After a day of missed bites while fishing for striped bass in the Boston Harbor, YouTuber Dillon Fishing had a close encounter with a big fish, or rather aquatic mammal, of a different kind.
Kayak Angler Nearly Crushed By Humpback Whale
On an overcast day with plenty of boat traffic near Boston Harbor and YouTuber Dillon was out looking to catch striped bass, or rockfish, one of the most popular species of New England gamefish.
Dillion trolled for about two miles without any bites while the sun came out. After no bites for quite some time, he switched to live bait and started feeling more bites, most of which amounted to missed bites. Eventually, Dillon scored a large striped bass.
Dillon wasn’t the only angler out on the water– plenty of other boats were in the area with the same mission in mind.
“I’m just shocked by how many big fish there are out here,” Dillion commented.
Just seconds later, around 14:30 in the video, a massive feeding humpback whale surfaced to feed just feet behind Dillon.
“Get me out of here!” He said. “That whale was looking for me.”
Moments later and too close for comfort, the humpback partially breaches again.
“I’m all for wildlife experiences but I do not feel like getting capsized by a freaking whale up here in Boston,” said Dillon.
As he paddled away, the whale continued to breach near him a few more times.
Humpbacks and striped bass in the Boston Harbor
While striped bass are a popular catch for a kayak angler, humpback whales filter-feed on small fish and crustaceans, mostly krill. In general, kayak anglers and motor boaters alike are advised to keep their distance from all marine animals both for the protection of the animal and yourself, as whales have been known to capsize small boats.
Guidelines for the region include keeping 100-200ft from whales, and being aware that bubbles in the water are indicative of a whale nearby and a sign to clear the area.
While maintaining distance from whales is certainly easier said than done in a fishing kayak, especially when a whale decides to approach you, it’s recommended to clear the area if a whale is breaching nearby.