Striped Bass Fishing NH
Capt. Joel Koch
July 13, 2008
Portsmouth - Saltwater Fishing Report
Fishing Report Week Ending 7/13/08
Fishing the last two weeks for Striped Bass has been a roller coaster ride. The days before the 4th of July were good with numbers of fish between 20-30 on each trip.
Nothing really exciting occurred only a rare keeper around.
This past week, the temps soared and the humidity was high. Fishing was a little uncomfortable in the river and a mid trip run to the mouth of the river to cool down was in order on most days.
We had some good days last week and some slower days. On the slow days we got about 10 fish and on the good days we got 20-25. It was weird two days off 1 day on, 1 day off 1 day on. It was a better week for bigger fish however, and we got at least 1 keeper on every trip except one.
On Saturday which is usually my least favorite day to fish, was the best trip of the last two weeks. We got 3 keepers, releasing 1 and caught a bunch of others but it was just a really fun time. Dave brought his two daughters, and a boyfriend and it was just about family time, kidding around and catching a few fish. Pressure was off, everyone was happy every time someone else caught a fish. We only fished a few spots, and waited them out, and every so often, when least expected, we caught one. Highlights were when
Dave tried to set the hook so hard (the Jimmy Houston technique), his sinker and hook came flying back into the boat, past me, while knocking my hat off, and hooking the anchor line.
There were a lot of other fun times this week but one I will remember for a while was fishing with Hank, Tucker and Pete. Tucker who had turned 91 was probably my oldest customer to date.
Picture of Tucker with a nice 31" is on the photo page.
Fishing this year seems to best when we go out to have a lot of fun and catch some fish it is not the best year for fishing, but right up there with the most fun for a fishing year season.
On a general note, fly-fishing for striped bass is about non-existent from the reports I have heard, and in general there are still some bigger fish being caught on live bait, but the bait is harder to come by and the large fish are few and far between.
Tight Lines
Capt. Joel.
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