Sinkers: The basics. Egg, Bank, Trolling, and Split-Shot.

Artificial Lures: The type of lure really depends on what kind of fish you are hunting. Recently there have been many developments in lures, such as scented lures, that aid in helping the fish think that a fake lure is really a tasty snack. Think about what fish are in your local waters, ask your local store, and purchase your artificial lures accordingly.

Popping Cork: A little extra help attracting those fish never hurt.

Clippers: Great for breaking worn-out lines.

Extra line: Having extra line of varying lengths can really make or break your day’s catch.

Hooks: They bend, they get lost, they get swallowed … having extra hooks is a must. Without them, your fishing cannot continue!

Pliers: Great for getting those bent hooks out.

Knife: For cutting lines, fish, sandwiches … a must have for any all-day adventure.

First Aid: Because who knows what can happen!

Fishing license: Important to have at hand when you finally land that big trophy. In Massachusetts, anyone over the age of 16 is required to have a permit for any recreational fishing, regardless of where or how you like to fish. Permits run $10, but if you are over 60 it’s free! Not from Massachusetts but love to fish here? If you are a native of New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Vermont, or Connecticut, your state’s permit will be valid in Massachusetts waters.

Before your next fishing excursion, tackle your tackle box. Don’t be unprepared for the advanture!

The Bad News:

Yes, red tide is harmful. It is often called a harmful algal bloom (HAB). Basically, single-cell microscopic algae called phytoplankton, or more specifically, a species of phytoplankton called dinoflagellates, contain photosynthetic pigments that create the discoloration seen in the water during a bloom. When red tide is in full effect, the algae in the blooms contain harmful neurotoxins. The red tide’s algae is not harmful if swimming near it, but it is harmful when ingested in concentrated amounts. So how does this happen? Well, shellfish love algae. Since shellfish (and some carnivorous snails) eat this contaminated algae, and store the neurotoxins in their digestive tracts, the shellfish become toxic. When humans eat them, that toxicity gets into the body and they can fall victim to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) that is extremely dangerous and sometimes lethal.

The Good News:

1. Red tide only affects shellfish, so fishermen do not need to worry about their catch being negatively affected. You cannot get PSP from swimming or being near the HABs.

2. The red tide’s algae blooms are intently monitored by The Division of Marine Fisheries between early spring and late fall, when the blooms most often occur, and restaurants and markets use their alerts to make sure patrons receive safe snails and shellfish. (The HABs tend to begin in mid-April and peak in June, with an occasional second bloom peak in the beginning of the fall, as well.) This means that eating shellfish from reputable restaurants or buying it from markets is perfectly safe, because their shellfish is taken from areas that are not affected by red tide. However, people who harvest their own shellfish should be extremely cautious during an outbreak of red tide, and never get their shellfish from restricted areas.

Remember, there is no way to cook out the harmful neurotoxins that the algae produce. If shellfish is in a red tide zone, it is simply not safe.

Overall, red tide does not have to hinder your love of shellfish or fishing! It is important to stay vigilant during a bloom of red tide … to keep an eye on the DMF’s alerts, as well as the waters in which you fish and dig.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Flashlight

• Red cellophane

• Storage container with small holes poked in it

WHEN AND WHERE:

• Your backyard (or almost any outdoor area) at night, especially after rain

SETUP:

• Cover the tip your flashlight with red cellophane

• Use a sharp object to poke small holes in the cover of your storage container

HOW TO:

Since nightcrawlers are easily found at night, head outdoors once it’s dark, preferably after a rain. No rain in the forecast? Crawlers will most likely still be out. However, if you’d like a little extra help, spray your lawn before the day is over to give them a little extra coaxing.

To begin hunting, shine your flashlight slowly over the ground before you. The red light allows you to see the crawlers, but helps you remain undetected to them. Nightcrawlers love moisture, so as you’re hunting, turn over leaves, rocks, and the like to aid in your search.

See a crawler? Act fast! Once you’ve got one in your sights, do not hesitate. They are faster than you may think. Reach down and with a quick darting motion grab the crawler, yanking it up firmly and putting it in your container. Tread lightly … nightcrawlers can feel the vibrations caused by footsteps, and once spooked will quickly slip back into their holes.

TIP:

Hunting with a junior fisherman? Remember, if a worm is separated from its back end, it usually can regenerate a new one. This may be a comfort to first-time hunters on the off chance they win a worm tug of war, causing the worm to break in half.

Happy hunting!

