Current Waters: Nantucket Fishing Report

The striped bass fishing continues to be strong. We still have pockets of cold water in the right areas and the bass are still on the squid. There is no hot fluke bite but we’re still getting some. We’re seeing a few more seabass mixed in with our fluking.

The bluefish numbers are finally increasing and are spreading out into more of the expected areas. It seems like they knew they were supposed to show up in time for the August Blues tournament.

If you go to the right place at the right time you’ll find yourself some bonito now too.

We were lucky enough to be treated to some swordfish steaks this week from Captain Scott Riddle. Running the boat Drummer Hoff, Captain Scott went out to the canyons south of Nantucket. About 100 miles offshore from Nantucket, fishing the canyons is a commitment and not for the novice boater.

The warm water of the Gulf Stream moves north over the underwater canyons creating a productive fishing area for warm-water species such as mahi, white marlin, blue marlin, wahoo, and a variety of species of tuna to name a few. The canyons themselves are sharp cuts in the continental shelf that were formed by prehistoric glacier melt and are found along a line where the shelf drops off into the open ocean and deep-water abyssal plain. It’s like the Grand Canyon but underwater.

Most boats will run overnight to maximize fishing time at the canyons because of the long distance traveled to fish there. During the day, the Dummer Hoff caught mahi and four yellowfin tuna. When fishing the canyons at night, the standard operating procedure is to drift baits for swordfish, tuna, or both simultaneously. Captain Scott was aiming for swordfish. Swordfishing is almost exclusively done on the drift. Squid, mackerel, and eel are the ideal baits for nighttime swordfish. While everyone else aboard was asleep, Captain Scott fished three rods, drifting with squid for bait. He had a bite, the hook set, and, after a 45-minute battle and a little luck as Captain Scott said, the fish was landed.

We were treated to several steaks and had Captain Scott over for a surf and turf dinner. For the fresh swordfish, we did limited seasoning of salt and pepper with a little olive oil, seared it for a minute on each side, and then baked at 400° for seven minutes. Believe me when I say that each bite melted like butter. We are psyched for Scott’s catch and for sharing the bounty.

Along with some decent fishing, the hot, humid weather lately has produced a lot of fog – when warm air moves over cooler water. We are the Gray Lady after all. We spend a lot of time in the fog. It’s just part of New England boating. Even for experienced captains like me, navigating in the fog takes focus. Just because you have instruments (radar, GPS, etc.) doesn’t mean you can take it easy at the helm. Because of the time it takes to stop or turn a boat, fog is considered “dense” for a mariner if it reduces visibility to less than 1 mile.

According to the Coast Guard, weather is the top factor contributing to boating accidents in the U.S., and fog is one factor increasing those risks. Just recently there was a boating accident during limited visibility in Massachusetts where speed was a major factor. Here are some general rules to follow when navigating in fog. Some are pretty obvious, but you’d be surprised on the water what people don’t seem to take seriously.

• Slow down
• Turn on your running lights (yes, even in the daytime)
• Listen for sounds around you (i.e. don’t crank your radio).
• Use your radar if you have one, and other navigation equipment. If you don’t have radar, you should really be particular about your days on the water.
• Keep a lookout – if you have a mate or a buddy on board, if the fog is thick enough, you may need them to act as a lookout.
• Stay informed via radio

Slow is pro. Getting there is the most important part, not how fast you get there.

Remember to sign up soon for the August Blues Tournament. This month-long fishing tournament is only in its second year and it’s already a popular tournament. All proceeds raised will support Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy in the ongoing fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The motive behind the tournament is to bring the community together while raising money for a worthwhile cause that hits close to home for Nantucket’s oral surgeon and avid fisherman Greg Chotkowski. His son, August, lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy courageously every day with a smile on his face. The tournament proudly bears his name.

There are lots of prizes, multiple divisions, and some good competitive fun. You can register online and check out the tournament rules. Or stop by Cisco Brewery this Friday (today), Saturday, and Sunday 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. to register and ask any questions. Come on, like you need an excuse to go to the brewery this weekend!

Current Waters is presented by Topspin Fishing