Volume 19 September 3, Number 22 2008 SALE ENDS SEPTEMBER 30TH OYSTER BAY MARINE SUPPLY TOURNAMENT SPECIALS

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2 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT George R. Scocca EDITOR IN CHIEF Sal Amendolia FISHERY MANAGEMENT Dusty Rhodes NY, NJ, CT, RI THE JOURNAL OF NORTHEAST SPORTFISHING NY, NJ, CT, RI CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cover Story Ronnie S. Smith V.P. OF MARKETING Rob Pavlick PROOFREADER Linda A. Avignone WEBMASTER James Sullivan

CONTRIBUTING On 8/4, Capt. Chris of the Island Current took the fam- EDITORS ily out aboard his party boat. His daughter, Marie Chuck Barbato • Chris Grech caught her first bluefish . Capt. Chris said, "It On our cover this week is a was a great day on the water, with my oldest really Mike Wright • Glenn beautiful reminder that Fall is starting to get into the fishing!" Kleinhans • John Skinner right around the corner, bringing Features Sean MacNeal •Tony Salerno with it the special time of year in Karim Farid • Allen Singer the fishing season that many of Swimmers In The Surf Steve Byrne • Rob Caluori By Ken Legge ...... 12 us love and wait for. Anthony Alessi • Richard This is the 3rd Special Surf Pannone • Frank Ruczynski Fishing Issue of Noreast Surf Bags Of Fall By John Skinner...... 16 Saltwater and we sincerely Robert Lee • Ben Treadwell Roland St. Denis •Greg Hazley hope that you will agree that it Toggin The Townsends Inlet Surf is our best yet. Enjoy browsing By Sean MacNeal...... 19 Mike Plaia and reading this issue and make sure you save the fea- Tying Sizable Flies With Synthetics tures because we feel very con- By Bob Banfelder...... 21 Nor’east Media, LLC fident that they will help you 525 West Jericho Tpke. catch more fish when you are Reports out pursuing those gamefish Smithtown, NY 11787-5020 Southern NJ ...... 23 from the surf. Phone: 631.863.0170 Central NJ Our thanks to our Surf ...... 24 Fax: 631.361.9737 Fishing Field Editor, John Northern NJ...... 26 Skinner, for the beautiful cover New York Bight ...... 30 photo. Debs/Jones...... 33 Good luck and good fishing! Fire Island ...... 35 Nor’east Saltwater is published weekly from May Moriches ...... 37 through October and monthly in November, De- Shinnecock ...... 39 cember, January, February, March and April by Departments Nor’east Media, LLC, 525 W. Jericho Tpke., Montauk ...... 41 Smithtown, NY 11787. Nor’east Saltwater, Publisher’s Page....4 Volume 19, Number 22 ©2008, Nor’east Media, North Fork...... 44 Dusty’s Angle ...... 5 LLC. The design and contents of this publication North Shore ...... 46 may not be reproduced in any manner without Salt on the Fly ...... 6 the written consent of the publisher. We will con- Western Sound ...... 48 sider for publication all submitted photographs. Tournament Recap..7 All material will be handled with care, although Surf Side ...... 8&9 Western Connecticut ...... 50 we are not responsible for loss or damage. Photographs will be returned only when received Offshore...... 10 Eastern Connecticut ...... 51 with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Trophy Pages ...... 28&29 Rhode Island...... 53 September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 3 SPORTSMAN’S OUTFITTER SINCE 1950 ublisher’s Page P http://www.noreast.com/publisherspage.cfm by George Scocca It’s More Than Just A Job

I've been pretty lucky when it comes to fishing, and I'm not judging that by the qual- ity of fish I've been catching. As an angler that publishes a fishing magazine and web- sites, fishing is actually part of my job description. And unlike a commercial fisherman Headquarters I don't have to catch anything to get paid! The problem I'm having is I just can't seem to get enough time to "work" lately. I'm for All Your too busy doing nothing here in the office each day. Besides that, the old "honey I have to go to work, do you know where the boat keys are?" just doesn't fly as easily as it has Fishing Needs! in years past. Largest Selection So here it is September 2nd and my opportunity to catch a fluke has already past as New York's fluke season closed at midnight. It's a sad fact that it's shut down and we of all agree we're getting hosed by these regulations, but I'm a fisherman and that sure isn't in the State! going to stop me from fishing - or working as it may be. I'm thinking I may need to charter a boat or get on a party boat and do some research 3 Great Locations on a few offshore trips for tuna and shark. And then when I'm done with that, I will need RT. 17 RT. 46 to study the migration of those big bass that will soon be feeding up for their annual RAMSEY LEDGEWOOD migration. Let's not forget about those big chopper bluefish that are sure to blitz the 9-9:30, Sun. ‘til 6 pm 9-9:30, Sun. 10:00 ‘til 6pm region as the waters cool here in the noreast. There's always something in these waters 201-327-8141 973-584-7799 for us to target, and if you're like me, you too will make the necessary adjustments and RT. 17 continue to enjoy our great sport of saltwater fishing. PARAMUS And even though I can't target those big migrating fluke, some of the best fishing of 9-9:30 pm, inc. Sat. the year lies ahead of us. You can be rest assured that I will be working diligently with 201-261-5000 my in one hand, and pen in the other, as I work hard to bring you our fine fishing media products. It's not easy, but someone has to do it. Fast Light Tackle On-Line Delivery System NOREAST BASS BASH Striper Tubes - Quick Change Keels Trolling & Casting Spoons & More Over the past few years we have introduced a number of great fishing tournaments, www.tmancustomtackle.com and this one is sure to be a great time! We will be holding a big fish striped bass tour- Dealers welcome – see our website nament on Saturday, October 11th. Fishing will be from 7AM-3PM for the heaviest T-MMan Charters 860-6668-11302 striped bass and all boats will depart from Manhasset Bay Marina and weigh in at Bass - Blue - Instructional Trolling Manhasset Bay Marina. Prize money is as follows:

Guaranteed Cash Prizes: 1st Place: $5,000 2nd Place: $2,000 132 West 36th St. New York, NY 10018 3rd Place: $1,000 (800) 528-0853 Phone (212) 929-6132 • Fax (212) 929-0039 New York’s Most Complete Selection of The tournament will be followed by a bash & awards dinner at LaMotta's Freshwater, Inshore & Offshore Tackle. Restaurant, located adjacent to Manhasset Bay Marina. All tournament participants Store Hours: Mon thru Fri 10AM-7PM include a seat at the bash and tickets to just the bash are also available. Come celebrate Sat 10AM-5PM • Sun Gone Fishing fishing with us and your friends from the Nor'east Saltwater and Noreast.com family! There will be door prizes, raffles, and lots of fun with your fellow noreast.com mem- HOME OF MONTAUK STRIPER PRODUCTS bers. • Montauk Bunker Spoons Stop by Noreast.com for more information. • Custom Made 9' Wire Line Rods JULIAN’S BAIT & TACKLE (732) 291-0050 • Fax (732) 291-0064 George Scocca Rte. 36, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716 Publisher www.JulianIce.com I miss you Bro.

4 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 usty’s Angle D http://www.noreast.com/anglersangle.cfm by Dusty Rhodes NEW FISHERY MANAGEMENT to widespread concern regarding the limit, gear restrictions, and area or ACTION AHEAD decline of river herring stocks. "While seasonal closures by river system. many populations of blueback herring and Also on the docket is action for Atlantic The months ahead will be filled with alewife, collectively known as river her- coastal sharks. The ASMFC has just fishery management action involving sev- ring, are in decline or remain depressed at approved an Interstate Fishery eral species. I'll mention highlights here and stable levels, lack of fishery-dependent and Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic in subsequent weeks report on details as independent data makes it difficult to ascer- Coastal Sharks, which addresses the man- they emerge. tain the status of river herring stocks coast- agement of 40 species, including smooth Of primary importance is news to sum- wide," the spokesperson said. dogfish, and establishes a suite of manage- mer flounder fans that the Atlantic States Between 1985 and 2004, commercial ment measures for recreational and com- Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) landings of river herring dropped by 90 per- mercial shark fisheries in state waters. has approved the start of an addendum cent from 13.6 to 1.33 million pounds. In An ASMFC spokesperson said that prior (fishery plan change) to explore the addi- 2007, ASMFC member states reported to this FMP an inconsistent application of tion of maximum size limits as a potential river herring landings of approximately 1.1 shark regulations existed at the state level. management tool for the flatfish recreation- million pounds. In response to declining "Some states mirrored federal regulations al fishery. Maximum size limits may pro- stocks within their own waters, four states - while others had less stringent provisions," vide managers with a wider range of recre- - Massachusetts, Rhode Island, the spokesperson explained. ational management tools (for example, Connecticut, and North Carolina -- have "Implementing the complementary plan slot limits or trophy fish) as the stock con- closed their river herring fisheries. will not only help the stocks rebuild by con- tinues to rebuild. However, a few years back a scientist trolling fishing pressure but will also That action responds to a preliminary with one of those states---he shall remain increase enforceability throughout the review by the ASMFC's Summer Flounder nameless---told me that in his opinion species management area." Technical Committee on the use of slot lim- for river herring could Especially interesting is the FMP provi- its in the recreational fishery. Given that the not possibly have any impact on stocks. sion for management measures of smooth effectiveness of state-specific slot limits Predation and commercial fishing were, in dogfish, which is the first coastwide man- could not be evaluated due to the limited his opinion, the causes of any decline. But agement move for that species off the length frequency data (specific data on the as we have often observed in fishery man- Atlantic coast. While horn dogs are man- size of fish harvested by recreational fisher- agement, when there's any doubt about aged in federal waters, smooth doggies are men on a state-by-state basis), the Technical causes, especially if evidence suggests the not and the FMP will control harvest---even Committee recommended that slot limits commercial sector is likely more to blame, from the EEZ---through state landing should only be considered on a coastwide widespread impact occurs, including restrictions. basis. That group also cautioned that sea- unwarranted restrictions on angling. We Although details have yet to emerge, the sons and size limits associated with slot may witness more of the same with river FMP will establish a seasonal closure to limits are likely to be more restrictive than herring. protect pregnant female sharks and a current regulations given the greater avail- To be fair, the ASMFC did state, requirement that fins must remain attached ability of fish that could fall within the slot "Preliminary analyses indicate that, in some through landings; these measures apply to limit. years, the total bycatch of river herring both recreational and commercial fisheries. Yes, folks, this could usher in the return species by the Atlantic herring fleet alone Recreational management measures to coastwide management of flatfish, a could be equal to the total landings from the include a prohibition on the harvest of move I think holds considerable promise entire in-river directed fishery on the East severely depleted species, size limits, and for fairness in this fishery. From what I Coast." authorized gear. Commercial management have learned, the first draft of the adden- Thus, the Draft Amendment proposes a measures include species groupings (such dum will be developed for review at the suite of management measures to address as prohibited and research only); the open- ASMFC's annual meeting this October in these concerns and ensure the survival and ing and closing of fisheries concurrent with Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. More as I have enhancement of depressed stocks or the federal actions for small coastal, large it. maintenance of presently stable stocks. The coastal and pelagic species groups; a On another front, bass fishermen might Draft Amendment proposes mandatory smooth dogfish quota; seasons, landings be interested to know that the ASMFC has data and bycatch monitoring provisions, as restrictions, possession limits, gear restric- released for public comment a Draft River well as options to close fisheries by river tions and bycatch reduction measures; state Herring Amendment. According to the system or establish a coastwide moratorium commercial license/permit requirements; ASMFC, it seeks input on proposed on the river herring fishery. Specific com- display and research permit exemptions; requirements for population and bycatch mercial measures include area closures, and federal dealer permit requirements. monitoring, as well as commercial and escapement provisions, and landings reduc- recreational management measures. It is tions by river systems, as well as limited Stay tuned, some of this has enormous anticipated that the majority of coastal access. potential. states will conduct public meetings on the Recreational measures include recre- Draft Amendment at dates to be announced. ational license/permit (yes, there's that An ASMFC spokesperson explained to piece of paper again!), limiting recreational Dusty Rhodes me that the Draft Amendment is in response harvest by the days of the week, coastwide Fishery Management Field Editor

September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 5 ournament Recap T http://www.noreast.com/fyi.cfm by Steve Byrne bined weights of more than 30 pounds from the shop. Anglers from that area are targeting Jamaica Bay and the Rockaways during the spring. Sorry guys, but your secret is out. Nor'east Saltwater's Flukemania Smackdown was the polar opposite of the Memorial Classic - at least as far as repeat winners. The top ten entries for the 2008 tournament did not include a single name Diane Moore When the editors at Nor'east Saltwater from last year. Part of that is due to the offered me the opportunity to re-cap the difference in format from the Classic. A 2008 Striped Bass Memorial Classic and tournament with a slot limit doesn't just the 2008 Flukemania Smackdown, I protect the big breeders; it also tests the jumped at the opportunity. There are pat- consistency of the anglers. With terns that quickly emerge from well-kept Flukemania Smackdown's biggest fish statistics, and I looked forward to what I format, lady luck comes into play more might learn. While a good fishing log will than ever. Clearly, anyone who is in it can yield information from the trips you win it. This year's top ten included two made, the information is limited to the lucky ladies; Karen Sorrentino, whose areas that you fish. The results from tour- 9.21-pound fluke was good for sixth naments that take place over a wide range place, and Diane Moore (pictured) who will give a broader perspective of the dis- weighed in her 8.58-pound fish at tribution of quality fish; that might affect Causeway and finished ninth. where you decide to go fishing in the While the names of the winners were future. all different from 2007 to 2008, another Chronologically, the first tournament pattern emerged from the list of winners. up is the Memorial Classic, so let's start Nearly all of this year's top ten finishers there. This year's tournament saw some caught their fish at the East End of Long John Shopey familiar names among the top ten weigh- Island, Connecticut, or in the cool ocean ins. In fact, the top three anglers in 2008 waters of the New Jersey shore. Ken were among the top four from 2007 - a Delisi's 9.75-pounder from Rhode Island testament to their consistent success with was the lone exception. Jack's Shoreline springtime stripers. Exactly half of this Bait & Tackle weighed in the11.28-pound year's top ten competitors were among the winning doormat for John Shopey (pic- top ten last year. Most notable among tured) and an 8.84-pounder, good for sev- them are last year's winner James enth for Mike Beebe, while West Lake Culleton, who placed fourth this year, and Marina checked in Walter Morgis' 9.85- 2008's tournament winner Marco Soeiro, pound fish for second, and Jack Castella's who placed third in 2007. Max Dall'Orso 9.35-pound fluke, which was good for also demonstrated his rock-solid skills by fifth. New Jersey anglers were well repre- placing third this year after finishing sec- sented by Joe Fischler, who brought in the Joe Fischler ond last year. 9.80-pound fluke (pictured). In order to have a serious shot at A quick look at last year's results finishing in the money, anglers need to revealed similar results; with the top-ten ALLOY METAL put together a catch totaling 30 pounds fish all coming from the same areas, with or more - at least that's what history the addition of Patrick Ciesielski's 9.95- WORKS, INC. tells us. Of course next year could be an pound fluke from Massachusetts. None of entirely different story, so if you put the top entries came from the estuarine Marine Fuel Tanks Fabricated two of the right size fish in the box waters of Raritan Bay, Jamaica Bay or don't be shy about weighing them in for even from Long Island's south shore, west 2009. of Wantagh. If you are targeting big fluke Tel: 631-694-8163 What really stands out from all the in mid-July, think cold and think deep. Fax: 631-694-1213 entries is the number of fish from Congratulations to all the winners, and E-mail:[email protected] Crossbay Bait & Tackle. Four of the top a special thank you to all of our sponsors ten and seven of the top twenty entries for who made their scales available to con- All Major Credit Cards Accepted 2008 were weighed in at Crossbay. In testants, and kept track of the weigh-in 146 Verdi Street, Farmingdale, NY 2007, there were eight entries with com- information. FREE ESTIMATES FREE DISPOSAL OF OLD TANK

6 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 alt On The Fly S http://www.noreast.com/SaltontheFly.cfm by Anthony Alessi RAM WELDING INC. Specializing in Marine Fuel Tanks ALUMINUM & STAINLESS STEEL POWDER COATING CUSTOM TUBE BENDING & SKEG REPAIR “Mobile Welding Available” 631-420-9594 • FAX 631-420-4830 154 VERDI ST., FARMINGDALE, NY 11735

Well it seems that maybe we all got a waiting for the bonito and albie bite to pull little spoiled by the exceptional season we itself back together. Luckily the bass and had last year with bonito. As we head into blues have been cooperating making for September it has become clear that we will some exceptional sport on fly tackle. The have to resign ourselves to the fact that we bass continue to be available to early birds aren’t going to see the same easy fishing only and the blues are often of the large we were fortunate enough to have last sea- variety. son. That’s o.k. though, as it doesn’t mean Captain Don Kaye of Shinnecock that we are not going to have a good sea- Guiding in Shinnecock bay got in touch son. It just means that every season is dif- and had this to tell us: “Well, Mates, prior STEVE’S MARINE SERVICE WEST ferent. We are really only now getting into to the ‘big’ Labor Day weekend, Gil www.StevesMarine.com that point in the season when we can start Sandvik, an angler from upstate Ithaca, Summer Slips • Winter Storage to expect a good showing from both the N.Y., joined me for his first Shinnecock Mercruiser • OMC Stern • Yamaha • Evinrude Johnson We Rebuild-I/O • Inboards • Stern Drive bonito and the false albacore. The bonito, experience. The skies were blue, the south Steve and Mary Stavracos usually, a little earlier than the albies. breezes calm, and the bay was chock full 255 S. Ketcham Ave Office 631-264-1600 Nobody can say for sure why we haven’t of feeding bluefish. Well, Gil, using both Amityville, NY 11701 Fax 631-264-1601 seen them in great numbers yet and, of flies and light spin tackle, captured and course, there is no guarantee that we will released more than 20 hard fighting SHORE LINE INSURANCE but there are a few variables that could Shinnecock bluefish. A most enjoyable AGENCY, INC. have something to do with it. For one session on the bay, inlet and ocean. Gil had MARINE,BOAT & YACHT INSURANCE SPECIALISTS thing, the month of August was plagued a great time even though he was far below • Very Competitive Rates with one severe thunder storm after anoth- Cayuga’s waters.” • All Major Carriers • All Major Lines er. This pattern was followed by unusually Justin from Parkwood Outfitters in • Serving L.I. Boaters For 18 Years cool weather. Bohemia said that the action lately has • Deal With U.S.C.G. Lic. Capt./Boat Owner Phone Fax If you recall, we started to have some been dominated by bluefish at most times consistent action with bonito in the eastern in most locations. Bass are not scarce, it’s 631-7744-11200 631-7744-44243 section of Long Island Sound prior to the just that you have to hunt a bit right now www.shorelineins.com storms in early August. The good news is and it’s best to hunt during low light condi- that there is still a lot of bonito food in the tions. area. Loads of it actually. I’m talking about Yours truly was out on Saturday after- PLEXIGLAS™ the spearing and rain bait that turns my noon on a hunch that due to the less than WINDSHIELDS • DOORS • HATCHES sonar screen black when I stop my center perfect weather conditions there would be A.R.V. Precision Mfg. console anywhere in the Sound. I am going little boat traffic inside Northport Harbor. 60 Baiting Place Rd. • E. Farmingdale, NY to predict that we will see a ‘normal’ sea- The hunch paid off as the action with 1-800-513-4311 son for the speedsters just as soon as the school bass was actually quite good at a weather settles down and the water clears few local points inside the harbor. up a bit so don’t slack off. Make sure your A special note to readers: This is the last box is well stocked with the appropriate weekly print copy of Nor’ east Saltwater The Captain’s School flies and get out there and do a little hunt- magazine for this season. However, start- ing because you can believe that the hunt is ing next week, you can find this weekly still on. column online at www.noreast.com. I will Long Island, Inc. Captain Vinny Catalano of Joey C be doing my best to keep you all up to date Captain Steve Catarella Charters out of Smithtown is filling in with what’s happening on the saltwater fly- (631) 369-99630 time with bass and bluefish while he is fishing scene right through November. ◆ WWW.CaptainSchoolLI.com

September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 7 urf Side S http://www.noreast.com/surfside.cfm by John Skinner Diane at Duffy’s in Glen Cove said there the day. He put Billy Riker into a 21- out blitzes to nothing but small blues. Fresh were a lot more bass caught in the last week pounder on Friday night, and Matt Carlson bunker chunks worked for Michael of August than in the previous weeks. Most into a 24-pounder on Saturday night. Both O’Donald, as he managed a 27.8-pound of the bass were in the 26- to 28-inch range fish fell to live eels. Bill caught bass to bass off Robert Moses early Sunday morn- and were hitting small plugs and soft plas- about keeper size on Super Strike darters ing. Weakfish were being caught from Sore tics. The bluefish action was slower, but while his clients threw eels. Thumb by fishing whole sandworms 30 to look for it to pick up again as more adult Ken at Tightlines Tackle in Sag Harbor 40 feet from shore. bunker move into the harbor. Porgies were said a couple of his customers did well on Greg at Causeway in Wantagh reported still in good supply at Morgan’s and bass in the teens at Montauk, east of Ditch shots of bluefish at the West End 2 jetty and Pryibil’s. Plains. Nick’s 26-pounder was the best fish the construction dock on the weekend. 15- “Bluefish, bluefish, and more bluefish” Ken heard of there. Some big blues to 12 year-old Bobby Woods caught his first was what I heard from Rich at Northeast pounds were mixed in. keeper bass while fishing a tin at Bait and Tackle in Huntington. Crab Scott at East End Bait and Tackle in Shinnecock. Greg was encouraged by the Meadow Beach was especially productive Hampton Bays said the bass fishing nice concentration of 3- to 5-inch bunker in for the choppers that ranged up the area. to 9 pounds. Poppers, tins, and Photo By: Ken Legge Mordy at West End Bait Shop bunker chunks accounted for in Long Beach reported a lot of 8- most of the fish. to 12-pound blues raiding the bay “Plenty of blues” was what at night. Kingfish were plentiful I heard from Matt at Rocky on the ocean beaches and were Point Fishing Stop. On hitting small clam strips. It’s Thursday evening and Friday worth noting that if you have any afternoon, blues to 10 pounds Luxor or Crack reels that need pushed shad and adult bunker work, Mordy provides parts and against the beach at Rocky service for these old surf work- Point and Shoreham. Matt horses. found plenty of 5- to 10-pound West End Bait Shop will be blues on the North Fork on holding their Second Annual 48 Friday afternoon. Clams pro- Hour Surf Striped Bass duced some bass to 34 inches Tournament on the second week- from the beach at Shoreham at end in October. The contest starts night. With water temperatures 4 p.m Friday October 10th and beginning to drop, look for the ends 4 p.m. Sunday October 12th. after dark bite to pick up soon. remained slow, but divers reported seeing The fishing boundaries are the beaches Bluefish and porgies provided most of bass stacking up in Shinnecock Inlet. between Jones Inlet and Debs Inlet. The the action on the North Fork beaches, Schoolie bass action was pretty good near three largest bass and two largest bluefish according to Steve at WEGO Fishing in and in the inlet with an occasional keeper will win prizes. The angler with the heaviest Southold. Blues in the 2- to 5-pound range mixed in. Bluefish were in good supply at striper will win prizes worth over $800. The were hitting tins and poppers at many of the the inlet. Scott heard his first report of boni- entry fee is $30 per angler, and registration beaches. Porgies were being caught on to feeding along the beaches with the blue- will be open until 10 p.m. on the Friday of worms and clams in the rocky areas. Bass fish, so it might be time to hit that area with the contest. Call the shop at 516-897-9378 fishing was improving, with fish hitting Deadly Dick tins. for more details. swimming plugs in the evenings and after Bass fishing was improving in Jerry at Bernie’s in Sheepshead Bay said dark near Horton’s Point. Shinnecock Inlet, according to Peter at 8- to 14-pound blues pushed adult bunker Paul at Paulie’s in Montauk reported Haskell’s Bait and Tackle in East Quogue. into the canal at Knapp Street near where blitzes of small bass on both sides of the The fish ranged from schoolies to 25- the party boats are docked. Blues and small point almost every day last week. He said pounders and were feeding on 5-inch her- bass were also being caught near the Marine the tide didn’t matter. Early in the week the ring and balls of tiny anchovies. Peter rec- Park Bridge, Breezy Point Jetty, and at vast majority of the fish were only in the 3- ommended throwing into the schools with Floyd Bennet. Fort Tilden had short bass to 4-pound range. The size improved a little Fin-S fish on light jig heads, 6-inch Storm and kingfish hitting clams. Staten Island toward the end of the week with more keep- Wildeyes, and lures similar to Pt. Jude was seeing good bluefish action. ers mixing in. Paulie said the night bite was Butterfish tins. Both jetties of the inlet were It’s hard to believe we’ve reached this quite slow, but a handful of teen to 20- producing. point of the season already, but this is the pound class fish were picked from the South Charlie at Smith’s Point Bait and Tackle last weekly print edition of Nor’east Side rocks. Kevin Williamson had a 28- reported a few bass being caught in Saltwater for the year. Nor’east will contin- pounder on Saturday night. Paul Melnyk, Moriches Inlet on bucktails and eels on the ue to publish weekly online at www.nore- while fishing in , had four keepers night tides. With temperatures starting to ast.com through the rest of the fishing sea- from the North Side on Saturday night. cool, plugging the beaches near the inlet son. This surf column will continue as long Surf Guide Bill Wetzel worked very hard should become productive soon. as there is something to write about, which on the night tides to put his clients into bet- Mike at Saltwaters Tackle in West Islip hopefully will be until it’s time to shovel ter fish than what were being caught during said he heard reports that ranged from full snow. ◆

