If you really want a fun day afield that is also a physical challenge, then consider a “head” trip out into the Atlantic for a day of bottom fishing. When I say “head boat” I am referring to a boat where you pay a “head fee” to be taken aboard and the captain and crew do most of the work getting you to the fishing grounds, equipping you with a rod and reel with terminal tackle already attached, and bait if you choose to use it.
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| A fisherman awaits a catch while deep sea fishing in the Atlantic Ocean while aboard the Bunny Clark out of Ogunquit. COURTESY PHOTO |
The last trip I took this past June had about 16 fishermen and a Department of Marine Sciences researcher aboard who was there to check catches and record species, lengths, and weights. Ethan was his name, and he did an excellent job which can get hectic when the fish start coming aboard. We always stop at the Dunkin’ Donuts in Wells enroute and pick up a dozen for Captain Ian and crew. It doesn’t get us a guaranteed preferred place on the boat rail, but it does start the trip off on a pleasant note.
Speaking of preferred locations there are several on the boat and fishermen who have been a few times, know and “fight” for their favorites. Some like the bow to get away from other fishermen, others prefer the stern cause it is wide and allows more unobstructed water to get your line down, others prefer under the top cover out of the rain and sun if that is a consideration. Frankly, it doesn’t matter where you fish, you all catch fish. We were on what they call their “Elite” trip which returns promptly at 5 p.m. For that you pay a fee of $125 per fisherman.
I usually pack a book or a Kindle to pass the time on the ride out to the fishing grounds at Jefferey’s Ledge, which is a 2-hour boat ride of about 25 miles straight out into the Atlantic. On the way out I have seen whales spouting, tuna fish jumping clear out of the water, and one year a whale shark that for some reason had taken an interest in a lobster buoy and was bumping into it repeatedly. Porpoises are a common sight racing the bow of the boat.
You know you have arrived at the fishing grounds when the captain reduces power and begins circling a set of GPS coordinates for a favorite spot. The first mate will also start handing out fishing rods and you will have to declare whether you want to jig or will use bait. It doesn’t matter which you choose but if you choose bait, you will be handling cut up bait, usually Spanish Mackerel, which some folks rather not get on their fingers because then their lunch tastes like it. It doesn’t matter which you choose because all will catch fish if they are there. The captain picked this particular spot because he has caught fish here in the past but fish move around, a lot, so be prepared for a couple of moves before you get on fish.
It seems no matter where you stop over the Ledge to fish the Dogfish, or sand sharks, are there and will find your bait. When they do it seems as though that is all you catch. When you are using 16-ounce jigs or Dipsey sinkers and fishing in 180 to 300 feet of water just cranking up your terminal tackle alone is a tough proposition. Because you will have more than one hook in your terminal tackle, it is not unusual to catch two fish at a time. This is where the physically challenging part comes in. If the seas are rough while you are out there, you are trying to keep your balance on the boat while reeling in your prize. It is a handful to get to the surface but, hey, that is why you came right?
There is currently a moratorium on Cod until September so those go back, but you are just as likely to catch Pollock, Haddock, Hake, Red Snapper, or Halibut, all good eating fish, if you can keep the dogfish off your line.
The First Mate will come around to retrieve your fish and mark it with a Roman Numeral, so he knows it is yours when he filets them on the ride back to port. Occasionally, Blue Sharks will show up and they hang out under the boat. That is bad news because they will steal your fish before you can get them out of the water. Most are 4 to 6 feet in length and after you have done all that cranking to get your catch up from the bottom you don’t want to lose it to a shark. So, save a bit of energy for that last 15 feet under the water so you can crank your fish in clear of the water once you begin to “see color” as your fish ascends. Do not let it linger near the surface or you will lose it and your terminal tackle. The first set is free, after that you will owe the captain $16 a set!
One last tip…at the end of the day you will be tired and a little frazzled. I like to bring a glass jar with lid filled with water and a clean washcloth. <
I usually pack a book or a Kindle to pass the time on the ride out to the fishing grounds at Jefferey’s Ledge, which is a 2-hour boat ride of about 25 miles straight out into the Atlantic. On the way out I have seen whales spouting, tuna fish jumping clear out of the water, and one year a whale shark that for some reason had taken an interest in a lobster buoy and was bumping into it repeatedly. Porpoises are a common sight racing the bow of the boat.
You know you have arrived at the fishing grounds when the captain reduces power and begins circling a set of GPS coordinates for a favorite spot. The first mate will also start handing out fishing rods and you will have to declare whether you want to jig or will use bait. It doesn’t matter which you choose but if you choose bait, you will be handling cut up bait, usually Spanish Mackerel, which some folks rather not get on their fingers because then their lunch tastes like it. It doesn’t matter which you choose because all will catch fish if they are there. The captain picked this particular spot because he has caught fish here in the past but fish move around, a lot, so be prepared for a couple of moves before you get on fish.
It seems no matter where you stop over the Ledge to fish the Dogfish, or sand sharks, are there and will find your bait. When they do it seems as though that is all you catch. When you are using 16-ounce jigs or Dipsey sinkers and fishing in 180 to 300 feet of water just cranking up your terminal tackle alone is a tough proposition. Because you will have more than one hook in your terminal tackle, it is not unusual to catch two fish at a time. This is where the physically challenging part comes in. If the seas are rough while you are out there, you are trying to keep your balance on the boat while reeling in your prize. It is a handful to get to the surface but, hey, that is why you came right?
There is currently a moratorium on Cod until September so those go back, but you are just as likely to catch Pollock, Haddock, Hake, Red Snapper, or Halibut, all good eating fish, if you can keep the dogfish off your line.
The First Mate will come around to retrieve your fish and mark it with a Roman Numeral, so he knows it is yours when he filets them on the ride back to port. Occasionally, Blue Sharks will show up and they hang out under the boat. That is bad news because they will steal your fish before you can get them out of the water. Most are 4 to 6 feet in length and after you have done all that cranking to get your catch up from the bottom you don’t want to lose it to a shark. So, save a bit of energy for that last 15 feet under the water so you can crank your fish in clear of the water once you begin to “see color” as your fish ascends. Do not let it linger near the surface or you will lose it and your terminal tackle. The first set is free, after that you will owe the captain $16 a set!
One last tip…at the end of the day you will be tired and a little frazzled. I like to bring a glass jar with lid filled with water and a clean washcloth. <
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