Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Incredible Merrimack


While RI carp fishing is good overall, some of the best carp fishing in the US takes place a little over an hour away from here at the Merrimack River. When I'm looking for action with "big" fish, I head to this place.


Yesterday I arrived at the river about 11 AM and started to slingshootcorn into the river. Immediately, I had bangs and within 20 minutes, I had a 15 lber. on the bank. That would be the SMALLEST fish I would land on this memorable day. Good days in the past would see 5-8 fish caught. Today was phenomenal. When I left the river at 6:45 in the evening, the fish count totaled 18 common carp landed along with 2 breakoffs. I had 3 fish over 20 lbs. with the biggest going 22 lbs. (see photo). At one point, two alarms went off at the same time and that produced chaos, but in the end it also produced a 17 and 20 lb. carp. Most of the carp were in the 17-19 lb. range. It was the best day I ever experienced along here.


I was using my typical set up. I used my "big" rods, DAM 11 1/2 foot carp rods along with big Shimano 4500 Baitrunners. I used 17 lb test line and 20 lb test leaders. The only way to fish this place is with big stuff. You are fishing for big fish in a big current. I used 3 oz. inline leads, standard sinkers in this spot. Bait was corn on the hair rig ahead of oatmeal method mix, about the best combination.


It was fabulous fishing here, but not unusual. I have never had a bad outing along here. It is as close to a sure bet as you can get in fishing!

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