8 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 fishing has been decent around the East New Jersey/Rhode Island By: Sean MacNeal [email protected] Wall and Pier 5. There are a few bonito and albacore sightings being reported Although Labor Day is behind us, go. Spot are not shy about biting, so if from the local beaches and rocks, but no some of the best fishing of the year lay they’re in the area, you’ll know quickly! real reports of fish hitting the land. I still ahead with fall runs still to come. To keep Croakers have made their appearance expect them to show up soon. up on the action, be sure to check out our around the local waters, Scott with Scott’s There are some striped bass being weekly reports on Noreast.com because, Bait & Tackle in Mystic Island reported. landed around the area, Phil with unfortunately, this is the last printed Anglers have been tightlipped on Breachway Bait & Tackle in Charlestown weekly edition that will hit bait and tack- specifics, but fish are putting the bend in reported, but the action has certainly le shops in 2008. No worries though, rods. The weakfish bite has been showing slowed a bit. The salt ponds seem to be because we’ve got you covered online signs of improvement recently with a giving up the most consistent linesider with reports that are just as detailed with back bay bite being best. Try using pick action and there are some decent blues the sole intention of putting you on the Fin-S fish rigged on a jighead or even bet- thrown in the mix. Scup and blackfish bite. Monthly publications will continue ter use a seine net to pick up some grass have also been making a decent local as usual with our next one in October. shrimp and fish them beneath a bobber. showing. ◆ Anglers were finding fluke around the For bigger game, anglers have been bail- local jetties, the crew with Hands Too ing sharks, both sand and brown, up to RSMA Bait & Tackle in Cape May said. There five feet. OO N TD Newly Renovated & Expanded were no real specifics on bait, but if you There are kingfish being landed all U O PENN • SHIMANO • SEEKER & MORE can swing it, fishing live killies on a along the beaches, the crew with LI three-way swivel can be deadly on Fisherman’s Headquarters in Long Fishing • Hunting • Camping fluke around the rocks. Remember, you Beach Island reported. Without question (516) 678-5554 don’t have to cast away from the jetty, as the best bait to haul a few tasty kings for 434 Sunrise Hwy., Rockville Centre • Open 7 Days fish will be holding in tight to the struc- the table are bloodworms and their artifi- ture. Sea bass and weakfish are also cial alternatives. Cocktail bluefish are being caught around the rock piles, so be swimming the surf with the beaches of sure to switch baits until you find some- Beach Haven being mentioned as a pro- thing that works. ductive spot. Croakers continue to be caught around Jetty jumpers reported pulling a few the Cape May Point area, Cathy with sea bass from the rocks by Barnegat Inlet. Sterling Harbor Bait & Tackle in Anglers in the area also reported pulling Wildwood reported. When fishing for flounder and bluefish from the inlet croakers it is far better to hold a rod and waters. By all accounts, the blues weren’t strike the bite rather than dead stick with being very picky and were attacking just a sands pike, as the drum fish family about anything that their yellow eyes saw. members are incredibly adept at stealing Oceanfront fluking has been solid bait good. Surfcasters have been picking although keepers are few and far between, up flounder around the local inlets and it’s said John with The Dock Outfitters in always tough to beat a bucktail baited Seaside Heights. Try picking up a few with a strip of mackerel. Don’t forget to chrome bullet rigs and heading out to the tie a teaser about 12 to 18 inches ahead of beaches for some action. You’ll definitely the bucktail, as it will often out fish your want to tip the bullet rigs with some strip QUALITY TACKLE main bait! Word has it that spot have bait and top it off with a teaser for best DUFFY’S invaded the surf and that bloodworms or results. In the back bay, anglers have been Live Eels • Live & Frozen Bait • Rod & Reel Repairs their Fishbite alternative will put them nailing kingfish and snapper blues around into a frenzy. docks and structure. Meanwhile, there is a 1/2 Mile South of LIPA Plant The inlets are the place to be if you’re pretty decent weakfish bite taking place 58 Shore Rd., Glenwood Landing, NY looking to put a bend in your rod, accord- under cover of the night. Member NYFTTA ing to Wes with Gibson’s Tackle in Sea There are decent striped bass hitting Isle City. Fluke are being caught there peanut bunker at night, Jimmy with OPEN 7 DAYS WATER ACCESS although it’s mostly a short affair. Anglers Julian’s Bait & Tackle in Atlantic (516)676-9543 are also bailing croakers and small blue- Highlands said. Reports of weakfish are fish from the same waters. Try tossing also streaming in, although it’s mostly MARINE INSURANCE small Hopkins or Kastmasters for bluefish spike weaks being caught by landlocked Trust The Specialists in the wash or, just as effective, try fishing anglers in the rivers. Porgies and bluefish cut spearing under a float. Tog can be are being reeled in around structure in the ALAN R. MOTT AGENCY taken around the bridges with green crab. bay and crabbing remains solid in the •Personal & Friendly Service Anglers have been landing spot from area. the Ocean City beaches, the team with In northern latitudes, there were some •Competitive Rates Fin-Atics said. To get in on the action, try big striped bass smacking bait and lures •30+ Years Experience using a top and bottom rig with small around the Point Judi lighthouse, Mary •Agents for 6 Major Companies hooks. For this type of action, the store- with Maridee Bait & Tackle in SPECIALIZING IN: bought kingfish rigs with floats will work Narragansett said. Smaller bass are hitting Pleasure Crafts, 6-Man Charter Boats, perfectly. Bring along some bloodworms around the Narrow River. Snapper blues Marinas, Boat Dealers + More or an artificial alternative like Berkeley are hitting just about anywhere a hook www.boat-ins.com Gulp or Fishbites and you’ll be good to and line can be tossed. Meanwhile, scup (631) 549-BOAT (2628)

September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 9 ffshore O http://www.noreast.com/offshore.cfm by Mike Plaia caught by the team of Anthony Herman and Wednesday the Big Game brought in six Mike Plaia Jr. on the Matala. Largest white yellowfin and a 135-pound bluefin. The marlin was an estimated 105-pound fish same day Slammer had nine yellowfin. On (released) caught on the Victoria by Mike Thursday Top Shelf had a pair of nice yel- Gadman. Biggest blue marlin was an esti- lowfin. But by the time the weekend rolled mated 300-pound fish caught by Doug around the fish were nowhere to be found. Wells on the Spellman’s Marine. Matt at Jim’s Bait and Tackle reports Congratulations to everyone who competed some good yellowfin fishing between the in the tournament this year, it was a tough Spencer and the Lindenkohl Canyons. time of the year to find a big tuna. Fishing was said to be “crazy” for several There are some very interesting devel- days with loads of yellowfin and more than opments on the sea surface temperature a few white marlin mixed in. Inshore some The yellowfin tuna fishing remains charts from Oceantemp.com this week. wahoo and small bluefin are starting to in the doldrums, with only a few scat- Out in the far eastern canyons the cooler show up on the East Lump, the Lori Dawn tered boats reporting decent catches of slope water in the mid 60-degree range has Lumps, the fingers and the Misty Blue yellowfin and even fewer boats report- pushed the warm water in the mid 70- wreck. Matt says it’s not “hot and heavy” ing catches of albacore. The bright degree range out off the edge and out to at yet but there are some fish around and it spots in the canyon fishing scene are least the 1,000-fathom line. There is a fin- looks like the fishing may get better. the continuing bigeye bite and the ger of warm water pointing inshore to Adam Larosa reports that both the 48- abundance of both white and blue mar- about the 1,000-fathom line just to the foot and 60-foot Canyon Runner fished lin. Down to the southern end of our south of Walker’s Canyon. From Walkers Wednesday to Thursday at the Lobster reading area the bluefin tuna continue west almost to Atlantis Canyon the warmer Claw. Both boats drifted for four hours and to please anglers fishing inshore of the water is several miles south of the 1,000- fought many bluefin before anchoring for canyons down off southern New Jersey. fathom line. There is a thin finger of the night. In the morning both boats once warmer water just touching the 100-fathom again got into the bluefin, with both of This will be the last printed report of the line on the eastern side of east Atlantis them releasing about ten fish before calling season, as the magazine will become a Canyon. From there to the west, almost to it a day. Each boat kept one fish between monthly, after this issue. However, you the Fish Tails, the warmer water sits off- 100 and 150 pounds and released all the will be able to read the rest of the season’s shore of the 100-fathom line. Just west of rest. reports on the Noreast.com website. the Fish Tails at about the 14450 line, the The Jule V went to the Dip from their Last weekend wrapped up the warm water touches the 100-fathom line home port in New London, CT where they Hamptons Invitational Offshore where there is a temperature break of about managed to boat a 125-pound swordfish Tournament and a number of familiar 3 degrees. We have to travel west to the while drifting during the night. They also names took the honors in the various divi- area of the Dip to find the next temperature broke off several good-sized mystery fish. sions. The tournament was run in two divi- break along the 100-fathom line. Right at Snug Harbor Marina in Rhode Island sions, an overnight division for the bigger the Dip there is a temperature break of reports some decent shark fishing for blue boats and a day division for the smaller about 4 degrees along a north/south axis shark and small makos south of Block boats that opted to return to port every day. right at the 100-fathom line. The warm Island. They say that there are also some In the overnight division the biggest bigeye water west of the Dip extends inshore into small pods of bluefin tuna from the Mud tuna was brought in by John Haley on his about the 40-fathom area until we get to Hole to the Fairway Buoy but they can be Reel Lucky. The big bigeye tipped the Hudson, where the warmer water extends tough to find. scales at a whopping 253.5 pounds. The well inshore of the 40-fathom line. Moving A shop trip from Sam’s Bait and Tackle biggest yellowfin was an 87-pound fish to southwest from the Hudson the warm in Rhode Island went to the Dip on landed by Ernie Spellman on the Sundaze. water continues to extend well inshore Thursday and Friday. They managed to Largest albacore went to Gregg DeSantis through Tom’s and Berkley Canyons until boat four yellowfin, two albacore, a small on the Barbaric for his 61-pound speci- we get to the Carteret Canyon. Right at mako and released a white marlin. ◆ men. There were no mako sharks landed in Carteret Canyon there is a small band of the overnight division. The largest white cooler water that runs from well inshore Open 5am • 7 Days marlin (released) was an estimated 100- out into the deep. This band is very narrow 516-785-3223 pound fish caught on Ron Moschetta’s and appears to be about a 2-degree temper- Jacklyn-Roe. Biggest Blue Marlin ature break. From the Lindenkohl to (released) was a three way tie between Nat Spencer Canyon there is about a 3-degree Kramer on his Sheldrake, Ray McDevitt temperature break that runs northeast to on his Deni-Lou and John DeLaTorre on southwest just inshore of the 100-fathom ROD & REEL REPAIRS his Sea-U-II. All three boats released fish line. The further you move to the south- EXPERT TAXIDERMY SERVICE estimated at 250 pounds. west the further inshore you’ll find the In the day boat division no one landed a warm water. By the time you get to the • Large Fresh & • Ugly Sticks bigeye tuna. The biggest yellowfin tuna Wilmington Canyon the warm water is up Surf Fishing • Seeker Rods was a 63.5-pound fish brought to the scales inside the 40-fathom mark. Selection • Grundens Foul by Anthony Vaccaro on the White Water. Charlie at South Jersey Marina reports • Fly Fishing Weather Gear Largest albacore tuna was captured by Rick that the yellowfin fishing picked up early Equipment NYFTTA WEIGH STATION Fayer on the Skidz that went 34 pounds. in the week in the area of the Elephant • Newell Reels FRESH BUNKER Biggest mako shark was a 175.5-pound fish Trunk only to die before the weekend. On 1/2 Block West of Wantagh Parkway on Merrick Road, Wantagh

10 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 Somewhere out there in our world-famous fishing grounds there’s a monster bass with your name on it. But if you don’t hurry, someone’s going to beat you to it. Don’t let that happen. We’ve got dozens of daily open boats and deep-sea charters to take you right to the best spots. And great waterfront restaurants, accommodations and attractions to enjoy when you get back. So what exactly are you waiting for? We’ll hook you up with everything you need at www.fishonlongisland.com/tg250. Or call 1-877-386-6654, ext. 250 for a FREE Travel Guide. and you will find one to match the condi- tions you are fishing along with bait pat- terns in the area.

So let's talk about another one of my go- to lures, the Darter. The Darter is another versatile and deadly lure that I use mostly at night and always in current driven water. I find that a Darter is useless in non-mov- ing water, as it does not have the action needed to attract a bite.

Darters and inlets are like peas and car- rots, they just work well together. Darters have become very popular with the Montauk surf crowd and over time spread along the eastern seaboard where others found them to work wonders on very large bass. I never make the trek to Montauk or to any inlet with moving water without several sizes and shapes in my bag. My go-to darters are Gibbs, Super Strike, Tattoo's and YoZuri Mag which all come in various colors. Each does a very good job The author landed this nice bass on a black Long-A Bomber along the reed lines of depending on the environment you fish. Long Island’s north shore. Super Strike makes a plastic slender body his may not come as a surprise, resist. If bass or blues are in the area you version at just shy of 7 inches long at 2 3/8- but this article is not about the girl are fishing and are on the feed, a Bomber ounce. Gibbs makes a similar style out of in Jaws who swims out to the will get their attention for sure. The wood in 6 3/8 inch and 5-inch at 1.5 ounces T buoy at night and gets eaten by a Bomber will imitate just about anything. I and 1 5/8 ounces respectively. I find these hungry Great White Shark with a bad atti- have caught some nice fish when there was work best when the current is moving nice- tude. Interestingly enough, there are some bunker, spearing or sand eels in the area. ly and when the fish are hitting closer to similarities that apply with this analogy. My preference is to use these lures during the top of the water column as they dive Think about it for a minute, a long slender the night tides, but under certain conditions between 2 and 3 feet. I think thin profile figure, swimming in the night, making they are effective during the day. Bombers bait for either lure when fishing these par- some noise, light reflection off the figure work best in moving water and I focus ticular Darters. Tattoo's makes a fatter 2 from the moon, and next thing you their use almost exclusively where current and 3 ounce version that I will use when know….well you know how the story is a factor. the adult bunker are in thick. With all that goes. So let's compare this to a Long-A said I couldn't forget about the YoZuri Mag Bomber or Darter, but with a hungry bass Bombers come in several sizes, styles Darter, which tends to be a go to Darter for with the feedbag on. The fish is roaming and colors and I will talk more about col- me on the north shore of Long Island. I around leisurely looking for an easy meal. ors later. The A-Salt is a two hook 5.75- prefer the mackerel green color and black The fish looks up as it feels vibrations inch lure at 1 ounce; the Long-16A has as both produce very well for me. The along its lateral lines coming from the sur- three hooks and is 6 inches long at 7/8 YoZuri swims like a blend of a Darter and face. It sees a profile near the upper water ounce and the Long-17A is 7 inches long Bomber due to its lip and body design. column moving very slowly all by itself. and weighs in at 1.5 ounces. Bomber pro- The patented Mag System helps with cast- The bass just cannot resist the allure of an duces both solid and jointed body styles. ing distance and adds an underwater noise easy meal and next thing you know, your My favorites are the solid models as they factor when twitched which helps tick off a rod is bent and the fight is on. have out produced the jointed bodies for non-aggressive fish. The Mag Darter I use me, but the action on a jointed model is is a 5-inch, 1-ounce lure. In this article I focus my attention on incredible. They just released a new line of Bombers and Darters. I find that these two swimmers called the windcheater that I LIKE IT OR NOT COLOR MATTERS lures are so productive along our shore- will be testing this summer and fall. lines, back bays, harbors and inlets that they deserve some attention. I go with the A-Salt when the baitfish is smaller in size such as spearing or small BOMBERS AND DARTERS, THE sand eels. The A-Salt swims about a foot BASICS deeper than the Long-A so if the fish are feeding a little lower in the water column So let's kick this off and talk about a lure then the A-Salt should be used. If the bait- you will always find in my surf bag both fish are longer in profile then go with a day and night, the Long-A Bomber. The Long-16A but if you need a little more lure is simple to use, extremely versatile casting distance the 17A will get the job and will drive a hungry bass or bluefish done nicely. The Long-16A and 17 will crazy. Even if they are not hungry, the dive between 2 to 3 feet and the A-Salt On the right are my favorite Bombers allure of easy prey is one they cannot dives between 3 - 4 feet. Experiment a bit and on the left some classic Darters.

12 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 Ok, here is where the opinions get With Bombers there are several ways to of the Bomber may lay along side the fish mixed. There are many published articles swim this lure, and it all starts with the and the force you need to apply puts a lot on the topic of lure color and I speak with cast. After you cast the Bomber and it hits of pressure on the hook, this is where the many anglers who all have their prefer- the water, I like to "dig it in" by using a extra hook strength will help. Don't feel ence, but I will tell you that in all my years long fast sweep of the rod or take several this is fool proof as I have seen a 4X strong of working both Bombers and Darters, fast cranks of the reel to ensure it dives into hook bend from this same factor. There are color matters. What I have proven is that its range and starts to swim properly. You several good articles and discussion board on dark nights with new or a late rising will know it's swimming correctly when topics out there that will explain how to moon, or a cloud covered night sky, that you feel the vibration on your rod tip. If "load" your Bomber, but again, I just don't black and blurple (black and purple combo you don't then there is a good chance it feel the need to do it. If I need a longer colors) tend to capture the eye of bass and landed in weed or got tangled during the casting swimmer I go to the Darter. blues. During the full moon tides or on any toss. I like to keep my rod tip just above bright evening, I go strictly with white or parallel to the water that allows me to feel yellows. I have found that yellow is the the swimmer’s action and give me a full most versatile and if I could only have one hook setting swing for what might be a color in my bag it would be yellow. Yellow very subtle strike. tends to work during either period but dark colors only work with any sense of consis- Presentation with a Bomber is very tency when it is really dark out. Since I am important based on experience and my not a scientist or marine biologist, I will observations of others. My go to technique save myself the embarrassment in trying to is to reel in the Bomber very slow; I mean explain the eye color spectrum of striped VERY slow, just fast enough to feel the bass. All I know is that there is a whole lot pulse of the lure on your rod tip. With this of opinion on this topic and all I can add to approach there is no twitching or any other A yellow Darter just before sunrise was it is my personal experience. I also like the movement of the rod unless the fish are the right choice for this keeper bass in a red head Bombers and the Mag Darters playing hard to get. I always tell people, strong inlet rip. with white body and red head. They too that slow and steady wins the race with Working a Darter is very similar to my would be used during a bright night. Bombers and I have out fished other approach with a Bomber. The one signifi- anglers 5 to 1 because they were reeling cant difference is that I twitch the rod dur- too fast. If that technique is not producing ing every three or four cranks of the reel any interest of the fish, then I will use a during the retrieve to make the Darter do technique, which has worked very well for what it is designed to do and that is "dart", my fishing buddy Danny J., that is a sweep hence the name. and stop approach. Here you crank the reel very slow and every few turns make a CHOOSE YOUR GEAR WISELY steady sweep of the rod as if a predator is chasing the bait, then stop for a second, Gear selection is really going to make or suspend the lure as if it is tired and hold on break your day with a Bomber. Using a for a strike. If you don't get a hit then start Lamiglas GSB1321M or Super Surf the process over again. My final technique 10MHS is not the way to go with these is what I call "stemming the tide". This is light lures. Sure when I am tossing the 2 where I cast cross current into a fast mov- and 3-oz Darters these two rods happen to ing channel and I only crank in the lure to be what I use and the perfect choice. I remove any slack in the line. As the lure match these rods with a Zee Baas or a clas- gets pulled down current it will start doing sic Penn 706Z series reel. In my opinion its magic without any assistance other than the 706Z was one of the best surf reels ever some minor reel cranks to adjust position made. When they were in production the of the lure. I like to let it sit and "stem" the 704Z and 706Z was reasonably priced and tide just swimming in a stationary position. self-serviceable reel. I also like Zee Baas Will landed this This works really well if you are in a chan- for the same self-service reason. Go with a chopper bluefish on nel that you can safely wade out a little and Zee Baas or a Van Staal 250 or 275 if you a yellow and white Long-16A Bomber. a yellow and white Long-16A Bomber. hold the lure in one place down current for will dunk the reel in salt-water as they have a minute or two. Saves the casting shoul- been designed for rough surf and are fully DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES der for sure and I have had some nice fish waterproof. My only real complaint with PROVEN TO WORK using this approach. the older Penn 706Z reels is the coffee grinder effect that happens when sand Sometimes I feel technique is overcom- Many people modify their Bombers to enters the spool when dunking. If you plicated and a simple approach works best. I either increase hook strength or improve have a bottle of fresh water, a quick rinse typically start with a steady, slow retrieve on casting range. The only modification I do makes it a short problem. most lures in my bag then mix it up until I to my Bombers is to remove the factory find what works. For me it's like dancing, if I treble hooks and change them over to the My go-to rod in the Bomber world is a get on the dance floor and start bouncing same size hook with a 4X strong VMC 9-foot Lamiglas MB-1083 fiberglass blank around people look at me funny…well, they hook. I don't believe the factory hooks are that Stan at Rocky Point Fishing Stop built always look at me funny on a dance floor, but all that bad, but what I think goes wrong is for me. This rod will allow you to cast if I start out slow, watch what everybody else what I call "the prying factor". Depending these light lures with a vengeance and is doing then I become part of the crowd. on how the fish hits the lure, some portion when you dig the lure in, there will be no

September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 13 mistake that it is swimming correctly. The risk of cutting deep into a hand or finger if gest some sort of lip and grip tool to get rod blank is very light in comparison to the fish gets a last minute burst of energy control of your fish before you try and han- fiberglass rods of yesteryear and the arch when holding mono or fluorocarbon. On dle it. This serves two purposes, first you when you set the hook and fight a fish is an an open beach I will use 40-pound leaders can safely remove the treble when your incredible sight. If you use a 9 or 10-foot about 3 feet in length. You can tie direct to fish is under control and second it helps medium or light, fast-action the lure but for convenience with the release of your fish with as little graphite rod you will also of changing up, I use a 75- contact as possible. I always have good do fine. As for reels, there pound duo-lock snap. To quality cutters on my belt with enough are a myriad of choices and connect my leader to the strength to cut through any hook in my surf just make sure it has the main line I use a SPRO 130- bag. I use a Sargent brand cutter that cranking power to land a pound barrel connector. serves me well. Having a 15-pound fish large bass. A good drag This sounds heavy, but attached to a treble hook that is stuck in system is critical here as SPRO has such a small foot- your hand is painful and dangerous and you may need to get the fish print in their barrel swivels you must be able to cut the hook off in a out of any rock structure in that a little extra strength is hurry. Don't forget a good quality water- a hurry or you can say just some insurance. proof light that will resist the weather. The farewell to that nice bass LED head lamps made today are light- you wanted a photo of and Safety gear is the single weight and come in white and red LED maybe your lure. I use a most important part of combinations to maximize your sight when Quantum PT40 reel and is a Gibbs Darters have been a being a good angler. walking and minimize light that may spook perfect match for my 9- Montauk staple for years so Always be prepared for the the fish when changing up or better yet footer and was reasonably make sure you have a black conditions you plan on fish- releasing a fish. Lastly, a fishing buddy is one in your bag during new priced. I have had it on my moon tides. ing and the unexpected. great to have for both safety and for good rod for three years now and There is a high likelihood company. I enjoy some alone time like have had no issues at all with annual serv- you will be fishing on a jetty with these anybody when fishing, but I fish with a ice. I spool this reel with 20-pound Power lures, so be sure to wear studded waders or friend more often than not. Pro braided line and it has yet to let me Korkers. Jetties are a dangerous place to down. The lighter line also assists with fish so take your time and watch your step IN CONCLUSION your casting distance with these light lures. even with studded gear. Wet suits are a I have no wind knot problems to speak of great option when fishing a jetty, but if you So there you have it, simple lures that and I find the line has been very consistent prefer waders then make sure you wear a will provide you with a great "catching" for my purpose. I add a 30 or 50-pound pullover dry top over the wader with a surf experience. There are several brands and fluorocarbon leader depending on several belt cinched tightly to slow down any styles of swimmers on the market, so stop variables. If bluefish are around go with water entry if you happen to slip and fall by your local tackle shop and check them 50-pound leaders to help save your lure, no into the water. Attached to my surf belt, I out. Ask the shop owner what they like, guarantee, but a little extra helps. When I always have a sharp knife in case I need to why, when and where, they will give you fish a jetty I will use the 60-pound leader cut anything in a hurry. Both Darters and good advice. When people ask me why I that is at least 4 feet long to allow me some Bombers have several sets of sharp treble like these two lures so much I respond with, room to grab the leader and not the braid hooks. I highly recommend you crimp the "Bombers bring big bass to light tackle when lifting my fish and to provide some barbs flat for quick fish release or in the fishing and a darter could be the one lure rock abrasion resistance. You lower your event one penetrates your skin. I also sug- that will land you a world record fish". ◆ Kayak Fishing & Safety Seminar Seminar Topics & In-Water Demonstrations Introduction to Kayak Fishing Basic Paddle Strokes & Safety Gear Kayak Rigging & Equipment Kayak & Tackle Self Rescue and Dressing for Survival Featuring Captain Kayak Hobie Team Members American Canoe Association Instructor Trainer "Crazy Alberto" Knie Elizabeth O'Connor, of SKSA Steve "Hooper" McDonald Demonstrations by Drysuit Company Eric "Kayakfisherman" Albert OS Systems, Inc. After the seminar we will be having a delicious BBQ put on by Dockers Waterside Restaurant that will include hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, salad, corn on the cob and beverages. Coffee and baked goods will be served in the morning. When: Saturday, September 20th from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Visit www.noreast.com to register and pay online Where: Dockers Waterside Marina - 94 Dune Road East Quogue, NY / Shinnecock Bay Cost: $20 (includes seminar fee and raffle ticket) $40 (includes seminar fee, raffle ticket and BBQ)

14 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 Why is Yamaha your best investment? “No matter where I fish, I know I have the strongest, most reliable outboard there is.” George Mitchell CAPTAIN GEORGE MITCHELL Charter Boat Captain & Tournament Fisherman Fabulous Fishing Adventures

For 25 years, Yamaha’s been earning its stripes, out on the big blue behind hardcore fishermen like Captain George Mitchell. Tournament after tournament and win after win, they’ve learned to count on Yamaha Outboards for incredible power, reliability, durability, fuel efficiency and innovation.

But there’s much more to a Yamaha—unsurpassed customer service, more than 2,000 dealers nationwide and some of the industry’s most highly trained technicians. Add it all up, and Yamaha’s one of the strongest performers on the water, and perhaps one of best investments you’ll ever make.

REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear.