If it is light-tackle fishing you are looking for, you may want to try snagging a fluke. The fluke is often referred to as a “doormat,” due to its odd shape, and you will know it because both of its eyes are on its left side, facing upwards, which is indicative of a flat fish. Fluke can be found close to land as well as in deeper waters.

Another familiar large flat fish, halibut, is a hard one to reel in, but halibut is one of New England’s most popular fish. If you happen to be coming to Massachusetts in May, you may also find a Black Sea Bass on your hook, since it migrates into Cape Cod Bay around this time. Black bass are particularly fascinating because they are all born as females and become male! They prefer a bottom structure, like reefs and wrecks.

Cod is perhaps the king of all fish in Massachusetts, but many do not know that it has several “cousin” fish (fish that are part of the cod family) that are just as fishable. The cusk, for example, is very similar to cod in terms of fishing strategy and environment. Haddock, another family member, is discernible by its back spot and lateral line, but is best found May through November, whereas cod can be fished all year round. If you feel comfortable catching cod and finding fluke, perhaps you may try your hand at some more aggressive members of the cod family, like the pollack. Pollack is similar to cod, but many find catching it just as challenging as the mean-spirited bluefish.

What is it about bluefish that makes them considered a mean fish? Their teeth! Bluefish possess razor-sharp chompers that will snap at you any chance they get, which earns the fish (especially the more juvenile varieties found inland) the nickname “snapper.” These guys will give you a run for your money, but are definitely worth fighting for.

If you have mastered the light-tackle fish, and the cod family, or even snappers, perhaps you are ready for some true trophy fishing in Massachusetts. Striped bass (“stripers”) are caught from both shore and sea, are easy identified by their black stripes (hence the name) and are prized if you can muscle them onto your boat or beach.

However, the big kahuna, the fish for anyone hoping for big trophy fishing in Massachusetts is the tuna, more specifically, the bluefin tuna. Although you can get a challenging catch by reeling in a yellow or albacore, it’s the mighty bluefin tuna that is the biggest catch of them all. It is the highest paying, offers up the most bragging rights, and makes for a great photograph.

Massachusetts is wealth of saltwater fishing, regardless of if you are looking for a relaxing day, a bit of a struggle, or a full-out battle. Be it on-shore fishing or at sea, to experience some of the best fishing around, try your luck (or skill) in any of Massachusetts’ plentiful fishing communities. There is truly something for everyone’s fishing ability.

There are two main sides to this argument. On one side is the fishing industry — the fishermen, company owners, wholesalers, and their families — those who depend on fishing for their livelihood. On the other side are environmental conservationists and federal agencies like The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, and The New England Fishery Management Council. Fundamentally, both sides have the same concern: the sustainability of the New England fishing community. It is true that commercial fishing has always been a tough industry full of ups and downs, but in recent years, with so many boats out there looking for a big haul, the numbers of fish available to the fishermen are rapidly depleting. For those who need the fish to generate profit, this creates a vicious cycle where, as the number of fish available depletes, the need to find them grows more desperate. So what’s to be done? This is where NOAA steps in, concerned over a diminishing ecosystem that so many Americans depend on. How does one fix a troubled industry that affects both people and the environment? What kind of sacrifices must be made?

NOAA believes the best course of action is to regulate the amount of seafood commercial fishing vessels can pull from the water, and in doing so, give the stock time to replenish and thrive again, ultimately giving the industry a much-needed boost. This vote was passed by The New England Fishery Management Council only recently, and will be put in place by May 1. However, for the fishermen, time is the enemy. There was concern over the ability to catch enough fish even before the regulations, but now many are concerned that, by the time the stock is replenished, their businesses will be run aground. The fishermen also feel that the numbers pulled by these organizations are inaccurate and in need a closer look. For most commercial fishermen, this is the biggest in a series of hard years, and although some feel it may makes sense long term to allow the fish to regenerate their quantities, the livelihood of everyday fishermen is now threatened to the point of extinction.

The repercussions of this new legislation will not be immediately realized. Only time will tell what lasting effect it will have — not only the amount of fish in the ocean, but on the amount of professional fishermen found in Massachusetts.

