SALT WATER: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In this article I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions by salt water anglers. In another article I will answer questions frequently asked by fresh water anglers.

Are there any launching facilities in the Salem area?

Salem boaters are very lucky as there are three major launching areas in the Salem area. The first facility is located in the Danvers River in Danversport. It is a paved ramp suitable for launching during all tides. There is sufficient parking for cars and trailers. Pope’s Landing is located at the end of the Danvers River and is located just off Rt. 128. There is about a thirty minute down the river to the harbor. Pope’s Landing is open all year long. There is a launching fee during the season.

The Kernwood Marina is also located on the Danvers River off Kernwood Ave. in the City of Salem. It is a paved launching facility that is suitable at all tides. There is plenty of parking for cars and trailers. It is owned by the city and has limited hours of operation. There is about a ten minute run to the harbor.

Winter Island is one of the most popular launching facilities in the area. Winter Island is located by the Salem Willows off Winter Island Rd. There is plenty of parking. The launching ramp is big enough for more than one launching at a time. This popular location is right in Salem Harbor and a quick run to open water. There is a fee during the season.

The Bowl-o-Mat is located in Beverly just off River St. It is a suitable ramp for smaller boats and parking is good. A launching fee is payable at the Bowl-a-Mat. The launching ramp is located on the Bass River and is about a twenty minute to the harbor.

Are there any suitable shore fishing areas for the handicapped?

There are two fishing location suitable for the handicapped. Both these areas are wheelchair accessible and provide fishermen with plenty of activity.

The Salem Willows Pier is located within the Salem Willows Park at the end of Fort Ave. It is a popular location among local fishermen. A paved walkway leads to the pier. The pier is about three hundred feet long and provides anglers with mackerel, cod, flounder, stripers and bluefish. There is a bait shop at the head of the pier that keeps anglers in plenty of bait and tackle.

The Beverly Fishing Pier is located on the Beverly/Salem Bridge. There is parking available and the pier juts out to the main channel. Good numbers of fish are caught there every year. Good numbers of mackerel, flounder, cod, stripers and bluefish. Squid are also very popular and plentiful in the area.

Where are some of the better areas for catching schoolie striped bass?

The White Fuel Bridge located on the Danvers River is a popular striper spot. Good numbers of schoolies and keepers are caught from the bridge each season. Chunked bait and sea worms are among the best baits to use at the bridge. The bridge is generally shoulder to shoulder with fishermen throughout the season. Night fishing is generally most productive.

The Lead Mills located on Rt. 114 on the Salem/Marblehead line. This is another popular location for schoolies. Both bait and lure fishermen do well. This area is best fished during half tide or better with the best fishing taking place during the outgoing tide. Fishing right in the current and along the rocky walls generally prove best. The Forest River empties in this area and is a prime location for using "shoestring" eels.

Winter Island is Salem is a good area for schoolies. Fishing around the rocks at the base of the lighthouse can be very productive. This is also a good area for fly fishermen.

Are there any good locations for groundfish within the harbor limits?

There are a good number of locations that a suitable for groundfishing. Flounder can be caught in near limit and limit numbers along the Beverly shore in front of the yellow house with the red tiled roof. The area at the mouth of Manchester Harbor yields good numbers of flats along with the waters around House Island The spring and fall yields the greatest numbers of fish.

Cod fishermen can score nicely during the spring and late fall right from the Salem Willows Pier. Fishing the islands yields good numbers of cod at both ends of the season but undersized fish are common. Cutthroat Shoal, Cat Island, Eagle Bar and Hardy Shoal can be very productive during spring and fall. Sea clams are always a good choice for bait. Night fishermen score best.

Are teasers really as effective as fishermen claim?

They certainly are! Fishing a jig without a teaser will take fair numbers of fish. By adding a teaser, tour catch ratio should increase substantially. The additional movement provided by the teaser will quickly catch the attention of passing fish. I have seen many times when a teaser will catch more fish than the jig. Teasers are available in many different sized, materials and colors. Norwegian style worms are effective and preferred by many cod fishermen. Some fishermen prefer the snapper zapper which more closely resembles a fly. Some anglers like to use plastic worms or shrimp. Teasers can be rigged singly or in tandem.

Are there any books on the market that will show fishermen where to fish and some of the different methods and techniques that are successful?

There are numerous books on the market that will give you bits and pieces of information. Most of the books that have been written are very general in providing information. Some of the best sources of information are your local tackle shop, local outdoors writers and fishing magazines that cater to local anglers. Some local tackle shop put out newsletters or fishing reports. Your best source of information remains the local tackle shop. Information can be found on the Internet and this is really helpful if you are planning a vacation or fishing trip.

What are the length limits for the fish that I am liable to catch?

Limits will change from year-to-year. Your local tackle shop should be able to provide you with a list of regulations at the beginning of the year. These regulations are published by the Division of Marine Fisheries and can be obtained through them if not available through your tackle shop.

How late in the season can you fish and what species are available?

Fishermen can fish right through the winter months provided they dress warm. Every year is different as far as how long popular species will remain in the area. As a general rule, the first nor’easter signals the start of the southern migration of most species. Flounder and cod can be caught right thru the winter months. Stripers and blues generally are gone by November sometime. Mackerel varies from year to year. Today there is no need to hang up the rod and reels for the winter.

If you have any other questions feel free to e-mail us for a quick answer. We may use you questions in a future article.