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September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 15 If you stop me on the sand of an water temperature, and a strong cold front west side of an inlet has an edge over the ocean beach on a fall day, what occurring near the middle of September is east side because that's the direction the lures will you find in my surf bag? usually enough to get them moving from mullet will be heading, but anywhere near I It depends on what part of the fall. the back bays and pouring out of Long an inlet has potential. If you can find a The bag will have some constants that will Island's South Shore Inlets. Areas of the point with a sandbar and whitewater with- always be there from mid-September North Shore also see some mullet, but it's in casting distance, that's a good place to through early usually nothing like start. The perfect scenario would have out- December, but a good the concentrations going current at daybreak. portion of the bag's dumping into the I'm usually not too hung up on lure content will change ocean. Ideally, a mid- color, and generally believe white is right, through fall's progres- September Nor'easter or at least adequate, for most situations, but sion as the different is the catalyst that there's no doubt in my mind that bass feed- types of baitfish come pushes the mullet out ing on mullet show a preference for blue. and go. and puts the waiting I'd start the predawn hours throwing 6- and An easy way to bass and blues into a 7-inch blue Bombers and RedFins. Any think about gearing feeding frenzy, but minnow-style swimmer in that size range surf bags for the fall more often the run is is a good choice. When there's enough light run is to break the fall initiated by a string of to easily see my plug hit the water, I'd start into the three phases. cold nights coupled with the poppers. I love pencil poppers, but First is the mullet run, with a wind out of any if I had to choose just one popper for mul- last is the herring run, northerly quarter. let-driven fishing, it would be a 1.5-ounce and the middle phase is The jackpot of the blue Super Strike Little Neck. This 4 1/4- simply everything migration would be to inch plug is about the same length as the between those two. In a find all out blitz action passing mullet, and bass of all sizes will perfect season, there with quality bass push- engulf it. No matter what lure you're using, would actually be mul- ing schools of bait in it's more important than ever to work the let and herring runs, the wash. It's been a plug all the way to the shore, because mul- but the reality is that The author with a teen bass that long time since I've let often swim tight to the beach and many the mullet run is often a inhaled a Beachmaster Danny. seen that kind of mul- of the hits come right in the wash. Another slow trickle or quick let-related action. Most winner in a mullet run is a small blue and shot of unmolested bait, and the potential years the anglers who cash in best on the white metal-lipped swimmer, such as a 1- of a herring run is usually nothing more run do so by fishing areas where they ounce Gibbs Danny plug. In addition, I'll than a reason for everyone to stay geared expect some mullet to be moving through, be sure to carry a few pencil poppers and until they have to start shoveling snow. even if the visual signs are subtle. A char- larger versions of the previously men- The mullet I'm talking about are the 3- acteristic of a mullet run is that the best tioned plugs. Because snappers are often to 5-inch finger mullet that are spawned in fishing often occurs during daylight hours. moving down the beach at the same time as our bays and harbors during the summer. A good strategy is to pick an area with mullet, I'd mix in some white lures as well. They're very sensitive to a sudden drop in good beach structure near an inlet. The No surf bag is complete at any time of the

16 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 year without a few bucktails and soft plas- slightly behind blitzing schools of fish, snappers, I'll definitely give a 2 3/8-ounce tic swim shads, so they'd be taking up most they do an excellent job of culling larger white Super Strike Little Neck a chance. of whatever space was left. I'd carry a pair bass from schools of predominantly blue- As always, I'll carry a few tins in case I of good casting tins for distance, but prob- fish and smaller bass. They're also much need a very long cast. ably never get them wet. easier to deal with than lures carrying tre- The bulk of the bunker are usually By the beginning of October, most of ble hooks when the fishing gets hot and gone by the end of November. With the the mullet should be gone, the colder heavy. In any open beach situation, I'm water temperature flirting with the 50- nights will be dipping below 50 degrees, almost always aiming to retrieve the buck- degree mark, the season will either fizzle and whatever peanut bunker were spawned tail within a couple feet of the bottom on a out in the beginning of December, or there during the summer should be starting to slow to moderate retrieve. could be a grand finale run that will be move. If you're lucky, you might come If there's any sign of adult bunker, big burned into surfcasters' memories for across some adult bunker. The last of the snappers, or even juvenile weakfish snappers will be on their way out, and around, a 7-inch metal-lip will see a lot of years. It all depends if there's a substantial they'll be rather large in the 6- to 8-inch use. The Gibbs Danny's are fine plugs, and herring run. 2006 was a classic, and if you range. White will become the predominant there are many high-end custom plugs on were on just about any South Shore beach color of the lures in my bag, and they'll be the market. I have a preference for on December 4th of that year, you know a fair amount of yellow and some blue. I'll Beachmaster Danny plugs in white and what I'm referring too. Unfortunately, a still be carrying some Little Necks, but blue. Worked on a slow retrieve, these strong herring run is a season ending they'll be mostly the larger 2 3/8-ounce and plugs leave an enticing wake on the water's bonus, and never develops in most years. 3-ounce versions. 2- to 3-ounce pencils and surface that often results in vacuum-like When it happens, it's special because it 7-inch metal-lips will compete for space. explosions as bass take advantage of what means big fish on big baits. If you find me The bag will be heavy with bucktails in the they perceive as an easy meal. in the middle of a herring-induced blitz, 5/8- to 1.5-ounce range, and most will be If big baits and big fish are present and besides a huge smile on my face, you'll white. Jars of pork rind will be loaded with out of the metal-lip casting range, a 2- to 3- catch me with a bag full of big blue plugs. Uncle Josh #50 and #70 strips in white, ounce pencil popper will probably get the 7-inch Danny-style metal lips, 7-inch red, and green. I'll carry 4- to 6-inch Storm nod. The Gibbs pencils are perfectly ade- Bombers, 3-ounce pencil poppers, and 3- Wildeyes for the times when the bass are quate, and as with the metal lips, there's an picky and there aren't too many bluefish almost overwhelming selection of custom- ounce Super Strike Little Neck poppers around. made pencils in shops that cater to surfcast- will easily consume the space in my bag. Bucktails make a superb match for the ers. I'm also a fan of the 7-inch Cotton Those Super Strikes are a real favorite of profile of a peanut bunker, and I'll rely Cordell pencil popper. These plugs are rel- mine when the fish are feeding on herring. heavily on them if there's a substantial atively inexpensive, they catch fish, and More than half of the plugs will be blue; peanut run. By working them below and they stand up great to bluefish. If I see most of the rest will be white. It's one of

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September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 17 the few times of the year when my buck- stretched thin these days. With gasoline tails might not even get wet, as I'm much near $4/gallon, it's costing a lot of money more focused on trying to match the size to fill up the truck to cover some miles of and profile of the herring. shoreline. If you can afford $25 custom I've never been one to throw a lot of plugs, great. The guys who make these tin, but they definitely have a place in my lures are very serious about their craft and bag in early December. The days when the put out some excellent products. If losing herring are an easy cast off the beach are a few is too painful, don't feel as though few and far between. Many times, the your chances of success are severely gannets that do a nice job of marking the impaired. If you hit the sand with nothing herring schools are just out of reach, or but Bombers, RedFins, Creek Chubs, are on the very end of the cast. This is the Cotton Cordell pencil poppers, Storm time I'll break out 3- and 4-ounce Shads, bargain bin bucktails, and a few Kastmasters and 3-ounce diamond jigs. tins, you'll be in excellent shape. None of I'd rather be in those fish with a hunk of these lures costs more than $7. Fishing metal than for my plug casts to come up TOP: Joey Marino with a high teen blue- durable plastics instead of wood is also short. fish that hit a bucktail worked beneath a much more practical when there are a lot peanut bunker blitz. Note that the surf bags discussed here of bluefish around. are loaded for dawn to dusk fishing on BELOW: A few of the plugs that have This is an exciting time of the year for ocean sand beaches. It's one of the enjoy- earned a spot in the author's fall bag. surfcasters. It's a time when good fishing able aspects of the fall that surf anglers potential exists 24/7, and wild scenes can can experience productive, and occasion- be encountered that will be remembered ally intense, daytime action. If I'm fishing for a lifetime. While the blitzes are often the open beach under the cover of dark- what first comes to mind when one thinks ness, the poppers will be replaced by of the fall run, it's the quieter settings needlefish and darter plugs. The bucktails where anglers make the right offerings in will be lighter in weight than what I use well-chosen circumstances that often during the day so that they can be worked intercept the best fish of fall. Proper plan- at the slower retrieve speeds that are ning and lure selection now can go a long called for after dark. way toward making this fall fishing sea- It seems everyone's wallets are son a special one. ◆

18 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 Tautog are bucktoothed bait stealers of To be a successful angler it nightmarish proportions. Also known as is advisable to first under- blackfish, tog, or white chins, tautog are stand your quarry. With bottom dwellers whose haunts include both regard to this species, black- 8th St. Jetty inshore and offshore structures, such as fish require three basic needs wrecks, bridges, and jetties, with a face to be met by their environment: shelter, of the hook to the leader, the better off that only a mother could love. Thick, rub- security, and forage. Although there are you'll be. The size of tog in the area typi- bery lips and a powerful jaw enable it to several areas throughout the Garden State cally dictates hook size with 1, 1/0, and 2/0 power down on the tough outer shells that meet these standards, one of the most Gami Octopus and bait holder hooks being belonging to the many crustaceans that productive is found by the bridge and vari- the most popular for inshore applications. make up the majority of this species' for- ous outcroppings associated with the Sinker weight will be dependent on the age. However, as ugly and unappealing as expanse of water between Sea Isle City and current/tide strength. With that in mind, this fish's exterior may seem, its meat is Avalon, New Jersey known as Townsends bank sinkers, and their more rounded Inlet. edges, are less likely to snag. That being Although tog can be pulled from both Townsends Inlet Bridge Mr. Tog sides of the bridge, it is fairly safe to say that the Avalon side is the more productive of the two. From this area anglers can gain easy access to the bridge pilings and an extensive sea wall that holds tog well. As an added plus, if things are slow, or the area crowded, around the Townsend Inlet bridge, the 8th Street jetty in Avalon is just up the beach and is well-known as a toggin' hotspot. actually quite delicious. When cleaned and The Right Gear said, it is absolutely imperative that you prepared properly blackfish has been pack extra leader material, hooks, and known to rival lobster in both taste and tex- Now that we have an idea of where to weights because snags and rig loss is an ture. Though not much to look at, this find blackfish, it's time to gear up. For this inevitable part of this type of fishing. mutant from the depths is a formidable foe type of fishing, a stout 6'6" to 7' medium- Although this gear may seem heavy when with surprising power that will test even heavy spinning or conventional rod is the average fish may range between 1-3 the most seasoned angler. Throw in the essential. The rod should be paired with a pounds, but knowing the environment in jagged edges, sweeping currents, and line- matching reel equipped with a rugged and which they live should shed some light on cutting barnacles associated with the reliable drag system for stopping power. this. When hooked up you simply need bridges and rock piles that tog like to haunt Line choice between monofilament and enough backbone and power from your and anglers could be in for a frustrating, braided line is ruled by personal prefer- equipment to heave the fish out of the not to mention expensive, afternoon! ence. Monofilament, while less expensive rocks before it gains a foothold in a hole, and more easily tied into knots, has a larg- crack, or crevice because once that hap- Where They Live er diameter per pound test than braided pens, it's game over. Though seemingly lines and is subject to stretching from the overkill, this type of tackle will land more Location, location, location. It's as tension of hook-sets. Braided lines, on the fish while other anglers are continually important to the successful tog fisherman other hand, are more expensive, but allow required to re-rig. as it is the perspective homeowner. for little-to-no stretch and have a smaller Inshore jetties, sea walls, and bridge pil- diameter that can be spooled to almost What They Eat ings constitute the majority of the habitats double the capacity of monofilament of the that hold tog. Lucky for us surfcasters, same tensile strength. As a general rule of While it is possible to entice a strike most of these areas are easy to access and, thumb, reels spooled with 30 to 40-pound with an artificial lure, natural baits tend to in the case of blackfish, seeing a number of monofilament or braided lines are usually be the ticket when targeting blackfish, and anglers using stout tackle around the afore- good choices for this type of fishing. On although tog will take many natural baits, mentioned locations is often a dead give- the terminal tackle end of things, the leader away that white chins are in the area. You should be attached to the running line by a including fish chunks, squid, and shellfish, can research potential areas in a variety of barrel swivel, and should be short and it is small crabs and sand fleas that produce ways, including online, by word of mouth heavy enough to stand up to the abuse of a best. Actually, what is nice about the top at local bait shops, or, perhaps most pro- sharp, rocky environment. Although bait two baits is the fact that with a little extra ductive and rewarding, through personal rigs vary, the shorter the distance between work they can be caught in the surrounding observation. the sinker and hook as well as connection rocks and beaches free of charge.

September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 19 However, take care to properly identify the most productive time in the tide cycle from Regulations crabs because there are size and bag limits the surf tends to be at slack tide. Slack tide for certain species. Should you choose not occurs when there is little to no amount of Tautog is a highly sought after species to hunt your own bait, almost all bait and water movement and there will be two for table fare, and as such the population tackle shops should carry a selection of chances to fish slack; one at peak high and has been exposed to increasing pressure. baits suited for tog fishing. Now, depend- one at peak low tide. While it's true that the New Jersey has imposed strict size and ing on the size of baits, make sure you have less water movement allows for more fish daily bag limits to ensure the sustainability enough to produce approximately 24 baits activity, it also decreases the movement of of this fishery. In 2008, a blackfish must for every two hours you plan to fish. With lines and baits into potential snag and rig be at least 14 inches to be kept and the crabs, when size allows, remove the claws daily bag limits are subject to set seasons throughout the year. As such, between July and legs and use a knife or kitchen shears 16th and November 15th anglers can keep to quarter the body. Hook the body one fish at 14 inches per day. However, the between two leg sockets pushing the point limit jumps to six fish per angler from into the body cavity and bringing the hook November 16th through the end of the point back between two different leg sock- year. It is important to research and under- ets. Be sure that the hook point is exposed stand the regulations for the geographical in order to offer the best shot at a quick, area and species being targeted. Failure to solid hook-set. Blackfish are extremely Bridge view from the 8th St. Jetty comply will not only negatively impact the adept at stealing bait with just a nibble so it fishery as a whole, but noncompliance can is wise to pack enough bait to allow for loss areas. For best results, try fishing the and normally will result in fines. It is such theft. slack tide that falls a few hours after sunrise. imperative to respect the regulations set by It is important to note that once a gener- the state's fish and wildlife governing body When to Get Them al location has been found, one must not to ensure our rights as anglers and the pro- become glued to a single fixed point. If tection of the environment for future gen- Now that the who, where, and with what you are not getting any action do not be erations. has been answered, it's time to tackle the afraid to shift or move. Sometimes the dif- That said, with the right location, tackle, when. Because blackfish have notoriously ference between a productive spot and a time, and tide now known, every angler bad eyesight, fishing during daylight hours dead zone is only a few feet. With plenty that takes the time should be able to land a will improve activity and availability of of sunlight and a slow current, a fish yield- few cooler-worthy white chins. Trust us, fish. Additionally, when fishing tog, the ing location should not be hard to find. you will not be disappointed. ◆

OYSTER BAY MARINE SUPPLY 23rd Annual OYSTER BAY BLUEFISH TOURNAMENT SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 4:30 AM - 4:00 PM Over $25,000 In Prizes Will Be Raffled Off At the Weigh-In Party

First Prize ...... $2,000 Gift Certificate • First Place Plaque $23.00 Town of Oyster Second Prize ...... $1,000 Gift Certificate • Second Place Plaque $33.00 Third Prize ...... $750 Gift Certificate • Third Place Plaque Bay Residents, Fourth Prize ...... $600 Gift Certificate • Fourth Place Plaque Non-Residents. Fifth & Sixth Prize ...... $500 Gift Certificate • Corresponding Plaque Registration Fee Seventh & Eighth Prize ...... $400 Gift Certificate • Corresponding Plaque Qualifies For The Ninth & Tenth Prize ...... $300 Gift Certificate • Corresponding Plaque Tournament, Awards Eleventh & Twelfth ...... $200 Gift Certificate Ceremony, T-Shirt, Thirteenth thru Fifteenth ...... $100 Gift Certificate Weigh-In Party & Gift Certificates Redeemable Gigantic Raffle At Oyster Bay Marine Supply To Follow

Register By Oyster Bay Marine Supply Town of Oyster Bay Dept. of Parks Stopping 294 South Street, Oyster Bay, NY 11771 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, NY 11758 In At: 516-922-8010 516-797-4125

20 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 Just as the wind, per se, does not create wind knots in leader tippets (tailing loops do), fish, as a rule, do not spit hooks as I frequently hear tell. What generally hap- pens is that the predator simply missed the point (both literally and figuratively speak- ing) when the hook was set. Most long You've often heard it said that in order to Let's open Pandora's box a little farther. shank hooks-2¾ inches to 3 inches in be successful in real estate, it is important Let's open a modern day fly box possessed length-need to be tweaked a bit. Why? to keep three things in mind when selecting by those who are not purists at heart and, Answer: because the axis between the properties: location, location, and location. therefore, not afraid to mix it up and match point of the hook and its eye is not con- Similarly, in journeying through life, I've the hatch with synthetics as well as the real ducive to solid strikes. There are certainly discovered that there are three bywords to McCoy. Most of us realize that there are applications when a bend-back design is bear in mind in order to render an often pretty flies out there that hook fishermen advantageous, but not on a long shank bumpy road more bearable: organization, and flies that hook fish; hook being the hook. Rather than expound on supposedly organization, and organization. Well, in fly operative word here because in just a arcane physics-as scientists, doctors, and tying, there are three forms to effect in moment we're going to open Pandora's box even some lawyers love to do-the simple order to fool fish: full profile, full profile, real wide and begin at the very beginning fact is that the axis between those two crit- and full profile. Match the baitfish dimen- of first adjusting and then tying a fly on ical focal points is misaligned. This caus- sionally, meaning its length, height, and- long shank 8XL or 10XL hooks for big es the point of the hook, when set, to avert just as importantly-its breadth, and you'll brutes that cruise our waters in search of a the center of its target (the fish's mouth) catch more fish. Many fly tiers simply hearty meal. But first let's preview a most and most likely winds up alongside the concern themselves with the imitation's versatile, yes, synthetic material. predator's face. The ephemeral battle side-view profile; that is, its length and For the moment, let's forego the soft, between man and fish is suddenly finished, height, but then fail to take into considera- pulsating and undulating actions of our giving the angler the impression that the tion the fly's thickness. Personally, I give favored feathers in addition to specific furs denizen of the deep had spat the hook. By initial attention to affecting a three-dimen- and fibers (be they artificial or authentic) in bending the shank of a 3-inch hook sional profile of an imitation ahead of any- order to create a more realistic representa- approximately ten degrees down toward its thing else. tion of certain baitfish. When it comes to point (not up as you would to form a bend- Next, I carefully weigh (both figurative- lures like sand lance imitations, I find the back design), you eliminate part of the ly and literally speaking) the kinds of mate- action of light, bright, braided tubular bod- problem. The monofilament leader, rials used in the construction of that fly. ies to offer the proper weight and profile. pulling against the eye of the hook, should For example, a rather bulky although natu- The body material we'll use to imitate this now be aligned with its point, not off at ral feathery form is not going to undulate prolific baitfish is perfection personified. some obtuse angle as with a bend-back through the water column like some of our Sand eel representations should be long style. more popular fibers, synthetic or other- and appealing if they are to be considered Next, the placement of a set of prismat- wise. In a conversation followed up by a a cruising, bruising connoisseur's delight. ic eyes-now nearer the point of the hook letter to me from Bernard "Lefty" Kreh, The problem is that long translates into than before bending the shank down-not dated March 27th of 2005, Lefty stated several problems, one of which is tangle- only gives the predator sideliner its target, that, "Bob Clouser, Bob Popovics and I ment, with the tail of the fly wrapping it clearly gives you an advantage of hook- were talking fly tying last year and we around the hook. This can prove very ing up solidly. Get the picture? You will three agreed that we favor natural [materi- annoying but is not a problem when tied have far fewer hit-and-misses. Fine-tuning als] over almost all synthetics simply with braided tubing such as Orvis' E-Z these alignments on long shank hooks is because they give more life to the fly." Braid Body material. Also, long shank fac- the key to greater success. However, he suggested that in imitating a similes thereof often result in frustrating Examine the hook point-to-eye axis mantis shrimp I was perfecting at the time, strikes but no cigar, meaning that the fish among the three sand eel imitations shown I try "softer materials that move such as has hit but not held. Let's address this mat- in figure #1. Keep in mind that the trio was Pola Fiber, etc." It worked extremely well. ter head on. tied with the same size 6/0-8/XL hook. Those who feel that they must not break To give you an added edge, and I trust The top item will result in more hit-and- from tying flies with traditional [natural] this point will be well-taken, hooks are key miss strikes not only because of misalign- fibers, feathers, and furs are shortchanging to, well, hooking up . . . and holding on. ment but because the distance (admittedly themselves. Would folks want to revert back to the days when catgut and horsehair were used as leader, line, and fly tying THE COMPLETE materials in order to remain a purest? Horsefeathers! More to the point; are not TACKLE SHOP some of the stronger threads and brilliant LARGE Selection of Saltwater Tackle-Inshore, Surf, Offshore! yarns we use today synthetic? And here's a DIVERSIFIED Selection of Rod Building Components! flash for you; let's not forget Mylar. Where FULL in House Service on Rods & Reels! do we draw the line of demarcation as to LIVE & FROZEN Baits - In Season! what materials we should and shouldn't use in tying flies? 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September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 21 brief) between the hook point and the tar- point of information, I leave one bobbin set catch the fibers. Gently pull the material geted eye is somewhat greater than the two up in this fashion when tying and spinning forward and out the front end of the braid. representations below it. Note, too, that in deer hair flies; four wraps in making loops Trim and firmly tie off with a dozen or so order to align both the hook point and its in fly lines for leader connections. This wraps, locking the braided material and eye in a bend-down style as depicted with will give you the tension needed to swing fibers directly behind the eye of the hook, the middle item, we are left with a rather the bobbin and make tight wraps. building up a nicely tapered head. Whip- poor imitation that resembles the shape of finish and tie off. a sea horse of sorts instead of an elongated eel, which will track unnaturally, hump- backed, through the water column. However, bent at the same desired ten- degree angle as the middle freak, the bot- tom item, because of its hook placement through the braided material, allows for a significantly longer and considerably more inviting imitation. Which of the three imi- tations belongs in your arsenal? If you've selected the last item, you're as smart as 1. At approximately an inch behind the you look. It appears more lifelike, possess- eye of an overall barb or barbless 3-inch es zero possibility of fouling, displays the hook, bend the shank ten degrees down perfect hook point-to-eye axis, and bears a toward the point. With a marking pen, somewhat shorter striking distance approximately 2 inches from one end of 4. Remove the fly from the vise and, between the terminal point and the targeted the 5-inch braid, make a discernible dot with the bobbin, carefully make several eye, assisting in solid hookups. Many fly between the lateral black lines of tubing. tight-clockwise-wraps where the E-Z tiers shy away from tying the imitation in This will be your point of exit penetration. Braid Body meets the tail. You are now this fashion because it involves a seeming- Starting at the eye of the hook, push on the ready to swing the bobbin, locking in that ly complicated process of threading the tail 5-inch length of E-Z Body Braid, carefully section, then whip-finish it by hand. No through the body and then whip-finishing working it along the shank, around its big deal . . . short of knocking yourself in that connection outside the vise. A walk in bend, then aligning the point of the hook the head if you don't pay attention. the park, folks. You'll see. So let's get with the dot. Push the hook through. The Ready? With approximately six inches of started. ¼-inch diameter braid, along with its over- thread hanging from the bobbin-thumb all length, allows for the ten-degree bend and forefinger of each hand holding on to 8-inch Sand Eel Recipe of the hook without distorting its lateral the tail and braid sections, arms extended Hook: Any quality saltwater 6/0-8XL form through the water column. and away from your face and body-rotate or 10XL shank hook (approximately 2¾ 2. Place your fly in the vise. With your your hands in a circular-still clockwise inches to 3¼ inches in overall length). fingers and a long bobbin threader, bunch fashion-firmly swinging that bobbin Note: If you can't locate 8XL or 10XL the braided tube together like an accordion around and around, back and forth, secur- hooks, you may want to contact Mustad, (if needed) in order to pass the needle of ing that connection. Repeat the process, who, back in 1966, acquired Partridge of the tool from front to back and then out. swinging another six inches; whip-finish Redditch Ltd. (located in Worcestershire, by hand. With only a little practice, you England), producers of some of Britain's will be able to lay wraps of thread side by finest fly hooks-if not the world's. Inquire side with uncanny precision. about Carrie Stevens' 6/0-8XL or 10XL 5. Next, put the sightless sand eel fly streamer size hooks with looped-down back in the vise. With a two-part epoxy or eyes and bronze finish. REF CS15. sealant of your choice, affix a pair of eyes close to the nose. Just a pinpoint of adhe- Thread: Danville's flat waxed nylon sive applied to the area where the eyes are Body: 5-inch length of Orvis' E-Z Body to be set will stay the orbs for the moment. Braid-¼-inch diameter pearl with black Working on a horizontal plane, allow a lateral line tiny drop of resin to touch, cover, then set- Tail: sea-blue 8-inch wavy synthetic tle upon the periphery of each eye; this fiber strands such as Spirit River's Slinky will ensure their placement. A drop of Fibre sea-green 8-inch wavy synthetic epoxy around the bend of the hook where fiber strands it penetrated the E-Z Body Braid will seal Eyes: 3/16-inch prismatic/heliographic and help support that section. gold eyes-black pupils 6. Add the finishing touches by Head cement: Sally Hansen's Hard as stroking the thread at the head and tail Nails Dazzle Frost, or Wet 'n' Wild's section with Sally Hansen's Dazzle Frost, Crystalic Limelight/Vedette or Wet 'n' Wild's Crystalic Epoxy: 5-minute two-part plastic resin Limelight/Vedette, they are a complemen- epoxy, or clear sealant such as Softex tary match to the braid. If you have trou- Hook threader: with large enough eye ble locating these colors after rummaging to catch a bunch of fibers through your significant other's supplies, Bobbin: Special Note: Wrap the thread 3. Pinch together one end of both 8-inch look for other sparkling nail polishes at once or twice around one of the arms of the lengths of blue and green material, trim the appropriate cosmetics counter. I'm bobbin in order to spin the tool for an out- evenly and place an inch or so of those sure you'll find several from which to of-the-vise, tail-to-body connection. As a strands in between the needle in order choose.

22 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 Congratulations. You have just created logical thriller, The Teacher, was the win- an 8-inch lethal sand eel imitation, weigh- ner of the Best Fiction Suspense Book for ing in at approximately 30 grains, of which 2006 from NewBookReviews.org. His the hook alone weighs 23 grains. Fish it with a continuous darting, then settling newest release is The Author, of which damaged motion-and stand by. Your siz- Mark Reid says, "Banfelder has written able sand lance, about as long as they another winner for 2007." Bob weaves a come, will stand out from the crowd. love and knowledge of the great outdoors Editor's Note: Bob Banfelder is an through his fiction and, of course, his award-winning novelist whose psycho- nonfiction. ◆ Fishing Reports: New Jersey, New York, Connecticut & Rhode Island Log on to www.noreast.com for the most up-to-date fishing reports!