3 Things to Keep in Mind

Here are three things to keep in mind:

1. Proper Gear- You can choose to go swordfish fishing in the day or night, but no matter what time you choose, it is important that you have the proper gear to help you in your endeavor. Proper gear means having the proper reel that has extra drag power as well as durability to withstand the muscular strength and pull of the mighty swordfish. It is also important to have a custom rod that will accommodate the weight and pull of this ocean species. A braided line is also necessary.
2. Sea Anchor- Make sure you do not go out to sea with the hopes of catching the mighty swordfish without a sea anchor. Be prepared to spend some money on it, as cheap anchor just will not suffice. Get one that is large and has poundage behind it. This is vital in keeping your boat as well as your fishing lines intact when you encounter one of these big creatures on the end of your lines.
3. Safety Precautions- Remember to take the necessary safety precautions to ensure your safety as well as the safety of your fishing companions. Make sure that your boat is well equipped with the standard safety gear that should be on everyone’s mind before you start out on your venture. Life jackets and other personal floatation devices should be properly fitted. Lights, flares, first aid kit, radio, and other necessary equipment should be on the boat. Food and water should also be well-stocked. Never go fishing alone, plan to take some friends with you for companionship and safety reasons.

Swordfish are strong and muscular, be prepared to be disappointed. You can expect to make many swordfish fishing excursions and come home empty-handed. Be prepared to fight. This means you should remember to bring a fighting belt and stand up harness, as you will be having the fight of your life. Make sure to have safety lines that secure both you and your lines to the boat.  If not, you might just find yourself being pulled overboard.
Thinking about going swordfish fishing? This advice will help you to enjoy your adventure. With practice, eventually, you will land one of these amazing sea creatures.

1. Having the Correct Bait- Before setting out on your shark-catching venture, decide on what species of shark you are hoping to catch. There are several different species of sharks, and each one has a different appearance and appetite. Make sure that you do some research into what type of bait is the best for your shark fishing needs. Sharks are meat eaters and some types of bait that they will eat are; starfish, squid, clams, birds, fish, and seals are part of the shark’s diet.
2. Use the Correct Equipment- Choose the proper equipment for the size of the shark that you hope to catch. This means having a sturdy, strong reel that has the proper test line that can withstand the pull of the shark’s strength and weight. A reel seat is also an important piece of equipment to have on board as well as a fighting belt with a back harness.
3. Safety Matters- Remember to secure yourself and your lines to the boat even before you cast your line out. Another factor to remember is to tighten the slack in the line and lock in your reel after approximately a minute. Be prepared to give and take. When the shark resists, give it some slack and then pull back. This give and take session can go on for a very long time. Eventually one of you will give up.

Other things than can help you when you are going shark fishing, here’s how to prepare-Check the weather forecast and only plan on going out to sea in perfect weather. Never go out shark fishing alone as this will help to ensure your safety. It is not as if you are fishing a sunfish from a local stream or river. The shark is one of the strongest sea creatures on this planet. It is also a predator.

Plan your shark-fishing trip ahead of time. Carefully plan to choose a spot that sharks are known to be found. Sharks are known to populate all our oceans and are commonly found at depths of up to 2000 meters. There are over 440 different species of sharks in the world today. The shark has been in existence since primitive times.

When out at sea, keep an eye out on schools of fish and their hiding places. Where there is a huge abundance of smaller fish, such as tuna or squid is a good spot. Sharks are also migratory; they are known to travel in schools around the ocean basins in search of food.

There are several different makes of rod holders on the market today, each of them may be designed and sold under a particular brand name. Each of these are made for a particular type of fishing and come with various price tags as well. Before you decide on whether or not to purchase a rod holder, it is important that you decide on what type of fishing you wish to do and what type of fish you wish to catch.
Some of the Best Rod Holders on the Market Today Include;

1. Scotty- Scotty is one of the more popular manufacturers of rod holders. They have many innovative designs for the fishing enthusiast to purchase. There is the Orca Rod holder, the Powerlock, Rocket Launchers, Side Winder, Dual Rod Holder, the Triple Rod Holder, and several others. All of the designs manufactured by Scotty are designed to make your fishing for the big game much more enjoyable and hopefully more successful too. Scotty also sells other rod accessories such as rod mounts. These are designed to permit you to fish from various angles. The Scotty Trademark has provided the marine, fishing, firefighting, and outdoor sportsman with quality products that are reliable and affordable for more than 60 years. Reliability is one of the reasons why people have come to know and trust their fishing equipment.
2. So-Lo is another well-known brand of rod holders that seems to be very popular amongst big game fishermen. They also have many different models to offer fishing enthusiasts as well. Some of these rod holders are welded on, some are clamped on, swiveled, angled, or fixed. They also have the mounts that are designed for their models. As for the rod holders, they are specifically designed to make fishing more pleasurable for you. No more fussing and fighting with your lines and rod as the rod holder gives you a sense of security and helps with the tension of your fishing line.
3. Rupp Marine Rod Holders have forged end caps which helps to eliminate breakage and gives perfect rod support when you need it the most. The Rupp rod holder models come in various angle degrees and are made of highly polished stainless steel.

