Plum Island

[Rocktrout]

Hello. I just moved to the Boston area and was hoping to hit the water this weekend for the first time in a month or so. I have never been up to Plum Island, but have heard good things. Can anyone offer any advice to a newbie?

Cheers,
Adam

[fishinbill]

Welcome aboard.

A good start is to do a search on this forum. Search for Plum Island, Merrimack, and Joppa. All are places near PI, and the terms are often used interchangeably. This search (and a map) will give you a good idea of what the area has to offer. Part of the appeal of PI, however, is its accessibility. This can make it very crowded on weekends, although the boat scene may have calmed down a bit after Labor Day.

What kind of fishing do you want to do--fly or spin? Will you be wading or fishing from a boat?

[Rocktrout]

Thanks for the reply. I will be wading and throwing flies. Hopefully this weekend will be a nice one. Thanks for any info.

[Pauper Piscator]

This weekend is going to be 15-20 with 4-6. Ouch. I would say try high tide or EARLY am at the PI bridge, or some sheltered area by Capt Georges.

The beach at PI is going to be whitewater and the Jetties suicide.

WATCH the tides. Joppa has 6-10'tides and they are FAST.

Good luck

[Rocktrout]

ok, maybe not the best time to try it.

[John Wade]

Plum Island Surfcasters is having its fall "Fish-o-rama" (don't know the real name), Satuday @ Parker River Refuge, from 5 to 10 AM. Find the refuge and go. Even if the fishings bad, you get to meet the folks.

[bluefishercat]

Pauper piscator
Where do you find those forecasts?
thanks Pete

[Pauper Piscator]

http://www.nws.bnl.gov/marine.html

Now they are saying 10-15, 4-6. You could give it a go. The river / harbor will be good but breezy.

[bluefishercat]

Thanks Maine forecast is better than NH

[stingray]

I will be on the Merrimack River Saturday afternoon in a keylargo 190 with T-top and merc from about 11am on. If you see me give a shout, whether from boat (channel 68) or shore (just wave your arms and shout). Due to the weather conditions, as of 3:15pm seas 3-5' wind 10-15knts. I imagine it will be a (stay in the river) day

Bob

[boba]

Roc,
For wading, try the state park at the south end.(You won't have to pay for the federal part if tell them you are going to fish there and don't stop on the way). It won't be as crowded as the north end either. Email me for more info.
For tides, check:
http://www.maineharbors.com/ma/sepplu03.htm
My reply won't be in time for this Saturday with this posting, and I'm not an expert on the area. I fish there only a couple of times a year. However, some info from friends who were pro's there may help.
If you wish to reply, put fishing in the subject line. Due to too much spam, I trash everythin else.

[John Wade]

SKUNK! Drove the refuge 4 to 8 am. Stop, cast , go stop, cast go. 3 foot with a good chop wind 045 at 10.
Drove up the coast to Rye, not a bird in sight!
My high hopes are beginning to fade:confused:

[ssully]

Adam,

Heard of some fish on Joppa this AM. Nothing large.

[Barry Lackman]

If you're in the Boston area, don't overlook Castle Island in South Boston.

[Rocktrout]

Thanks for some suggestions. I took a ride up to Cape Ann on Sunday for a looksee. I didn't break out the rod, because the waves started picking up and the rain started to fall. I hit Halibut Point and Marblehead to check out some spots. They don't look bad, but not much access for a 30+ minute drive. I bought JG's book a while back, but seem to have misplaced it. Any info on some locales in the more immediate Boston area would be great. I guess I will look south next time.


Cheers,
Adam