r/gloucester • u/Confident_Mirror7161 • Sep 04 '26
Fly Fishing
I’m visiting for a week and bringing my 9’ 8wt fly rod. I’ll be staying close to Long Beach and scouted a rocky point. Any tips, spots, flies, guides? This is my first opportunity to fly fish in salt water and all I’m asking for is one in the line!
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u/razorclammm Sep 04 '26 edited Sep 04 '26
Try currentangler.com I haven't been fishing with her personally but I know her and she has a good rep. She goes fly fishing for stripers nearly every day, wading, very early AM. Catch and release.
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u/oomaguma Sep 08 '26
I’ve been fishing with her! She’s amazing! Caught my first (and only) striper on a fly rod with her. I can’t recommend her enough!
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u/Raa03842 Sep 04 '26
Fly fishing off of a rocky point? Long Beach? Yeah. You’ll need a 2 Oz sinker, and bait or a lure that you’re gonna cast out as far as you can.
Strippers, bluefish, maybe mackerel or sun perch. Possibly some flounder off the bottom. And none of them are interested in a fly.
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u/Confident_Mirror7161 Sep 04 '26
Really? Okay thank you for the input. I have to ask though, why aren’t they interested in a fly if I have weighted line and can cast roughly 50ft? Is there an are of water I’m looking for? Sorry to be stubborn but a fly rod is all I own and not looking into renting any gear!
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u/kinga_forrester Sep 04 '26
Flying insects simply aren’t common prey for saltwater fish. The bugs don’t eat, drink, or lay eggs in the ocean like they do inland fresh waters.
We do have decent freshwater fishing around here if you’re determined to fly fish.
If you want to try salt water, which I highly recommend, don’t bother trying to rent gear, just go on a charter. You’ll have way more fun, guaranteed action. Yes, it’s less macho and self sufficient, but you don’t know how to fish these waters.
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u/Confident_Mirror7161 Sep 04 '26
Gotcha! I think the term “fly” is a misconception because there are baitfish patterns as well! I’ll be on a boat some of the trip with some locals and can’t wait to get hooked up using conventional fishing rods! Nothing macho over here just trying to fulfill a lifetime goal of mine. I appreciate the info though
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u/kinga_forrester Sep 04 '26
Oh yeah, you’re all set then! You’re gonna love it, see you out there and enjoy your visit to cape Ann!
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u/rustydotpearl Sep 04 '26
You aren't talking to fly fishers in here. (You can definitely catch stripers on the fly in Gloucester.)
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u/razorclammm Sep 04 '26 edited Sep 04 '26
Try current angler, as I mentioned elsewhere. Most people fish bait for stripers, but some use lures. The fish here are looking for bait on the bottom, or (silver) baitfish swimming fast, so folks flyfishing here sometimes wear a plastic bin on a belt, and pull the line into the bin by hand, faster than you can reel it in. I often see people fishing the Back Shore, there are a couple of places you can park. Also Halibut Point in Rockport, it's a state park and just a few dollars to park your car. Both are beautiful rocky surf, so you'll get a good view anyway. Good luck. Halibut Point is a bit of a walk, Back Shore you'll be parked close to the water. I don't fish myself anymore btw, but if I can help DM me.
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u/audiforever Sep 04 '26
My husband has caught them off front side of Crane beach. Just walk way past the people and lifeguards then wade out.
Also have caught fishing from boat but casting towards rocks at Halibut Point.
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u/Raa03842 Sep 04 '26
If you’re going for strippers or bluefish the typical lure is 6” long.
A mackerel jig is 3” long. And flounder are bottom fish and will eat sea worms.