Absecon SOUTHERN New Moon NEW JERSEY September 30 Absecon Bay From Brigantine Inlet including Sportsman Center Atlantic City in the North to Cape First Quarter Live Bait Specialist September 7 May Point and into Delaware Bay Surf Clams • Live Spot • Live Eels in the South. Shedder crabs peanut bunker minnows Tides and Currents Full Moon 609-484-0409 Sept. 3 to Sept. 9 September 15 www.abseconbay.com 81 Natalie Terrace • Absecon, NJ By Frank Ruczynski email: [email protected] Last Quarter September 22 can’t be beat at places like the Old WEDS. THURS. FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. Grounds, Reef Site 11, and the southern end of the Cape May Reef; some good- Cape May, Atlantic Ocean High & Low Tides sized sea bass are also mixing in with the 4:36am Lo 0 5:11am Lo 0.3 12:10am Hi 4.3 12:59am Hi 4 1:49am Hi 3.8 2:42am Hi 3.6 3:40am Hi 3.6 fluke. Nick also mentioned that he’s been 11:11am Hi 5.3 11:55am Hi 5.1 5:47am Lo 0.7 6:25am Lo 1 7:15am Lo 1.3 8:23am Lo 1.4 9:33am Lo 1.4 5:02pm Lo 0.3 5:44pm Lo 0.7 12:40pm Hi 4.8 1:27pm Hi 4.7 2:16pm Hi 4.5 3:09pm Hi 4.4 4:06pm Hi 4.5 hearing good things about the tuna bite at 11:24pm Hi 4.7 6:30pm Lo 1 7:24pm Lo 1.2 8:29pm Lo 1.4 9:35pm Lo 1.3 10:31pm Lo 1.1 the Lobster Claw. Wildwood Crest, Fishing Pier High & Low Tides Cape May surfcasters are keeping their 4:20am Lo 0 4:55am Lo 0.3 5:31am Lo 0.7 12:28am Hi 3.9 1:18am Hi 3.7 2:11am Hi 3.5 3:09am Hi 3.5 rods bent! Croakers, weakfish, spot, and 10:40am Hi 5.1 11:24am Hi 4.9 12:09pm Hi 4.6 6:09am Lo 0.9 6:59am Lo 1.2 8:07am Lo 1.3 9:17am Lo 1.3 kingfish can be found in great numbers 4:46pm Lo 0.3 5:28pm Lo 0.7 6:14pm Lo 0.9 12:56pm Hi 4.5 1:45pm Hi 4.3 2:38pm Hi 4.2 3:35pm Hi 4.3 along the oceanfront and bayside beaches. 10:53pm Hi 4.5 11:39pm Hi 4.1 7:08pm Lo 1.1 8:13pm Lo 1.3 9:19pm Lo 1.2 10:15pm Lo 1 While most of the fish seem to be running Old Turtle Thoroughfare, Railroad Bridge High & Low Tides on the short side, there are a few good ones 5:25am Lo 0 6:00am Lo 0.3 12:32am Hi 4 1:21am Hi 3.8 2:11am Hi 3.6 3:04am Hi 3.4 4:02am Hi 3.4 out there still, as evidenced by an 8-year- 11:33am Hi 5 12:17pm Hi 4.8 6:36am Lo 0.6 7:14am Lo 0.9 8:04am Lo 1.2 9:12am Lo 1.3 10:22am Lo 1.3 5:51pm Lo 0.3 6:33pm Lo 0.6 1:02pm Hi 4.5 1:49pm Hi 4.4 2:38pm Hi 4.2 3:31pm Hi 4.1 4:28pm Hi 4.2 old patron that checked into the shop with a 11:46pm Hi 4.4 7:19pm Lo 0.9 8:13pm Lo 1.1 9:18pm Lo 1.3 10:24pm Lo 1.2 11:20pm Lo 1 24-inch fluke. Nick turned him on to Townsends Inlet, Ocean's Drive Bridge High & Low Tides Berkley Gulp! and he returned with a bro- 4:49am Lo 0 5:24am Lo 0.2 12:10am Hi 3.7 12:59am Hi 3.4 1:49am Hi 3.2 2:42am Hi 3.1 3:40am Hi 3.1 ken rod and the big flatfish. Small cut baits 11:11am Hi 4.5 11:55am Hi 4.3 6:00am Lo 0.6 6:38am Lo 0.8 7:28am Lo 1.1 8:36am Lo 1.2 9:46am Lo 1.2 and products such as Berkley Gulp! or 5:15pm Lo 0.2 5:57pm Lo 0.6 12:40pm Hi 4.1 1:27pm Hi 4 2:16pm Hi 3.8 3:09pm Hi 3.7 4:06pm Hi 3.8 Fishbites really can’t be beat. 11:24pm Hi 4 6:43pm Lo 0.8 7:37pm Lo 1 8:42pm Lo 1.2 9:48pm Lo 1.1 10:44pm Lo 0.9 Over in Wildwood, the Royal Flush has Corson Inlet - Middle Thoroughfare, Ocean Drive High & Low Tides been catching a little bit of everything on 4:45am Lo 0 5:20am Lo 0.2 12:06am Hi 3.6 12:55am Hi 3.4 1:45am Hi 3.2 2:38am Hi 3 3:36am Hi 3 all three trips. Between the morning and 11:07am Hi 4.4 11:51am Hi 4.3 5:56am Lo 0.6 6:34am Lo 0.8 7:24am Lo 1.1 8:32am Lo 1.1 9:42am Lo 1.1 5:11pm Lo 0.2 5:53pm Lo 0.6 12:36pm Hi 4 1:23pm Hi 3.9 2:12pm Hi 3.8 3:05pm Hi 3.7 4:02pm Hi 3.8 afternoon trips, there have been plenty of 11:20pm Hi 3.9 6:39pm Lo 0.8 7:33pm Lo 1 8:38pm Lo 1.1 9:44pm Lo 1.1 10:40pm Lo 0.9 croakers, snapper bluefish, porgies, and Atlantic City - Ocean Pier High & Low Tides small sea bass. Patrons aboard the evening 4:15am Lo 0 4:50am Lo 0.3 5:26am Lo 0.6 12:25am Hi 3.6 1:15am Hi 3.4 2:08am Hi 3.3 3:06am Hi 3.3 trips have been filling up on croakers and 10:37am Hi 4.8 11:21am Hi 4.6 12:06pm Hi 4.3 6:04am Lo 0.9 6:54am Lo 1.2 8:02am Lo 1.3 9:12am Lo 1.3 kingfish. Three trips are scheduled to sail 4:41pm Lo 0.3 5:23pm Lo 0.6 6:09pm Lo 0.9 12:53pm Hi 4.2 1:42pm Hi 4 2:35pm Hi 4 3:32pm Hi 4 from 8 AM - 12 PM, 1 PM - 5 PM, and 7 10:50pm Hi 4.2 11:36pm Hi 3.9 7:03pm Lo 1.1 8:08pm Lo 1.3 9:14pm Lo 1.2 10:10pm Lo 1 PM -11 PM daily. Week of August 25 through August 31 lately. The guys that I talked to over the There were no fish checked in this This week’s report begins with word of weekend seemed to have the best luck in week, but we did have lots of great reports, weakfish limits in the Delaware Bay, about 15 feet of water. Shedder crab and noted Dave and Tammie from Avalon according to Nick at Hands Too Bait and chicken soaked in shedder crab oil worked Hodge Podge. One patron stopped in with Tackle in Cape May. Boating anglers are well again this week. Let’s hope this great a report of a 42-inch striper on mackerel; he scoring good numbers of 15 to 18-inch weakfish action holds up until striper sea- was fishing late at night from one of the weakfish at most of the well-known hot son! local backwater docks. Quite a few anglers spots. The #1 Buoy, EP Tower, Bug Light, Boaters reported flounder and tons of also shared excellent reports from the off- and some of the holes just off of croakers along the Bayshore Channel. shore grounds. The glow-in-the-dark jigs Dennisville Creek have been producing When the drift is right flounder fishing made by Olde Salt Tackle have been hot

September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 23 recently! Dave and Tammie would also like to remind everyone that they are now THE DOCK OUTFITTERS stocking marine supplies, so feel free to BAIT & TACKLE stop in to get your year-end winterization ur 1st BAIT & TACKLE You Rods, Reels, Waders, Plugs And More! supplies. P To STOP Fresh Clams $3.00 per dozen The great team over at Fin-Atics Bait P Route 35 South, IBS and Tackle in Ocean City had plenty of Seaside Heights, NJ 732-830-8171www.thedockoutfitters.com great fishing information to pass along this week. Offshore action has been good for those fishing at the Wilmington, Spencer, 8 - HOUR OPEN BOAT TRIP - LEAVES DOCK 8AM! and Lindenkohl canyons. White and blue marlin, dolphin, and some yellowfin tuna CCAAPPTTAAIINN RROOBBBBIINNSS were reported recently. Big bluefin tuna SEASEA BASSBASS could be found at the Lobster Claw and the DEEP SEA FIISHIING CENTER • OFFSHORE WRECK FIISHIING inside lumps. The Great Egg, Ocean City, ARE HERE and Atlantic City reefs continue to provide 660099--226633--22002200 boaters with good numbers of sea bass, NEW! 2-Anchor System NEW! some nice-sized fluke, and even a few ling. EVENING CHARTERS AVAILABLE www.captainrobbins.com Closer to home, anglers continue to find tons of spike weakfish in about 18 to 19 feet plugs along the meadow and live-lined spot As we head into the end of the summer of water just off of the Ferris Wheel. Along from the area bridges. Tackle-busting brown season, the time has come to wrap up the the beachfront, spot, kingfish, croakers, and sharks have also made a showing in the print edition of our weekly fishing reports. weakfish are keeping land-based anglers local backwaters. A 110-pound brownie was Not to worry, even though the printed busy, while striped bass can be found reported from the Cross Tides area, while a reports will be ending, you can still find the prowling the nearby bridges and banks dur- 125-pound monster was pulled from Broad same information-packed fishing reports, ing the late-night tides. Backwater fluke Creek. Ray ended our conversation with along with tons of other great fishing infor- seem to be heading to the inlets and the area word that oceanfront anglers have been nail- mation, at Noreast.com. Our great weekly crabbing has been nothing short of excel- ing croakers in 25 to 40 feet of water. fishing reports are only a click away! ◆ lent. “The spot are hanging around and I just received a report that Chris caught a 28-inch CENTRAL weakfish down at the dock last night using New Moon live peanut bunker,” stated Captain Andy NEW JERSEY September 30 from RipTide Bait and Tackle in From Point Pleasant and Point Brigantine. Fred stopped by with a 9.5- Pleasant Beach to Little Egg First Quarter pound flounder that he caught in front of Harbor including Manahawkin September 7 Harrah’s Casino. Action has been good just Bay, Little Egg Harbor, Great Bay off of Harrah’s, but the key is to get out and Estuaries there before the boat traffic shuts the bite Full Moon down. Captain Andy added, “I also have Tides and Currents September 15 reports of keeper-sized flounder off the Sept. 3 to Sept. 9 cove.” By Robert Lee The local surfcasters have been catching email: [email protected] Last Quarter a nice mixture of fish by the south end jetty. September 22 Spot, kingfish, bluefish, and weakfish have WEDS. THURS. FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. been keeping things interesting. There Little Egg High & Low Tides haven’t been any monster fish, but the 5:08am Lo 0 5:43am Lo 0.2 12:19am Hi 3.2 1:08am Hi 3 1:58am Hi 2.8 2:51am Hi 2.7 3:49am Hi 2.7 action down at the rock pile is tough to beat. 11:20am Hi 3.9 12:04pm Hi 3.8 6:19am Lo 0.5 6:57am Lo 0.7 7:47am Lo 0.9 8:55am Lo 1 10:05am Lo 1 Make sure to mark your calendars for 5:34pm Lo 0.2 6:16pm Lo 0.5 12:49pm Hi 3.6 1:36pm Hi 3.5 2:25pm Hi 3.4 3:18pm Hi 3.3 4:15pm Hi 3.4 September 13, 2008 as The RipTide 11:33pm Hi 3.5 7:02pm Lo 0.7 7:56pm Lo 0.9 9:01pm Lo 1 10:07pm Lo 0.9 11:03pm Lo 0.8 Surfcasters will be holding their first annual Absecon Channel High & Low Tides ASAC sanctioned surf fishing tournament. 4:41am Lo 0 5:16am Lo 0.3 12:14am Hi 3.7 1:03am Hi 3.4 1:53am Hi 3.3 2:46am Hi 3.1 3:44am Hi 3.1 11:15am Hi 4.5 11:59am Hi 4.4 5:52am Lo 0.6 6:30am Lo 0.8 7:20am Lo 1.1 8:28am Lo 1.2 9:38am Lo 1.2 “There is tons of bait around now!” 5:07pm Lo 0.3 5:49pm Lo 0.6 12:44pm Hi 4.1 1:31pm Hi 4 2:20pm Hi 3.9 3:13pm Hi 3.8 4:10pm Hi 3.9 exclaimed Ray from Absecon Bay 11:28pm Hi 4 6:35pm Lo 0.8 7:29pm Lo 1 8:34pm Lo 1.2 9:40pm Lo 1.1 10:36pm Lo 0.9 Sportsmen Center. Peanut bunker, mullet, Seaside Heights (Ocean Side) High & Low Tides spot, and small snappers can be found just 4:18am Lo 0 4:53am Lo 0.3 12:00am Hi 4 12:49am Hi 3.8 1:39am Hi 3.6 2:32am Hi 3.4 3:30am Hi 3.4 about everywhere. Most of the reported 11:01am Hi 5 11:45am Hi 4.8 5:29am Lo 0.6 6:07am Lo 0.9 6:57am Lo 1.2 8:05am Lo 1.3 9:15am Lo 1.3 catches in the backwaters were on the small 4:44pm Lo 0.3 5:26pm Lo 0.6 12:30pm Hi 4.5 1:17pm Hi 4.4 2:06pm Hi 4.2 2:59pm Hi 4.1 3:56pm Hi 4.2 11:14pm Hi 4.4 6:12pm Lo 0.9 7:06pm Lo 1.1 8:11pm Lo 1.3 9:17pm Lo 1.2 10:13pm Lo 1 side; however, there have been some huge brown sharks and quite a few respectable Manahawkin Bridge High & Low Tides flatfish taken recently. Over the holiday 1:19am Hi 1.4 2:04am Hi 1.3 2:50am Hi 1.2 3:39am Hi 1.1 4:29am Hi 1.1 12:22am Lo 0.4 1:28am Lo 0.4 8:29am Lo 0 9:04am Lo 0.1 9:40am Lo 0.2 10:18am Lo 0.3 11:08am Lo 0.4 5:22am Hi 1 6:20am Hi 1 weekend, an 8.9-pound flounder was 1:51pm Hi 1.5 2:35pm Hi 1.4 3:20pm Hi 1.3 4:07pm Hi 1.3 4:56pm Hi 1.2 12:16pm Lo 0.4 1:26pm Lo 0.4 checked in along with a few other 5 to 6- 8:55pm Lo 0.1 9:37pm Lo 0.2 10:23pm Lo 0.3 11:17pm Lo 0.3 5:49pm Hi 1.2 6:46pm Hi 1.2 pound specimens. Weakfish action has been steadily improving, with some 14 to 18- Week of August 25 through August 31 reefs and ocean lumps to get the last of inch fish showing up this week. During the The fluke season is winding down to the action. There are plenty of keepers out night tides, short striped bass are taking the last week and anglers are working the there at the tires and the Garden State

24 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 Reef but the drifting conditions need to be fluke up to 23 inches. The Tires are pro- pounds on light tackle. They also caught a favorable. Anglers that do enjoy favorable ducing fluke as well. Lee Stocker brought bunch of undersized fluke. The Brent drifts are catching around eight keepers in a 10-pound flatty he caught in 82 feet Burger party enjoyed the bluefish action and twenty throwbacks per trip. The best of water. The tuna fishing is still very pro- as well, then caught some nice weakfish baits have been any fresh strip bait like ductive with anglers scoring big bluefins up to 23 inches. They also had plenty of bluefish, fluke or sea robin tipped with a daily. Brian Griek brought in a 30-pound action jigging Gulp for a bunch of short couple of spearing or a Gulp grub or tuna and many fish were reported in the fluke. Captain Steve has September 12th, shrimp. There have been a few keepers 100 to 200-pound class. The big fluke of 19th, and 26th open if you would like to caught around the inlet and channels in the week actually came out of the inlet in enjoy the hot action going on right now. Barnegat but most of the action is from front of the lighthouse. The big doormat He can be reached at 609-290-1217. small fish. The bay is full of short fluke took a live snapper blue and weighed There is plenty of action going on off and everyone fishing for weakfish is 13.50 pounds. Two other fluke that the surf according to The Fisherman’s enjoying the action but it would be nice to topped ten pounds came into the store just Headquarters in Ship Bottom. The big bring a few home for dinner. The surf has before the big one. Anglers were battling news is the possible junior state record been holding a number of keeper fluke bluefish off the jetty on Saturday night. kingfish that was caught. Samantha and around the Brant Beach area. Surf anglers Eddie Spencer caught four kings and one are casting fluke rigs tipped with a squid of them weighed in at 1.80 pounds which strip and a minnow and finding keepers. “Bluefin tuna were may qualify for the junior record. The hot color has been pink and a slow Grandma Shelly pulled a 2.50-pound retrieve is working best. The sad part is putting on a show.” fluke out of the same area. Eddie, the fluke fishing is going to get red-hot Samantha, Todd, Daryle, Ken, Rochelle during the month of September and it will The weakfish were also out there going and Gail Spencer caught 11 fluke, 58 spot be all fillet, oops, I mean catch and nuts on the schools of spearing. Weakfish and 12 cocktail blues from the Beach release. Hopefully next year will bring a are also in the bay taking grass shrimp Haven surf on Saturday. Todd and Ken longer season even if we keep the size and jigs. Limit catches are common and Spencer caught 24 sea bass, two fluke and limit and back off the keepers to six. there are plenty of kingfish mixed in also. 80 spot from the rocks in Barnegat Light. Bluefin tuna were putting on a show out Bob fished with Christian Quinn Sr. and The Spencer family has been very busy at the Claw last week but the action Jr. and they slammed the kings using clam unhooking fish this holiday weekend to slowed down a little. The anglers that chum. The anglers also had a few trigger- say the least. Steve Stratos from Long were tired of battling those monster tuna fish in the slick. Now is the time to grab a Island caught three keeper fluke and some probably needed a little break anyway. few chum logs and load the cooler with a small blues from the Brant Beach jetty. The canyons are holding good numbers of nice mixed bag of fish. The surf has a few Steve used squid strips on a fluke rig with marlin but the tuna bite slowed down. bass but it is mostly blues and kingfish pink bucktails. Jim T. from Bridgewater, Usually when the tuna don’t bite well on right now. The beach at Loveladies is the NJ fished out at the Mud Hole and caught the troll it is a sign that the overnight best bet for blues right now. Anglers were 16 quality ling. One angler caught a 20- chunking will soon be making headlines. working on the weakfish off the jetty at pound monkfish and another boated a Weakfish are plentiful in the clear waters night using jigs and catching one keeper mahi. Anglers are catching keeper fluke of the Barnegat Bay. They are responding after the other. Blackfish are just as they from the mid-island beaches on a regular well to grass shrimp along with a host of were last week. Bob fished with his son basis. Anglers are casting weighted baits other fish. Anglers are enjoying steady and nephew and they caught ten-keeper and making a slow retrieve back. The best action from kingfish, small blues, porgies tog and kept two for the table. The tog are baits have been spearing, mullet, squid and blowfish. easy to catch right now so grab some and Gulps. Snappers are all over the bay accord- crabs and get a nice one. There are plenty This report will be the last printed ver- ing to The Dock Outfitters in Seaside of 8-pound tog swimming around in those sion of the season. To check in on my Heights. Customers taking out the rental rocks. weekly report after this week, please visit boats are catching between one and three Now is the time for your Barnegat Bay the noreast.com web site. I will keep you dozen crabs along with plenty of snappers Grand Slam according to Captain Steve posted on the action into October. I will try and kingfish. The snappers are easy to Purul on the Reel Fantasea. Jay and get you zeroed in on the hottest striper catch using a bobber and a piece of spear- Simmons, Ernie Rosenburg and Wayne areas once they start biting. I will try not to ing. The kings, along with a host of other Salvi teamed up for two grand slams. In depress anyone with all the catch and fish, will respond well to grass shrimp or addition to the striper, weakfish, fluke and release fluke action, I promise. ◆ clam chum. You can enjoy crabbing while blue slam they caught blackfish, kings taking advantage of the fine table fish and sea bass. The biggest weakfish meas- Belford Bait & Tackle being caught. Fluke are being caught in ured 23 inches, the biggest fluke meas- the bay and from the sand but there aren’t ured 22 inches. The bass was just short at BAIT & Supplies many keepers around. 26 inches and the blue was a respectable Commercial & Recreational Fluke fishing is doing well out in the 25 inches. The next morning the Green We Carry The Highest deeper areas of the ocean according to Briar Fishing club enjoyed a steady bite Quality Tackle! Bob Misak over at Barnegat Light Bait of smaller weakfish and some blackfish 901 Port Monmouth Road, Belford, NJ 07718 and Tackle. Don Golden fished off the and porgies. Mike Gries Sr. and Jr. Coast Guard Station and caught eight nice enjoyed slamming the blues from 2 to 5- (732) 787-3053

September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 25 Shark River/Manasquan NORTHERN New Moon NEW JERSEY September 30 www.AngelaRoseCharters.com From all of Raritan Bay, Sandy First Quarter Hook, South to Manasquan River September 7 and Brielle Park 28’ Chesapeake Classic 34’ King Cat Catamaran Tides and Currents Full Moon ANGELA ROSE ANGELA ROSE II September 15 Capt. Wayne Capt. Anthony Sept. 3 to Sept. 9 732-785-0045 848-992-7594 By Richard Pannone Ken’s Landing - Point Pleasant Beach email: [email protected] Last Quarter September 22 WEDS. THURS. FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. Manasquan Long Branch Fishing Pier High & Low Tides 4:14am Lo 0 4:49am Lo 0.3 5:25am Lo 0.7 12:26am Hi 3.9 1:16am Hi 3.7 2:09am Hi 3.5 3:07am Hi 3.5 10:38am Hi 5.1 11:22am Hi 4.9 12:07pm Hi 4.6 6:03am Lo 0.9 6:53am Lo 1.2 8:01am Lo 1.3 9:11am Lo 1.3 3388'' CC..RR..TT..IIII 4:40pm Lo 0.3 5:22pm Lo 0.7 6:08pm Lo 0.9 12:54pm Hi 4.5 1:43pm Hi 4.3 2:36pm Hi 4.2 3:33pm Hi 4.3 10:51pm Hi 4.5 11:37pm Hi 4.1 7:02pm Lo 1.1 8:07pm Lo 1.3 9:13pm Lo 1.2 10:09pm Lo 1 BOOKING 2008 CHARTERS Manasquan Inlet High & Low Tides STRIPERS, BLUES, FLUKE & BOTTOM SPECIES 4:25am Lo 0 5:00am Lo 0.3 5:36am Lo 0.6 12:39am Hi 3.5 1:29am Hi 3.4 2:22am Hi 3.2 3:20am Hi 3.2 10:51am Hi 4.6 11:35am Hi 4.5 12:20pm Hi 4.2 6:14am Lo 0.9 7:04am Lo 1.1 8:12am Lo 1.2 9:22am Lo 1.2 Special Weekday Rates • 1-15 Pass. 4:51pm Lo 0.3 5:33pm Lo 0.6 6:19pm Lo 0.9 1:07pm Hi 4.1 1:56pm Hi 4 2:49pm Hi 3.9 3:46pm Hi 4 732.672.2802 • 732-291-1525 11:04pm Hi 4.1 11:50pm Hi 3.8 7:13pm Lo 1 8:18pm Lo 1.2 9:24pm Lo 1.1 10:20pm Lo 0.9 CAPT. MICK TRZASKA WWW.CHARTERBOATCRT.COM South Amboy High & Low Tides 4:58am Lo 0 5:33am Lo 0.3 6:09am Lo 0.8 12:48am Hi 4.5 1:38am Hi 4.3 2:31am Hi 4 3:29am Hi 4 11:00am Hi 5.9 11:44am Hi 5.7 12:29pm Hi 5.3 6:47am Lo 1.1 7:37am Lo 1.4 8:45am Lo 1.5 9:55am Lo 1.5 PARK SEA SPORTFIISHIING 5:24pm Lo 0.3 6:06pm Lo 0.8 6:52pm Lo 1.1 1:16pm Hi 5.2 2:05pm Hi 5 2:58pm Hi 4.9 3:55pm Hi 5 Family Owned & Operated on the Jersey Shore 11:13pm Hi 5.2 11:59pm Hi 4.8 7:46pm Lo 1.3 8:51pm Lo 1.5 9:57pm Lo 1.4 10:53pm Lo 1.2 FLUKE • STRIPERS • BLUES • BOTTOM FISH Sea Bright High & Low Tides 5:57am Lo 0 12:32am Hi 3.3 1:18am Hi 3 2:07am Hi 2.8 2:57am Hi 2.7 3:50am Hi 2.5 4:48am Hi 2.5 7:30AM OPEN/RES. 12:19pm Hi 3.7 6:32am Lo 0.2 7:08am Lo 0.5 7:46am Lo 0.7 8:36am Lo 0.9 9:44am Lo 1 10:54am Lo 1 6:23pm Lo 0.2 1:03pm Hi 3.5 1:48pm Hi 3.3 2:35pm Hi 3.3 3:24pm Hi 3.1 4:17pm Hi 3.1 5:14pm Hi 3.1 Call Capt. Justin (732) 693-5900 7:05pm Lo 0.5 7:51pm Lo 0.7 8:45pm Lo 0.8 9:50pm Lo 1 10:56pm Lo 0.9 11:52pm Lo 0.7 www.ParkSeaFishing.com Week of August 25 through August 31 ductive locations have been Sandy Hook fluking of a couple weeks ago at Ambrose It’s hard to believe that there is only one Reef, Shrewsbury Rocks, Rattlesnake and Channel has now turned to mostly short week left in the New Jersey fluke fishing the Sea Girt Reef. fluke with very few keepers. Bluefish are season for 2008. When I compare last sea- When I called Crabby’s, Chris reported scattered throughout Sandy Hook Bay. They son’s reports with this season’s reports, I do that more bluefish action is developing in the can be easily found because they’re up on not think there were as many large fluke back of Raritan. More and more surface the surface chasing baitfish on a daily basis. caught this year that were over eight pounds. feeding action is building as two to four- There have been some weakfish reports The increase in the fluke’s minimum size pound bluefish chase baitfish on the surface. coming in from the Navesink River near limit for 2008 really made it hard for anglers These bluefish are a great size for light tack- buoy 18 and 20. Anglers are using sand- to land keepers. Throughout the season, one le action. Casting small metal spoons and worms, Fin-s-fish and Gulp baits to catch theme was consistently communicated by poppers is the way to go after these fish. He these fish. Stripers are once again providing tackle shops owners and charter boat cap- said that fluking has slowed down a bit from action at the Sandy Hook Rip for anglers tains and that was everyone was frustrated where it was a week or two ago. Ambrose drifting sandwoms in the evening and night by this year’s minimum size limit. Channel which was the hot area for the last hours. The harbor is teaming with snapper Bluefish action has been really good the couple weeks is now yielding mostly short blues and blue claw crabs. Good sea bass last couple weeks at the Mud Buoy. There fluke. There have been some reports of action continues on the Sandy Hook Reef, has been big numbers of bluefish in this area weakfish being caught far in the back of the Rattlesnake and the Shrewsbury Rocks. and they’ve been good size fish. Charter bay near the South Amboy sailboats. Lots of Anglers are catching. Atlantic Highlands boats and party boats have been catching big snappers, crabs and triggerfish are hanging Bait and Tackle is located just to the left of numbers of fish by and drifting around the local Keyport dock. Crabby’s is Atlantic Highlands Marina. You can contact bunker chunks. These bluefish have been located on Front Street in Keyport. You can the shop by calling 732-291-4500. ranging up to 15 pounds. contact Chris at the store by calling Alan at TNA Tackle and Hunting also Sea bass fishing has been good at a num- (732)335-9311. reported that fluking has been up and down ber of different areas spread throughout Peter of Atlantic Highlands Bait and this week. He said there really hasn’t been northern New Jersey. Some of the more pro- Tackle confirmed the report that the great any one area that was especially productive SAND EELS • LIVE EELS • BUNKER SPOONS

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26 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 27 CROSSBAY BAIT & TACKLE Josh the "Chicken Bass King" headed to the Rockaway Reef with the Reef Donkey and friends. The crew came back with fluke up to 5 pounds, plus this 4.2-pound sea bass.

