[27 sailfish]

I was putting some gear away and found a bag of my Boston Mackerel rigs. Man , did that bring back some great memories :yes:. I used to look forward to going off OC in March/April and loading up on them for later use as shark bait.Some were cleaned and broiled - damn they were good.

Hoping they come back one day.Last 10 years the "run" has been only a few days and very spotty.Not sure why they are gone but I sure miss them.

Catching 3-4 two pounders at the same time was a blast.

 

[Russ D]

From what I hear the Russian fleet parked off out coast and raped them good a decade or so ago.

 

[Magic Moment]

Pretty incredible to now be watching to big Rockfish reports all winter. I also remember Boston Mackerel fishing to mark the beginning of a new year. Then it was Yellow perch, followed by Shad fishing and herring snagging at Fletcher's boat house. Not a fish to be caught in the Bay from Novemebr to March for many years. I'll trade the the BMs for the Rockfish, but would be great to have both.

 

[smithbros]

I was talking to a friend who said he went out one day last year on the va beach ocean front and loaded up for shark bait, I think he was saying it was febuary? Just wanted to pass it along.
Taylor

 

[Russ D]

IT sure would be nice to have a load of tinkers for the Mania this year.

 

[27 sailfish]

There are a few headboats that fish off OC in winter/spring.I'm sure they watch their meters for the schools of Macks.It would be a real boom to business for them to locate the schools.

Russ - I've had good luck with Frank's seafood in Jessup, Md for Mackerel.They bring them in for me in June- getting them from up north.Nice 2-3 lbers that have Mako written all over them.By the flat they are not too expensive.I take plenty since Bluefish love to tear them up.

The ones at OC are not in the best shape most times.Nothing worse then brown looking freezer burned bait at 5:00 am. :eek2:

I know the Russian boats came in and were buying Mackerel caught by US boats.That ended about 10 years ago or more.

Some say the Mackerel migrate along the 20 fathom line now instead of near the shore.

 

[Russ D]

Last season the guys from up nort did alot fo searching for the Bostons, but I don't remember hearing about anyone finding them. Monty on the Morning Star is out around the 20 line and I don't recall him finding any the last couple of seasons either.