Spring marks the beginning of some of the most exciting fishing opportunities in the Northeast, and few things get striped bass more fired up than bunker schools. In this episode of the Saltwater Edge Podcast, we sat down with Captain Brian Kelly—a seasoned fly and light tackle guide from Massachusetts—to talk about his journey into guiding, how to find and read bait, and how to fine-tune your approach around bunker.

Whether you're casting soft plastics in the back bays or hunting trophy fish with bunker spoons, Brian breaks it all down with precision.

 

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From Montana to Massachusetts: A Guide’s Journey

Brian’s fishing career began at a guide school in Montana, where he learned fundamentals like rowing, casting instruction, water safety, and how to build a client-focused business. After returning to Massachusetts, he jumped into the fly fishing scene at Bears Den, bought a Parker 18', and started running trips.

Now, Brian guides over 100 days a season—targeting stripers, albies, bluefin, and more across Massachusetts Bay and Cape Cod.

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Understanding the Fishery: North vs. South of the Cape

One of Brian’s key insights: the differences between the north and south sides of Cape Cod.

• North Side: Bigger tides (up to 12 feet), more backwater flooding, fish hold closer to shore

• South Side: Smaller tides, but more structure and current in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound

• The Cape Cod Canal acts as a migration superhighway, rapidly moving fish between zones—especially when herring are thick

These details affect not only where fish are found, but how they feed, and which presentations work best.

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The Role of Bait: Herring, Bunker, and Squid

🐟 Herring

• Arrive early (even when water temps are still in the 40s)

• Fast-moving, high-protein prey

• Fish follow them through the canal and into estuaries

🐟 Bunker (Menhaden)

• Slower, more erratic swimmers

• Prefer upper water column and gather in massive pods

• Attract predators like stripers, blues, dolphins, and whales

🦑 Squid

• Often overlooked but crucial, especially in areas like Plymouth Bay and Newport

• When squid are around, big fish follow

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Locating Bunker Schools

Brian shares that covering water and reading clues are essential. Key signs include:

• Ospreys or birds hovering and diving

• Oil slicks on the surface

• Side scan sonar to identify deep schools or structure

Hot zones are often ledges, mooring fields, or current lines parallel to shore. In the fall, peanut bunker spread throughout Cape Cod Bay—sometimes creating mile-long schools.

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Tactics by Presentation: Lures, Spoons, and Flies

🎣 Lure Fishing

Top Picks:

• Hogy Sluggos and Albie Snacks: Straight-tail options for a slow, wounded bait profile

• Magic Swimmers and Paddle Tails: Great for mid-column work with vibration

• D.O.A. and Dock-Style Walkers: Deadly when worked slowly on the edges of a school

Pro Tips:

• Always slow down your retrieve—injured bait is easier to eat

• Fish edges or holes in the bait, not directly through the middle

• Match your retrieve to the conditions: quiet and foggy = subtle; choppy = vibration helps

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🥄 Bunker Spoons

Ideal when bait is deep and concentrated.

• Let the spoon flutter to the bottom and work it up with short lifts

• Use heavier gear to drive the hook home—Brian recommends a 150-size reel and 30lb braid

• A direct knot (not a clip) gives better control and alignment

Spoons work best when paired with side scan or down imaging to stay over structure or bait schools.

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🎣 Fly Fishing

Best when fish are feeding on the surface or in 10–20 feet of water.

Setup Notes:

• 8–10wt rods, full-sinking or intermediate lines

• Use bulkhead or hollow-style flies to match bait size and profile

• Avoid stripping through the pod—present off the edge or into holes within the school

Brian often sets up drifts across channels or structure where fish stage. Patience, subtlety, and line control are crucial for fly success in bunker-driven situations.

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Final Thoughts: Strategy Before Tactics

Captain Kelly emphasizes the importance of reading the bait and conditions first—whether it's watching how tightly the school is packed, noting water temperature, or observing the presence of predators. Matching your presentation to the mood of the fish and the behavior of the bunker is the key to success.

Pro Tip: The best days often come when you slow down, read the water, and trust your instincts.