Merrimack River / Joppa Flats – June 24, 2006

After struggling with trying to decide if my brother Jay and I would go to a lake to troll for salmon / trout or to head for the surf on foot due to the lightening threats this morning, I just went for it and took the boat to Joppa flats in the mouth of the Merrimack river. The reports online were kind of negative lately in regard to the quality of striper action there so it was a very tough call. Glad we decided on what was to come…

Got out into the river on and around Joppa flats (with the boat) this AM for some better than fair action. Fished 3 hours before high and 3 after.

Between the two of us we boated over a 100 fish. OK, half of that were micros but the rest ranged from low 20’s up to several keeper sized fish. Biggest was 37″ by Jay. We actually got into an awesome pod of big fish quite early but it don’t take long for the eyes of the neighbors to overtake your drift as well as have your drift and big fish drag you out to sea once and a while.

All fish were caught on sluggos and flies (clousers and deceivers). Almost all fish were on the surface. Lost my hottest producing clouser to a micro at the boat. DOH! That should teach me to retie (I hope).

Before high-tide, we had several sightings of monster sized fish COMING COMPLETELY OUT OF THE WATER!!!!! Usually the big fish don’t need to do that right? Wow, what a sight. Was out in front of the beaches near the mouth and saw some diving birds (but caught no fish under them).

NEWS FLASH – I got my 1st keeper sized fish on a fly rod today. Actually got my 1st striper on a fly today. Wow, was that fun. I think that one was only 28″ on the nose but was admittedly more fun than even my biggest fish caught on light tackle freshwater setup with 10 pound line (was a 39″ btw for those that are wondering).

 

I’m tired, have striper thumbs, and all I can think of right now is…….. I need to do that again as soon as possible.

 

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Haunted Lake – June 17, 2006

Met up with an old friend / coworker for a day on one of my favorite bass ponds in New Hampshire – Haunted lake.

The weather was so beautiful it could have been painted on a canvas. Besides the weather we also caught many largemouth bass. Nothing big but lots of fun and consistant. The sounds of the fish jumping in the back brush really keeps you pumped to get another one.

Was a great day with great fishing and great company

Brian

Glen Lake – June 11th, 2006

I went fishing with my best buddy in the whole world tonight – my son / my boy / my pride and joy, Ryan.

We were horsing around in the living room after a day that I was pretty busy working around the house when he out of nowhere he said, Daddy I want to go fishing. I said let’s go and we both went out for a short trip down to our home lake.

Grabbed the worms and his zebco fishing rod. Oh ya and could not forget the bobbers. We went to the lake and setup right away. He cast out a few times for practice then finally with the worm.

We did not catch anything but I managed to get some pictures of him sitting in his little chair and another great memory of us fishing together.

Finally, he is starting to want to catch “the big one”. I can’t wait until he does. 🙂

Brian