SUPER HAWK Here is Bree Himmelstein holding a 19.5 lb.- bass that she caught while on a half day SEA BASS trip. What a surprise she had!

CAPT. BOB V Gary White and his dad shared a great day of fluke fishing aboard the Capt. Bob V out of Mattituck.

CROSSBAY BAIT & TACKLE MOLNAR’S LANDING Here is 13-year-old Lucy Mendolia with a 7- Tom Patchell fishing with his grandson pound fluke caught by the Marine Parkway Matthew Obrien, 6-years-old, captured these Trophy Pages Trophy Pages Bridge on 8/1/08. The fish was weighed in a nice fluke of 6.75 lbs. & 5 lbs., 12 ounces in the Crossbay B&T in Howard Beach. ocean - good job Matt!

28 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 MORICHES INLET Here is Noreast Field Editor Tony Salerno's son John Salerno happily holding up a beautiful 6-pound sea bass along with Tony's buddie Mike Barone holding up a pair of keeper fluke caught outside Moriches Inlet this past Sunday, August 31st. SHINNECOCK Happy Birthday Noah! Noah Woychuk holds up the 9-pound fluke he caught off the Cheese House. Noah was fishing with his dad to celebrate his 8th birthday when the fluke took his spearing in 55 feet of water.

SILLY LILY FISHING STATION Eddie D. Presso caught this Moriches doormat MARILYN JEAN CHARTERS while fishing in the bay with Dave and Mike. They Jules and George caught these great flatties on the sailed out of the Silly Lily Fishing Station on 8/23. Marilyn Jean. Jules' fish checked in at 9 pounds, while George's weighed 6.5! Beautiful fish.

September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 29 Raritan Bay Sleep in then fish “WE CAN’T CONTROL OPEC-BUT WE CAN HELP WITH YOUR GAS!” out at the Manasquan ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS BAIT & TACKLE & BOAT RENTALS Inlet 16’ Carolina Skiff w/15hp 4-stroke Yamaha & 6 Gallons of Gas 6am to 4pm - That’s 10 Hours of Fishing! Only $95.00 per day plus receive a $10.00 discount coupon towards your next boat rental Motel and Bait & Tackle Upon Completion Of The Day’s Boat Rental, Receive A $25.00 Gas Credit Card - Details At The Store. Overnight - Weekly Complete Line of Saltwater Equipment “ATM On Site” Fresh & Frozen Bait • Ice • Beverages • Snacks and Most Important, Local Knowledge 5 Ocean Avenue 732-899-5760 12 SIMON LAKE DRIVE • ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ 07716 • Phone - 732-291-4500 • Fax - 732-291-3414 Point Pleasant Beach WWW.GATESATTHEINLET.COM this week. Bluefish are active throughout caught at the Shrewsbury Rocks at night by sea bass up to four pounds. During his blue- Sandy Hook Bay. The bluefish are roaming anglers who drift eels. Scott said that the fish trips, he found solid action while fishing around the area chasing baitfish. Anglers river is alive with tons of baitfish and snap- bunker chunks in a bunker chum slick. His can find the bluefish easily by looking for pers. Scott’s Bait and Tackle is located in catch consisted of bluefish up to 15 pounds. breaking fish or diving birds. There have Bradley Beach on Main Street. You can con- If you’d like to contact Long Shot Charters been some reports of bluefish invading the tact the shop by calling (732)988-6450. about a future trip, you can contact them at Sandy Hook surf this week. TNA Tackle When I called the Fisherman’s Den (732)450-0813 or (732)977-2533. and Hunting is located on Route 36 north in Bobby reported that bluefish fishing is Captain Mick from CRT II Charters Middletown. going hot and heavy at the Mud Buoy. The reported that he boated plenty of fluke this When I called Scott’s Bait and Tackle, I party boats in the area are bringing back week but landing fish over the minimum spoke to Scott and he reported that the area nightly catches of bluefish up to 14 pounds size limit was still tough. The captain mixed around the inlet is active with a wide range while chumming with bunker chum. The in a bit of sea bass fishing in the area of the of species of fish. Kingfish are biting daytime bluefish action is good but not near- Sandy Hook Reef. Captain Mick said that throughout the area for anglers using small ly as dependable as the night action. Fluke he is still offering a weekday special dis- hooks baited with sea worms or clam. and sea bass are still biting well in the ocean counted price. Upon the completion of the Porgies and triggerfish are also biting around hard structure. Some of these fluke fluke season, the captain said he will sail in around Shark River Inlet. Bluefish have are running up to eight pounds. Anglers search of bluefish and sea bass. He is also been charging into the surf occasionally dur- fishing depths of 50 feet and greater have beginning to book fall striper trips for ing the week chasing baitfish. If you’re been making the best catches of keepers and October and November. CRT II Charters looking for bluefish offshore, then the Mud an occasional doormat. Fisherman’s Den is can be reached by calling 732-291-1525. Buoy is the place to look for them. The blue- located just outside the Belmar Marina This is the last weekly print copy of fish action at the Mud Buoy has been very located on Shark River. You can contact the Nor’ east Saltwater magazine for this sea- consistent for about two weeks now. shop by calling 732-681-5005. son. However, starting next week, you can Anglers are catching these fish during the Captain Mark from Long Shot Charters find this weekly column online at our web- day but the night action has been much called in to report that he had several pro- site at www.noreast.com. I’ll keep you more consistent. There is still good fluke ductive fluke and bluefish trips this week. posted on what’s happening in our region at and sea bass catches coming in from the While fishing deep water areas surrounded least through the end of October. Noreast deep rough bottom areas in the 50 foot by either hard structure or ledges, his cus- Saltwater will publish its monthly edition in depth range. There are some stripers being tomers boated fluke up to seven pounds and mid-October. ◆

Howard Beach NEW YORK New Moon BIGHT September 30 ANGLER II 2 TRIPS DAILY West of the Debs Inlet and North First Quarter 8AM - 1PM & 2PM-7PM of Sandy Hook, Including New September 7 FREE Dockside Parking! York Harbor. + Private Charters Available ANGLER II sails from: Capt. Luna’s Marina Tides and Currents Full Moon 158-35 Cross Bay Blvd., Howard Beach, September 15 (718) 659-8181 Sept. 3 to Sept. 9 www.theangler.com By Greg Hazley email: [email protected] Last Quarter September 22 www.noreast.com WEDS. THURS. FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. Rockaway Inlet High & Low Tides www.noreast.com 4:46am Lo 0 5:21am Lo 0.3 12:02am Hi 4.7 12:51am Hi 4.4 1:41am Hi 4.2 2:34am Hi 4 3:32am Hi 4 www.noreast.com 11:03am Hi 5.8 11:47am Hi 5.6 5:57am Lo 0.7 6:35am Lo 1 7:25am Lo 1.4 8:33am Lo 1.5 9:43am Lo 1.5 5:12pm Lo 0.3 5:54pm Lo 0.7 12:32pm Hi 5.2 1:19pm Hi 5.1 2:08pm Hi 4.9 3:01pm Hi 4.8 3:58pm Hi 4.9 11:16pm Hi 5.1 6:40pm Lo 1 7:34pm Lo 1.3 8:39pm Lo 1.5 9:45pm Lo 1.4 10:41pm Lo 1.2 www.noreast.com

Week of August 25 through August 31 the party boats and their clients are excited fish have really been on the bite. The Blues are everywhere, weaks are in the that the porgy limit jumped up to 45 on striper action was picking up a bit as the Reach, bass are starting to percolate and Labor Day, 9/1, just as the dinner-plate size calendar turned, but albies haven’t made a

30 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 “EVERYTHING FOR Sheepshead Bay Bait & Tackle THE FISHERMAN” CROSSBAY One Mile South of Belt Parkway 164-26 Crossbay Blvd., Howard Beach, NY • 718-835-1018 NYFTTA Weigh Station HUGE INVENTORY OF LIVE EELS RODS & REELS AT DISCOUNT PRICES! All Live & Frozen Bait In Season ROD & REEL REPAIRS 50 YEARS OF QUALITY SERVICE strong showing yet in New York Bight inside of Sheepshead Bay behind the boat waters. Early September, indeed. docks. “They’re definitely not cocktails,” Brian at Biggie’s Bait & Tackle in he said. Snappers are also all over the bay. Staten Island said the bluefish were coop- Paul said striper action is on the slow erating all week in local waters. Plenty of side but anglers are catching some keeper- cocktail and mid-sized blues are feeding on size fish at night. “They’re out there,” he small baitfish like peanut bunker and said of the bass. “It’s been like that all year; spearing. “Guys are having some fun toss- it seems like you can find one if you want ing metals, shads to.” Albie rumors and topwaters,” he are coming in from said. Great Kills “Bluefishing has been good the south and west, and Oakwood were but nothing solid Shimano producing well for off the beaches & boats.” has been reported. Penn the blues. Some The bottom fish- Newell larger fish are start- ing’s been good Star Rods ing to be taken at night in the Great Kills with a lot of nice sea bass on the east reef. “One of the Largest Rod & Reel Selections in the Tri-State Area.” area and Princes Bay. There aren’t too Fish are coming up a little bit bigger in the FRESH BUNKER DAILY Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM many striped bass around yet. Spike weak- deeper water, especially over the Sandy LIVE KILLIES •ALL FROZEN BAIT Sat 6AM-6PM fish of about 20 inches are being taken in Hook reef. Good porgies are being taken FUEL DOCK FACILITIES Sun 6AM-4PM the Reach Channel by buoy 20 and in the there, too. 718-984-9733 Ambrose Channel by the islands, he said. Stretch at Stella Maris Bait & Tackle in 187 Mansion Ave, Staten Island, N.Y. 10308 There are tons of porgies on the local rock- Brooklyn said the bluefishing’s been good piles and even more snappers in the area. off the beaches and boats. If you find blues For blue claws, the south shore has been under birds, most of them are small. But if the best bet. No albies yet, but everyone’s you catch them loaded up around a bait, 80' OCEAN EAGLE V watching. the blues are tending to be a little bigger, he Paul at Bernie’s Fishing Tackle in said. Porgy fishing has been good, and the PORGIES & SEA BASS Brooklyn said the weather, fishing and fluke action was steady up to the end of the 7AM • FREE BAIT & RODS business were all good last week. “The season, although keepers were tough to Clean, Courteous, Comfortable • Pier 5 • Sheepshead Bay fluke fishing was good to the end,” he said. come by the last week. Anglers are catch- Angler Lou Cazzetta brought in a 10- ing a few weakfish right outside of Mill pound, seven-ounce doormat fluke on Basin at night on sandworms, he said. The (718) 258-4126 Sunday, 8/31, caught off Atlantic striped bass action is starting to pick up at Highlands. Closer to home by the jetty, Joe night on eels over by the Marine Park GREAT KILLS B&T Lankford was fishing with a bucktail for Bridge and Verrazano Bridge. 4044 HYLAN BLVD, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10308 stripers on Aug. 25 when he hauled in two Dolores at Smitty’s Fishing Station nice fluke of 8.5 and seven pounds. said her rental boats came back with some Paul said a lot of big bluefish in the nice bluefish after a hot bite on Sunday EVERYTHING FOR THE FISHERMEN BY FISHERMEN! eight-pound range are being taken right morning, 8/31. One angler came in with (718) 356-0055 www.greatkillsbaitandtackle.com

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September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 31 Stella Maris COMPLETECOMPLETE FISHINGFISHING HEADQUHEADQUARTERSARTERS Bait & Tackle SINCE 1947 • www.stellamarisbaitshop.com 2702 Emmons Ave., Brooklyn Fresh & Frozen Bait • Live Eels & Killies (718) 646-9754 Fresh Bunker Daily • Surf & Offshore Tackle Custom-Made Rods Block Ice • Reel Repair • Charts Shakespeare Ugly Sticks OPEN 7 DAYS 5 AM - 8 PM two keeper fluke. Smitty’s is only open on out of Sheepshead Bay said the night fish- weeks. Tony said the little boat has been Saturday’s and Sunday’s from this point ing picked up a lot in the last week. banging up the bluefish. “Every day on. Anglers aboard drifting sandworms are we’re beating them up,” he said. Dick over at Michael’s Bait & Tackle getting plenty of short bass, but the week- Josh at Crossbay Bait & Tackle in in Staten Island reported that snappers are end averaged about seven or eight keepers Howard Beach said bluefish, snappers all over the place from one to three pounds each night. Some nice two-pound porgies and striped bass are being taken by on average. There’s also a “scattering” of have also been taken at night, he said. anglers at the North Channel Bridge. He weakfish in the Reach Channel — not a Steven said Sea Queen is planning an said weakfish late at night and early in the crazy amount, but there are fish in the upcoming chunking trip because of last morning are on the bite by the radar pier three-to-four pound range being taken with year’s successful trip about this time drift- and over by Canarsie. Weaks up to 20 some regularity. In the areas of South ing bunker chunks. On the day trips, plen- inches are also being taken by the bridge Beach, the Verrazano Bridge and ty of porgies are coming up with some sea as they chase peanut bunker. Anglers are Hoffmann Island, big bluefish up to 14 bass in the mix. The boat has been going through plenty of sandworms chas- pounds have been on the bite. The shop focused on the East Reef and wound up ing them. From the high school down to weighed in a 9.8-pound fluke caught near- the fluke season on a high note with some the reef, sea bass and porgies are biting ly underneath the Verrazano. Anglers also good keepers on Sunday and a few on well, he said, and kingfish are being taken brought in a five and a couple of sevens on Monday. on the beaches. Sunday, 8/31. Plenty of porgies are being Capt. Tony Santella of Marilyn Jean Paul over at Great Kills Bait & Tackle taken, evidenced by the flats of sandworms out of said fluking ended with a bang as in Staten Island said there are a lot of sea the shop went through over the weekend. the sea bass action picked up nicely over bass past Sandy Hook along the wrecks Dick said they can’t keep snapper poppers the last week. Plenty of keeper sea bass up and rock piles. “You’ll have no trouble on the shelf, either. Blue claws are being to four pounds were taken over the week- getting your limit of keeper fish if you put taken “all over the place.” end with a few keeper fluke in the mix. your time in,” he said. Cocktail blues are Capt. Greg of the Ocean Eagle V sail- After the weather cleared a bit on Sunday, being taken up and down the beaches with ing from Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn said 8/31, afternoon, the noon trip hit the some larger fish in the 10 to 12-pound the big porgies really turned on the bite Rockaway Reef and found some nice sea range on the bite at night. Paul said a few from Friday, 8/29, through Sunday, 8/31. bass with a few porgies and fluke. The bass have been taken at night along the “Some beautiful, big porgies were really Thursday, 8/28, night bass trip saw 50 beaches in Great Kills Harbor. “They’re coming in steady, along with some keeper stripers hit the deck topping out at 18 sporatic but it’s a good sign the water is sea bass in the mix,” he said. One to two- pounds, as well as a few bluefish. cooling down a bit,” he said. Snapper pound fish were on a steady bite. Greg said Sandworms were the ticket there. fishing, porgies and crabbing have all the porgy fishing has definitely improved Thursday during the day was a great day been decent in local waters. over the last week or so since the last moon for sea bass with all anglers taking home This will be the last column this year after a tough June and July for keeper- filets and a few fish over four pounds. in the printed edition of the magazine. sized fish. Action has been steady, but days Tony said big porgies have started to Head over to noreast.com for the same of smaller fish will still happen. show. MJ switched Tuesday to two half- weekly coverage through October for the Capt. Steven Ventura of Sea Queen VII day bottom fishing trips for a couple of fall season. Tight lines! ◆

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There is certainly something in angling that tends to produce a serenity of the mind. ~Washington Irving

32 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 New Moon DEBS/JONES September 30 INLET Covering Debs Inlet to the First Quarter Amityville Cut, September 7 Including Jones Inlet.

Tides and Currents Full Moon Sept. 3 to Sept. 9 September 15 By Karim Farid Last Quarter email: [email protected] FISHING STATION, INC September 22 www.scottysmarina.com WEDS. THURS. FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. BOAT & MOTOR RENTALS BAIT • TACKLE • GAS • DIESEL Debs Inlet Tides and Currents OFFICIAL WEIGH STATION 4:36am Lo 0 5:11am Lo 0.3 5:47am Lo 0.6 12:45am Hi 3.6 1:35am Hi 3.4 2:28am Hi 3.3 3:26am Hi 3.3 MARINE & FISHING STATIONS 10:57am Hi 4.8 11:41am Hi 4.6 12:26pm Hi 4.3 6:25am Lo 0.9 7:15am Lo 1.2 8:23am Lo 1.3 9:33am Lo 1.3 5:02pm Lo 0.3 5:44pm Lo 0.6 6:30pm Lo 0.9 1:13pm Hi 4.2 2:02pm Hi 4 2:55pm Hi 4 3:52pm Hi 4 72 Bayside Drive 11:10pm Hi 4.2 11:56pm Hi 3.9 7:24pm Lo 1.1 8:29pm Lo 1.3 9:35pm Lo 1.2 10:31pm Lo 1 516-432-4665 Point Lookout, NY 11569 Jones Inlet Tides and Currents 2:44am Ebb -2.7 12:27am Slack 1:10am Slack 12:32am Hi 3.2 1:22am Hi 3 12:50am Fld 1.6 1:52am Fld 1.6 4:25am Lo 0 3:24am Ebb -2.5 4:06am Ebb -2.3 1:55am Slack 2:45am Slack 2:15am Hi 2.8 3:13am Hi 2.8 DISCOUNT 6:03am Slack 5:00am Lo 0.2 5:36am Lo 0.5 4:54am Ebb -2 5:51am Ebb -1.8 3:42am Slack 4:45am Slack 9:06am Fld 3.3 6:48am Slack 7:36am Slack 6:14am Lo 0.8 7:04am Lo 1 6:55am Ebb -1.7 7:55am Ebb -1.8 Tackle & Bait 10:44am Hi 4.2 9:52am Fld 3.1 10:40am Fld 2.9 8:29am Slack 9:24am Slack 8:12am Lo 1 9:22am Lo 1 12:17pm Slack 11:28am Hi 4 12:13pm Hi 3.8 11:29am Fld 2.7 12:19pm Fld 2.5 10:20am Slack 11:15am Slack We Buy, Sell & Trade Used Tackle & Guns 3:12pm Ebb -2.7 1:03pm Slack 1:50pm Slack 1:00pm Hi 3.7 1:49pm Hi 3.5 1:12pm Fld 2.4 2:12pm Fld 2.4 4:51pm Lo 0.2 3:56pm Ebb -2.4 4:44pm Ebb -2.2 2:39pm Slack 3:33pm Slack 2:42pm Hi 3.5 3:39pm Hi 3.5 TACKLE SHOP 6:40pm Slack 5:33pm Lo 0.5 6:19pm Lo 0.8 5:40pm Ebb -2 6:43pm Ebb -1.9 4:32pm Slack 5:31pm Slack Kwak’s 9:28pm Fld 2.6 7:34pm Slack 8:31pm Slack 7:13pm Lo 0.9 8:18pm Lo 1 7:44pm Ebb -2 8:37pm Ebb -2.1 (516) 221-6913 10:57pm Hi 3.7 10:16pm Fld 2.3 11:06pm Fld 2 9:29pm Slack 10:26pm Slack 9:24pm Lo 1 10:20pm Lo 0.8 2949 Merrick Road, Bellmore, NY 11:43pm Hi 3.4 11:57pm Fld 1.8 11:21pm Slack (3/4 Mile West of Wantagh Parkway)

Week of August 25 through August 31 taken off of local docks, on a mix of ALL BAITS FRESH & FROZEN • INSHORE & OFFSHORE The crew over at Causeway Bait & clams and squid. Fishing Tackle is watching the fluke season go Bay Park Fishing Station, Inc. has Station out with a bang. Areas such as the been receiving reports from end-of-the- TED’s Hempstead and Atlantic Beach Reefs con- season anglers, who have been cashing in Long Island’s Largest Fishing Skiff Rental Station tinue to produce keeper fish daily. Further on the non-stop fluke bite. Anglers Only 20 Mins. from NYC off the Meadowbrook Pwy. out, both the McAlister Grounds, and the Ronnie, Jim, George, and Jimmy were Call for Reservations or Information. Cholera Banks, are holding their fare aboard the Nemo earlier this week, work- (516) 431-4193 share of fish as well. The catch has been ing the Cholera Banks with Spro buck- 143 BAYSIDE DRIVE, PT. LOOKOUT, NY made up primarily of keeper-sized fish, tails. The group hooked into 9 fluke over TACKLE • REFRESHMENTS • SUPER & PREMIUM GAS with some real doormats mixed in. On 5 pounds, with their biggest fish weighing Thursday, August 28th, Steve Cycan in at 6 pounds, 3 ounces. On Tuesday, BAY PARK FISHING STATION OFFSHORE & INSHORE SPECIALISTS bagged a nice 8-pound, 6-ounce flatty. On Chris LaMastro was out fishing with CRUSHED ICE - TACKLE Saturday, Larry Mannino worked the anglers George and Mike, and bagged 7 OPEN 7 DAYS 480A REINA ROAD waters south of Jones Inlet, and came up keeper fluke to 7 pounds. The fish were BUNKER & FRESH OCEANSIDE, NY with a 7-pound, 8-ounce fluke. Both of taken off the Cholera Banks, on a mix of CLAMS DAILY 516-766-3110 these are fantastic fish, but the ‘Catch of Peruvian spearing and squid. On Visit our website for fishing reports, weather, tide, On Line Store and much more the week’ undeniably goes to Tom Thursday, Chris was back out with www.bayparkfishing.com Schwender, who hooked a huge 13- George, working the same area, using the pounder. Nice catch Tom! same bait, and they limited out on fluke to Scotty’s Fishing Station, Inc. is also 7.65 pounds. Towards the end of the seeing the results of the tail-end of a fan- week, anglers working the Atlantic Beach 1-5 Pass. - Full & Half Day Rates! tastic fluke season. A seemingly never- Reef bagged keeper fluke to 5 pounds. ending string of fluke are being hooked in Atlantic Bait & Tackle is reporting on Fishing All Species In Season between 50 and 60 feet of water, off of the the return of the bluefish. Anglers have INSHORE & OFFSHORE Jones Beach Needle. The bigger fish are been using a mix of baits and jigs around being taken on bigger baits, so if you the Cholera Banks, and coming up with Capt. Rick Cohen missed that doormat this year, make sure some nice-sized blues. The bite is coming www.fishmybonni.com • 516-319-6266 to keep this in mind for next season. Sea off of clams, bunker, and live-lined snap- bass and porgies were spotted in the State per, as well as tins and spoons. Porgies Visit Channel earlier in the week, and the and sea bass are being hooked by the www.noreast.com action produced plenty of keeper-sized Jones Beach Piers, with enough keepers for the most up-to-date fish. Sea bass and porgy are also being to make the fishing worthwhile. Weakfish fishing reports!

