Ogunquit

[Gtownfly]

I'm heading up to Ogunquit this weekend and I'm not familiar with the area. Anyone have any suggestions where I can try out my new 9 weight?

Thanks,

Kevin

[Steve H.]

I'd try right off the beach near the outlet of the Ogunquit River. Definitely want to be there EARLY (or late) to avoid the beach crowds.

[s2ary]

And don't drop your fly box. :twisted:

[brucewo1b]

s2ary, let's not go there again :shock: :mrgreen:

[Gtownfly]

I'm suddenly feeling an overwhelming fear of losing my fly box.

[s2ary]

Just keep it zipped up and you'll be fine... :lol:

Catrillions of fish around right now, a few with sholders as well 8)

[Gtownfly]

Got back yesterday from Ogunquit. Was pleasantly surprised to find out that our hotel was on the water. Lots of slippery rocks from which to hunt for fish.

Not long after I made my way to the water I saw tons of fish swiming in a frenzy at the surface about 40 ft from shore. Being new to salt I had no idea what they were. I cast right into the middle of the mayhem a dozen times with no results. I changed flies a couple times, then managed to pull two of these guys from the fray...

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa51/kac4416/Shad.jpg

... After I got home I learned they're shad? or possibly menhaden? Other than slight differences in appearance, is there really any difference from a fishing perspective?

Anyhow I got bored casting to those guys and moved down a bit. Missed a few strikes, then brought in my first ever striper.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa51/kac4416/FirstStriper.jpg

Huge? Certainly not, but a confidence builder. Saw several guys casting to shore from boats and none had any luck.

Later in the day I hooked into something bigger because he ripped off line just short of the backing before he slipped the hook and left me mighty bummed.

All in all a good first salt outing.

Oh, and all fish lived to fight another day. :wink:

[Cadoda]

Congratulations Gtownfly and nice pictures

[Steve H.]

That is indeed a menhaden (aka pogie, bunker). Nice to see those around, not nearly as common as they used to be. Where there are pogies, there are bound to also be stripers, tuna, etc. Prime forage for lots of big fish.

Glad to hear you had a good time.

[lowwall]

Great Report!

Those pogies used to be thick enough to walk on in the 80's, Used to cast out weighted trebles and snag them for bait. Saw a couple of schools around last year and have been hearing of large schools all this year. This is good news.

When they were in think they used to gil net right in the Haba, they would come in just out of Plug casting and rock throwing distance. Used them for Lobsta bait among othert things, Now they are used as a main ingedient in Omega Protein.

Tough to be a Poggy, everyone wants to eat you!

[s2ary]

Get In My Belly... :lol: