 30 pounds, on tubes in spite of the east wind.
The Larry Lynch family enjoyed great eel fishing, landing eight keepers from 16 to 32 pounds at Pasque Island.
The three generations of Rick Janeys kept their success record going by landing seven keepers to 22 pounds at Nashawena on tubes.
Bill Zelenak and Dave Nelson cast behind every rock to land four keepers along the Elizabeths.
Pete & Kevin Komrach and Todd Fallon returned for what I believe was their twelfth season in a row to take four keepers to 20 pounds. It's like old home week when these three show up!
Bob Daley's trip was slow in terms of fish, but was one I won't soon forget. A major thunderstorm with squall winds to 70 miles per hour came racing through Vineyard Sound, forcing me to beach the boat at French Watering Hole on Naushon Island. From the shore, in an almost surrealistic view, we watched as a sailboat took a direct hit from a bolt of lightning. Fortunately, a fishing boat in the area went right over to it, and I learned later that everyone on board was OK.
If you own a small boat, the only safe place in that kind of situation is off the water. As Ewen M. Thomson says in his Lightning & Sailboats:
"Consider the worst case scenario for a lightning strike to a sailboat-a small boat in fresh water. If the boat has been provided with a well-built protection system, it is still an exceedingly hazardous situation. If lightning protection does not exist, the situation is life-threatening. In both cases, the areas to avoid are close to waterline and close to large metal fitting. In the unprotected boast, it is unwise to be in the water, as electrocution is highly probably if lightning strikes nearby. In fact, there is no safe place on an unprotected sailboat, and in a protected boat, only places of relative safety. There is, however, one place that is more hazardous than a small, unprotected sailboat, that is a small boat without a mast. Every year, there are multiple deaths of boaters in open boats caused by lightning strikes, but very few reports of sailors in sailboats killed by lightning. The above general rules also apply to larger sailboats. These are generally safer, if protected, since it is possible to get away from the waterline and metal objects, and yet still stay dry inside the cabin. As far as unharnessed electricity is concerned, a dry human body is much less attractive than a wet one."
Even with proper lightning protection, I still wouldn't want to be onboard when the sky turns that sick mustard color and the lightning sizzles at the same time the thunder roars. If caught in this situation, seek safe harbor on land if at all possible.
David Whitney, his son, Henry, and John Donovan also had the dubious pleasure of watching a thunderstorm from the relative safety of Quicks Hole beach. Fortunately, their trip was a successful one with five keepers, several in the 20-pound range.
Pete Wilson and his dad, Tom, returned for their annual trip and worked hard to catch two keepers on the turn of the tide at Sow and Pigs.
Rich Tierney and company took five keepers on eels and the tube and worm at Cuttyhunk.
Jim Silvestro and Frank Costello, who usually catch big fish, had to struggle, taking seven 30-inch fish first. It wouldn't surprise me to see Jim running his own charter boat in Boston Harbor in the near future.
Nate & Tina Boyer fished in the fog, landing several keepers to 21 pounds at Quicks on eels.
One real highlight was Brian McCann's 14-year-old son, Kevin, landing a beautiful 39-pound bass on Sow and Pigs, as Pete Virbacious, who has fished Cuttyhunk more than most in the halcyon days, looked on in sheer joy. It was three generations sharing a common experience, one not to be forgotten, I'm sure.
Dave Gadsby and friend, Angus, helped create a new tournament. Many Falmouth locals have heard of the Falmouth Grand Prix Fishing Tournament, which includes catching marlin, tuna, and shark. Dave's new event I like to call the "Woods Hole Grand Slam." To win this event, one must catch a keeper bass, bluefish, fluke, and several scup. All fish are specially prepared and eaten raw as sashimi. I'm sure this is the beginning of a long tradition, at least in the Woods Hole area.
L.T. Hill, Peter Moore, and son, Phil, saw the relationship of the falling barometer to great fishing as they boated 13 keepers at Cuttyhunk casting eels. As soon as the barometer started to rise, the fishing died. Phil, a fierce advocate of eel conservation, landed five or six big fish on the same eel.
David Baltimore and friend, Tommy, took three keepers and several bluefish on light tackle.
Jack Scanlon celebrated his birthday on a surprise fishing trip. Jack was all around the keepers, but the fish gods weren't generous. Don Burke and future son-in-law, Shawn, took three fish from 20 to 24 pounds on the same trip at Cuttyhunk in spite of Shawn's mal de mer.
Joe Gattuso, son, Steve, and Brian Foley took seven nice keepers to 25 pounds at Cuttyhunk on tubes.
Michael & Darren Leahy and Harry Hammond had a big day at Cuttyhunk, taking at least twenty keepers into the 30-pound class. Harry, a seasoned fisherman, still let the big one get away.
Doug Nickerson enjoyed some good bass fishing in the southwest bluff until the big seas drove us out. His party took eleven keepers, most around 20 pounds, on tubes.
A Few Final Thoughts
Before concluding, I would like to thank Jim Trimarchi for giving me one of his homemade lure creations. This oak plug, called the "Nobska Scout," I'm sure could exceed casting distances of over 100 yards and could probably knock a surface-feeding bass unconscious with the power of a closed-choke shotgun at 40 yards.
What really makes this plug unique is that the oak it's made of came from an old pole that was used to pull down the window shades in the labs at the Marine Biological Laboratory, perhaps the one that was in the lab of Dr. Albert Szent-Gyorgyi. As kids, we used to sneak into Dr. Szent-Gyorgyi's office to look at the picture of the 58-pound striper he caught in the gut at Penzance on a plug.
For me, the oak, as well as my memories of fishing in Woods Hole as a kid, are all part of the fabric which keeps me looking forward to every new season and every new adventure.
My rates for 2002 will be $450 per day.
Gift certificates are available.
Look forward to hearing from you.
With warmest regards,
