Cutbank

Perfectly Rounded Stones

Beyond Fox Hill, Bassing Harbor opens into Pleasant Bay, and—passing the shifting barrier islands of the Cape Cod National Seashore—the Atlantic. Littered with shacks abandoned to rising tides and eroding shores, the breakwaters hem in a weave of small bays, salt ponds and bayberry covered points. The tidal flats facing Monomoy Island, MA, are a popular spot for anglers seeking stripers—and for white sharks seeking harbor seals. Photo: Eamonn Aiken

Words: Chris Anderson

“Tommy, you get whacked yet?”

It’s barely light and Ed Lombardo, our Rhode Island guide, is shouting. He’s a die-hard stripah fisherman whose life accomplishments include teaching the New England Patriots how to flyfish (his efforts benefit The Light Foundation, former NFL player Matt Light’s charity that inspires passion and purpose in young people through outdoor camps). He’s also a former judge, and his ability to find fairness is apparent. “Tommy, if you haven’t gotten whacked yet, let Ben have a shot,” Ed continues. “If he doesn’t get whacked, we’re moving to the other side of the channel. We don’t have time to waste if the fish aren’t he-ahh.”

Ed is in his mid-70s with a strong gait, a quick wit and a keen eye for our shortcomings as anglers. “You boys know how to cast, but the retrieve has to look like this. It has to,” he says. He demonstrates how, most importantly, to make the fly stop. We trust him, a semi-retired angling sage who has shared his love of his home waters for over 40 years. “Ok boys, down to Middle Bridge. I think we can get you boys into some fish there.”

Perfectly Rounded Stones

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