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My wife and I will be moving to Newburyport for May 1st. We have arranged for a slip at Ferry Landing. The vast majority of our fishing time is spent on fly and light tackle. Would appreciate any advice suggestions on fishing the Merrimac and or other areas. No need to be too specific, really looking to understand what time of year the bass move in, when they leave, forage, etc...
Also, due to family comittments I won't have my boat in the water until June 24th,25th. If anyone is interested in subletting my slip at Ferry Landing until then - I don't know if this is possible due to rules and regs but imagine this can be arranged - I'd be willing to explore some type of arrangement. Up to a 22' boat.
Finally, If anyone can clue me in on the near shore tuna fishery. When? Generally where? I'd be much obliged. I will be buying a chart of the area, until then anyone know how far off Jeffries is from the mouth of the Merrimac?
And anyone needs a fishing partner or would like to trip swap, let me know.
I think Joppa Flats would be a great place to flyfish, especially early in am or late in the day (during the week, less traffic). The schoolie action starts the 2nd week of May, try from the 15 can around half tide rocks (be careful) over to the shet pipe. Also maybe a trip down the Parker river at high tide into the middle grounds. You picked a great spot to move to, especially that you can ditch work and be at the boat in 5 mins, lucky guy! The football tuna bite starts in the summer and goes through Aug+ Sept. They are hit and miss, very unpredictable, and mostly just luck hooking up or even seeing them. Your best bet is your radio + cell, working together with a group. There is a flyfish website; reel time, that you should check out. Good luck and good fishing. B
One thing: the mouth is no joke, try it first at slack tide, if its too rough during the tide just wait it out, no sense capsizing, it happens to some every year.
I also have a slip at FLM, look for me once you get in town - been fishing the river for the last 9 years - I'm no expert and I still learn something new each trip out. 99.9% fly fishing and hope to chase the SBFT this year as well.
I've been fishing on and off for approximately 20 years. Most of my time has been spent fishing RI sound out of Charlestown, RI (also fun on the outgoing) - fish BI, Newport, Sakonnet and occasionally fish around Cuttyhunk and the Islands.
I run a 18' Tripp Angler - in the process of repowering with an e-tec 90. They are made in Westport, MA - similar to a maritime I suppose. Modified v-hull, so wet and can be a little uncomfortable in a steep chop, but built extremely well and serves my purposes on most days.
Striper Tom and others, I'll look out for you once in town. And will also check out Reel-time, I've polked around there some in the past.
Again appreciate all the advice and look forward to seeing you on the water.
I run a 18' Tripp Angler
Again appreciate all the advice and look forward to seeing you on the water.
Oliver
NO offense intended but dont think about Jefferies in your boat, but there are plenty of good inshore spots to consider. Stay in the river and catch a lot of nice fish. On given days, the mouth of the river can be a bear even for boats twice your size
__________________ Capt. George Full Strike Anglers
F/V Lady Diane
2005 2325 Pacific Plate Alloy Boat
USCG 50Ton Master
Maine Tidewater Guide
I live in the Byfield section of Newbury and keep my boat on a trailer at Ferry Landing. I'll be there on May 15th, look for the yellow boat with the blue cover.
I wonder how much do they charge to keep boat on trailer at Ferry Landing.
My new boat is Boston Whaler Conquest 255 on tri-axle trailer.
Another question, which I cannot get answered by calling them, how comfortable
would you feel keeping bunch of expensive electronics instruments on board.
When I was looking for a spot to keep my new boat I stopped in there. He thought they might be able to store the boat on its trailer across the street on a vacant lot they had. I just didnt feel the security would be adequate so I looked elsewhere. Nice enough people however.
__________________ Capt. George Full Strike Anglers
F/V Lady Diane
2005 2325 Pacific Plate Alloy Boat
USCG 50Ton Master
Maine Tidewater Guide
gf, I wonder how much do they charge to keep boat on trailer at Ferry Landing?**Another question, which I cannot get answered by calling them, how comfortable would you feel keeping bunch of expensive electronics instruments on board?
$900 for the season, but I think they are full for 2005.
I remove my combo GPS/fishfinder each time I go out and keep my boat covered so I don't have any real worries.* I imagine pretty much everyone keeps their electronics on their boats, however, just like the boats in the slips.* The marina is not locked at all, which can be a negative, but I have not heard of any theft recently.
CodFisher: no offense taken. I was thinking more for when the wifes parents visit, friends boats, etc...
GF: Will look out for you in May.
Striper Tom or others who have kept their boat at Ferry Landing or other local marinas, is security an issue? Do you remove electronics even if left in the water?
I have kept boats on the river for 6 seasons now. Never had an issue w/ theft. Know of a couple of incidents, but mostly fishing gear, not electronics, being permanently borrowed. I am at Newburyport Harbor Marina. They added a security gate last year but it isn't much of a detrement. There should be public lynchings if the folks get caught.....
I am also on the river at windward, just before the bridge. I own Thresher, a 50' Post Covertible. Everyone else is right about that mouth, I have had times taking my boat out of it that it is quite hairy. I have seen that mouth pick up to 14' breakers at times and have actually had a friend in a 17 whaler flip in there. Please be careful and time it right.
This is my first year at FLM, so I can't offer any advice on electronics. At a minimum I plan on locking everything up in the console, with a cover over it.
I've got to tell you though, coming in June 24th and 25th you've pretty much missed the two best months of the year.
Lots of experienced salts here who have forgotten more than I know. I am 36 but I have over 20 years of experience in small and large boats on the Mac and Jeffries. Been fly, light tackle and offshore fishing the river out to JL forever. 22' Striper WA across the river in Cove Marina.
Your boat is perfect (pick your days) for Mac, Joppa, Plum Island, Ipswich, Hampton River, Breaking Rock, Hampton Shoal Ledge, Isle of Shoals - basically the whole bay from IOS to Cape Ann. Get yourself a "Captain Seagulls" Chart. Shows you everywhere you need to know.
Tuna around last year off Cape Ann and on the "70 degree" line. Never caught one myself but had my shots. Now I am obsessed.
I'll be splashing around May 10. Give me a shout sometime if you want an "Orientation Cruise." Half the time I am looking for a crew. Two little boys so most of my inshore fishing takes place between 4-10am. Best Bite early and late anyway. Then home to put on the daddy-pants and spell the wife.
Don't sweat the inlet (too much). If you know how to run it is not bad. If it is THAT crappy, you are not going to want to be outside anyway. Joppa is fishable 99% of the time in any weather and there are always fish inside and up river.
Put me on your contact list. Always enjoy showing a new guy the ropes. Don't be shy about contacting. Send me you info and I'll put you on a PDL for a "crew call" e-mail.
PS: I'll also steer you toward the best bars and restaurants, tackle shops etc etc in the area.
Beautiful town. Wish I lived there. Parents have a beach house just north so I "wasted" an awful lot of my youth there!
StriperTom - I hear ya about missing the two best months. On the positive side, my boat will be in the water - just that it will be in Rhode Island. I've grown up fishing in RI and know the area well, and this is by far my favorite time to fish down there so it isn't a horrible thing.
MaxPauper - what's a PDL? I'll have to update my profile, my email address is[list=1]. I'd like to take you up on your offer and certainly reciprocate. Sounds like we fish the same shifts.
Thanks all for the great info and look forward to catching up with you.
New to Newburyport 
