My Fishing Cape Cod member Jeff Boswell is a long time resident of Plymouth, Massachusetts. Growing up along the shores of Plymouth Harbor, he discovered his passion for saltwater fishing at an early age.
Since joining MFCC in 2019, Jeff has transformed his recreational passion into an ever-expanding adventure, pushing the boundaries of his fishing expertise from surfcasting local beaches to pursuing massive bluefin tuna offshore.
His journey with MFCC demonstrates how a supportive fishing community can empower its members to take on new challenges.
Click play below to start listening, or scroll down to access a table of contents and written version (with photos and links to additional resources) of everything we cover.
Finding His Way to MFCC
As a youngster under the loving guidance of his father, Jeff developed a deep connection to the local waters that would shape his future as an angler. This early exposure to fishing in "America's Hometown" laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong pursuit.
Jeff Boswell grew up fishing with his late father on the family boat and later in life is now fortunate to have his own boat right in Plymouth Harbor! Jeff enjoys fishing, enjoying beach days at Plymouth's Long Beach, and even whale watching with his family and friends.
After years of searching online for local fishing information, Jeff kept encountering MFCC's resources. What caught his attention was the website's focused coverage of his home waters around Plymouth and Cape Cod. After meeting someone who knew Ryan personally and hearing countless positive things about the community, Jeff decided to join MFCC in 2019.
Expanding Beyond the Boat
As an adult, Jeff and his family were fortunate enough to purchase a 23-foot NorthCoast Express they have moored at the Plymouth Yacht Club. Despite having access to his boat in Plymouth Harbor, Jeff realized he was limiting himself by focusing solely on boat fishing.
"There's only certain opportunities I can get out on the boat," he explains. This realization led him to explore surfcasting, starting with a 9-foot rod for bait fishing before discovering the excitement of artificial lures and reading the water.
My Fishing Cape Cod has helped Jeff pursue his fishing goals well beyond his boat. Jeff credits MFCC's members forum for helping him pursue a personal goal of becoming a more proficient surfcaster. In addition to all the great information in the forum, Jeff has made life long friends through MFCC group trips and events.
His surfcasting journey evolved significantly as he moved away from simply chunking bait. "I'm a little too antsy. I kind of want to be moving around doing different things," Jeff shares. Through MFCC's forum, he learned about different tackle options, lure presentations, and how to read water conditions effectively.
One of his favorite spots became Long Beach in Plymouth, a three-mile stretch that offers diverse fishing opportunities throughout the season. Jeff particularly enjoys fishing the point, where a sharp current creates productive conditions when the tide pushes north up the beach.
He's learned to adapt to the challenges of this spot, including dealing with weedy conditions by using weedless rigged soft plastics like Slug-Gos and Albie Snax.
The seasonal nature of shore fishing has also extended his time on the water. While his boat fishing typically runs from May through October, surfcasting allows him to start in April, hunting for that first striper of the year in backwater spots. Getting that first fish in April has become a cherished annual milestone for Jeff.
His surfcasting journey was accelerated through MFCC's forum and a friendship with fellow member Kevin Touhey, who brought extensive shore fishing experience to complement Jeff's boat fishing knowledge. This partnership exemplifies the collaborative spirit within the MFCC community, where members regularly share expertise and learn from each other.
The Blue Fin Challenge
Perhaps the most significant impact of Jeff's MFCC membership has been his pursuit of blue fin tuna. After years of watching "Wicked Tuna" and dreaming about catching these magnificent fish, the MFCC forum provided the knowledge and confidence he needed to get started.
Jeff battling a North Atlantic Blue Fin Tuna aboard an MFCC group trip with Captain Cullen Lundholm of Cape Star Charters. Jeff credits MFCC with helping him get into fishing for tuna and equipping him with the gear guidance to give it a try on his own boat.
"There's so many things that I felt I needed to learn before I could do that," Jeff recalls, citing boat positioning, gear selection, and handling techniques as critical areas where the forum provided guidance. Working within the constraints of a family budget, he gradually accumulated the necessary equipment, learning from fellow members' experiences and recommendations.
His persistence paid off during his third tuna trip when he hooked into what turned out to be an oversized fish. Though the three-hour battle ended with the fish breaking free at the prop, the experience left an indelible impression. "It's probably the first time since I was a little kid that I've hooked into a fish and had it on the other line and had a little bit of fear," Jeff shares.
Targeting football sized recreational Blue Fin Tuna, Jeff Boswell accidentally hooked a GIANT North Atlantic Blue Fin aboard his 23-foot North Coast Express. After battling the fish for over 3 hours, the line chafed on the prop of his outboard engine.
Looking Ahead
As Jeff looks toward future seasons, his goals include landing his first recreational sized tuna from his own boat, the "Miss A". In addition to blue fin, Jeff wants to enjoy exploring new species like tautog.
Tog are an incredibly tough fighting fish that also make for great table fare. He credits MFCC's supportive community for helping make these aspirations feel achievable, noting how members regularly reach out to offer advice and partnership opportunities.
Jeff is happy to take friends and fellow MFCC members out on his boat, the "Miss A", to experience the great striper and tuna fishery off the coastline of Plymouth. His beautiful photo above of "Bug Light" at the entrance to Plymouth Harbor, reminds us all that catching a fish is just a bonus.
Closing Thoughts: The MFCC Difference
For Jeff, MFCC represents more than just a fishing website. It's a community where passionate anglers can network, share experiences, and dive deep into the technical aspects of the sport. From specific rod recommendations to reading water conditions, the forum and website provides detailed insights that have helped him become a more skilled and versatile angler.
Whether you're a seasoned captain or just starting out, Jeff's story demonstrates how MFCC's resources and community can help you achieve your fishing goals, one cast at a time.
About the author