New England Saltwater Fishing Expo on March 8-10th

I have been invited to display my rigged Sea-Doo and talk about jet ski fishing at the New England Saltwater Fishing Show on March 8-10th. This show is on its 10th year and is packed with vendors and big names in the local fishing community. 

If you get the chance to go, be sure to stop by booth 221!  I will also be speaking on that Friday at 7:30pm in the Workshop Area.

I'm looking forward to being apart of this amazing event and meeting anglers in my new location.

New England Saltwater Fishing Show

An Attempt to Fish But The Ice Won

I know my blog is based on jet ski fishing, but time to time I go out in my kayak as well and I'll include those reports on here. Yesterday I attempted to fish for holdover Striped Bass that have wintered in the Thames River. The reports were not as promising as last year according to a local tackle shop, but I've been suffering from winter fever and just wanted to get out the house and on the water.

Near the mouth of the river I didn't see any ice so I figured a few miles further up the where the fish are mainly targeted wouldn't be an issue either. Armed wearing a full set of cold water gear, I was more then ready, however when I showed up to launch the kayak I was mistaken big time. Ice was everywhere, but also noticed a nice water trail not far from the ramp going under a small bridge and out to the river, so I figured it was worth a shot.

Once I got to the small bridge I could see the entire river, and immediately noticed this water trail ended a few yards in front of me, so there was no way I was getting to the fishing spot. Can't say that I tried! Although my trip was cut short, seeing the river iced over certainly a sight to see and is something I've never seen before.

This means I have no choice but to wait until it warms up now.

Next weekend the National Saltwater Seminar will be held in Providence and I'll be there to check it out. Looking forward to it!

First Time Out In Connecticut

Earlier last week I moved to Connecticut because of a new job I have in the Navy. Since I know most of my readers are from the Virginia area, salt water fishing this far north is very slow right now. The Striped Bass have migrated south of course, however, there are some scattered reports of holdovers spending the winter in local tributaries.

My plan was to originally wait later in the year until it was warmer, but with the news of a warmer then normal weekend and a forecast of flat calm seas, I couldn't help but to go out and explore this morning. This trip was mainly to check out my new fishing grounds, but no better way to check the area out by bringing a rod just in case!

I departed the Thames River and checked out "The Race." A well known spot that consist tidal rips and very fast currents when the tide is running. All the water coming in and out of Long Island Sound funnels through this small opening to the ocean, creating very fast currents and rips.

Then I decided it would be a good time to check out Montauk Point, NY and the light house there since the sea state was glass. I crossed Long Island Sound in about 25 minutes and took some photos while admiring the sight of the light house and waves crashing along the rocky shore.

When I returned I tried casting and jigging under the I-95 bridge going over the Thames River for awhile calling it a day. Glad I was able to explore this amazing area during this time of year when getting on the water and keeping warm is such a challenge. 

Move to Connecticut

My work in the Navy has now brought me to the New London area of Connecticut for the next 3 years. The winter temperatures up here won't exactly have me posting a lot of fishing reports right now, but I am very excited get out there when the weather warms up. Not only does Connecticut have a lot to offer, but I am not far from well known Striper destinations such as Block Island and Montauk Point. Stay tuned for future reports!

I'm Back!

It's good to be home!! I've just returned from a 9 month deployment and have been anxious for a long time to get out on the water and start fishing again. I departed the Messick Boat Ramp in Poquoson this morning at sunrise and crossed the bay in glassy conditions the entire way to the Kiptopeake/Plantation Light area. And it was in the 70's, so it couldn't be any more perfect for being my first ride on the jet ski in 9 months for this time of year.

Nearly everyone was using eels and drifting, but I took a different approach and decided to troll. Only once line started zipping off the reel for a couple seconds but there was no hookup. Later on, I decided to head to 4th island to see if I could have some light tackle fun with some schoolies but there were none to be found. Although I didn't catch anything, I had an absolute blast just being able to be back on the water and fish again.



Just a couple of birds working



I ran around quite a bit


Back at the ramp


Last night I was completely surprised (see http://www.tidalfish.com/forums/show...-Doo-quot-Dave). I was under the impression that my girlfriend's co-workers were setting up a going away party for her down near Yorktown Beach since were moving to CT soon, and I was coming along to attend. After that, my plan was to go pick up my newly rigged PWC from Albert of Albert Martin Custom Structures. She and I were walking around the Yorktown beach area, when I turned the corner and suddenly saw my newly rigged jet ski just sitting there alone. I was instantly confused, and even thought for a second that Albert just happened to be at the same place as we were by coincidence but as I walked in closer everyone popped out and surprised me.

I cannot express in words how much this meant to me, this is certainly a night I won't ever forget. I had never expected a home coming like this. I want to once again thank very much everyone that was involved, as well as all the local shops that were apart of making last night incredible, I was shocked.

Going on Deployment

Well, the time has finally come. As a United States Navy service member, it is time to once again go on deployment. Due to weather, I'm now leaving Sunday. 

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/military/uss-mcfaul-to-deploy-friday

  
After my last deployment in 2010, the random urge to want to go fishing for the first time since my childhood--I had not realized at the time--was just the beginning. I had no idea then that I would be as passionate about fishing as I am today.

I would have never discovered jet ski fishing if it weren't for Brian Lockwood. I started out fishing piers for some time, but wanted to get out on the water. I always wanted to own a jet ski instead of renting. When I saw someone combine these two things, I knew very quickly I wanted to do the same. Once I acquired a jet ski and start fishing on the water, my love for the sport grew even more.

Many people have helped me make the experience great. Of course Jet Ski Brian for being kind enough to help me out and letting me come out with him on a couple trips. Tony and Rory at Atlantic Bait and Tackle for always helping me out with answering my questions. I've met plenty of people from the kayaking community as well that have also helped me out, especially Kayak Kevin, Rob Choi and Justin Mayer. The countless people I've met and that gave me tips to better myself as an angler. I also can't forget my amazing girlfriend for being so supportive.

With my busy schedule with the Navy, I was fortunate enough to go out nearly 40 times since May. Caught many “firsts” and managed two citations in my first year on the water. I’m going to absolutely miss it. There’s just something about riding out on the water as the sun is rising and I’m headed towards one of the islands at over 45 mph. It's hard to explain it words, but there's nothing else like it.

Whether I’d be for Spanish Mackerel on a nice summer day in sandals and swimming trunks, or bundled up with survival gear for Stripers in the winter off the oceanfront, jet ski fishing is by far the most fun and rewarding thing I've ever involved myself in. This is a huge transformation for me, as a few years ago I didn’t really have an appreciation of the outdoors and probably would have stayed in and played video games instead.

Tight lines, good luck out there, stay safe, and see you out there later this year.

Cape Henry And Further South

I'm finally back after a 3 week underway with the Navy, so in an effort to get back into the action, I left Crab Creek as soon as the morning light began to show in search for some Rockfish. One of the calmest days on the water I've seen in awhile, I averaged around 45 miles per hour and had a smooth ride on the way to Cape Henry.

I stopped at a spot and immediately marked plenty of bait as well as fish but with no takers. After trolling for some time, I had some intel about a possible bite further South. Later on, I decided to run towards False Cape. Not a whole lot was going on over there, so I made my way back towards the Oceanfront and trolled North from the Ramada hotel all the way past the Cape Henry lighthouse. There were a decent amount of birds working and a few whales out there. Although it appeared to be great conditions to land a nice one, the chatter over the radio certainly confirmed otherwise.

I didn't catch anything but it was a great day to finally be back on the water again.