May 24- Sturgeon, and Herring, and Bossi!

24 May May 24- Sturgeon, and Herring, and Bossi!

Well it’s a big weekend coming up, kind of the official start of the summer season on the island. Sunday and Monday will bring the sun, so I suggest fishing in the drizzle on Saturday. At least you’ll avoid the mass of tourists.

As far as tides and weather go, don’t forget that you can check them out right here in the site by visiting our Tide/Weather page.

Sturgeon

Charlie Crue of Channel Edge Charters sent us in this lovely photograph of a Sturgeon this week. Now, we don’t want to recommend trying to catch these monsters, especially as they are endangered species. It’s illegal to remove them from the water, even to take a photo. However, if you get one up close so you can remove the hook while the fish is still swimming, that’s just fine! So here we are. By the way, Carlie is a great guide, and pretty much knows all the nooks and crannies fish hang out in along the river, so if you’re interested, check out his site.

Last Year we wrote a story called “A Tale of Two Sturgeon – Leave Both Alone” which tells the story of the two kinds of sturgeon we have in the river, the Atlantic and the Short-nosed sturgeon. It’s an interesting read, and includes the regulations.

Herring

I got a note last week from down on Cape Cod about the pile of herring there this year. The note said, “Oh ya I know you could care less bout cape fishin…but herring are thick rite now…thickest ove seen in years…sandeels everywhere….pogies just pujhed thru canal on Tuesday commin yer way….and mackeral loaded in east end of canal and barnstable habor…Hey…got close to 100 fish already….and closing in on 24 keepers….best one so far…only 36″… see ya soon.” 

Who says we don’t care about the Cape?

 Local Herring

Lee St. Louis sent us this cool video of why the bass are up in the river. Herring! He wrote, “They were really focused on the small stream running out of the beaver pond on Scotland Rd more than the creek coming out of Sweeney Farm fields.” Well those herring look fat and tasty, even to me.

George Bossi

Long time Plum Island resident and superb striper fisherman, George Bossi, has another passion…..wrestling.  During the 2013-2014 season, George will be celebrating his 50th year as Lowell High School wrestling coach. In preparation for George Bossi’s 50th wrestling season at Lowell High next winter, the Lowell High Wrestling Alumni group is raising money to fund a documentary about their coach, being shot by Hudson, N.H., filmmaker Tim O’Donnell.

At Surfland, George often stops by to check the fishing report and chat with other fisherman.   You may have noticed George, or rather heard his booming voice.  There are many times when he is recognized by one of our other customers, usually a former wrestler.  George always seems to remember their names and talks a little about former days and then excitedly talks about the fishing.  After George leaves, we frequently hear comments that “he changed my life”, “I hated him in high school, but he was the best thing that happened to me”, or “I know I’m a better person after having him for a coach.”

His coaching career stats:

• Over 500 career wins
• 16 Division 1 State Titles
• 11 State Championships
• 4 New England Titles
• He has coached over 70 Individual State Champions and more than 30 New England Champions and several High School All-American Athletes
• Massachusetts and the National High School Wrestling Coaches Halls of Fame.
• George is the only member of the Lowell High Athletic Hall of Fame who did not attend Lowell High.

George is a Lowell legend! Please check out the movie trailer at http://www.bossimovie.com/ . Watch it and support history if you can!

Lowell Sun Article about the film