They're Back

March is almost over, and it has been a wet and windy month. Coastal storms continue nearly on a once-a-week schedule. We have had almost twice as much moisture as normal.

Temperatures have ranged from below freezing to the mid-50s. The weatherman has predicted another rain/storm event for this weekend.

Signs of spring continue as flowers bloom and trees have buds. People have started to uncover their boats and prepare them for the upcoming season.

The King Cod found a few codfish for the anglers last Saturday. They also released several blackfish. Remember that blackfish season opens on Monday, April 1. The season runs through April 30, with a two-fish limit at 16 inches. The larger boats will focus on the offshore wrecks.

The Viking fleet went back to those Nantucket wrecks and found slow fishing, with only a few cod and pollock there.

There is a new proposal for the upcoming fluke season. It is for a split season, May 4 through August 1, with a three-fish limit at 19 inches. August 2 through October 15 is a fish limit of 19.5 inches. This option must be voted on and approved by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

St. Patrick’s Day signals the arrival of returning osprey. The first reports came two days before St. Patrick’s Day, on March 15. Sightings have increased almost daily, with some nests already having two birds in them.

It will be tough fishing early in the season, but herring and bunkers are already in the bay, and, of course, there will be fishing in the local ponds.

St. Patrick’s Day signals the beginning of flounder season. We haven’t seen any flounders in many years.

Other fish will be here before you know it.