September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 33 Point Lookout

Half Day Sea Bass Every Day PRINCESS MARIE SUPER HAWK 7AM-12 Noon & 1PM-5:30PM GIANT SEA BASS SPECIALS Canyon Tuna - 18 Pass. Limit Capt. Steve 516-795-6355 CALL FOR DATES www.superhawkfishing.com Call For dates were spotted in Reynolds Channel earlier returning to dock with lots of happy being hooked off the 3rd Wantagh Bridge, in the week, in approximately 18 feet of anglers. The boat is currently running and they are taking live-lined snapper. water. The heaviest action is coming off special 3/4-day sea bass charters, which Sea Isle Sports Center, Inc. has been of sandworms on 3x3 rigs. Striped bass will leave dock at 8am. Full-day sea hearing about the heavy sea bass and are being taken off of local bridges, on a bass charters are scheduled for September porgy action that’s producing keeper- mix of clams and poppers. The action 5th as well as September 12th, with sized fish around the Meadowbrook, and tends to be best on the outgoing tide, dur- more dates to come. For a full schedule of Wantagh Bridges. Mixed in with the sea ing early morning hours. trips, rates, or reservations call bass you can expect to find some schoolie Captain Rick Cohen of My Bonni (516) 795-6355, or visit their website, striped bass, with a few keepers showing Charters had a couple of productive fish- http://www.superhawkfishing.com. up at the end of some lines. If you’re tar- ing trips this week. On Saturday, Rick Team Bass Boy is advising anglers to geting striped bass, make sure that you was out with the father-son team of John be on the lookout for baitfish. Large blue- work the outgoing tide, during the and John, working local reefs for some fish have been showing up beneath the overnight and early morning hours. You last-minute fluke action. The anglers schools of spearing and peanut bunker should also lay down a heavy chum slick hooked up with 6 fish to 4 pounds, on a that are trapped in the back bays and the to help attract the fish. Bluefish are begin- combo of squid and spearing. The catch canals. Live-lined peanut bunker has been ning to show up all throughout the inside, was also made up of 2 large sea bass, and triggering the most action, but if you run beneath the birds and the baitfish. a 6-pound bluefish. The next day Rick out of bait you can switch over to a 3- West End Bait saw a few keeper was out with some friends, setting up ounce tin, which has also been produc- striped bass come in during the first half drifts around the Hempstead Reef. The tive. Sea bass and porgies are showing up of the week. The action was on the out- crew had another mixed bag catch, con- in large numbers around the cement block side and to the east, underneath the pods sisting of keeper fluke, sea bass, porgy, in Reynolds Channel. The catch is a mix of bunker. The fish weighed in the mid- and cocktail bluefish. With the fluke sea- of short and keeper-sized fish, with the teens, and were taken on clams and son closing on September 1st, My Bonni heaviest bite coming off of clams. Larger bunker chunks. The action on sea bass Charters has switched gears, and is now sea bass and porgies can be found on the and porgies continues to be productive on targeting sea bass, porgy, and bluefish. outside, around local wrecks and reefs. the outside, around local wrecks and Weekend dates are still available, so Although crabbing has slowed down a lit- reefs. The Hempstead Reef has been pro- make sure to call Captain Rick Cohen at tle, some nice blue claws are showing up ducing fish to 3 pounds, with the bite (516)-319-6266 for your next fishing in the canals and off of docks. coming mostly off of clams. Sea bass are trip. Kwak’s Bait & Tackle is reporting on also being hooked on the inside, so make The Super Hawk will be sailing twice the end-of-the-season fluke bite that con- sure to work the bay, around the bridges daily, on half-day sea bass trips. The boat tinues to produce keeper fish in our area. and pilings, before heading out to deeper leaves dock at 7am, returning at 12pm, Anglers have been looking for schools of waters. and again at 1pm, returning at 5:30pm. squid, and working the waters beneath With the fluke season now officially The fishing has been excellent, with a them for fluke to 7 pounds. Bluefish are closed, anglers are switching gears, and mixed-bag catch of sea bass, porgy, trig- starting to show up on the outside, to the beginning to look ahead to the fall striper gerfish, bluefish, and a few striped bass. east beneath the butterfish. Bluefish are run that is already being hinted at in back The Super Hawk is scheduled to sail on also being taken on the inside, off of local bays and canals. overnight Canyon tuna trips, starting on docks and bridges. Nor’east Saltwater is also switching September 18th, until the end of October. Mixed in with the bluefish you will gears, and beginning next week we will If you plan on fishing for tuna this year, find striped bass, with a few keepers here be moving to an on-line format. Although then make sure to get your reservations in and there. The best action tends to be this will be our last weekly print issue, we while there is still room. There is an 18- around the outgoing tide, so make sure to will continue to post fishing reports at our passenger limit, so reservations are a check the tide charts for your area when website, http://www.noreast.com. Good must. The Princess Marie has been planning your fishing trip. Weakfish are luck anglers! ◆

Freeport

34 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 SUPERSUPER First Quarter SPEEDYSPEEDY EXPRESSEXPRESS FIRE ISLAND September 30 Sailing From Captree 7 Days A Week INLET 2 TRIPS DAILY First Quarter 7am - 11am & 12 Noon - 4pm September 7 WEAKS & BAY BLUES Covering Smith Point to Every Night 7-11pm Amityville Cut. $3 Discount Coupon on All Trips Full Moon Tides and Currents September 15 Reserve Your Spot Now Call Capt. Speedy Hubert Sept. 3 to Sept. 9 631-969-3793 By Glenn Kleinhans Last Quarter www.speedyexpressboat.com email: [email protected] September 22 Located On Right Side Of Dock WEDS. THURS. FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. Fire Island Inlet Tides and Currents 1:02am Slack 1:44am Slack 2:27am Slack 12:13am Hi 2.3 12:45am Fld 1.4 1:38am Fld 1.3 12:33am Slack 3:48am Ebb -2.5 4:28am Ebb -2.3 5:10am Ebb -2.1 3:12am Slack 1:03am Hi 2.2 1:56am Hi 2.1 2:40am Fld 1.2 4:23am Lo 0 4:58am Lo 0.2 5:34am Lo 0.4 5:58am Ebb -1.8 4:02am Slack 4:59am Slack 2:54am Hi 2.1 7:15am Slack 8:00am Slack 8:48am Slack 6:12am Lo 0.6 6:55am Ebb -1.7 7:59am Ebb -1.6 6:02am Slack 9:54am Fld 2.5 10:40am Fld 2.4 11:28am Fld 2.2 9:41am Slack 7:02am Lo 0.7 8:10am Lo 0.8 8:59am Ebb -1.6 10:25am Hi 3 11:09am Hi 2.9 11:54am Hi 2.7 12:17pm Fld 2.1 10:36am Slack 11:32am Slack 9:20am Lo 0.8 1:34pm Slack 2:20pm Slack 3:07pm Slack 12:41pm Hi 2.7 1:07pm Fld 2 2:00pm Fld 1.9 12:27pm Slack 4:16pm Ebb -2.5 5:00pm Ebb -2.2 5:48pm Ebb -2 3:56pm Slack 1:30pm Hi 2.6 2:23pm Hi 2.5 3:00pm Fld 1.9 4:49pm Lo 0.2 5:31pm Lo 0.4 6:17pm Lo 0.6 6:44pm Ebb -1.8 4:50pm Slack 5:49pm Slack 3:20pm Hi 2.6 7:52pm Slack 8:46pm Slack 9:43pm Slack 7:11pm Lo 0.7 7:47pm Ebb -1.8 8:48pm Ebb -1.8 6:48pm Slack 10:16pm Fld 2 11:04pm Fld 1.8 11:54pm Fld 1.5 10:41pm Slack 8:16pm Lo 0.8 9:22pm Lo 0.7 9:41pm Ebb -1.9 10:38pm Hi 2.7 11:24pm Hi 2.5 11:38pm Slack 10:18pm Lo 0.6 Week of August 25 through August 31 tangled in the chum pot and was cut loose. September is here and that is both On the way back in the morning they good and bad news for local anglers as the spotted several whales and porpoises, fluke season may close even though the which put smiles on everyone’s faces and fishing is great while the beginning of the was the perfect ending to a great trip. To fall bass migration draws near. This will book your private charter on the 50’ J&J SPORTS be the last printed article of the season so Viking for all your inshore and offshore please continue to read the weekly reports desires give captain Wally a call at 666- Patchogue Fishing Center from noreast.com for all the fishing 1969. reports for the area. Aboard Tradewinds the ocean fluke Fluke fishing was overall very impres- fishing continues to be outstanding with sive this season despite the tough regula- many fares limiting out this past week. tions and we can only hope that the “pow- Regardless of the keeper rate the boat is ers that be” see things for what they are having non-stop action on fluke with over and amend the regulation and/or extend five hundred fish per trip, at least, coming Rods Built Live Bait the season. Anglers, you can do your part over the rails. On Saturday, Mary Lou & Reels Repaired Fresh & Saltwater by contacting your local officials to let Lopes had a 10-pound doormat and her -Licenses- -Member NYFTTA- them know where you stand on the issue. mother scored a 9-pounder. For the day 265 W. Main Street, Patchogue Bass fishing is getting ready to take off as the boat had thirty-five keepers and over 631-6654-22311 Fax: 631-4475-22506 the water begins to cool and there are five hundred fish. Friday the boat had E-mmail [email protected] plenty of big bluefish and some nice sized over eighty keepers up to 8 pounds on the weakfish throughout the bay from the full day ocean fluke trip. The crew wants Lighthouse to the inlet. Crabbing remains everyone to know that the fluke season Chasing Tails strong and snappers are everywhere at the should be extended and you can go to j Bait & Tackle local docks. their website to see a copy of a letter to • Large Selection of Saltwater Tackle Wallyworld Sportsfishing in Bay send to your local elected officials urging • Inshore & Offshore Live & Frozen Baits Shore reports that the offshore bite is them to keep the season open. They also • Marine Supplies • Tohatsu Motors great right now. This past week the pri- do private charters for all your private vate charter boat had a trip to the Canyon party needs. Mon. - Sat. 6AM-9PM • Sun. 6AM-6PM and had perfect conditions. The boat left Over on the Laura Lee the 6 PM 1506 Montauk Hwy. • Oakdale, NY the dock at 9 AM and had lines in the evening trips are catching a wide variety 631-563-FISH (3474) water by 1 PM. The first fish landed was of fish with consistent action throughout a nice white marlin that was promptly making for a great time on the water. released and then they ran into several They are hitting fluke, weakfish, porgies, WILLIE K schools of skippies. Towards dusk they blackfish, bluefish, striped bass and trig- Bait & Tackle started chunking around the Dip and had gerfish on these trips. That’s quite a vari- a steady pick of small fish with twelve ety! The daytime fluke trips are averaging ALL LIVE & FROZEN BAIT • NYFTTA MEMBER being keepers. Late in the night they anywhere from three hundred to five hun- FULL LINE OF SALTWATER TACKLE hooked into a large swordfish that became dred fish keeping around thirty per trip. 20 Ackerson Street, Bay Shore • 631-665-7414

September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 35 Most of the pool fish are in the 6 to 8- PARKWOOD OUTFITTERS pound range. Sea bass and porgies contin- ue to fill the coolers at the local reefs. As Long Island’s Largest Fly Fishing Store fall approaches make sure you head on Fresh & Saltwater Flies • Rods • Reels down to one of Captree’s finest boats to Fly Fishing School • Fly Tying Classes • Waders catch that big bass. Boots • Books • CD’s • Gifts & Gift Certificates Captain Rob of the Captree Princess reports that the fluke bite is great and they Open 7 Days • 10am - 6pm hope the season is extended because there 4105 Sunrise Hwy-Bohemia, NY 11716 (631) 563-1323 Next to the Connetquot River are plenty of big doormats in the water waiting to be caught. This past week the boat had over three hundred fluke hit the Captree decks with sixty keepers up to 8 pounds. They are also hitting plenty of keeper sea SEA BASS - MON, TUE, WED & FRI bass as well. The night bass, blues and weakfish trips are seeing plenty of sum- LLAAURAURA LEELEE FLUKE - THURS, SAT & SUN SAILING EVERY DAY mer tiderunners come up and some big 7AM-12:30PM & 1PM-5:30PM STRIPERS EVERY NIGHT bluefish too. The bass bite has picked up and that should be the case throughout the LEFT SIDE OF DOCK SAILING TIME next two months, as the start of the fall 631-6661-11867 • 631-6669-33937 ACCORDING TO TIDE www.captree.com bass run gets ready to kick off. Kurt over at Willie K in Bay Shore reports the surf fishing was pretty good all week with fresh clams doing damage CAPTREE PRINCESS Sea Bass & Porgies on schoolie bass, weakfish and bluefish. 2 TRIPS DAILY As for fluke shop local Jim L. landed a Captree State Park 8AM - 1:30PM & 2PM - 6PM nice 4.2-pound ocean fluke this week on a Our Current Schedule squid and spearing combo. In the back Stripers, Blues & Call Capt. Rob. 631-859-8799 bays there are plenty of small weakfish Weaks - Every Night feeding on spearing and jigs early in the or 631-404-6817 7PM - 11PM morning and just before dark. Some of www.captreeprincess.com those weakfish are in the 20-inch-range. At the local docks snappers are every- where and the crabbing is doing pretty good. As the fall bass run approaches make sure you stop in to say hi to Kurt. The shop is fully stocked for all your angling needs. Justin from Parkwood Outfitters in Bohemia reports that on the north shore there are Spanish mackerel running with big pods of bluefish in shallow water Bay Shore right now. The Smithtown Bay area east towards Port Jefferson Harbor are good spots to check out. There is plenty of bait WALLY WORLD SPORTFISHING around with some nice adult bunker pods FLUKE TO TUNA • BAY TO CANYON • ½ DAY TO OVERNIGHT reported and peanut bunker and spearing Fish • Cruise • Party Aboard a 50' Viking still in the back bays. So far there are no that will make you feel like a KING. reports of albacore and the bonita have Leaves from Bay Shore • Call for 2008 Bookings • www.WallyWorldFishing.com been spotty at best as well. That should Capt.Wally Werner 631-666-1969 • Capt.Alex Werner 631-766-2813 change soon though so make sure you BOB’S BAIT & TACKLE Find BOB’s Custom Tackle, Rods ROD &REEL REPAIR • LIVE &FROZEN BAIT • FRESH BUNKER • CRABBING SUPPLIES & More Online At... HAND-TIED FLIES &BUCKTAILS • CUSTOM-TIED HOOKS &RIGS MADE TO ORDER www.amityharboroutfitters.com CUSTOM RODS • 4 Wilson Ave., Amity Harbor • (631) 842-7573 YOUR ONE STOP INSHORE/OFFSHORE CUSTOM TACKLE SHOP

BABYLON FISHING STATION GAS – DIESEL –BAIT –TACKLE 631.669-4503 Fax 631.669-1867 All Inshore – Offshore Baits • Live – Fresh – Frozen Cubes – Block – Crushed Ice STORE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 6AM to 9PM North of Babylon Town Dock, 23 Post Pl.,Babylon, NY Sat. & Sun. 5AM to 9PM March 21st to Dec. 15th

36 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 have all the fly gear in order for J & J in Patchogue reports the fall run. The shop has every- weakfish are in the bay around thing you need so go check them the green cans numbers 32-34 out on the westbound service on Spro bucktails and squid. road of Sunrise Highway in Shop regular Steve had a bunch Bohemia. and kept one at 22 inches. Fluke Over at Bob’s Bait and are outside in 40-60 feet of Tackle I heard that the ocean water and Jean A. hit a nice 8.1- fluke fishing remains strong in pound fluke and had seven other 40-60 feet of water southeast of fish up to 27 inches as well. the inlet. Squid or whole squid Nice going Jean! Bluefish con- with spearing are good choices tinue to roam the bay and inlet with live snappers taking some area and can easily be found if bigger fish. At the inlet there are you spot some birds picking at some nice weakfish hitting the water. There are still some clams and sandworms with pods of peanut bunker in the schoolie bass coming up as well. river and it won’t be long before Kingfish and blowfish are at the the bait leaves the back bays and docks and close to the bridge. creeks to signal the start of the Bass fishing should pick up Willy K sent us this great photo of 8-year-old Joseph Oliveri bass migration. Crabs and snap- soon and the shop has all the holding a 9.90-lb. fluke that he caught on squid and spearing in pers are holding strong at the live bait you need for that cow. FI Inlet. The smallest angler caught the biggest fish! local docks as well. ◆ Risa B Fishing Charters MORICHES New Moon September 30 Capt. Bob Brown INLET U.S.C.G Licensed Master Specializing in Shark and Tuna FIshing Smith Point to First Quarter 1 - 4 person charters in a 28 Ft. Quantuck Canal. September 7 Carolina Classic Sportfisherman

Tides and Currents Sailing from Center Yacht Club 631.603.1622 Full Moon 222 Old Neck Road [email protected] Sept. 3 to Sept. 9 September 15 Center Moriches, NY www.RisaBFishingCharters.com By Tony Salerno email: [email protected] Last Quarter September 22 Center Moriches WEDS. THURS. FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. Sailing from Senix Marina, Center Moriches Moriches Inlet High & Low Tides Spacious 47’ Buddy Davis • Fast & Comfortable 3:41am Lo 0 4:16am Lo 0.2 4:52am Lo 0.4 5:30am Lo 0.6 12:45am Hi 2.4 1:38am Hi 2.3 2:36am Hi 2.3 10:07am Hi 3.3 10:51am Hi 3.2 11:36am Hi 3 12:23pm Hi 3 6:20am Lo 0.8 7:28am Lo 0.8 8:38am Lo 0.8 “Seeker” Sportfishing 4:07pm Lo 0.2 4:49pm Lo 0.4 5:35pm Lo 0.6 6:29pm Lo 0.7 1:12pm Hi 2.9 2:05pm Hi 2.8 3:02pm Hi 2.9 www.SeekerSportfishing.co 10:20pm Hi 3 11:06pm Hi 2.7 11:55pm Hi 2.5 7:34pm Lo 0.8 8:40pm Lo 0.8 9:36pm Lo 0.7 FLUKE • SHARK • TUNA • CANYON Week of August 25 through August 31 the heck is this reporter talking about. Full & Half Days • 1-6 Pass. Limit Well the 2008 fluke season is now in the Thank goodness striper action has been on Reasonable Rates history books and for the record, this pre- the steady as of late, particularly along the APT D CAPT. CASEY mature closure is purely repulsive. backside of the inlet. Kingfish continue to C . E OR (917) 807-2955 (631) 926-8100 September has always been a banner month rule the roost in the bay, particularly in The for jumbo fluke along the entire south Narrows with quite a few big kings making GATEWAY TO FIRE ISLAND NAT’L SEASHORE shore, which usually carries well into it to the coolers this week. Triggerfish con- October. The start of the fall ocean run tinue to be living happy at the rock jetties SMITH POINT BAIT & TACKLE along the shoreline of Moriches has started and buoy chains while the artificial reef and Live Killies • Live Eels • All Baits in Season to materialize towards the end of this week the Dredge Hole are the center stage for sea Full Line of Fresh & Saltwater Tackle with plenty of super action and big fish bass and porgies for those looking to fill a 396 Wm. Floyd Pkwy., Shirley, NY 1 Mile South of Sunrise Hwy. when the proper drifting conditions existed cooler. Crabs and snapper fishing has just (631) 281-3766 and now that the doors are closed for the been primo at the docks, season, it will be inevitable that many Chet Wilcox of B&B Bait and Tackle in impressive flatties will come as by catch Center Moriches reports fluking has been Boat & Motor Rentals Sailboat & Kayak from anglers targeting other species such as better in the bay this week with more keep- Rentals sea bass, bluefish, stripers and reef ers in the mix. During the week, Frank Bait & Tackle dwelling critters. Daley fished the West Cut to put a 5.68- Launch Ramp The ocean clan found plenty of fat fish pound flattie in the box. As for fluke action Full Service Marina west of the inlet between 60 and 80 feet of in the ocean, the 80-foot depths, west of the www.sillylily.com (631) 878-0247 water south of the Smiths Point Pavilion. Smith Point Pavilion, is stacked with fish. Sr. Citizen Discount The key element is to have a good solid Bass fishing is on the upswing with the NYFTTA WEIGH STATION Monday-Friday drift; otherwise you would be saying what night tides definitely having the edge on FOOT OF ADELAIDE AVE., EAST MORICHES

September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 37 eels. Kingfish will become many anglers back to action for some serious ocean bot- friends until the arrival of tog season. Fish tom and night striper fishing starting back to 3 pounds are devouring worms, clams again on September 15th. Customize and squid all over the bay; however, The Captain Dennis Caracciolo of D & C Narrows ensure the action, particularly Charters Inc. had a busy and productive between buoys 6 and 8 at the change of week of fishing. On Tuesday the Celeste Your Cover tide. Crabs and snappers continue at the Briana charter enjoyed fluke to 4 pounds local docks. and sea bass to 3 pounds. Thursday saw Captain Kevin Osterbury of Euphoria Adam Levis’group with 30 quality sea bass Charters is back from vacation and is and a handful of triggerfish. Saturday saw anticipating what he does best, wreck fish. the Bill Elliot group load up on fluke west Therefore if you want to get into some wild of the inlet in 80 feet of water with fish to 5 bottom fishing or diving adventures this pounds. On Sunday’s trip the Walter fall, give Captain Kevin a call at (631) 878- Conklin group chose to do some light tack- 4179. le fishing and was rewarded with fluke to 4 Captain Jan Jacobs of Fretless Fishing pounds and plenty of school size bass. Charters reports a great week of fluke and Dennis asked me to remind readers that he BEFORE sea bass fishing. Thursday through Friday still has openings for the upcoming fall sea- were absolutely the best days as rods were son if anyone wants to get in on this action. constantly bending with fluke to 6 pounds Give him a call at (631) 786-7871. and sea bass to three pounds. Warren and Doug over at Silly Lily Fishing Station Bonnie enjoyed non-stop action on in East Moriches reports plenty of fluke all Thursday with some nice bluefish mix in to over the bay with a better keeper ratio this Simply supply us with the keep things interesting. Anyone looking to week. Peanut bunker and pink color Storm cash in on the fall sea bass action should Shads were the ticket. During the week photo and caption, and give Jan a call at (516) 729-2582. Howard Woda fished buoy 15 and the West our art department will Craig over at Smiths Point Bait and Cut for his limit of fluke to 4.8 pounds. Tackle reports the fishing is insane this Kingfish remains the best in recent memo- produce an 8 x 10 inch week. Indeed fluke season ended on a high ry over at The Narrows, with all you want note as Mike and Charlie from the shop had of the feisty critters. Worms, clams and quality cover photo 7 keepers to 5.8 pounds fishing west of the squid are the ticket between buoys 6 and 8 inlet in 65 feet of water. On Saturday, Mike with fish to 3 pounds. Snappers and crabs suitable for framing. Malone decided to fish the same area for 3 are on fire and both of quality at all the keepers while Pat Ryan shot over to the coves and docks. Just Dredge Hole for sea bass and fluke to 5.8 Bob over at Mr. B’s Bait and Tackle pounds. While striper action continues to reports action continues well for boaters build, the bottom fishing for kingfish, sea and shore bound casters this week with $24.99 bass and porgies have been nothing short of fluke season closing on a real high note. spectacular in The Narrows. Shore bound enthusiasts continue to blast You’re On Captain Steve of the charter boat Fishon away at snappers, crabs and kingfish. Charters reports the offshore scene has Bass have showed strong signs of revital- been a bit on the side this week. However, izing this week. In fact the action has been The Cover the captain has been finding plenty of big extremely consistent at the backside of ling and keeper cod keeping the gangs the inlet during the day, while the action happy this week. With the fall season for the larger bass has been best at night quickly approaching, you may want to get on live eels directly in the inlet. Fresh in on the fall bite and one of the best ways clams have been working best during the of doing so is to give Captain Steve a call at day, while live eels work best at night. (631) 889-5291 and book a great trip. Please keep in mind that Bob is well Capt. Fred Russo of the open boat Rosie stocked with plenty of fresh clams and reports basically a good week with fluke live eels to keep you in the action. with the exception of Monday and A special note to readers: This is the last AFTER Thursday. Otherwise the boat has been see- weekly print copy of Nor’east Saltwater ing 42 to 75 keepers a day. On Friday, magazine for this season. However, start- Howie Fey had his limit of flatties. ing next week, you can find this weekly Saturday saw 400 fish come over the rails; column online at www.noreast.com. unfortunately, only 12 stuck around for din- Editor’s note: Unfortunately, Tony will ner. Sunday’s venture was in search of big not be writing the Moriches report for us fish and Captain James did not disappoint. any longer due to personal reasons. We Order online at www.noreast.com 35 jumbos hit the filet table including Brian want to thank Tony for the years of won- Or give us a call at: the Landscaper’s 11.7-pound monster flat- derful reports that he has provided to our tie and Han So Lee’s 6.74-pound sea bass. magazine. I personally will miss editing his (631) 863-0170 Please note that the boat will be taking a column each week and I am sure that you break for a couple of weeks and returning Plus $2.50 S&H NY residents add sales tax will miss him too. Thanks Tony! ◆

38 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 HASKELL’S New Moon September 30 BAIT & TACKLE SHINNECOCK New Shinnecock Store Serving Inshore, Offshore & Surf Anglers INLET Penn Gold Label - Shimano Top Shelf Van Staal - Lamiglas - Altenkirch Rods First Quarter September 7 + All Live, Fresh & Frozen Baits From Quantuck Canal to 540 Montauk Hwy., East Quogue 11942 Heady Creek. FOR MORE INFO CALL 631-653-6119 Full Moon Tides and Currents September 15 Sept. 3 to Sept. 9 By Mike Wright Last Quarter A Complete Small Boat Sportfishing Marine Facility email: [email protected] September 22 LIVE EELS & KILLIES WEDS. THURS. FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. Come By Land or Come By Sea Shinnecock Inlet High & Low Tides Full Service at Molnar’s Landing 12:03am Slack 12:45am Slack 1:28am Slack 12:01am Hi 2.5 12:25am Fld 1.5 1:18am Fld 1.4 12:30am Slack All Inshore & Offshore Bait & Tackle 2:46am Ebb -2.5 3:26am Ebb -2.3 4:08am Ebb -2.1 2:13am Slack 12:51am Hi 2.4 1:44am Hi 2.3 2:20am Fld 1.3 3:44am Lo 0 4:19am Lo 0.2 4:55am Lo 0.4 4:56am Ebb -1.8 3:03am Slack 4:00am Slack 2:42am Hi 2.3 Relax After a Day on the 7:12am Slack 7:57am Slack 8:45am Slack 5:33am Lo 0.6 5:53am Ebb -1.7 6:57am Ebb -1.6 5:03am Slack 9:34am Fld 2.7 10:20am Fld 2.6 11:08am Fld 2.4 9:38am Slack 6:23am Lo 0.8 7:31am Lo 0.9 7:57am Ebb -1.6 Water at the Lounge 10:13am Hi 3.3 10:57am Hi 3.2 11:42am Hi 3 11:57am Fld 2.2 10:33am Slack 11:29am Slack 8:41am Lo 0.9 Open Convenient to Old Ponquogue 12:35pm Slack 1:21pm Slack 2:08pm Slack 12:29pm Hi 3 12:47pm Fld 2.1 1:40pm Fld 2 12:24pm Slack Every Day Bridge Fishing Piers 3:14pm Ebb -2.5 3:58pm Ebb -2.2 4:46pm Ebb -2 2:57pm Slack 1:18pm Hi 2.9 2:11pm Hi 2.8 2:40pm Fld 2 at 6AM 4:10pm Lo 0.2 4:52pm Lo 0.4 5:38pm Lo 0.6 5:42pm Ebb -1.8 3:51pm Slack 4:50pm Slack 3:08pm Hi 2.9 7:49pm Slack 8:43pm Slack 9:40pm Slack 6:32pm Lo 0.7 6:45pm Ebb -1.8 7:46pm Ebb -1.8 5:49pm Slack 631-728- 9:56pm Fld 2.2 10:44pm Fld 1.9 11:34pm Fld 1.7 10:38pm Slack 7:37pm Lo 0.9 8:43pm Lo 0.8 8:39pm Ebb -1.9 10:26pm Hi 3 11:12pm Hi 2.7 11:35pm Slack 9:39pm Lo 0.7

