First-the aftermath of Earl.
The Norton Point beach on the Chappy side cannot be used by vehicles as a result of what used to be the tire deflation lot disappearing. Parking at the Trustees swimming beach nearby and walking works however. The good news is that the local conservation organization just approved cutting of a new access road to the beach and the Trustees are trying to accomplish that in the next few days—hopefully in time for the Derby. Please note: this new access will bring your vehicles closer to the residents of a nearby house. Please respect their privacy and avoid their driveway and keep any noise down, like loud car radios. We all want to keep relations good with them. Also, there is a new breach at the west end of the Swan Pond at Wasque; to be determined how this creates new fishing opportunities. Other than that, the water remains murky at the rip itself with gradual clearing day by day. Driving to Leland’s and the Cape Pogue light point is closed. No reports of other storm effects from around the Island outside of modest beach erosion here and there.
Now the fishing. It was good before the blow, went downhill but is now getting better by the day. Menemsha is hot with Bass at night, Bones at Lobsterville and Blues from the jetties. Tashmoo is smoking with Bones off the jetties, keeper Stripers in the channel and Blues here and there. Loaded with bait too! Chappy has Albies far out between the jetties and the lighthouse and Blues in closer. The rip should be getting good as the water clears up—it was red hot with intermittent blitzes like the good old days before Earl. Peanut bunker in the Cape Pogue pond promises something big happening there. Random Bass and Blues in the Gut everyday with loads of bait.
In summary, the fishing in the aftermath of the storm is good and getting better daily!
Bob Wasque
