Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Fishing season is upon us, and Massachusetts has striped bass to fry...or bake.
Fishermen across the Cod State are dusting off their fishing rods, waiting for the stripers to swim up the Atlantic. The popular anadromous animals are a significant part of commercial and recreational fishing. The rockfish has been an essential natural resource for Massachusetts since 1620.
This particular species can be found floating around Boston Harbor from early May until November. And since the aggressive bread hunts in shallow waters, around ledges, estuaries, and rocks, they are relatively easy to find and catch.
Shops like Belsan Bait & Tackle are preparing for the heavy traffic as the season approaches.
"It won't start picking up until next month easily, and the line will be out the door for bait," said Jackson Belsan.
As excitement builds for the season, both the fish and fisherman have an unexpected nemesis that could hamper the season — seals. The apex predators prey on striped bass in areas where the two species overlap, impacting their population and fisheries.
"I even see seals up the north river; my boats there," said Belsan. "So that's a big factor."
WBZ NewsRadio's Jared Brosnan (@jaredbrosnanwbz) reports.