Week of August 25 through August 31 inlet in just 50 feet of water (Hey, Well, that’s all folks. The 2008 fluke Shinnecock charter captains, how about fishing season has gone quietly into his- some night squid fishing trips?) tory. Rumors of the DEC rethinking the So now anglers must start thinking season ending and perhaps granting about what to do next. Thankfully fall is anglers an extension do not appear to close by and the big runs are starting to have been in the cards, unless they’re take shape. Striper fishing has been fairly going to pull a NMFS-like re-opening, slow around Shinnecock for a couple of which seems unlikely. weeks now but a few anglers have begun The season on the East End, at least, to find signs of the frenzied fall fishing ended with more of the action that has shaping up. A few keeper stripers came many anglers saying it was the best fluke out of the surf this week and some fish fishing ever and feeding the complaints have been crashing bait along the edges about the closure. Most trips over the of the East Cut in the early mornings. The final weekend found hungry fluke in scuba divers swimming along the rocks large numbers and sufficiently large sizes are starting to see more fish setting up. Peace of Mind to put plenty of keepers in coolers and There are hordes of bluefish around, CUSTOM CHARTERS kept anglers smiling. of course, making for reliable action INSHORE & OFFSHORE CHARTERS The main bite continued to be in the morning, noon and night from the surf or Fast 28' Rampage Sportfisherman ocean but even the boats that remained on boats. Up to 4 Pass. • Full & Half Day Charters inside Shinnecock Bay found snapping Clouds of bay anchovies (a.k.a. rain We FIsh the Tide, Not the Clock fish and good numbers of keepers. minnows or white bait) have started Capt. Jim Delano (516) 848-8578 Doormats continued to be very common massing in the bay and around the inlet Over 26 Years Experience and the Big Willy Wall at Molnar’s jetties. Some bonito and false albacore Landing finished up its busiest year ever have popped up here and there and with a flurry of additions, including a 12- should start blitzing the inlet fairway pound, 14-ounce jumbo. Another 12- pretty soon, making for fast action for pounder came over the rails of the flyrodders and light tackle angers both on CAPT. DON KAYE Specializing in Fly & Shinnecock Star on Saturday and several boats and working the rocks. Light Tackle Catch & fish in the 8-, 9-, and 10-pound range Sea bass fishing will be on the menu Release Angling came to the net on boats all over the area. for most charter and party boat captains C.C.A. Endorsed Guide (Member of P.F.L.G.A.) Boats also continued to report massive in the next few weeks and from the num- (631) 728-8175 schools of squid lingering outside the ber and sizes of fish being reported as Email - [email protected]

September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 39 incidental catches by fluke fishermen On Monday Jim Strauss and his fami- JEAN MARIE There are high hopes for this season ly were aboard the Peace for a short fluke FISHING CHARTERS (which may be a good thing since the trip and managed to put five keeper fluke Sailing from Jackson’s Marina, Shinnecock limits are going to be slashed next year). on ice in just three hours of fishing and 34’ Pursuit Center Console Nikki and Reid Freedman dropped a pair released dozens of fish that were within Inshore/Offshore - 4 to 6 Anglers Fishing All Species in Season of nice sea bass on the scales at East End an inch or two of the keeper limit. On Call Capt. Mike Davies 631-375-3132 Bait and Tackle last Thursday, tipping Tuesday boat regular Joe Amella was Email: [email protected] the needle to 3.5 and 5 pounds. They got aboard for some mixed bag fishing. Capt. Visit us online: their fish on fluke baits out by the sea Jim put them on five keeper fluke to www.JeanMarieFishingCharters.com buoy. Triggerfish can still be had around about 4 pounds and then did some the rocks and buoy chains. trolling along the surf line for stripers, SHINNECOCK STAR But this week it was still the fluke which produced a few fish but no keep- fishing that was on everyone’s agenda, ers. WRECK FISHING and the fish didn’t disappoint. Aboard the Capt. Jim took the boat outside the 2 TRIPS DAILY 7-11AM & NOON-4PM Shinnecock Star inlet in search of anglers found bass and bluefish. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED (631) 728-4563 lots of big fish in What they found www.shinnecockstar.com the waters just instead was a pair outside the inlet. of fat green bonito Fishing contin- that went on ice to ued to be good add to the bag of with almost tasty fillets heading everyone getting home. On Saturday at least a couple Charles Krypell Kayak Fishing of keepers and and his family got Sales/Rentals the pool fish top- a pair of keeper 2 Locations! ping 7 pounds on stripers tossing 94 Dune Road 24 River Road most days. rubber shads in the East Quogue Sayville Dante, Benito, Fabian, 10-year-old Luis & 631-484-0806 631-750-3587 Saturday’s trip Ceaser with some nice Shinnecock Bay bass surfline just east of saw the biggest & fluke caught late August on the Peace of the inlet and then fish of the year, a Mind. topped off the day 12-pounder and a pair of other fish over 7 with three jumbo fluke that weight 4.5, "Three Men And A Baby" pounds. After taking a couple days off to 5.5 and 6.5 pounds. On Sunday Randi What you get when regroup from the summer madness Capt. Wiston and his kids Jon and Gabrielle John will have the Star back on the water had a phenomenal day of fluking in the four men go fishing and by the time you read this, making daily ocean putting 10 keepers up to 5 pounds one comes back not trips to the nearshore wrecks for sea bass, on ice in a half-day of fishing as well as porgies and ling with a bit of bluefish and catching some short stripers and a few catching anything. striped bass fishing. The boat will sail bluefish for good measure. from Soleau’s Wharf on Dune Road in Capt. Jim said the boat is open for Hampton Bays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. dur- charter on most days in the coming week ing the week and twice a day on week- and he’ll do whatever kind of fishing is ends, leaving at 7 a.m. and noon. Call requested. Sea bass on the reef and blue- 728-4563 for more info and reservations. fish and bass fishing in the inlet should HAMPTON MARINE CENTER Matteo Pietrera and his dad, Pasquale, be pretty reliable for the next several 5 CARTER LANE - P.O. BOX 3025 caught their limit of fluke between 4.5 weeks. The Peace docks at Oaklands EAST QUOGUE, NY 11942-2025 and 6.5 pounds using bucktails near the Restaurant and Marina. Call 516-848- 631-653-0687 • FAX 631-653-9084 sea buoy which they weighed in at East 8578 to book a trip aboard this well out- www.hamptonmarine.net End Bait and Tackle on Montauk fitted sportfish. [email protected] Highway in Hampton Bays on Thursday. Congratulations to Robert Antonio for Capt. Jim Delano of the charter boat winning the four offshore rods through SHINNECOCK HARDWARE EAST Peace of Mind said that the great fluking the raffle at East End Bait and Tackle that almost makes it more painful to have the benefited the Big Brothers and Big BAIT & TACKLE • FROZEN BAIT season close down so early, while tons of Sisters of Long Island. LIVE KILLIES & EELS big fish that would certainly have char- A special note to readers: This is the last Large Selection of Hooks • Rigs & Bucktails ters booking for weeks to come sit out- weekly print copy of Nor’ east Saltwater Tru Value Hardware Store side the inlet eager to bite. magazine for this season. However, start- 849 Country Rd. 39 (27), Southampton, NY 631-283-2047 “I thought they were going to throw us ing next week, you can find this weekly a bone because of all the new data,” Capt. column online at www.noreast.com. Jim said. “An extra two weeks would be Noreast will publish monthly beginning in www.noreast.com nice. We’ve got mortgages to pay.” the middle of October. ◆

40 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 save for Someday Came full page

New Moon MONTAUK MIXED BAG: 2 TRIPS DAILY September 30 8AM-12 Noon & 1PM-5PM POINT NIGHT BASS WITH LIVE EELS CALL FOR SAILING TIME From Gardiners Bay First Quarter September 7 — Call Capt. Jake — to Montauk. 631-668-2818 or 631-668-5852 Tides and Currents Full Moon Sept. 3 to Sept. 9 September 15 VENTURE By Ben Treadwell – Capt. Barry Kohlus – Charter Fishing in Montauk email: [email protected] Last Quarter “Full Time” Since 1961 September 22 WEDS. THURS. FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. Montauk Inlet Tides & Currents 1:00am Slack 1:42am Slack 2:27am Slack 12:01am Fld 1.7 12:31am Hi 2 1:24am Hi 1.9 2:34am Hi 1.9 3:19am Ebb -1.8 4:01am Ebb -1.6 4:46am Ebb -1.4 3:17am Slack 12:55am Fld 1.5 1:56am Fld 1.4 3:02am Fld 1.4 3:53am Lo 0.1 4:25am Lo 0.3 4:59am Lo 0.5 5:36am Ebb -1.2 4:15am Slack 5:19am Slack 6:24am Slack 6:32am Slack 7:12am Slack 7:55am Slack 5:38am Lo 0.8 6:23am Lo 0.9 7:18am Lo 1.1 8:29am Lo 1.3 10:04am Fld 2.6 10:45am Fld 2.3 11:29am Fld 2.1 8:44am Slack 6:31am Ebb -1.1 7:32am Ebb -1 8:34am Ebb -1.1 10:46am Hi 3.1 11:22am Hi 2.9 11:58am Hi 2.8 12:18pm Fld 1.8 9:41am Slack 10:45am Slack 11:50am Slack 1:18pm Slack 1:59pm Slack 2:44pm Slack 12:39pm Hi 2.6 1:13pm Fld 1.6 2:15pm Fld 1.5 3:19pm Fld 1.6 BOOK NOW FOR 2008! 3:43pm Ebb -1.9 4:27pm Ebb -1.7 5:15pm Ebb -1.5 3:36pm Slack 1:28pm Hi 2.4 2:40pm Hi 2.3 4:22pm Hi 2.3 FOR RESERVATIONS & INFO 4:31pm Lo 0.4 5:11pm Lo 0.6 5:54pm Lo 0.9 6:07pm Ebb -1.4 4:35pm Slack 5:38pm Slack 6:40pm Slack 7:05pm Slack 7:51pm Slack 8:41pm Slack 6:44pm Lo 1.1 7:06pm Ebb -1.3 8:08pm Ebb -1.3 9:07pm Ebb -1.4 CALL (631) 668-55405 10:30pm Fld 2.3 11:13pm Fld 2 11:50pm Hi 2.2 9:38pm Slack 7:53pm Lo 1.3 9:35pm Lo 1.3 10:42pm Lo 1.1 www.montauksportfishing.com 10:45pm Hi 2.6 11:15pm Hi 2.4 10:41pm Slack 11:44pm Slack

Week of August 25 through August 31 Bait and Tackle and he reported another As fluke season comes to a close it is great week of fishing to end off this busy Tuna Striper Cod Fluke Sea Bass always important to keep a record of summer season. There were plenty of Tilefish Bluefish Pollock Blackfish Porgy where the fish were caught during the porgies still around everywhere. As far as season so that next year you can head fun for the family, snappers invaded 646.251.5101 back to the same spots around the same every dock and beach in the surrounding time and hopefully have the same luck. area. The fluke season came to an end This season landed many anglers some with there being plenty of nice fish in the harbor and out on FlFlyinyingg ClCloudoud nice big fluke and www.montaukflyingcloud.com plenty of fun to go the Southside at along with it. The Montauk. 46+Years Experience Fishing Montauk fluke fishing was “There are some big blues Weakfish started great for the short and bass in the rips out to show up in the PORGIES-7AM time that it lasted. early morning at The early end to the by Montauk.” buoy 16 to around Capt. Fred & Capt. Neil season has many the 5-pound mark. Call 800-474-9541 or 631-668-2026 captains praying for And lastly, there a great fall of bottom fishing and some are some big blues and bass in the rips out JOHNNY MARLIN DOCK OPEN BOAT even better bass and blue action. Reports by Montauk. MONTAUK’S FAMOUS show that the boats are all going bottom After speaking to Joan at Westlake LAZYBONES fishing for the remainder of this warm Fishing Lodge, she reported a good end SEA BASS & PORGIES weather until it cools off enough to jig to a big fluke season. Anglers all week STRIPERS & BLUES SOON! and drag live bait for some big fall bass caught their limit of fish to just over 6 CALL FOR DETAILS action. As far as the action from this past pounds. The big bass bite is just starting 8AM TO NOON & 1PM TO 5PM CAPT. MIKE SAYS “BRING YOUR LUNCH, CATCH YOUR DINNER” week, here are the reports. to begin with Alexandra Fiss landing a 631-668-5671 I spoke to George over at Tight Lines nice 40-pound bass this week while fish- www.montauksportfishing.com/lazybones.html

Capt. Harvey Smith Cell 646-879-7964 oaker www.soakerfishing.com S Fishing Charters Montauk's Friendliest Sailing from West Lake Fishing Lodge • Bottom Fishing Specialists Charter Boat Fishing All Species In Season Half & Full Day • Inshore • Offshore • Charter Boat 1-6 Passengers Sailing From Snug Harbor Marina Call 631-329-0015 or 631-681-8873 STRIPED BASS, BLUEFISH AND FLUKE COMBO TRIPS www.CaptKeith.org

September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 41 ing on the Lady Maureen. Michael able to take the fish home, they are always Lotito landed a 5-pound sea bass this allowed a Kodak moment and back over week as well proving that the bottom fish- the side. As far as this past week’s action, ing is still amazing. There are some giant Bob reports on Monday Kay Dee porgies out there too. Fishing in the area Kowaltzyk landed a nice 6.5-pound fluke. is overall doing well. During Tuesday’s trip the pool was won Gone Fishing Marina gave me a gen- by Anne Marie Bender with a 5.5-pound eral report of great fishing today. The end fluke. Wednesday brought out angler of fluke fishing season was amazing this Stephen Turney who landed a 5-pound time because of the early close. There fluke for the honors. were still plenty of big fish out there to be On Friday Anthony Montella and Jim landed. The bottom fishing could not get Forde landed pool fish to 6.25 pounds. any better with porgies reaching the 3- Steve Semko holding a 38-pound bass Sunday’s trips had out Danny Vossa and pound mark almost on every trip. Bass caught on a live eel during the July new Vivica Johnson who had big fish to just fishing is doing well as the water temper- moon on the Caprice. over 10 pounds showing a very produc- atures begin to drop off as we enter the a 6-pound fluke. On Wednesday Patty tive end to the season. As far as the night fall season. As far as the offshore scene, Dunton and son Joey both had their limit bass trips were concerned this week there have been reports of a few yellowfin of fluke as well as the pool with a 5-pound Nicole Auclair landed a 21-pound striped being caught but it remained very quiet fluke. Sunday brought out anglers Joe bass and Dylan Chaisson on the same trip this week. The southside and just a little Tosinski and Michael Berg who had fish landed a 30-pound bass but unfortunately further east in the rips produced the best to 9.25 pounds and took the pool honors. was not in the pool. fishing inshore. The bottom fishing remained very good After receiving an email from Kathy I spoke to Captain Neil from the and they are planning to start bottom fish- on the Lazy Bones she wants to let every- Flying Cloud who was not too happy ing full time for porgies and sea bass. one know that they will be going for sea about the early end to the fluke season but Captain Bob from the Ebb Tide report- bass and porgies as of September 2nd and reported that the last week was very pro- ed that he also is not happy with the early then for striped bass on or about the 13th ductive. On Monday morning Sean Hartic end this year but is planning on fishing the of September. As far as the fishing this landed a nice 15-pound bluefish for the bottom for the rest of the year. There are past week she reported that Monday edible pool and in the afternoon Nicholas plenty of porgies and sea bass to land as morning saw 14 keepers with the pool Dwosin, who is just 14 years old, landed well as fluke. Although anglers will not be going to Tony P. with his fluke at 6 VIKING FISHING FLEET CATCHING FISH SINCE GRANDMA WAS A GIRL! Sailing From... Montauk, NY Half Day Fishing BLOCK ISLAND PORGIES & SEA BASS Mixed Bag Sailing Daily @ 5AM Night BASS Fishing 8AM - 12 Noon and With Live Eels 7PM - 1AM Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat 1PM - 5PM Daily 3 Day upcoming Tuna Trips Sept. 5th - Sept. 7th Trips Limited to 22 Pass. SEA BASS Sept. 8th - Sept. 9th Trips Limited to 28 Pass. Special Sept. 10th - Sept. 12th Trips Limited to 22 Pass. 5AM on Fri, Sat, Sun Sept. 13th - Sept. 14th Trips Limited to 28 Pass. See a complete list of all offshore trips Limited to 20 on our website Passengers Not The Usual Summer Species! TUNA & TILE FISH TRIPS Call For Details

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42 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 MONTAUK’S FRIENDLIEST MARINA WESTLAKE FISHING MARINA • BULK ICE CLAM & CHOWDER HOUSE CALL CHRIS, TANYA, & ED AT •FULLY STOCKED TACKLE SHOP •FULL SERVICE RESTAURANT & BAR •OUTDOOR PATIO BAR WITH SEATING • ALL LIVE &FROZEN INSHORE/OFFSHORE BAITS 631•668•5600 • BREAKFAST STARTS 5AM + LUNCH & DINNER •TRANSIENT DOCKAGE UPTO65' Located at the South End of 631•668•6252 Montauk Harbor on West Lake Drive HOME TO 17 OF MONTAUK’S TOP CHARTER BOATS • CALL OUR BOOKING SERVICE pounds. The afternoon trip saw quite a at 5 pounds. Saturday was very picky and few sea bass and porgies mixed in but slow. The morning pool was won by SOMEDAY CAME CHARTERS pool honors went to Timmy the Turtle Jimmy the lifeguard Janicek with a 6- Fishing All Species In Season with a 5-pounder. Tuesday morning had pound fluke. Sunday morning turned out 26’ Fortier Downeaster Sailing From 20 keepers and a 7.25-pound fluke for the to be a good with 17 keepers and the pool Baywatch Motel & Marina, Hampton Bays pool by Bob Canzoneri and Chris Gray was won by Gary Edlund with his fish for Shinnecock & Peconic Bays limited out. A-Team Bob had a nice fish at weighing in at 5 pounds. Kathy hopes you April thru August 7 pounds and T.C.G. had one at 6.5 all had a safe Labor Day weekend and & Gone Fishing Marina, Montauk pounds. The afternoon trip yielded 22 looks forward to a great fall of fishing. September thru December keepers and Jeff Carpenter had the pool Now that the summer is coming to an 1-4 Passengers • Inshore/Offshore with his fish at 7 pounds. Chris Gray had end and Labor Day is over, it is time to USCG Licensed & Insured 8 keepers for the day retaining his limit start thinking about breaking out the big- with fish up to 6 pounds. Wednesday ger rods and putting the light tackle aside Capt. Brad Ries 516-635-5588 www.SomedayCameCharters.com morning had 24 keepers come over the for the bass are going to be hungry and rails and first time angler Millie Harrison biting more and more each day. Light had the pool with her nice fish at 7 tackle fishing is fun but a 50-pound bass pounds. The afternoon trip had 12 keepers on a small fluke rod can bring some MY-MATE and the pool was won by Donald Klenke anglers to their knees hoping not to lose 41' HATERAS • INSHORE • OFFSHORE with a fish at 5 pounds. Thursday morning it. Always ask your local tackle shop FULL OR HALF DAY • BASS • FLUKE had 14 keepers and T.C.G. managed to what to use before heading out, because COD • SHARK • TUNA win the pool with his fish at 7.4 pounds they do know best. Capt. Joe McBride • Capt. Pete Casale and Vinny Vanacore was not far behind A special note to readers: This is the last (631) 329-0973 with his fish at 7 pounds. The afternoon weekly print copy of Nor’ east Saltwater trip had 7 keepers and Jeff Carpenter once magazine for this season. However, start- www.mymatecharterboat.com again won the pool with a fish at 6.75 ing next week, you can find this weekly pounds and 14-year-old Chris Fiorillo had column online at www.noreast.com. BLUE CRUSH c h a r t e r s one at 6.5 pounds. Friday morning had 13 Noreast will publish the first monthly of Lands End Marina- Montauk, NY - Capt. Dan Ledda keepers and the pool winner was Joe this season around the middle of October. Casablanca with his fish at 6.5 pounds. Keep your eyes open for it at your favorite 1-6 Passengers The afternoon trip was slow with only 5 tackle shop! 631-921-7040 keepers but Chris Gray won with his fish Until next week, tight lines. ◆ www.BlueCrushCharters.com

Let Me Put ON LIVE BAIT. NO TROLLING! Visit www.noreast.com Book Now For Fishing Montauk Since 1975! for the most up-to-date You In This Choice Moon fishing reports 60+lb. = 1 Picture. & Tide Dates! 50+lb. = 28 TROPHY STRIPED BASS 40+lb. = 200+ CAPT. BOB STORC • www.capricebass.com NOVEMBER RAIN 54lb. Striped Bass. CHARTERS 1-516-671-7690 • 1-800-678-BASS Westlake Fishing Marina, Montauk Up To 6 Passengers - All Species in Season INSHORE/OFFSHORE - FULL/HALF DAYS Capt. Jill 646-3335-77315 Capt. Steve 646-4423-88806 [email protected] www.NovemberRainCharters.com Come Visit GONE FISHING MARINA Our Restaurant (631) 668-3232 EAST LAKE DRIVE • MONTAUK, NY COME FISH WITH THE BEST! LIVE EELS & WORMS • Striped Bass Headquarters Finest Fishing • Full Service • Fishing Tackle • Freshest Bait • Friendly People NYFTTA WEIGH STATION Free Charter Service • Transients Always Welcome • Season Slips Available

September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 43 Open 7 Days New Moon NORTH FORK Ice – Snacks – September 30 & PECONICS Soda Ample Parking First Quarter Cars/Trailers Mattituck Inlet, Plum Gut, The September 7 Race & Peconic Bay. LIVE BAIT: FRESH & FROZEN Tides and Currents Full Moon STORE HOURS: 5AM-6PM DAILY September 15 Sept. 3 to Sept. 9 Rod & Reel Repairs NEW ITEMS COMING IN EVERY WEEK! By Allen Singer Last Quarter email: [email protected] September 22 “Quit Wishin’, Go Fishin” WEDS. THURS. FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. 631-765-3918 61850 MAIN RD. (RT. 25) • SOUTHOLD Plum Gut Tides & Currents 12:38am Hi 2.8 1:22am Hi 2.6 2:09am Hi 2.4 12:03am Fld 2.5 12:57am Fld 2.2 1:58am Fld 2 12:01am Lo 0.7 1:23am Slack 2:05am Slack 2:50am Slack 3:01am Hi 2.2 4:01am Hi 2.1 5:06am Hi 2.1 12:34am Slack CAPT. MARTY’S FISHING STATION 2:58am Ebb -4.3 3:40am Ebb -3.8 4:25am Ebb -3.3 3:40am Slack 4:38am Slack 5:42am Slack 3:04am Fld 2 6:46am Lo 0.4 7:31am Lo 0.5 8:20am Lo 0.7 5:15am Ebb -2.9 6:10am Ebb -2.5 7:11am Ebb -2.4 6:08am Hi 2.1 16' & 18' ALUMINUM BOATS & OUTBOARD MOTORS 7:22am Slack 8:02am Slack 8:45am Slack 9:14am Lo 0.8 10:11am Lo 0.9 11:09am Lo 1 6:47am Slack PORGIES 10:06am Fld 3.7 10:47am Fld 3.4 11:31am Fld 3 9:34am Slack 10:31am Slack 11:35am Slack 8:13am Ebb -2.5 1st Avenue & King Street, New Suffolk 12:59pm Hi 3.2 1:44pm Hi 3.1 2:33pm Hi 2.9 12:20pm Fld 2.6 1:15pm Fld 2.3 2:17pm Fld 2.2 12:06pm Lo 0.9 1:41pm Slack 2:22pm Slack 3:07pm Slack 3:26pm Hi 2.8 4:24pm Hi 2.7 5:23pm Hi 2.7 12:40pm Slack BAIT • TACKLE • ICE • BEER 3:22pm Ebb -4.4 4:06pm Ebb -4 4:54pm Ebb -3.6 3:59pm Slack 4:58pm Slack 6:01pm Slack 3:21pm Fld 2.3 (631) 734-6852 7:26pm Lo 0.4 8:17pm Lo 0.5 9:11pm Lo 0.7 5:46pm Ebb -3.2 6:45pm Ebb -3 7:47pm Ebb -3 6:20pm Hi 2.7 7:55pm Slack 8:41pm Slack 9:31pm Slack 10:08pm Lo 0.7 11:05pm Lo 0.8 7:03pm Slack 10:32pm Fld 3.3 11:15pm Fld 2.9 10:28pm Slack 11:31pm Slack 8:46pm Ebb -3.2 took big fish honors with a 12-pounder! They finished with porgies of all sizes Week of August 25 through August 31 proposition now! Dragging or drifting a from Gardiners. On Sunday, it was the Porgies, porgies, porgies! It’s porgy bait in the Gut, the Race, the Rip or the annual “Dick Hurley, family and friends, time on the North Fork! We are blessed Sluiceway will result in bent rods in short mixed bag trip.” They bailed blues until with the biggest specimens, the perfect order. During the daytime, it is difficult to everyone’s arms were sore, and then habitat, and HUGE schools of scup that get to the bass, because of the hungry switched to porgies at Gull Island. Audrey are just waiting for your offering! Prime blues ...but at night it’s another story! Wigley was hi-hook with 10 bluefish! Time 3 is sailing OPEN, DAILY, depart- Henry has some new dark-colored buck- From a Bachelor Party to a Seal-Watching ing Orient-by-the-Sea Marina at 8:00 tails that seemingly work wonders, and Cruise, Captain Russo has done it all, and AM. Captain Mike asks that you please you will have to stop by the shop to glean well. See for yourself why most cus- call ahead, to ensure a space at the rail, any more information! tomers come back year after year, or why and suggests that you bring a camera, a experienced mates choose Orient Star cooler, and some sunblock. A nice mix of when THEY charter! You could do far sea bass, bluefish, and stripers accompa- worse than to call Captain Russo at (516) nies the scup most days. Visit “It was one helluva week! ” 785-6149. www.primetime3.com or call (631) 484- “It was one helluva week” said 3273. Captain Bob Ceglowski. His Mattituck- Captain Dave Brennan has been capi- Captain Bill Russo called to let me based operation had a veritable slaughter talizing on the FANTASTIC porgy fishery know about his activities this week. On this week, with both bass and bluefish hit- we have. Now that the limit for his cus- Tuesday, Harry and Debi Triola capital- ting the deck in incredible numbers! On tomers is 45 fish (effective September 1) ized on the fantastic bluefish and porgy Wednesday, for example, 62 anglers layed the fares have been filling coolers! A six- fishing by booking a combination trip. their rods down at 1 PM and begged the pound fluke took the pool on Sunday, After warming up on alligator blues at captain to go home. No small wonder, the which was a fitting end to a decent fluke Pigeon Rip, they switched to bottom fish- deck was filled with over 400 fish! This season. The summer flounder got off to a ing at Little Gull Island. Dennis Cataldo, scene repeated itself on Thursday, and slow start this year, but were still biting from the New York Sportfishing again on Friday and Saturday! Each day when the season closed. Captain Dave of Federation (a.k.a. “the Federation”) there were more 20+ pound bass in the the Peconic Star II, says that bluefish are brought a group aboard from Little mix! On Sunday, Paul Kolakowski limit- generally a signal to move, but sea bass Flower Home, in Port Washington, and ed on bass and blues, taking the pool with are a regular bycatch. Troop 2876 G.S.A. from his 2-pound striper. Regulars “Pete Sr.” Steve at WEGO Fishing B&T echoes Selden/Centereach for an all-day porgy and “Pete Jr.” from Northport Fence that “It’s porgy time!” In the sound, in the trip. There were squeals of delight, as paved the deck with their stripers and bay, even at Truman’s Beach for the many of the fares caught their “first-ever” blues! The best is yet to come! The shorebound angler. Sea bass and porgies fish! Check the pictures on the Northeast Captain Bob V sails OPEN, DAILY, are at the ruins, but the very biggest website, they’re precious! On Saturday, departing Mattituck Inlet at 8:00 AM in humpbacks are found at Fisher’s Island! the Peconic Ironworks, or Riverhead, search of Mattituck Monsters. Don’t for- Bluefish are literally a “can’t miss” chartered for blues! Joe Parascandola get the special trips scheduled for

