It pays to be lucky than to be skillful.

Armed with amazing information from Orvis Wellesley’s 301 Saltwater session, I was re-inspired to give it a go. With the Mrs. out of town to visit family, I decided to book an Airbnb at the Cape in Brewster and give it a shot. I figured that location would conveniently let me hit a bunch of beaches all around.

Plus, I needed to get used to casting a salt rod. I’m fishing for redfish next January and will be giving a first go at bonefish next spring.

Truth be told, I’ve fished the salt three times before and was skunked each time. So, I went with low expectations. Being on the water would be better, I thought, than doing work or staring at the walls while alone at the house.

I arrived late Friday afternoon at the Bay side of the Cape and fished the low-tide mark, hoping fish would push in as the water pushed in. I met some locals, who were friendly and helpful when I told them I was new to the salt game. I didn’t see anyone with a fish on, and I also was blanked. A pizza dinner was a great way to end the day.

The next day, I got up before dawn. The plan was to sleep in a bit, but when I know I’m about to fish, my brain wakes up early and tells me to go forth.

I picked a spot based on scouring Google Maps for structure and querying AI about various spots and time windows. It was an hour past low tide. No one else was out, and it felt great to have plenty of casting room, which I normally don’t get with the sweet-water game.

I saw a channel, and it reminded me of some of those gentle glides at the Farmington and in Montana where big fish hold. There was enough depth and plenty of current flowing by, with some quiet seams here and there. Also, I could see some stripers break the water as they chased baitfish, and I got more excited, as though two cups of coffee were not enough.

I decided to put on a very light and small fly: a two-inch Clouser with white, chartreuse, and olive.

I couldn’t believe it. A few casts in, I felt a strike and miraculously strip-set and did not do a trout set. I felt a lot of weight and power. I had set the drag to “moderate,” and the fish immediately took my reel to backing. After a tussle on my new 9-wt., I saw a beautiful fish lying peacefully on the sandy bank. Victory!

I tightened the drag.

I saw another fish break the surface and threw the fly about 10 feet away from it. Then, another tug. A ferocious fight. A striper that I estimated to be 26″ to 28″ showed itself. I couldn’t believe my luck.

At 8 am, all the action died. I took a break at The Kitchen Cafe for some morning fuel. Their Huevos Rancheros and iced cold brew were cracker.

I hit some other spots but good luck didn’t strike again. I met some more locals, who gave great advice but also were blanked. Some locals said the following: “A lot of fishing going on and not a lot of catching this season,” “not many fish this year,” and “I’m done fishing for the year.”

Still, I fished hard all day, and after a late lunch at Pico’s Taco Shack, I wasn’t hungry for dinner after Mass and just had a handful of almonds to turn in early. 20K of steps for the day! Oh, and I bought a 25 oz. can of Bud on the way home to wash it all down.

On Sunday, I went out at dawn again. I did land one schoolie. I had two others on. One unbuttoned just before I slid it onto the beach. Another popped off a few minutes into the fight. I was using a big Deceiver and clearly need to do a strong strip set with the bigger hook. An absolutely massive fish tailed at one point, but I couldn’t get it to eat.

I hit another spot, was blanked, and decided to head home early to do some house chores, rinse off my gear, and get ready for a grind of a workweek.

I still love trout, but I think the saltwater bug has bitten me quite hard. I can’t wait to get out there again.

Tight lines!