Stripers in North & South Rivers (Marshfield)... A Refresher?

[Mako927]

I'm a Marshfield boy who is stuck down here in Delaware for a few years but hoping to do some fishing when I home in a couple weeks. It has been a while since I fished from shore, though, and my digging around on the internet brought me to this site. What a great find!

Anyway, I could try casting off the jetti outside Green Harbor Yacht Club like I used to but we do have a simple 16' boat with an outboard and we were looking at the North and South River. I fished them from shore quite a few times before but only cruised them on the boat once.

As I recall, my best bet is to fish them between the mouth and a decent way inland but not too far. Fish usually showing up a few hours before and a few hours after high tide? Best to use chunked mackerel on the bottom or live eels (which I always hated to get on the hook)?

Does this sound about right?

Any suggestions on how early the fish come into the rivers, how late they stick around, and how/what to fish are greatly appreciated. As I said, I tried a few times before I headed south to Delaware but maybe I shouldn't rely on those old tricks since I never had much luck.

Thanks! I'll stick around and hopefull I can bring something to the group!

[MarshCappa]

Sounds about right too me except I've been fishing mostly Dux Bay because there are much more numbers there. I'm not sure you'll get too many fish in the South. I trolled it with my skiff with my kid and wife for an hour or so with tube and worm and we didn't get a wiff this past weekend on the incoming. I also never marked one fish on the sonar as well. I wouldn't even bother with the South.

[Piscator]

I'm with Marshcappa, stick with Duxbury Bay.

[beamie]

Mako,

There has been some nice fish taken down by the mouth of the 2 rivers this year as in every year. Just has to be your day. I know of a 32 pounder taken at dead low. Incoming at the mouth good. Chunk macs or pogies. Yes eels if you wish. If your looking for lighter tackle in the daylight go with the 7.5 inch bubblegum sluggos. I've taken quite a few fish in the 32 to 37 inch range. Just has to put in the time and you'll do ok. Duxbury bay does hold more fish, it is a huge area. If you can do weekdays both places are nice.

[Mako927]

Thanks for the replies so far. I will look at Duxbury Bay and keep considering the mouth of the two rivers. The one time I was out there on a small boat before we caught one and I think it was near the mouth... it was just a little too small, though. It was more than a few years ago so I had no memory of what the tide was... I think it was right around midday, though. This help and any more that is coming is much appreciated... thanks!

[Raven]

welcome to S-B

[capecodder]

If you do fish the Rivers, watch the mouth for conditions. An outgoing tide meeting with a NE blow/swell can make it dangerous for any boat, let alone a small one.

I have had good success drifting the river and casting fin s fish and sloggos on 1/4 oz jigs. Lots of smaller fish. Definately need to put in time, especially if you're looking for larger fish on bait. I don't have that kind of time....

[Springer]

Mako927,

I grew up on the South Shore as well and now live in Maryland. I love getting up that way to fish the rocks and beaches in Scituate and Marshfield. But why limit yourself to fishing when you are on a visit to MA? There is some great fishing just a short drive south of you on the Delmarva beaches. The seasons are a little different and there are some different species to chase but it can be quite good once you figure it out. The Striper bite down here is best April-June and October-December but the fishing is year round once you know what you are doing. Shoot me a PM if you want some more specific info.

[Flynny]

Agree with Capecodder...be very careful of the mouth, depending on the tide and wind, and can be very dangerous. I'd stick towards the mouth, certainly wouldn't venture far past Damons Point this time of year, the water is just too warm that far inland. Right inside the South can be productive. Most of the fish you'll get in the rivers are going to be schoolies. Fish the hours around the sunrise for your best bet (assuming you don't fish at night which would be ideal). Can't go wrong with 4-5" storm shads in peanut bunker or pearl, or 6-7.5" sluggo....try 9" sluggo for some bigger fish but you may not get as many schoolies.

[capecodder]

Just got back from checking on my boat at N River Marine by the 3A Bridge. Huge school of schoolie bass coralling small bait fish around the marina. Fun to watch, my dog didn't know what to make of it!

[Tburg]

Launch at Marys ( safer than running the mouth ) and or run out of GH and run the beach up past the Dux bath house or chunk some macks off the beach at night. Just need a beach chair - rod - a few buds and you will be happy......