Heading north for the weekend and plan on dunking the boat in the Merrimack River for a couple hours on the way up. I should be there for the last two hours of outgoing and first two of incomming. Never fished the river so I'm looking forward to scouting the area and I'll take any advice as to what to put in the bag? How big/heavy on bucktails, shad, and tins?

Might be a little early for up that way, although I have heard of a few fish being caught on PI. I prefer bucktails in the 1.5 - 2 oz range for the rip at the mouth, rubber shads from 5 - 7", 10" Ronz with 2 - 3 oz head is nice also. I would try the flats as well with some swimming plugs, the water will definitely be warmer. Just outside the mouth is meant to be a good flounder spot, although I've never tried. Be very careful out on the mouth of that river, it can get rough, and watch out for the sand bar that extends from PI, lots of boats have hit that with the tide/current running strong and flipped right over, not a good place to go swimming! Good luck!

there's definately fish around. but its memorial day weekend so I'd get up there really early / really late if you want to get to fish rather than deal with crowds.

Last couple of hours on the outgoing tide is a good time to catch schoolies that are leaving the flats for the mouth of the river!!!
This time of year use bucktail jigs(3/4 to 1 oz. white with a green tail)!!!
I would come down the river and position myself in a boat in front of the fishing boats on the right side at Plum Island!!!
As the water runs out off the flats there should be plenty of bass to catch!!!
Be careful not to go to far in there as it gets very shallow quickly!!!
Good Luck!!!
Also, might try a Mambo Minnow lure for bigger fish!!!

thanks for the help. I would have packed too much heavy stuff. I just assumed the current was stronger on this massive river, but after reading your replies I took a look at the max currents on line and they are only around 2 knots. I'll be sure to get there early!

MR - fish are running in the river. You will have plenty of company this weekend. The flats are producing good size fish as well as the mouth of the river. Use caution when approaching the mouth of the river. It has a tidal rip that will give you a surprise if you are not familiar with it. The river claims lives every year. If you are after big fish use big baits. Do not overlook eels!

If R9 is around he will fill you in. :D:bl:

I see from The Dad Fisherman's posts that there is a surfcasting tournament Sunday morning...which is when I had planned to splash down... wondering if the boat traffic and the shore lines will be in conflict. Since they have held the tournament for more than a decade, looking to see if there is a history here?