I Launched Summer Job in the Merrimack River today for my first scouting trip of the season. The water temp at the ramp was 61 degrees already and I admit it, it got my hopes up! I was to late to go to my normal, early schoolie spots, so I went to Joppa. I saw one boat anchored up, not doing anything, so I trolled down river. I went as close as I could to the Coast Guard Sand Bar, no love. Next I went out the mouth and saw birds working probable sand eels on the southern sand bar but it was to shallow to find out. Last I looped "out side" for a true ocean water temp of 54.5 degrees, again very promising but no strikes.

 There have been reports of striped bass taken in Ipswich Bay which is just south of the river. I talked to a guy on the dock who spoke of a "28 incher" taken two days ago by his friend at that very same dock. The first wave of fish could be here within a week!!!!  Now it will be impossible for me to sleep tonight!!!

Good fishing!

Capt. Scott