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Saturday, March 2, 2013

Oh yeah! It's that time again!

Well after a nice winter break (who we kidding in New England), it's show time! I will be at the New England Saltwater Sportsman's show this upcoming weekend (booth 1205) in Providence RI and Striper Season is right around the corner. I have been busy tying up some new patterns, getting my gear rigged up and picked up a couple new sponsors to help get some more top quality gear in your hands. The boat will be rigged with not one, but two Lowrance screens. One 10 inch HDS Gen2 and the new 12 inch HDS Gen2 Touch screen. Last year it made all the difference in finding bait and fish!  Orvis added me to their roster so I will have the new H2 rods on hand. I had a chance to cast them last year prior to launch and I must say that if you ever thought about saltwater fly fishing, these things make you look like a pro in the early stages!  Just like last year I will also be continuing my relationship with Van Staal, Quantum, Abel and Deep Ocean Apparel. I found that by surrounding my self with industry professionals that keep the same high respect for the fishery as me it is a win win.

I have had many people ask me the same few questions over the winter so I would like address two of the most popular now:

When is the best time to book a charter?  The answer is simple and specific. What do you want to catch? If you want stripers, book now! The season starts in mid May in the upper bay (literally 5 minutes from the ramp) and continues there until about July 1 depending on when we get the first heat wave.  Then, the best chance for stripers, and large ones shift to Block Island. By booking early, you get the pick of the days to eliminate the most variables. Any good captain will share with you the ideal days to select and help steer you away from potentially bad ones. By eliminating the variables, you only have to rely on the weather and if the fish are there. I am a firm believer in eliminating as many variables as possible when choosing a day on the water
The same goes for other species but here is the calender breakdown for you own planning:
May: Stripers and Bluefish
June: Stripers, Bluefish, Tuna (Cape Cod)
July: Stripers (Block Island), Bluefish, Sea bass (regulations dependent), Fluke and Tuna
August: same as July plug Tautog (with limits)
September: July, plus Tautog, Albacore tuna, Bonito
October: Stripers start to move, Blues are still around, Tautog limit increases, Tuna is fantastic
November: Tautog and Tuna

The second question that was asked most often was: I never caught ?? where should I go and what am I doing wrong? I know this sounds like a typical charter response but it is - Book a charter.  We are not trying to get you to spend your money on us. We are trying to get you alone for 5-8 hours where we can show you the spots, teach you step by step how to fish for the species and save you money! By booking a charter, you just saved yourself potential numerous trips alone, burning gas, bait and time to keep doing what you have always done. Even if it is not with me, there are many great captains out there that want to teach you. That is why they got into the business in the first place (or should have). Most captains feel shy about just giving up coordinates over email or in conversations and rightfully so. They spend a great deal of time on the water to get you into fish. By booking them, you see where they are because they want to see you catch fish! Ask a million questions while your out there. You just booked them for the day. Listen. Learn. Repeat.

I hope this helps and I look forward to seeing you at the show this weekend! Scroll down a few posts to see my promotions!!

Sincerely,
Capt. Brian Patterson
Patterson Guide Service