help with boat handling while striper fishing

[Big Wig]

OK, I'm very new to any kind of salt water fishing but I do know a few methods of catching stripers... and a few decent places to fish for them. My problem is that I mostly fish with my 7 year old son and of course, he is no help with the boat... and he needs help from me a lot.

I would like to fish the Merrimac river - I launch at the Res in Salisbury, MA - but it seems a difficult task to be drifting in all that current while trying to prepare bait, rig rods, cast, help the kid.... all while keeping the boat out of the rocks. Last Friday we had our first saltwater trip just the 2 of us and I stayed out front the whole time. It just seemed easier. The problem was there were no bass out there!

I really need some tips from folks who fish alone or with young kids without another adult to help. I'm used to sitting in a bass seat on the bow with a trolling motor while doing everything... and without current. So how I do I begin to take on the task of putting my kid on the bass?

Any advice is really appreciated.

Thanks
Jay

[MarshCappa]

Find someone that can co-captain with you or pick another area to fish. That area is tough for even experienced captains. I wouldn't bring my kid there if it was just me and him. I have fished out of Portsmouth/Kittery before and remember catching nice stripers pretty far up by Dover I think. Much more managable current but still have to be on your toes because of lots of traffic and it can be BIG traffic too.

[MrHunters]

pretty brave tackling the merrimac as your first solo endevour. The merrimac is alot of work with or without a mate. If your not looking out for yahoos your navigating the twisting channel or battling a good rip. Lets remember your out there for fun and you want more than anything for your kid to have fun. If he doesn't, then you will most likely lose a fishing buddy. Stress = no fun

If I were you, i'd take the trek up to Gloucester and launch there. Way less stress and the fishing is..... well....... there are no fish in gloucester we all know that . In fact I don't have to be you... I do this now

I grew up in Gloucester and have transplanted to Groveland. First year here I fished out of the merrimac hard. And after witness to 3 shoving matches, with and infinite amount of potentials at the ramp I decided the 45 minute trek was worth it. I'll venture over there a couple times of year but i'd rather have fun

Just my two cents.

[Big Wig]

Thank you both for your replies.

Maybe I should consider launching in Gloucester. The thing is, I'm semi-familiar with the Merrimac... I can study a chart but I still find it a bit daunting to try a new area. I'd love to get used to an area and spend time honing my fishing skills and getting comfortable. It would be a huge accomplishment to get to the point where I have some confidence.

Where is the best place to launch in Gloucester?

[Raider Ronnie]

Originally Posted by Big Wig

Thank you both for your replies.

Maybe I should consider launching in Gloucester. The thing is, I'm semi-familiar with the Merrimac... I can study a chart but I still find it a bit daunting to try a new area. I'd love to get used to an area and spend time honing my fishing skills and getting comfortable. It would be a huge accomplishment to get to the point where I have some confidence.

Where is the best place to launch in Gloucester?

Behind the high school.

[Van]

That's a tough situation, I've been there many times in the past. (when the kids were kids)..

I don't know that area, but if you can just fish open water, or anchor up near some structure and relax it will be more pleasant for both of you.

I had my 75 Y.O. father in law out the other day, almost the same senario as you have

At least I put him on some fish so he was happy.....

[Offshore24]

When I take people out who aren't familiar with fishing or handling their own equipment, bait, etc, I usually fish live bait. That way I can set them up at the beginning of the drift and they just hang onto the rod until I tell them to reel it in for another drift. Worked for me with two daughters when they were young. There are a few hairy places I like to fish up here in Casco Bay similar to the rip in the Merrimac that require the captain to concentrate on the boat and presenting the best opportunity for the fisherman. Then it's up to the fisherman to at least be ready to rumble when the time comes.

[gf2020]

Fishing in the Merrimack, especially on a weekend, can be a harrowing experience. Never mind with a 7 year old!

I would suggest heading up river just a bit and try fishing on Joppa Flats on the rising tide. Fishing Joppa at night in June with live bait is a sure thing. You can also try upriver behind Ram Island and Carr Island and even further upriver at Deer Island.

I used to keep my boat at Ferry Landing Marine in Newburyport and some of the best fishing we ever did was within 300 yards of the dock!

[MrHunters]

Originally Posted by Big Wig

Thank you both for your replies.

Maybe I should consider launching in Gloucester. The thing is, I'm semi-familiar with the Merrimac... I can study a chart but I still find it a bit daunting to try a new area. I'd love to get used to an area and spend time honing my fishing skills and getting comfortable. It would be a huge accomplishment to get to the point where I have some confidence.

Where is the best place to launch in Gloucester?

i know what you mean. i like to head up the parker and essex rivers but don't know them very well. have had more of my fair share of prop polishing.
if you feel like making the trip i go most weekends. you and your lil buddy are more than welcome to tag along some weekend.

[Fly Rod]

Be very careful of the Merrimac, it shows no mercy.
If you are going to Gloucester go early on the week end.
Also you could launch in Rockport at Granite Pier. Both places charge you to park.

There are plenty of good places up inside to fish when you have your son with you.

[Big Wig]

Originally Posted by MrHunters

i know what you mean. i like to head up the parker and essex rivers but don't know them very well. have had more of my fair share of prop polishing.
if you feel like making the trip i go most weekends. you and your lil buddy are more than welcome to tag along some weekend.

Thank you for the offer! I do most of my boating on week days since we're usually at our camp up north on weekends. On a weekend that I'm home I would love to take you up on that offer.

Be very careful of the Merrimac, it shows no mercy.
If you are going to Gloucester go early on the week end.
Also you could launch in Rockport at Granite Pier. Both places charge you to park.

There are plenty of good places up inside to fish when you have your son with you.

Fly Rod, thank you for the reply. You know, on nice days I'd much rather be out front even with my son. There's a lot more room out there . My problem is that all the guys that are catching fish are in the river! Plus it would be nice to learn the river and get comfortable for the days when I can't go out front.

Thanks to all for the replies.
Jay