New boater/angler questions

[mayday1019]

Hey Guys,

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I am new to saltwater fishing and have just recently bought my first boat.

I am sure one of the best ways to get the fish is to find out what the abundant bait fish is in the area at any particular time.

How do you guys know which baitfish are in the area? Can you see them from the boat?

My next question is in regards to "finding the fish." Without asking you guys to divulge your secret spots, do you ride out until you mark fish on the fish finder or do you look for birds and fish working on top?

Any help would be appreciated!!!

Thank you.

[capecodkid]

Well first wat area are u in? (#$119)

[albacized]

Hey Guys,

As I have mentioned in previous posts, i am new to saltwater fishing and have just recently bought my first boat.

I am sure one of the best ways to get the fish is to find out what the abundant bait fish is in the area at any particular time.

How do you guys know which baitfish are in the area? Can you see them from the boat?

My next question is in regards to "finding the fish." Without asking you guys to divulge your secret spots, do you ride out until you mark fish on the fish finder or do you look for birds and fish working on top?

Any help would be appreciated!!!

Thank you.

As far as baitfish is concerned, you learn by several methods: reading about and researching the area you fish as well as actual visuals. Also researching the habits of various baitfish can make it easier for you to guess which baitfish may be prevalent in a given area. For example, if you fish near sandbars or beaches, you might expect to find sandeels: around bulkheads, you might find juvenile pollock and cunners, in the fall around outlets of bays, you may find juvie herring and peanut bunker.

Finding fish is as simple as reading the water. For example, look for rips or find water of different colors (indicates changes in depths). Also, keep an eye out for birds diving on the water or for actual fish jumping...But a lot of it is on you to get out there and learn the ropes...good luck

[Bob Parsons]

Then there is the old fashion way, you look for a fleet of boats that have already found the fish with their superior electronics. Or descretely follow a charter boat. (Not Riptide, you'll never be able to keep up http://www.reel-time.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)

[SAGE9]

You can blow a whole work day on this site. Lots of good info - but takes some digging.



(http://www.stripermoon.com)

[mayday1019]

Thanks guys. I will typically be launching the boat from the Hingham-Weymouth area and will mostly be in the harbor area.

[SamRiley]

First of all, there are lots of things that don't mix well with props in the Haba. Study your charts, know the tides, know your draft and go slow until you get to know the area. Ditto on the blow a work day idea (I've only blown one... honest). Read the reports and find out which members post useful data then stalk them on the site. As for bait, you will sometimes see it which makes life easier. Other clues include time of year. Herring for example stack up around rivers in the harbor in Spring. Think like the bait. Another clue is to see what type of birds are working. Terns don't go for adult Herring or Macs but Gulls and Gannets do.

[BigBoatDog]

MayDay1019,
I know, it sounds expensive but you can learn from a good guide in a day what it took them years to learn as a kid. Hire one from the area you will spend most of your time fishing. Tell them you want a low incoming tide and watch where the rocks, musclebeds and sandbars are. These will produce most of your fish. Also pay careful attention to the fish finder and the depth you are getting fish.
BBD