Where to go in Salem/Beverly harbors?

[JAS13]

Looking for local boating knowledge on where might be some productive areas for Stripers out and around Salem/Beverly/Manchester shorelines??? Just got a boat but won't do me much good if I don't know where to go. New to the area. Moved to the North Shore two years ago and didn't do much fishing last year. Thanks for any help.

PS. Was out this past weekend just criusing around. Was marking small schools 10-20 fish on the fish finder mostly in the channels. Didn't really see much hanging close to the islands out there (Misery and Bakers);

—*JAS

[mdglaw]

I live in Marblehead and fish out of a Lund alaskan. I frankly avoid Salem/Beverly. I have caught fish out there. Off the coast between Winter Island and Beverly Harbor. There are fish in the river, I have caught one keeper in there numbers of schoolies. There is a bar off the golf course on a dropping tide. White fuel dock is a decent spot. Some big fish are taken off of Bakers Island and Tinkers. Fish arount the rocks off of Fort Sewell and the Browns.
However, I have much better luck, more consitent, etc. in Boston Harbor. Launch out of winthrop. Ipswich River is real fun but can get very shallow and very buggy. Great fly fishing though.

[michael]

JAS, I just moved down to Newport from Marblehead. I have fished Salem Harbor, Beverly, Marblehead and other interesting spot on the North Shore for the last 4 years. Salem Harbor is great when the fish show up. The fall can be outstanding. There are numerous boat ramps for you up there but I would reccomend the one at the camp ground in Salem near the Power Plant. I think it's called Salem Willows or something like that. The tide plays a factor at most other boat ramps like Marblehead harbor near Deveroux Beach, forget it at low tide. There is another one at the Kernwood Bridge that I think is okay, never launched from there. All in all you should have a blast. The fishing is great up there. Huge fish can be had in and around Salem & Marblehead Harbor. Good luck.

[JAS13]

Mike,

The ramp you are referring to is on Winter Island. I will be using this ramp quite often. Do you have any specific spots you might be able to point me in. There is a lot of water to cover and have some ideas of where to start, but should they not pan out I am looking for known producing spots. Good luck with your season...

—*JAS

[JAS13]

Just out of curiosity... Why do you avoid Salem/Beverly Harbors??? Is it the traffic?

[michael]

JAS, The Danver's River, up under the Route 1 Brigde up to the Kernwood Bridge and Golf Course all the way up to the White Fuel spot can be great. In and around Marblehead Harbor near the lighthouse, Ft. Sewall, and around the Neck back near Castle Rock produce. On the Salem Harbor side check the outflowing tide in the corner of Lead Mills. There will be nice fish coming out of the estuary there. When the summer gets rolling you may want to go have a few pops at The Rockmore in Salem Harbor. You'll be amazed at the big boys that hang under place and eat french fries from people tossing them over the side. You should also troll around the Village Street Dock every now and then. I have had some amazing days catching fish off the docks there. Always ask the locals where the fish are hitting. There's a guy at Jerry's Army, Navy discount store in Salem that knows the area who'll point you in the right direction. Check into going to The Marblehead Surf Casters Club, they can give you loads of advice.

Good luck, Also hit the outter islands as well.

[JAS13]

Mike,

Thanks for the reply and all the info. It is much appreciated!

tight lines
—*JAS

[Garym]

JAS,

Do you know what having a few pops means or do we have to explain that to you too?? HAA!

Gary

[JAS13]

GaryM,

Gee... you wouldn't need me to get over there for a few pops if you were able to make your own wake.... OUCH!

Just Kidding

— J

[MoneyTree]

Hey Conol is that you? Its ken. How is the fishing in R.I. Been crushing them up here.

[michael]

Ken, Yes it is me. We've been doing very well down here for the last month or so. It's on and off, but when you hit you hit big. Are you sure it monytree and not moneybags. I guess a few folks up there aren't familiar with having a couple of pops, ( as in iced cold beers). Other than that all is well. We went for the triple play the other night and got two thirds there, stripers, blues, but no sea trout. We'll keep trying. We should connect.

[bpmurray]

<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>Salem Harbor:High tide, try the Lead Mills - right at the end of the harbor. Look at this at low tide to get a feel for how the current goes. Follow the tide around past West Shore Landing and to Waterside Cemetery (they move close to shore there). They seem to evaporate around&nbsp;4 hours after high tide.</P>
<P>Marblehead Harbor: Too many boats for comfort, but Fort Sewall area is usually pretty good. Try around the ocean side of Chandler-Hovey Park (Lighthouse).</P>
<P>Sea-side of Marblehead: When the blues come in, the entire length of the ocean side is good - watch for birds. Otherwise, try around Halfway Rock and Tinkers Island (this is an unbelievable spot: you won't believe how often you get skunked, and other times you won't believe how many you catch and how big they are). This is also good for cod in spring/fall. Close in, Castle Rock is good, but only right in close - it falls away to sand quickly.</P>
<P>Ask Pete Boutrakis in Pete's Bait &amp; Tackle on Rt. 114 - he knows the area like the back of his hand, and has put together a few pamphlets on where to go.</P>
<P>B=</P>

[JAS13]

bpmurry,

thanks for the info. Pete seems to be the guy to talk to... Several others have mentioned him as well.

— JAS

[mdglaw]

Jas:
I live in Marblehead and I belong to Marblehead Surfcasters. This is a great group of people, and a real bargain. we meet second tuesday of each month at the Park and Rec building in Marblehead. I can send you an application with an address.
There is a lot of good fishing around Marblehead Salem because of all the rock structure. But I find a great deal of competition at the good spots. Winter Island is a great ramp other than the rock on the inland side at low tide but it does not open till 6, 7 last year. Kernwood does not open till 7. Popes is a long ride at slow speed. and the bowling alley in Beverly is a decrepit ramp and you have to make arrangements in advance for an early launch. Lots of fish come out of there, don't get me wrong. It's just I have caught more fish with less effort in Boston Harbor the last two year. IF you want to go out Sunday (21) give me an email at mdglaw@veriomail.com. My friend cant go out (family stuff). I dislocated my shoulder skiing and cant launch all by myself. We will "pop one" and see if it is a good idea to fish together
MIke G.