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Tales from the Draggin' Fly

Spring 2009
Urban Adventurs
Commitment to Service

Damon Reed of Vermont and John Kieley of New Hampshire contract with Captain Bill to fish several times a season as they have done for the past nine years. Fishing during every part of the 2008 season, Damon and John had the unique experience to see the many different faces of Boston Harbor and are a good barometer of Harbor fishing. These veteran fly rodders will be the first to admit that the fishing this past year was not always easy. But whether they were stalking bass in skinny water during the early morning hours of the summer or chasing fish along the rocky ledges of the Inner Triangle, it was a season to be remembered.

While anglers in Northern New England complained about a lack of bait and fish, the Harbor fished extremely well throughout the season. Beginning in the spring with a solid return of herring and tinker mackerel, Draggin’ Fly anglers had plenty of opportunities to target jumbo fish on light tackle and fly rods. As a matter of record, more trophy bass over 40 inches were caught this year than during any other season since Captain Bill started fishing Boston Harbor on a full time basis.


This is not to imply that fishing was always easy-the late summer proved to be more difficult than past years. This year, peanut bunker weren’t here or anywhere else in Southern New England in any numbers. The good sign was the number of herring fry available this fall. There were also massive schools of mature pogies that attracted some real monstrous bass throughout the season.

Overall, bluefish were certainly not as numerous as they were just a few years back. Yet, the ones that were boated were bigger than those usually encountered in Boston.

Throughout the fall, schools of bass could be found from Quincy Bay right into downtown Boston and in every estuary in between. While there were far fewer surface blitzes this fall, many trophy fish were caught on the Draggin’ Fly during the fall. More big bass were caught from mid-September until the season's last trip in mid-October than any past season, and this was accomplished on fewer trips due to inclement weather. A 50 pound linesider and several from 30-40 pounds were among the fish landed on light tackle this past fall.

If you did not fish with the Draggin’ Fly this year, you missed the best fishing in years. This past season was a complete sellout so be sure to book early for 2009. Don’t miss out on what is sure to be another exciting season.

Here’s what our guests have to say:
(a Draggin’ Fly regular) “I have been fishing with Captain Bill for over 5 years. As a lifelong angler and Bostonian, he knows where the fish are likely to be both in Boston Harbor and the waters north and south of Boston. Captain Bill is the consummate teacher. He works well with novice and experienced anglers alike. You wont be disappointed if you charter with Captain Bill on the Draggin' Fly.” Frank F
(a corporate client) “It’s the total experience on the Draggin’ Fly…not only catching fish but learning how to as well. You will feel and appreciate Captain Bill’s passion for fishing every trip on the Draggin’ Fly.” Frank S
(a note from another regular)“This will be my 14th year that I have fished with Captain Bill. He’s always put us in the action, and more importantly never forgets that fishing is suppose to be fun. My family and I have had some great catches, and are hoping for more in 2009.” David D
( a note from the girls )
“What a trip! This was a great girls day out with two huge fish to prove it.”Melissa
“My husband is very jealous that I landed that huge trophy bass...all by myself.”
Betty Ann

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Draggin' Fly Charters remains committed to providing the best personalized service to each of our guests. And our industry leading rebooking rate proves it!

Great light tackle and fly fishing at competitive rates

The knowledge to catch fish throughout the season

The finest equipment available

Real opportunities for trophy fish

All inclusive trips-lodging and transportation assistance available

The 2008 Line-Up
The Draggin' Fly
Our Equipment

Draggin' Fly Charters and Captain Bill can customize an adventure for you. We continue to offer the finest saltwater angling experiences in the East from our half-day to multi-day fishing trips. Draggin' Fly Charters specializes in light tackle and fly fishing for striped bass and bluefish. Join the Draggin' Fly for spectacular sunrises while fishing Boston Harbor and surrounding waters on the North and South Shore.




Corporate clients
tell us that a trip aboard The Draggin' Fly on the waters of historical Boston Harbor is an exciting way to entertain clients while doing business in a most unique setting. We'll provide snacks, instruction, and custom tailor a program to meet all your needs. You will have plenty of time for work and play.


Unforgettable Action
For Striped Bass and Bluefish

Captain Bill has teamed up with Key Largo Boats and Mercury Marine to customize The Draggin' Fly. She is truly state-of-the-art. The added beam and length provide an exceptionally smooth ride even in rough waters. Mercury Marine has re-powered The Draggin’ Fly with a powerful Verado 4 stroke engine. She will be faster and quieter.

Your Skipper
Captain Bill "Grizzly" Smith is a United States Coast Guard licensed Master Captain. He has earned a solid reputation for consistently putting Draggin' Fly's clients onto fish. Recognized as the area's top fly and light tackle guide. Captain Bill has been featured in several magazine articles. Captain Bill is also an excellent instructor who can help any angler improve skills.



Captain Bill is a platinum member of Mercury Marine's National Saltwater Team, field advisor for major tackle manufacturers, and marine consultant. He is also an IGFA Certified Captain. Captain Bill is an active member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association, and his articles continue to be featured in many outdoor publications. Captain Bill is also a much sought after lecturer, and his slideshows are presented at numerous workshops.

Remember, it costs no more to fish with the best.

Draggin' Fly Charters is proud of our affiliation with the best tackle manufacturers in the world. Sponsors include Penn Fishing Tackle, Grizzly Custom Rods, Royal Wulff and Jim Teeny lines, Bass Assassins, Salty Custom Lures, Supremus Tackle, and AFTCO Bluewater Tackle. Each season, Captain Bill receives a new tackle to test and evaluate.

Be Sure To
Book Early

Draggin' Fly Charters
20 Chapel Street
Pembroke, MA 02359

Phone: 781-293-7444
Boat Cell: 617-688-1882

E-mail: dragginfl@aol.com

Fishing Adventures
Draggin' Fly Charters specializes in inshore fishing for striped bass, bluefish, cod, and flounder using light tackle (6-12 lb. test rods) and fly tackle (8-10 wt. rods). All equipment is provided.

Early Booking Rates
Honored through April 2009

Full day trips for up to 3 anglers $400
Half day trips for 3 anglers $300
Add a fourth angler for $50
Single angler rate is available on request.

Larger Parties: Draggin' Fly Charters has a number of affiliated boats that enables us to accommodate large groups. All of our boats specialize in light tackle angling and fly fishing.

 

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Boston Harbor and Surrounding Waters
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