Good Morning,
To start, I hope that everyone and their families are safe and healthy. Last week, Gov. Charlie Baker issued an order that prohibits MA Charter Boats and Captains from operating until May 18th. We are hopeful that in the coming weeks the number of new COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts will begin to decrease, and that with that decline and other positive indicators the Governor will allow the for-hire fleet to resume operations.
Should we be allowed to operate, I am confident that Manolin Charters can adhere to the
directives from both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts to inhibit further spread of COVID-19.
Examples of preventative actions that we are prepared to take to ensure the safety of our sports include:
Requiring completion of a COVID-19 pre-screening questionnaire 24 hours prior to
charter departure, and maintaining these records for state collection and audit
Requesting that all clients who are feeling ill or showing any signs of being infected
cancel the trip prior to arrival with
NO PENALTY FOR CANCELLATION DUE TO ILLNESS!!!
Limiting the number of clients on board so as to maintain recommended social distancing
guidelines (Manolin is 24 ft long. Fished on the side of the rail will give 4 people 6 ft of room or when casting plugs we have room all over the place)
Requiring clients to provide their own food and drink stored in personal containers rather
than a communal cooler
Wearing approved face coverings and gloves
Carrying cleaning and disinfecting materials, soap, water, and hand sanitizer on board
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting all areas of the vessel at the beginning and end of
each trip
Cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as handrails and fishing equipment over the
course of each trip.
As soon as we as able to, and we feel it is safe to do so, we will be running our MA fishing charters. Unless plans from the Governor change, we will not be running charters until after the May 18th deadline.
Due to my new teaching schedule, we have some cool, new options once the ban is lifted. Here are the options to mull over. Of course, this is all if we feel it is safe during these time periods (I’m just trying to help you plan!). They include
Spring Haddock — Best time of year to fish is April /May. These have limited availability on Weekends in May. I have May 24th, 30th, and 31st ($1000)
Early Season Stripers - May 19th - May 29th ONLY - Fast paced, light tackle striped bass action fishing the Merrimack River ($70 per person)
Early Morning June Topwater Trips - Month of June , early morning sunrise trips. I am able to sneak out everyday with my new work schedule and can run 3 hour fishing trips or our typical 4.5 hour trips. I have added a new early morning special. These would leave the dock at 5/6 AM. We will not use bait on these shortened trips, strictly casting lures. ($100 per person)
Normal 4.5 Hour and 6.5 Hour Striped Bass Charters - Lots of openings in the first half of June in the morning for 4.5 hour trips at the moment as I didn’t book them because of my original work schedule. Take advantage and get in during this prime period. My favorite time of year to fish for striped bass in the Merrimack River. June is a time for a lot of action! ($500 for 4,5 hours and $700 for 6.5 hours)
NEW LOCATION - Private Dock on Savory St in Newburyport, MA
We moved to a new location just a 5 minute boat ride upriver. We are on a private dock with just two other boats in a nice, quiet, and secluded part of the river. Although I will encourage to carpool, there is plenty parking at the marina. I’m very excited about the move as I have spent 15 years at my previous marina.
It has been in the making for a few years now, but the eastern states have collectively created new striped bass regulations that all states will follow. We will now employ a slot limit. A “keeper” striper now has to fall between 28” and less than 35”. It is still a one fish per person limit. Please let me know before your trip if you want to get a couple for the table or if you want to target trophy sized fish that will be released. Sometimes we may able to do both, sometimes it may be more “fun” or advantageous to just target one or the other given the conditions.
New Gear
Every year fishing technologies are improving and tactics are changing. Here at Manolin Charters, we take pride in the gear we have for our customers. You just won’t find a charter boat with a combination of high quality gear that is sought out to perfectly suit our fishery. We are going lighter and smoother than ever before! Here is our new lineup this year.
Shimano Thunnus Baitrunners on Star Rods for snag and drop pogies and livelining
Okuma Metaloids on Tsunami Slow Pitch Acid Wrap rods
Shimano Stradics FL on Temple Fork Outfitter rods for tossing plugs (This honestly is the best feeling combo I have ever picked up!)
We have also undergone some boat upgrades
Replaced the windshield on the CC to a full window top to bottom to keep us dry and warm
More storage solutions
Toadfish Stick on Coozies — Wait till you see these cool products!
Bean Bag for offshore runs to the sharking/haddock grounds
Loud Speaker/ Hailer — Fun stuff and automatic fog horn patterns (awesome feature for those foggy days that will make us even more safe on the water)
If anyone has any questions or concerns regarding a charter please don't hesitate to reach out and ask.
Stay Safe and Tight Lines