What a great point, Back Beach! Even in the heyday there-- when I did have many "dream"- quality nights... I was by choice a "walk- on" fisherman only. Beyond the obvious appeal of solitude, finding my own structure/ spots during daylight, & of course then having the fish to myself-- I truly feel the lack of buggys/ lights/ human commotion, was the reason these nights on these lonely (in Fall) Backside beaches were so spectacular. I'm talking multiple 50+ fish nights, with few under 10 lbs... & most 12- 25 lbs. (All returned, as I'm strictly C & R-- no "slips" / proof here!)
But this was pre- Seal infestation too! (say 1997- 2002), when seeing even one in the dawn surf was a rarity. Recent years, just WAY too many fishless nights on the Back Beach followed by Seal- herd parties/ blitzes on bait come the dawn. Mung and small blue hordes I had strategies to deal with to get to the Bass... But, Seals cavorting sometimes in the dozens within casting range on every Outer beach-- when they used to be a rarity outside Chatam/ Nauset-- by coincidence or not isa an event that's happened just as the Surf Bass fishing there has tanked. And as I think J.H. actually meant?-- no, I do not see the Seal problem there changing nor being fixed anytime soon, & so sadly I'm quite pessimistic, & doubt that the Back will ever return to its' former striped Glory!
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