September 10, 2021 Report
It’s rough out there on the oceanfront today. The mouth of the river waves are enormous! The swell from Hurricane Larry way out in the Atlantic has really pushed the sea in hard. And this is no joke. Ten-foot waves that have the tendency to crash in the shallow water, race up the beach, splash your trousers, and drag you back in the water. Honestly, be careful out there. You’ll likely have to deal with seaweed while surfcasting, and a ton of lobster traps washing up too.
Fishing reports are thin right now. No one is boating out front, and the usual suspects haven’t been calling in. Some jetty guys, though, have grabbed a few slot stripers. Good eating size at about 30″. Swimming plugs are reported as effective. There are some rumors that Joppa Flats has turned on again. Haven’t heard what size fish are being taken, but I have seen some schoolies pictures from there.
We hope the refuge doesn’t shut down the drive-on folks this weekend because of the surf. Best check with the Parker River Wildlife Refuge site before you drive your four-wheeler up here.
In the Shop
We just got a shipment of big, beautiful, and angry sea worms. Martha says they’ll be spectacular bait, especially for tube-and-worm fishers.
Also just in, Shimano Stradic 5000, and Shimano Sustain 5000 reels. For new-to-the-market lures, Shimano Colt Sniper Splashwalk, and the new Green Mackerel pattern is now on the market. Finally, new 11-foot Shimano Tiralejo surf rods made an appearance. Come take a look.
Don’t Miss the Gate
Last year, the Parker River Wildlife Refuge opened their front gate a half hour before sunrise to let in the early fishermen (and birders.) It was also open a half hour after sunset.
However, this year it seems they have been opening a bit later, and closing a bit sooner. If you’re heading to the beach for drive-on or walk-on fishing, you might want to call the Refuge Headquarters to confirm the actual hours for your fishing trip. Here’s the Refuge Manager’s number:
(978) 465-5753
Beach Access Status
(As of 8/26): All of the refuge boardwalks that provide access to the beach are open to the public
Fish
Rick Prefontaine
Hi Martha, my biggest from the Hampton marshes. 48″ long 24″ girth. Safely released to fight again. PS, thx again for repairing my reel on such short notice. Your mom would be smiling…
Eric L and Son
Here is a photo of my sons monster – Caught by boat on an SP Minnow in front of Plum Island this past weekend! We didn’t even take the time to measure – just a quick photo and then safely released.