[Hawkeye]

Mike, Craig and I will be motoring to South Beach/Monomoy Saturday pre-dawn/dawn and we have one rider slot left.

I need some launching ramp help. The closest ramp I can find on my map is in the Harwich area. I know for a fact of two ramps elsewhere on the Cape that don't show up on this map and I was hoping someone here could point me to a closer ramp for the Monomoy run. Thanks in advance!

 

[juro]

You should launch from Oyster River on the west side of Stage Harbor. Take Barn Hill Rd toward Hardings (turn off rte 28 at Larry's PX) and bear left at the Harding's Beach sign if I recall. You have to be early to get a spot. I'll bet five bucks you don't get out of the harbor without casting to the fish that are working the flat on the Morris Island side!

The flats between Morris and NM, bait and birds out in the middle of the tub, the westside flats to poke around on too, as well has the humps. If the wind is down you might as well fish the crib and the guzzle too. Man you guys are going to have a blast.

The currents after the turn of the tide will get really strong around certain areas as you know. It goes without saying that caution is needed, particularly if you end up anywhere near the outlet to sea and the north end of South Monomoy Island.

Big blues are in the area, bring wire or focus on spots that isolate bass from the blues - along the shoreline structures where we know they love to hang. Blues were roving and busting in open areas last weekend; bass were stationed in familiar locations.

Good luck and see you tomorrow night!

 

[Hawkeye]

Thanks a million Juro! See ya there!

 

[juro]

Another note - if you are heading pre-dawn to the east/southeast from the outlet of Stage you will need to follow the channel or you could ground out on a bar. The channel is snaky, following along the west side of the outlet, swinging over to the east, then curving toward Monomoy, then curving east again toward South beach before coming out around the North end bar of North Monomoy. You're probably fine for clearance and it will be a flooding tide so even a mishap (at low speeds) will progress into more water over time until 9-ish. Not sure what your boat draws for water but I'd guess if it's not light out yet it would pay to take it slow.

 

[Bob Pink]

hawkeye,
The channel from stage out to S.Beach and the Monomoy opening is well marked with a series of lettered day markers. If I remember correctly you'll be at the back end of the series once you leave Stage and ascending the alphabet as you wind your way east.
Two points: It's not straight-line navigation, think like a river and curve your way from marker to marker. FOG is a real hazard in that area. Very easy to get disoriented, compass on board is a minimum, handheld gps better.
Since you are close to the ocean at home, you've seen the size of the swells that are pounding in from the ENE. Stay in protected waters until you clearly see the situation..

And of course, HAVE A GREAT TIME....!

 

[Bob Pink]

BTW the other ramp in that area is the Ryder Cove ramp but you don't want to think about that if the ocean is up.... you'd be adding new structure out by Big Girl Bar

 

[Hawkeye]

Thanks guys. We'll be careful and have compass and powerful search type light on board.

 

[sRobbins]

The ramp off of Barnhill Rd. has been closed for several weeks for repair as they change the pitch. I don't know if they finished construction yet this week. You can use the public ramp at Stage Harbor until July 1 (I think). Check with the Harbor Master.

Also, as of Sunday, the channel markers were not in place around Morris Island.

 

[juro]

Thanks Steve! Looks like a solid push of fish in the area, have you been out yet?

 

[Chris]

I'll be rolling in about 2 am from Maine if you're still looking to fill a spot I'd be glad to tag along. I've never fished the cape and will be needing some guidance on where to fish.
Chris

 

[Hawkeye]

Chris,

We may have that slot filled but we can do a shuttle thing. If you are interested post, e-mail, use Mike Estey's cell from the list or just show up. You are very welcome and we would love to share our meager one season's worth of knowledge in the Monomoy area.

 

[Steve]

I know it's a bit late but...

Use the ramp on Bridge Street. It dumps you in the back of Stage Harbor; is open to the public, and you can park along the street. Take the Chatham rotary to Stage Harbor Rd. Take a left onto Bridge street. The ramp is on the left just before the bridge. Really easy.