There is a ton of natural bait inside and outside the Merrimack River and the Stripers are well aware. On Thursday Coop and I went out and filled up on Mackeral just outside the mouth of the Merrimack River and caught about ten Striped bass over 30 inches drifting the mouth. The stripers were so thick they were hitting our weighted baits down low and taking the free swim baits(no weight) on the surface. We then went out for a night trip on the flats Friday night and hit 2 fish over 40inches and a few more in the 30-34inch range on eels and Hogies. The weather has kept alot of people off the water the last couple of days making offshore fishing tough. There was a 78inch tuna caught up North of Boone Island opening day and the cod and Haddock was very productive however this strong system will move these fish around. I expect the groundfishing to stay productive once we find them again after this rain and wind passes.
