March can be a challenging time to go surf fishing in Northern Massachusetts. Local anglers do what they call "reading the surf," to look for what fish are on incoming and outgoing tides. If spring is in the air, look for warmer waters to bring cod close to shore. Also look for winter flounder in the surf off Marblehead, Salem, Beverly, Gloucester or Rockport. Dress for brisk temperatures and be sure to wear waders.
Function
Surf fishing is done from a beach, literally in or above the surf, by casting out as far as possible and then securing your fishing rod in a holder on the sand, so that the bending of the rod will alert you when there is something on the hook.
Geography
Starting just north of Boston, surf fishing in northern Massachusetts in March should follow the migration pattern of fish along the coast. You will possibly encounter diadromous fish, such as herring, that migrate between freshwater and saltwater.
You may also see catadromous fish, such as eels, that live in freshwater but migrate to saltwater to breed, or anadromous species, such as salmon and shad, that return to breed from the sea to the rivers where they were born.
Surf Fishing Gear
Look for a surf casting rod that bends from the top, so that you will notice quickly when something has taken hold of your line. Make sure the line guides are made of carbide rather than ceramic and that the rod itself is made of graphite. Whereas most freshwater rods are fast action, in saltwater you need medium action, 9 to 14 feet long, depending on your height and weight. Surf fishing rods will cost at least $100, so take care of your investment. The quickest was to ruin a rod and reel is by sticking it in the sand without a holder, also called a sand spike.
Decide between a conventional bait-casting reel or a spinning reel, based on your upper-body strength. You need the reel that will give you the longest cast, which is usually a bait-casting reel, but if you are not very tall and strong, you risk ending up with twisted line. A spinning reel will avoid that problem by retrieving your line automatically.
Best Northern Massachusetts Surf Fishing
Marblehead's Castle Rock is a good place for surf fishing. You will be standing on potentially slippery rocks with the surf pounding below you, so don't attempt it unless you are sure-footed and agile.
Salem Sound is prime surf for stripers. Don't forget Boston Harbor and Quincy, especially in March. Winter flounder make a delicious and healthy breakfast or light dinner.
The old fishing village of Gloucester has Dunfudgen Landing, where the Annisquam River empties into the Atlantic Ocean, delivering striped bass, bluefish, cod and flounder. Gloucester also has Bass Rocks, where you may also find striper and bluefish.
Licenses and Permits
Starting in 2011, anyone over the age of 16 who saltwater fishes in Massachusetts will pay a $10 individual permit fee, residents and nonresidents alike. Federal law requires the state to register anyone who takes fish from tidal or salt waters. To comply with the law, Massachusetts instituted the permit.
Recreational permits are also available for crabbing, lobstering and shell fishing in Massachusetts, as long as the location has a clean beach status.
One benefit of surf fishing in Northern Massachusetts in March is that limits on most species are more generous than they are in other parts of the state and at other times of the year.
Line and Bait
If you have never surf-fished before, ask for a fish finder and a pyramid sinker. For most surf fishing, a 20-pound test line will be adequate. See if you can find clams or sea worms to use as bait for cod.
Fishing for larger species, increase the strength of the line accordingly. Bluefish respond to squid or any small fish. The bigger the fish, the bigger the bait. Make the bait match the natural diet of the target fish as much as possible. Place it on the hook so that it moves through the water; cut fish in strips rather than chunks. Use pliers to flatten the barbs on your fish hooks, if you plan to catch and release. Circle hooks are also more gentle than traditional ones.
Warning
The best time of day to go surf fishing in Northern Massachusetts is early in the morning and right at dusk. Fortunately, these are also the times during March when there will be few people on the beach. Surf fishing requires a certain amount of live bait or cut fish in the water, which could easily draw sharks. Don't put other beachgoers in danger by surf fishing on a crowded beach. Be mindful of the risks you are taking with your own safety, as well.
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