Surfland Bait and Tackle

09/11/2026

Fishing During Plumfest. It’s gonna be busy!

Plumfest is a day-long concert all across the island this Saturday. There will be thousands of people enjoying a boatload of bands spread across the neighborhoods.

Our advice is this. If you’re coming to fish, be sure to get here early. Island parking will be jammed. The Plumfest bus shuttles begin rolling at 11 am. And they run until 7pm. Driving around the island will be real tough between those hours.

It might be a good idea to plan on fishing the Parker River Refuge. All of the musical bands are up in the streets, so there may still be parking in the Refuge.

09/11/2026

Oliver Welch had a big day.
He’s 10 years old and caught his first striper on his own! As you can see he’s thrilled. Caught 7/8/26 at lot one at 7:30 pm on incoming tide!

08/31/2026

08/17/2026

Zachary Fowler, winner of the outdoor endurance show "Alone," Visited Plum Island a week ago during his trip following stripers up from New Jersey. Lots of local flavor and fish in the video. Enjoy.

In Chasing the Striper Episode 7, I head to Plum Island, Massachuse...

08/17/2026

Rich Johnson from Woburn. 49" striper on clams at parking lot #2 in the Wildlife refuge. Saturday, first day that the parking lot was open. Incoming tide around noon.

08/14/2026

Night Fishing at the Reserve Starts This Weekend! Lots 1-3 Open.

Night Fishing Permit. Where Do I get one?
- A night fishing permit can be bought at the Reserve Gate.: $10.
- But you also have to pay for a Reserve Day Pass: $5
- Or you can get a full-year pass for $20, good for a full year of visits from purchase date through the next year.

- If you’re gonna be on the Reserve more than 4 times this year or next, it’s the deal.

- Try to get to the gate while there’s somebody there. If not, there is a kiosk for purchases in Lot 1, but it’s fairly confusing, at least for an old guy like me. And as of today you couldn’t buy the night fishing permit at the kiosk.

Night Fishing Permit. Rules?
- You gotta be into the reserve before sunset, or you’ll be locked out.
- The permit doesn’t need to stick on your vehicle. Just put it on the dashboard.

New Lot Openings Starting Saturday
-At last, there are three lots open for use. Lots 1, 2, and 3 are ready for your fishing delight.

07/06/2026

Yup. there are actual slot fish. But most are bigger this season.

Nick Novak, Jeff Curl, and Tommy L.

Tube and worm Saturday morning.
- Nick Novak

Wanted to share a picture of the striper I caught from the beach by lot 1 on Saturday around 10:30 am. Caught on clams. She swam away healthy.
- Jeff Curl from Westminster MA.

I had a good afternoon today I landed a fat 44 inch striper that slammed my Bucktail bounced off the bottom. Thanks.
- Tommy L

05/22/2026

https://onthewater.com/help-striped-bass-survive-catch-and-release

Best catch-and-release practices ensure greater chances of survival of this important recreational species.

05/22/2026

https://www.surflandbt.com/catch-release-tips-baby-your-bass/

05 Jul Catch & Release Tips. Baby Your Bass. Posted at 09:16h in Uncategorized by Stickman 0 Comments 0 Likes July 5, 2022 Report Judging from the number of good, hungry slot fish being reported, the action is good right now. There were hundreds of folks along the Merrimack beach this weekend, and m...

05/22/2026

Summer Hours Start This Weekend!

MON – FRI: 6am – 9pm
SAT: 5am – 9pm
SUN: 5am – 9pm