Next time you want to know which rod holders are the best and why, I hope you think of these brands mentioned above.

Safety First!

Night Fishing is different then day fishing for several reasons. The most apparent difference, of course, is the time of day. Night fishing occurs when there is no daylight present and therefore, it is harder to see without the use of some sort of lighting. Here are 3 important facts about night fishing.

1. The most important factor to remember is your safety. Make sure that the boat deck is clear of all obstacles. This means no tackle, ropes, tools, anchors, fishing gear, or junk lying about on the boat deck. Make sure that everything is in its proper place to avoid accidents.Night fishing also means that you will be fishing by the light of the moon. Therefore, make sure that all your boat lighting is working correctly before you head out on the water. The running lights should be turned on as soon as your start your engine. When anchored, keep your white light on so others will notice it. This will signify your presence to other boaters out on the water, therefore, keeping both of you safe from a boating accident.Take along a battery-operated flashlight to see when your line needs bait and for landing the fish. Keep the use of the spotlight on the boat to an absolute minimum. Only use then when you are near shore to help you to see the pier, shore, and dock.
2. Be aware of where you are going when you are out night fishing. This means being aware of debris on the water, other boats, piers, docks, buoys, and other watercraft that might be within your immediate vicinity. Do not keep the engine running if you are feeling tired. Turn if off and anchor the boat, have a sleep and then start on your venture once again when you are fully awake.Carry a well-stocked first aid kit at all times. It is better to be prepared should an accident occur. If you like to drink, keep it to an absolute minimum or avoid it altogether when out on open water. Remember you are out fishing and not looking to get sloshed.Have patience when out night fishing. Remember that you will have to rely more on your natural instinct of knowing just when to pull the fish in. Night fishing means limited vision. You can think that a fish is on your line and find out it is only ocean debris.
3. Watch the weather forecast before you plan your night fishing excursion. Only go out night fishing if the weather is calm and is going to stay that way for an extended period. Carry bug spray to ward off those annoying pests. Have a supply of fresh water and food on board as well as flares, life jackets for all members of your fishing party, a two way radio, fire extinguishers, and other important boating equipment that will aid you in keeping safe.

We hope you enjoyed these important factors about night fishing.

1. Targeting- There are several species of the marlin. However, the blue marlin is the one that is the most sought-after of them all. They can be found in ocean waters that have tropical temperatures. The Marlin species has the ability to change their body temperature to withstand cooler waters. However, this is usually when the season changes in the northern and southern hemisphere. The larger Marlins have been found in water that was slightly cooler than tropical temperatures as they have headed there for feeding purposes.
2. 

   Alutecnos Big Game Reel for Marlin Fishing

   The Right Equipment- Having the right equipment for harnessing in this magnificent, strong and agile beast from our oceans. This means having the right bait, hook, reel, rod holder, and lines that are made to hold the weight of this species, and withstand any sort of pressure that this beast can give out. It will definitely put up a ferocious fight to the finish. Either you or the fish will win. Fishing for Marlins is also tricky, be prepared to try to outfox this magnificent creature.

3. Check the Weather- Make sure the weather forecast is nice for several days. You should have a clear blue sky and smooth seas. This makes a prime time for fishing for Marlins of any type. Fish for Marlins where there is an abundance of yellowfin tuna, shortbill spearfish, skipjack tuna, and mackerel.
4. Bait- There are several different types of bait that you can use to catch the Marlin species. One of the most popular types of bait are the artificial lures. These lures are designed to flutter through the water, thus attracting the Marlin into thinking that it is easy food. Spinning lures that are bright and flashy in design will definitely attract them. Rigged natural bait and live bait is also used in some instances. Research local history of past Marlin catches in the area. Do some research into what type of live bait you can use if you do not wish to use artificial lures for the best results.

If you follow these four tips, you should be successful in your venture. The most important thing to remember is to play it safe. Be prepared to face disappointment as catching big game does take some practice and skill. However, you might just get lucky on your first attempt, who knows? Be patient and learn how to hone your Marlin fishing skills, eventually you will hook a whopper that you can surely brag about.