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Date: September 10, 2023 Body of Water: Casco Bay - Maine Boat: amybaby22 With: Alone Target: Striped Bass Time: 10:15 AM - 1:15 PM Moon Phase: New minus four days; waning crescent moon Tide: High tide at 8:54 AM Conditions: Overcast, light easterly wind, about 65 degrees. Water temperatures 62 degrees F (+/-) I stopped directly over a school active mackerel in Hussey Sound, seemingly right where I left them the previous day. My first drop got intercepted on the way down, and I pulled a nearly full string into the boat, with many others following. Just a few drops later, the well was full and I was heading to Peaks Island with a lot of confidence! That confidence was based on the cool temps and gray skies, as well as the easterly wind pushing into the rocks. My efforts were impeded to a minor degree by floating and loose weed, and the quarter-moon tidal currents were weak, but I was still very surprised when I'd fished just about all of my favorite stretch without a chase or a touch. I carefully probed the "Washing Machine" area from multiple directions and I tossed baits into likely nooks and crevices, but still moved nothing. Crow Island also produced nothing; not even a sign of a bass. It was eerily quiet on the water. By 12:30 or so, I was starting to watch the weather with more intent. Thunderstorms were predicted, and the skies over the Falmouth shoreline were darkening. My original thoughts had included chunking and/or a visit to Broad Cove, but each of these efforts required time that I wasn't sure I had. Instead, I chose to revisit Clapboard Island (West). Going with the wind and current on my initial pass, my mack got smacked on top (finally!) over about 10 feet of water, right about where the last fish of the previous day had been caught. It was a shiny and bright 24-incher, and so much better than a skunk! I could have stayed and tried for another, but I really did not want to get caught in a thunderstorm, so I talked myself into heading in. The rain was slow to develop, and I probably could have safely stayed for another 90 minutes, but I was satisfied with the weekend's experiences. What do I have to say about this? Always better to be safe, than sorry; even if that decision is based, in part, on simply not wanting to deal with rain gear and wet belongings. I may have left a fish or two "on the table" with my early departure, but I also arrived home in a functional state. Yesterday, the striper fishing had been so easy; today, nearly impossible. I don't really know why (I'd have predicted the opposite), but at least I can accept that these changes do occur, and that I will never fully understand this environment or these fish. These unexpected developments help make this pursuit all the more interesting. And of course a day like today will likely be countered with one like yesterday. And with a little luck, like my next outing? Pondering the questions of core essence and finding meaning in unexpected ways
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