Pete Wells
The first time I tried fishing the canal was a humbling experience. My friend and I brought our gear that worked great for the beaches we fished.
The current was amazing, we never saw or felt anything like it. We set up in a spot away from people and then preceded to lose all of our lures in no time. Wow, what a place.
I fished in various spots with lighter current before returning to the canal. I read everything I could about jigging bucktails and sluggos. Then bought an entry level canal rod and reel. I stocked up on jigs and sluggos. I felt I was ready to do battle again with the canal current.
Starting out I always made sure I was clear of the canal regulars. I would pick a spot far away from everyone. Then practice jigging and get a feel of bouncing the bottom. This was so hard and frustrating but I was determined.
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Finally I caught a small fish on a sluggo and gained a little confidence. I still lost so many jigs it was crazy. The bottom of the canal was winning by a big margin. I fished as much as I could and gained jigging experience. Still fishing far away from everyone I kept on practicing.
By the next spring I was more skilled and I finally landed a decent fish. Once I felt like I gained confidence jigging, there was no stopping me.
Without help it's much harder to succeed, but when you do there's no better feeling than that of doing it on your own.
So with that in mind, here are
10 etiquette tips for fishing the Canal.
- The number one reason anyone goes fishing at the canal is to have fun, but not at the expense of others.
The anglers in the above photo are a perfect example of giving each other plenty of elbow room, and space to fish. (photo by www.johndoblephotography.com)
- Give enough room when picking a fishing spot, and don't interfere with other guys who were on the spot first.
"First come, first serve" is the name of the game regarding spots. Never barge your way into a spot-just get their earlier next time. (photo by www.johndoblephotography.com)
- Remember that when the current moves at a fast pace, our lures will drift with it. Always watch the other guys around you, and be sure to never cross their line with yours. Imagine causing someone to lose a huge fish because you crossed their line?
Crossing someone's line with your plug or jig is "no-no." This is especially true if that person is hooked up with a large fish. (photo by www.johndoblephotography.com)
- Always pay attention to your surroundings and cast in sync with everyone in your area.
Let the angler immediately down current of your position cast first. Only cast once his plug or jig swings out of the area. (photo by www.johndoblephotography.com)
- Help keep the canal clean and leave the canal cleaner then when you arrived.
Always be sure to clean up your coffee cups, bait boxes, bags and fishing line. Consider also taking out the trash left behind by others. (photo by www.johndoblephotography.com)
- Respect the striped bass. They are the reason we lose sleep and make so many sacrifices.
Think about how much striper you and your family can honestly eat. Avoid taking more than you need, and return fish in healthy condition. (photo by www.johndoblephotography.com)
- Make sure to release striped bass in a timely manner. The faster the better - they are the future.
Use proper 40-60 pound class equipment, and get fish in quick. The longer you fight a bass, the greater the chance it will die. (photo by www.johndoblephotography.com)
- If you see someone hooked up with a fish, be sure to give him plenty of room. There is no need to set up right on top of him.
Remember that fish have tails. If you see someone catching, odds are other areas in the Canal are also holding fish. (photo by www.johndoblephotography.com)
- Respect the neighborhoods near the parking areas to help avoid complaints from neighbors. We have lost some areas due to complaints, and we could lose more if we’re not careful.
Bourne and Sandwich residents live along the Canal because they love the Canal. Respect their property so we can all enjoy the resource. (photo by www.johndoblephotography.com)
- If you’re going to share info it is best to do it on a personal level, and not post timely reports on Facebook or Instagram for the entire world to see.
Remember that solitude is often the best part of fishing. Think before calling all your friends in on a hot bite, or posting about it on social media. (photo by www.johndoblephotography.com)
- And remember that good sportsmanship is the #1 ingredient for becoming a successful canal angler.
What do you think?​
Let me know
by commenting below
I think this should be posted at every parking area. Great article. Awesome pictures.
Solitude there was 3 of us at 3:00am and at 4:00am 3 hundred and 2 fish
Great article.good advice for everyone everywhere..loved the pictures..
John does do a great job with the canal photos!
Nice article Pete and valid points on etiquette fishing the Canal. With such a great fishery and easy access to hot bass bites, it can get crowded real fast ! Hope all who read this take this to heart !
Great Post.. Fished the canal for the first time last year.. and hope to be back countless times in the future. Thanks for the advice..
Ryan I think this is awesome!!! The pics fit the point that Pete is trying to make (I think). Now that I’m retired I have plenty of time to get out to some favorite spots an take photos. And also discover new locations. But most of all I won’t be leaving the bite to head into work. In the future if you need pictures & you think I might have what your looking for let me know. If you see something on my web site or on FB let me know. I was able to get some nice shots of Osprey in action at the Wareham herring run the other day. Thanks for thinking about my pictures, and I very much appreciate including my web site under the picture.
Thanks,
JD
I hope everyone gets a chance to see this article and pass it on to there friends ,because it still goes on that is why I fish nights that is when the fish are out . thanks
Great job with the photos John!
I have always enjoyed your photography. Keep up the great work.
Gluck this week!