Ryan from Virginia crushed it today on our morning trip! He caught his first bluefish before we even left the harbor between the marina and Brant Point Lighthouse. Ryan continued his streak by landing 3 more bluefish off Coatue! As if that wasn’t enough, he continued to show off his angling skills by decimating the wreck – caught a double-header scup to start off and eventually landed this nice black sea bass. Way to go Ryan!!!
Capt Josh
Bottom fishing was red hot yesterday! We took a family of 28 out and while the bluefish were there, they weren't hungry. The wreck, however, was teaming with sea bass. We even reeled in a few exotics like this sea robin and a sand shark.
When many anglers hear someone mention "bass," they often think stripers or fresh water black bass. But, here on Nantucket, we also catch black sea bass. They are surprisingly great fighters and fantastic to eat. Long known by commercial fishermen as "rock bass," this species also carries the somewhat endearing name of "old humpback," due to the enlarged area above the head that is characteristic of many old males.
Black sea bass are best caught from May through summer in and around underwater structures (wrecks, jetties, and piers). The black sea bass is predominantly a bottom-feeder, although it will occasionally strike at plugs, jigs, or lures. The most commonly caught fish weigh from ½ to 2 pounds.
The firm, white flesh of this species is a favorite of many. In restaurants, black sea bass are often called "squirrel fish," and Chinese restaurants will serve delicious whole deep-fried bass as "Hunan fish." My wife and I coat the filets in a crumb mixture of crushed saltines and almonds and fry them in butter – EXCELLENT.
But, remember, with any species, take home only what you are going to eat – toss the others back so you can catch them next time!
Capt Josh
Reference: Mass Div of Marine Fisheries
(Nantucket Indepedent, Peter B. Brace)
Both the temperature and the fishing are hot on the island today!
Temperatures across Nantucket are expected to near 90 degrees today with the mercury already hovering around 80 at 10:45 a.m.
The National Weather Service was reporting the temperature at 80 degrees at 10:45 a.m., with unofficial reports topping out above 85. The NWS is forcasting a high for the day of at least 85.
The record high for June 9 is 84, set in 1959.
For more info, see www.ack.net
More importantly, FISHING ... fishing was fantastic this morning a few miles north of Nantucket Harbor. Got into some great bluefish top water this morning - most fish about 6 lbs. We were able to pick up one striped bass for dinner just inside the harbor.
