Capt. Corey Gammill





Fishing Report July 27th







Good Morning Fishermen,

Well, it is finally July in the fishing world. This is not a bad thing, just a time of transition and a time for us to appreciate the staple of our fishery, Bluefish. Further, it is a time for us to try new and different, both in terms of catching new species or new ways of catching your favorite old species. The ten days of consistent Southwest wind has raised the water temperature dramatically taking any residential Bass into the deep water or the offshore rips. There are certainly still Bass to catch, but you either have to drag wire line deep, Jig the deep water, fish at night, or plug the offshore rips. The average spin fisherman who fishes during the day will have a lot of trouble targeting these fish.

We say all of this not to be negative, but to help you adjust your expectations. If Bass are still your goal, you can catch them, you just might need to travel further if on a boat, or you will need to adjust your method of fishing or your timing. Beach Fishermen are still reporting catching fish during the nighttime hours on Black Soft Baits or Bombers, although the numbers have thinned. If you do want to catch these fish inshore during the day, your best bet is Wire Line, or Vertical Jigging the rocks of Sankaty or the deep channels of the harbor.

As for the excitable Bonito, our dear friend Clark White did catch the first Bonito at Great Point (not a surprise.) The Bonito Bar is starting to get filled up with bait and the speedsters are bound to be following shortly. A few captains have been logging their time at the bar and there is plenty of bait, it has just yet to settle on the bar. Most of it is sitting a mile + offshore. What is fun though is that mixed the Sand Eels (the traditional fare) has been half beaks (Northern Ballyhoo) which is traditionally an offshore bait. This is exciting because of the hope of some bigger tuna inshore. This Always seems to be a pipe dream, but considering the southern offshore action earlier this year, it is a distinct possibility.

As for offshore action, this is where the July fishery is HOT! Tuna are being caught with abandon East of the island off of Chatham. Crab ledge in particular has produced tremendous fish for both the trollers (squid bars) and for the caster. The casters have been fortunate that these fish have been very active on the surface, producing fish for those willing to head East and show their patience. Please make sure if you consider trying this that you go down with the correct equipment. The fish range from 50 inches to 75 inches and an inappropriate rod will make it difficult to land the fish and will make it difficult for the fish to survive when you release them.

Staying on the offshore note, White Marlin have again been seen with some consistency South of the island. If you are looking for a different adventure, these fish are recommended. It is tough to get these fish to turn on artificials, so make sure to have some live scup (best bait says many) or something else dead that you can pitch their way. White Marlin tend to be curious, but particular fish. You can often get them to turn, but tough to get them to bite. Pay particular attention to your terminal tackle and don’t use a leader bigger than 30 lbs.

Lastly, Please don’t forget about the staple of our fishery. Bluefishing has been tremendous this year with fish being caugh tat great point, chord of the bay, the Eastern Shore and off the airport with consistency. Even if it is for your child’s sake, get them on the water and introduce them to these fish that make your eyes pop when you seem them fighting for a ballistic, or listen to that gasp when you see a ten pound blue jump. Or even better the laugh you both produce when you see five fish chase your lure for fifty feet and scatter under the boat upon missing the hook what seems like a dozen times. Cherish the bluefish, it is a gift to all Nantucket fishermen.

Our Final word is that it is easy for someone at the end of July to take the attitude of “not today” there is nothing exciting in the water. Take the opposite attitude. Appreciate the Bluefish that you wish you could catch in January or try to be amongst the first to catch a bonito, or go find a different way to catch Bass(try vertical jigging!) Or even better try and learn about the tremendous offshore fishery that Nantucket has. People adverse to trolling will love the opportunity to cast at and hook these large magnificent offshore creatures.

Tight Lines and please bring us your stories of experimentation.



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Bill Fisher Tackle
508-228-2261
127 Orange St. Nantucket, MA 02554
http://www.billfishertackle.com