Jolly’s house is next to a salt pond famous for the worm hatch. It has direct access to Sippewissett Marsh that is a tidal estuary that holds stripers throughout the season. It is also in close proximity to some of the upper Cape’s best inshore saltwater fishing by shore as well as by boat. Buzzards Bay is in our backyard and the famous flats of Barnstable Harbor are only ½ hour away. Since we trailer our boats, we can fish all the “ secret Spots” that Jolly knows and speaks of in his presentations and fishing talks.

Not only do we wade fish and charter on our Flats boat, but we also have an array of kayaks, float tubes and Water Otters (which are the best personal watercraft Jolly has ever used). Additionally, an inflatable drift-boat rounds out the fleet of watercraft at the Retreat so all areas of fishing can be covered.

Schools begin the 1st of May when both the worm hatch and the Herring run is in progress. During the schools, we fish for herring eating stripers during the day and then concentrate on the worm hatch which starts around 5 P.M. and goes until dark. For those who simply can’t get enough fishing (Jolly included), nighttime fishing from local shoreline hotspots offer fishing throughout the night.

Beginning around mid-June the focus of the schools is on Flats fishing at Barnstable Harbor, Mashnee Flats and other “secret spots” within a short distance from home base. During this season, techniques of sight casting to fish moving on and off the flats will be taught and practiced. This kind of fishing rivals flats fishing anywhere as stripers and blues are visible and willing to feed upon sand eels, silversides, crabs and other bite size morsels in water barely a foot deep.

These programs extend weekly until the end of July when Funny Fishing begins. This is a term of endearment for Atlantic Speedsters-Bonito, False Albacore and Spanish Mackerel. These mackerel species invade inshore waters of Buzzards Bay, Vineyard and Nantucket Sounds and offer some of the most exciting surface feeding frenzies that anyone can experience on the Salt. These Speedsters get their names because once hooked they make runs at speeds clocked at 35 MPH. Wow! Make sure you got lots of backing and a good drag on that reel. And watch out for those knuckles!!!! I compare these fish to any bonefish I have ever caught and I have landed them over 10 pounds. This also is the time of year when Grand Slams are possible. That means one each of the Speedsters plus a striper and bluefish. We had a few of those days last season. Stripers also feed heavily at night during this time of year so our days consist of chasing Funny Fish during the day and nighttime fishing for Stripers and Blues.

The Last Blast is the fall migration of big Stripers and Blues as they start their journeys to warmer waters. This begins around September and coincides with the end of Funny Fishing Season. This last year was highlighted by the arrival of huge schools of peanut bunkers that covered acres upon acres of neighborhood waters. These bait were feasted upon by those species mentioned above. Much of our fishing is done in protected harbors and upon inshore structure. Feeding activity frequently lasts all day and 100+ fish days were not uncommon.

Schools are scheduled for 3 days of intensive learning and on the water experience. Anything and everything can be worked on. Since classes are limited, we focus on what it is that you want to do and how you want to fish. We tie flies, practice fly- casting and deal with gear and tackle throughout the day. We also honor each person’s space and personal desires so all of our programs are individualized and personal. Our motto is to offer a no pressure, fun filled experience for all. These programs also consider that not everybody wants to fly fish or that they simply desire to spin cast as well. On all of our schools and charters we provide all the tackle-rods, reels, flies plugs, lures drinks and eats. Yes we bring spinning gear as well, yet if you are a purist then we stick it out with you even if a 20 knot wind makes it difficult to fly fish. We can always find a leeside to throw a fly.

COSTS

• All 3 day programs are $1000 per person and $1250 if lodging is included. For 2 or more fishermen, the cost is reduced to $1000/person. There are some discounts for couples sharing a room and of course we can arrange for non- fishing guests. Meals are informal and on your own except for lunches which we bring on the charters and including a real clambake one day during the course of your school.
   
• 1 day programs vary from charter, guided trips that range from $295/ half day to $425/ full day. And Jolly will continue to offer his a unique and favorite experience of fishing one-on-one with him for $350/full day, $250/ half day.
   
• Other services include kayak fishing, fly-casting, shore guiding and tying classes and anything else one can imagine to make them a better fisherman. We even will show you the hot spots or captain your boat while you fish or entertain your guests (note: a 10% discount on all services and retreats will be given if booked with a 50% deposit before March 15, 2007)

 So that’s it. Jolly runs his business with the old Chinese proverb as his mission statement. “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you've fed him for a lifetime".

Tight lines,
Captain J. Roger Swiderski