Surfland Bait and Tackle

Over at Surfland Bait & Tackle Liz said that the striper bite is still going strong in the river, but things are changing a bit. The upriver fishing that has been going crazy in the Lawrence area has slowed down a bit. And be warned, the Environmental Police have been cracking down on unlicensed fishing and keeping illegal stripers, bravo to them! So make sure all your licenses are up to date and that you have and use your tape if you plan to harvest a striper. Look for the action to progress back down toward the mouth over the coming few weeks. Most of the stripers being caught are 30 inches and larger, there have been very few 20-inch class fish and even fewer smaller ones, which has the Surfland crew and many anglers concerned for how the fishing will be in a few short years. But for now, the fishing is great, Joppa is putting out good catches from the shore and boats. There have been slots in the Parker River and some news of good bass fishing to the south in places like the Annisquam River as well. Shad fishing has been best in the North Andover area this week. And there have been some good founder reports south of the island, as well.

Over at Surfland Bait & Tackle word was that the striper action continues to impress and excite local anglers. The mouth of the Merrimack has been hot for stripers with the bait guys soaking clams doing well during the day and pluggers are taking over after dark with SPs, darters, bucktails and lead-headed soft plastics. The beaches continue to get better every day with stripers from 30 to 40 inches, the beaches along Joppa and adjacent to the river have been especially good. There have been some good topwater reports in the early mornings here as well. Shad action has been strong this week in the river, there are macks around as well. Things are looking really good!