44 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 Open 7 Days 6-6 Breakfast Specials Greenport Boat Rentals on Homemade Salads Peconic River Hot & Cold Sandwiches FISHERMAN’S DELI Full Day Largemouth Bass & Pickeral Nita & George Devlin Fresh & Saltwater Porgies Ice Cold Beer & Soda Fishing Tackle & Bait 1315 W. Main (Rt. 25) Riverhead, NY 11901 631-727-4291 Sailing at 7:30 AM Sailing From the CAPT. DAVE BRENNAN Free Parking • 1st Class Service Railroad Dock In 1st Class Crew • 1st Class Boat, Clean & Fast 631-289-6899 Greenport Mattituck

September 4/11/18/25 with live eels and a information about chartering Fishy strict limit of 18 anglers (on a 75-foot Business. CAPT. BOB V boat, licensed for 115 passengers.) `This column would not be complete Bluefish • Striped Bass Porgy Combo Reservations on these special 4 PM trips without some lyrics from our resident Sailing 8AM Daily are a must! Call Captain Bob directly at poet, Captain George Grosselfinger. SECOND TRIP SATURDAY: Blues & Bass (631) 298-5522. Be sure to see his web- The Darkness prevailed on this wind- 4PM - 9PM site at www.captbobfishingfleet.com! less night. Russel Rasch, fishing with dad, CAPTAIN BOB IV CHARTER AVAILABLE It was a busy Labor Day weekend at was in for a fight. WWW.CAPTBOBFISHINGFLEET.COM Captain Marty’s Fishing Station says The cow headed North (without stop- 631-298-5522 Phil. “Porgies to 17 inches, with limits the ping) as she crossed the Sound. Russ set- norm” he adds. Undersize weakfish and tled for the night’s biggest, a bass about Orient Point snappers keep the kids happy, but 2008 30 pounds. (8/27) has been a terrible year for blue claw 2nd Chance Charters with Captain BLACK ROCK SPORTFISHING CHARTERS crabs. In addition to the popular skiffs, George Grosselfinger (631) 765-8711 (a 38’ HATTERAS YACHT Captain Marty’s also rents both single and word to the wise.) FULL/HALF DAYS AND NIGHT BASS TRIPS tandem kayaks by the hour, or by the day. If you’re reading this from a magazine, Bait & Custom Rods Provided I suggest that you rent individual kayaks, the bad news is this is the last weekly that Capt. Sloan H 516-819-5731 and by the day, as time on the water real- you will be seeing for a while. There www.OrientPointFishing.com ly goes fast! WILL be a monthly issue for October, Captain Phil Kess did some mainte- though. The GOOD news, is that the nance this week, but managed to get out COLUMN will remain weekly, on the with a group from Adchem Corporation Noreast website: www.noreast.com. The WARREN’S TACKLE CENTER this past Thursday. Although their half- advantage of maintaining a website dedi- Live & Frozen Bait day excursion was supposed to be about cated to fishing in our area, is that the bluefish and bass, a 7-pound fluke bit a news is much fresher than a weekly pub- + Complete Line of Tackle diamond jig to become part of the catch! lication can possibly hope for. You will OPEN 7 DAYS Captain Phil says that he has some prime always find the most up-to-the-minute Main Road (Route 25) Aquebogue, NY blackfish dates open, and that there are information there, as well as hundreds of still some opportunities for night stripers. collected years of experience to answer a Call 631-722-4898 Fax 631-722-5314 Call him directly at (516) 316-6967 for specific question. ◆ 1-3 2nd Chance Pass noreast.com New York Posted Reports - Nort Fork & Peconics TROPHY STRIPED BASS SPECIALIST 1 PASS/$320 LIGHT TACKLE 2 PASS/$470 CASTING • EELING • BUCKTAILING Date posted: September 1, 2008 8:06 PM 3 PASS/$570 CAPT. GEORGE GROSSELFINGER Posted by: primetime3 CELL (631) 495-2995 Report location: New York > North Fork > FULL THROTTLE PORGIES PRIMETIME3 FISH GUARANTEED • CGROSSELFINGER@ OPTONLINE. NET Fishing method: Boat Over 30 Years September 1, 2008 - OPEN BOAT PORGY, the Full-Time long awaited day in which we are allowed to pos- Charter Services Experience sess 45 porgies finally arrived! Today we had full throttle porgy fishing in which many fares whaled Capt. on the scup till their coolers were crowned. We will Full Day Richard Jensen fish for porgies every day and it looks like fishing 1-20 Passengers will be super for the remainder of the season with (631) size and quantity. There is a bycatch of sea bass, Night Bass Trips 477-2337 bluefish, stripers and the out of season fluke (boo 1-8 Passengers hoo.) Pool fish today went to regular patron, Duane, who caught a 5-pound bluefish. Many large and jumbo scup were taken in the 2-3lb. class, as well. Capt. Mike & Jenny Boccio, primetime3 www.noreast.com September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 45 NORTH New Moon SWSWAINE’SAINE’S SHORE September 30 BAIT & TACKLE

Covering Long Island Sound First Quarter 534 NORTH COUNTRY RD. September 7 From Bayville ST. JAMES, NY 11780 to Wading River. Tides and Currents Full Moon September 15 All Baits Sept. 3 to Sept. 9 By Chuck Barbato in Season email: [email protected] Last Quarter September 22 WEDS. THURS. FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. (631) 584-5613 Eatons Neck High & Low Tides 2:06am Hi 7.2 2:49am Hi 6.8 3:34am Hi 6.5 4:23am Hi 6.3 5:17am Hi 6.1 12:16am Lo 1.5 1:13am Lo 1.5 8:21am Lo 0.2 9:03am Lo 0.6 9:48am Lo 0.9 10:37am Lo 1.4 11:31am Lo 1.7 6:14am Hi 6.1 7:12am Hi 6.3 2:24pm Hi 7.7 3:08pm Hi 7.5 3:54pm Hi 7.2 4:44pm Hi 7 5:38pm Hi 6.9 12:29pm Lo 1.9 1:27pm Lo 1.9 8:53pm Lo 0.1 9:38pm Lo 0.5 10:27pm Lo 0.9 11:20pm Lo 1.2 6:35pm Hi 6.9 7:32pm Hi 7 Nissequogue River High & Low Tides 2:00am Hi 7.2 2:43am Hi 6.8 3:28am Hi 6.4 4:17am Hi 6.2 5:11am Hi 6 12:04am Lo 1.5 1:01am Lo 1.5 8:09am Lo 0.2 8:51am Lo 0.6 9:36am Lo 0.9 10:25am Lo 1.4 11:19am Lo 1.7 6:08am Hi 6 7:06am Hi 6.2 2:18pm Hi 7.6 3:02pm Hi 7.4 3:48pm Hi 7.2 4:38pm Hi 7 5:32pm Hi 6.9 12:17pm Lo 1.9 1:15pm Lo 1.9 8:41pm Lo 0.1 9:26pm Lo 0.5 10:15pm Lo 0.9 11:08pm Lo 1.2 6:29pm Hi 6.9 7:26pm Hi 7 119 E. Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787 Port Jefferson High & Low Tides Tel 631-656-9227 • Fax 631 656-9232 2:06am Hi 6.8 2:49am Hi 6.4 3:34am Hi 6.1 4:23am Hi 5.9 5:17am Hi 5.7 12:09am Lo 1.4 1:06am Lo 1.4 8:14am Lo 0.2 8:56am Lo 0.6 9:41am Lo 0.9 10:30am Lo 1.3 11:24am Lo 1.6 6:14am Hi 5.7 7:12am Hi 5.9 2:24pm Hi 7.2 3:08pm Hi 7 3:54pm Hi 6.8 4:44pm Hi 6.6 5:38pm Hi 6.5 12:22pm Lo 1.8 1:20pm Lo 1.8 8:46pm Lo 0.1 9:31pm Lo 0.5 10:20pm Lo 0.9 11:13pm Lo 1.2 6:35pm Hi 6.5 7:32pm Hi 6.6 Kings Park

Week of August 25 through August 31 be given away. Please call Tom at (516) Fishing 35 Years with Bass to 58 1/2 lbs. It’s hard to believe that by the time this 922-8010 to find out more about this pres- issue goes to print, most students will tigious tournament. The lost fishing rod in Sunrise Charters have started school. The summer really last week’s edition is still at large, howev- BLUES & PORGIES blew by in a flash and I hope that many of er, there has been a correction as to what you anglers had a great one. It should be type of rod it was. The lost rod at Buoy 15 22' Grady-White noted that starting in the next issue, the last week was a Star rod with a Penn $80 Per Person • 2-4 Passengers North Shore edition, along with all of the 320GTI and not a Shakespeare rod as was All Bait & Tackle Included With Fare other reporting areas, will be brought to previously reported. Capt. Gary Nilsen • 631-741-9547 you via our website, noreast.com. There Captain Herb Hahn of Cold Spring www.sunrisefishingcharters.com will be no more weekly hard copy maga- Charters is back in action after being out zines that you now find in your local tack- a few weeks due to surgery. On Saturday, Port Jefferson le or bait shop for the remainder of the he entertained Peter and his two sons for season exclusive of our normal monthly a day of jigging bluefish and big porgies. issues beginning in October. Captain Herb is gearing up for the Fall OSPREY IV Tom from Oyster Bay Marine Supply run and by the looks of things with all the OPEN BOAT FISHING reported that Ron Jespargard duped a bait in the area, it’s going to be a good FROM PORT JEFFERSON 5.75-pound fluke inside of Oyster Bay on one. Call Herbie at (631) 367 – 4806 to (2) Trips Weekdays 7:00AM & 4:30PM Monday. On Wednesday, Tom ventured book a trip in the Fall. (3) Trips Weekends out and caught a nice mixed bag of sorts, Rich from The Camp Site in 7:00AM, 12:00 PM & 4:30PM first, by nailing a couple of 2.5-pound sea Huntington Station spoke of fantastic dia- - Charters Also Available - bass, some short fluke and porgies. The mond jigging in the Eatons Neck APT TEW next day saw Pierre Marchais limited out Triangle. The fast and furious action C . S 631-331-4153 on big porgies to 1.5 pounds off Centre occurred in mid-afternoon and lasted WWW.OSPREYFISHING.COM Island. On Friday, Captain Ralph until dusk. The blues are feeding on the Ken Swaine of Swaine’s Bait and Novotny duped a 25-inch, 6.75-pound plethora of bait in the area; anchovies, Tackle in St. James said that Jack Ader fluke on his first drop at Buoy 15. He also white bait and big shiners. One of the stopped by the shop with a report that he bagged sea bass to 2 pounds and big por- store regulars, Sam DiNapoli, stopped by fished the Stony Brook Harbor side of gies to 1.75 pounds. By the weekend, the with a keeper fluke that he caught off Long Beach and caught snapper after decent fluke bite at Buoy 15 all but disap- Eatons Neck. Sean McDonaugh had snapper using snapper poppers. He put peared. Tom wanted to once again another good week of fluking in the on a diamond jig and started catching announce the upcoming 23rd Oyster Bay Triangle. Sean used primarily live bait for snapper blues. The word on fluke this Bluefish Tournament penned in for his success. Porgies were taken in limit week was a bigger showing of short fish. September 14th. It’s a grand old time with proportions around Marshall Fields. 20 A lot of fluke were caught but the keepers thousands of dollars in gift certificates to feet, held the highest numbers of fish. were far and few between. Porgies, how-

46 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 Port Jefferson ROCKY POINT FISHING STOP Includes - Custom Made Tackle for Fishermen by Fishermen CCEELLTTIICC QQUUEESSTT • all bait BAIT • TACKLE • REPAIRS Open Boat Daily for Great • rods & reels Custom Rods & Components Family Fishing & Private • custom rigs & tackle • reservations Required 53D Broadway, Rocky Point, NY 631-744-8330 Charters up to 70 Passengers –WWW.FISHINGSTOP.COM– Reservations Suggested (631).928.3926 “The Surf Fisherman’s Home Away From Home” Call Ahead WWW.CELTICQUESTFISHING.COM We accept Visa & Mastercard “CAMP-SITE” SPORTS SHOP Long Island’s Most Complete Fly and Surf Fishing Outfitter MILLER PLACE BAIT & TACKLE OPEN 7 DAYS - 6AM TO 7PM Tsunami SUPER STRIKE • LIVE, FRESH & FROZEN BAITS • FULL LINE OF TACKLE & CUSTOM RODS (631) 271-4969 • ROD & REEL REPAIR + COMPONENTS Open 7 Days • Discounts for TU Members! Route 110, Corner of W. 16th St.,Huntington Station, NY 834 ROUTE 25A ever, picked up the slack and Ken saw Captain Stew of the Osprey IV report- MILLER PLACE customers successes up to 14 inches. Hot ed another excellent week of fishing on CALL JOHN 631-849-5430 spots included the Artificial Reef in the Osprey IV as limit after limit was the Smithtown Bay, Old Field Point and rule rather than the exception on big blue- Cranes Neck. Bass are on the slow side fish and porgies. The only way to describe Mount Sinai Harbor with schoolies up to 24 inches on sand it is to jump on the boat and experience it worms and small bombers but Ken feels for yourself! It’s one thing reading about that it’ll pick up in the next few weeks, it, it’s another to actually “live it”! Ralph's Fishing Station, especially in Stony Brook Harbor. Mark from Rocky Point Fishing Stop New 2007 Grady White Gulfstream, John from Suffolk Sportsman said that reported that the best bet this week was 1 to 4 Passengers, Families Welcome bluefishing in the Short Beach area was a bluefish, bluefish and more bluefish. “can’t miss” proposition as well as the Deep water, shallow water, it didn’t mat- Long Island Sound & Skinny Water Fishing Adventures fast action on snappers in the river. ter as bluefish from 2 to 13 pounds were www.luv2fishcharters.com Porgies still remained strong off Cranes taken both on cut bait or artificial lures. (631) 736-00470 or (516) 635-99456 Full/half day charters Neck and stripers started showing at Buoy The alligators blues were chunked near Reservations suggested 9, near Mount Sinai and inside of Stony the Middle Grounds and smaller fish were "Skinny Water" 1 person max Capt. Barbara Brook Harbor. There was a nice showing also jigged near the beach and off Buoy of keeper stripers that were chunked at the 11. Fluking dropped off in size this week Middle Grounds. as many fish ranged between 16 to 18 Smithtown Captain Barb from Luv2fish Charters inches. Small keeper bass were taken at reported a lot of bluefish this week. Blues, night off the beach by using sand worms NORTH SHORE LIGHT TACKLE CHARTERS from small to alligator-size chomped on and bunker chunks. chunks and jigs. Porgies were set up on the John from Miller Place Bait and 1-4 ANGLERS • HALF OR FULL DAY shoals and Captain Barb took full advan- Tackle reported that young Anthony SPECIALIZING IN LIGHT TACKLE ADVENTURES tage of them. This week, saw a bigger body Anzalone duped another 32-inch striper FOR STRIPED BASS, BLUEFISH & FLUKE of small fluke than in past weeks but it is a off a local beach at night by using a black TOP QUALITY SPINNING, BAIT-CAST & FLY FISHING EQUIPMENT mute point since the season is now official- bomber. Porgies put a lot of smiles on ly closed. Captain Barb didn’t see any signs both boaters and longstickers faces as CAPT. SCOTT MICCICHE 631-704-2542 of bonita but in all fairness, the water was they continue to chew on a very consis- U.S.C.G. LICENSED SMITHTOWN BAY churned up a bit and made it difficult to see tent basis. Fluking showed good action & INSURED & LONG ISLAND SOUND them if they were going through. On the for the last days of the season but 90 per- bait scene, Captain Barb said that peanut cent of the fluke netted were shorts and Cold Spring Harbor bunker are in heavy but on the small size, the season for fluke is history. Bluefish killies are huge and in the next week, shin- made daily afternoon raids along the ers will be large enough to seine and stock beaches and some nice stripers were Cold Spring Charters up for next year. chunked out in the Middle Grounds in the Capt. Herb Hahn • 23 Years Experience Captain Des O’Sullivan of the Celtic early part of the week. FISHING FOR ALL Quest reported that “Middle Ground To conclude for this week, please note SPECIES IN SEASON Madness” was in full force this week. that on October 11th, the Noreast.com 30' SISU • Six Passenger • Diesel Power Bail jobs came in the variety of bluefish Striped Bass Bash will be held on October FULL OR HALF DAYS and porgies with some nice sea bass 11th. The heaviest bass can net you Bait & Equipment Furnished • Fly Fishing mixed in. Besides all of the limits which $5,000 in prize money. Besides an awe- Special Night Bass Trips are too many to list, the highlights of the some dinner and party after the contest, CALL FOR INFO 631-367-4806 www.coldspringcharters.com week included porgies to 18 inches, 3 there will be two Calcutta’s of $100 and [email protected] 516-641-3401 pounds, bluefish to 10 pounds and all the $150 that will amount to a 100% payout. rod bending on big blues that you can Please call 1-866-810-2246 or visit muster. www.noreast.com for more info. ◆ www.noreast.com

September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 47 WESTERN New Moon SOUND September 30 JACKSBAITANDTACKLE.COM Covering Rye to Glen Cove, First Quarter 718-885-2042 Including Surrounding Rivers September 7 and Bays. JACK’S BAIT & TACKLE 551 CITY ISLAND AVE., BRONX, N.Y. Tides and Currents Full Moon September 15 Sept. 3 to Sept. 9 •All Fresh and Frozen Bait By Greg Hazley •Custom Rigs and Rod/Reel email: [email protected] Last Quarter Repair September 22 •Specializing in Offshore Jigging and Popping WEDS. THURS. FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. 192-04 Northern Blvd. •Full Line of Japanese Imports City Island High & Low Tides Flushing, Queens •Special Charter Trips Available 2:32am Hi 7.6 3:10am Hi 7.2 3:50am Hi 6.9 4:37am Hi 6.6 5:42am Hi 6.4 12:53am Lo 1.7 1:53am Lo 1.7 (718) 279-FISH (3474) 8:47am Lo 0.4 9:15am Lo 0.8 9:38am Lo 1.2 10:13am Lo 1.6 11:01am Lo 1.9 7:00am Hi 6.4 8:04am Hi 6.5 DAIWA• SHIMANO• CALCUTTA• ALUTECNOS• O.T.I 2:42pm Hi 7.9 3:16pm Hi 7.6 3:54pm Hi 7.4 4:39pm Hi 7.1 5:36pm Hi 6.9 12:10pm Lo 2.1 1:49pm Lo 2.1 9:22pm Lo 0.3 10:04pm Lo 0.7 10:51pm Lo 1.2 11:49pm Lo 1.5 7:06pm Hi 6.9 8:17pm Hi 7 week. “Pretty much every trip, anglers had Glen Cove High & Low Tides no trouble hitting the 10-fish limit, and 2:24am Hi 7.6 3:02am Hi 7.2 3:42am Hi 6.9 4:29am Hi 6.6 5:34am Hi 6.4 12:50am Lo 1.8 1:50am Lo 1.8 8:44am Lo 0.4 9:12am Lo 0.8 9:35am Lo 1.2 10:10am Lo 1.7 10:58am Lo 2 6:52am Hi 6.4 7:56am Hi 6.5 now that the limit is up to 45, that should 2:34pm Hi 8 3:08pm Hi 7.6 3:46pm Hi 7.4 4:31pm Hi 7.1 5:28pm Hi 6.9 12:07pm Lo 2.2 1:46pm Lo 2.2 be some nice incentive for people to come 9:19pm Lo 0.3 10:01pm Lo 0.7 10:48pm Lo 1.2 11:46pm Lo 1.6 6:58pm Hi 6.9 8:09pm Hi 7 out,” he said. Chris said he’s been focus- Mamaroneck High & Low Tides ing on 30 to 55 feet of water primarily 2:27am Hi 7.6 3:05am Hi 7.2 3:45am Hi 6.9 4:32am Hi 6.6 5:37am Hi 6.4 12:45am Lo 1.8 1:45am Lo 1.8 8:39am Lo 0.4 9:07am Lo 0.8 9:30am Lo 1.2 10:05am Lo 1.7 10:53am Lo 2 6:55am Hi 6.4 7:59am Hi 6.5 fishing wrecks, reefs and rockpiles on the 2:37pm Hi 8 3:11pm Hi 7.6 3:49pm Hi 7.4 4:34pm Hi 7.1 5:31pm Hi 6.9 12:02pm Lo 2.2 1:41pm Lo 2.2 New York and Connecticut sides. Some 9:14pm Lo 0.3 9:56pm Lo 0.7 10:43pm Lo 1.2 11:41pm Lo 1.6 7:01pm Hi 6.9 8:12pm Hi 7 nice sea bass have been a welcome by- Week of August 25 through August 31 gies,” he said, noting a lot of skiffs from catch and even a few weakfish were in the Party boat captains are pumped up as the shop and local anglers “banged up” the mix. Angler Kelly L., from upstate, hit a the porgy limit for their clients ticked up scup around Pea Island, Huckleberry nice weak on 8/25 to take the pool. Island to 45 fish this week. Some nice “plate- Island, Sands Point, Prospect Point and Current is running special east end sized” fish are being taken in local waters around New Rochelle. Any kind of struc- “goliath” porgy and sea bass trips on Sept. and hitting the coolers as September ture along with sandworms, clams or 3, 11, and 24 with an early departure at begins with a bang. Porgy anglers are also bloodworms will 5am. Chris said he’s hauling up some nice sea bass and even a do the trick. The sailing every day for few weakfish and squid in the area. last day of fluke bluefish and stripers, Bluefish are also keeping anglers busy all season on 9/1 saw “Porgies are being caught but that action hasn’t over the sound with scrappy cocktails most anglers go out nearly been as consis- slashing at topwater plugs and a few lunk- to get their last at a pretty strong clip.” tent as the bottom ers falling to chunks. But the bass bite has- licks in on the fishing. “One day you n’t picked up yet amid the hot weather. fluke, he said, with go out and kill them, And as for the albies, well, keep reading. a decent number of five to seven-pounders the next day it’s like a desert,” he said of Big John over at Jack’s Bait & Tackle mixed in with a lot of throwbacks. “It’s a the bass and blues. “That’s true for the in City Island said a beautiful Labor Day shame it’s closing early, but the guys went evenings as well.” Both boats hammered weekend had everybody out fishing and out with a bang,” he said. “We’re looking the blues on the night trips on 8/26 with moving through the shop. He said a lot of forward to the best fishing which comes pool fish hitting 13 pounds. bluefish were caught locally on bunker by over the next few months.” Schoolie bass Capt. Kevin Reynolds of Snowgoose II the Execution Lighthouse and inside most are being taken along the shores with sailing from western Connecticut said he of the local harbors throughout the week- bunker and sandworms with the occasion- had a solid week as the fluke season end. A lot of cocktail blues were the norm al lunker jigged up off deeper structure. wrapped up. He said angler Brett took the with some big ones mixed in by the Capt. Chris Cullen of the Island pool fish on the last day of the season, 9/1, Throgs Neck Bridge, Rye and Stepping Current Fleet sailing from City Island topping five pounds. Kevin said fluke Stone Lighthouse. “Where there weren’t said “really phenomenal bottom fishing on anglers caught some squid during the blues, there were plenty of nice, big por- the porgy front” was the story over the last week on fluke rigs, a nice surprise that

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48 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 HUDSON PARK BAIT & TACKLE New Rochelle FRESH & FROZEN BAIT DAILY Striped Bass MOONTIDE FULL LINE OF SALTWATER TACKLE • FRESH BUNKER DAILY Headquarters Sailing From New Rochelle Official Weigh Station for the WICC Tournament Fast 33' Custom Diesel Charter Boat State-of-the-Art Electronics & Safety Equipment We Carry Tidaltails Products LIGHT TACKLE FREE ICE, BAIT CAPT. JOE SOMERS & TACKLE 94 Hudson Park Rd., New Rochelle, NY 10805 914-235-4050 SPECIALISTS 914-447-2504 hadn’t happened before. Angler Roman bluefish from seven to 12 pounds holding Daworski was the high hook on Sunday, in the first 20 feet of the water column 8/31, with a 4.5-pound fluke. “Every day over deep water were taken off Captain’s last week the pool winner was around five Island over the weekend. Steven said the pounds,” he said. Kevin said bluefish con- fluke season ended with “a fizzle – lots of tinue to be in the mix. Snowgoose is shorts.” He noted that everyone is anx- switching over to porgies on 9/3 and will iously awaiting the migration of the big focus on the scup through the end of the alligator bluefish as well as the start of the season. Tuesdays are off-days now for the blackfish season. boat. Kevin said anglers have been pick- Diane at Duffy’s Quality Tackle in ing up porgies and some sea bass on fluke Glenwood Landing, N.Y., reported some City of New Rochelle rigs, so he’s looking forward to the decent bluefish action around the area but Municipal Marina change. she said most anglers were focused on Located on beautiful Echo Bay, Boating community includes: Capt. John Luchka of Long Run snappers during the week. She said striped • Gas dock open 12 hours a day 7 day a Fishing Charters out of New Rochelle bass are starting to show, mostly from week from Memorial Day to Labor Day had a group of Alabama anglers from Fort anglers targeting bluefish who happened • Ice, snacks, and refreshments available for the boaters Monmouth out on Thursday, 8/28, for bass to haul in a linesider. Diane said porgy and full restroom service including showers • Transient Slips Available for per day, week or month and blues in the Rye and Port Chester area. fishing is still very good with worms and Come discover for yourself this upcoming season The top striper topped out at 27 inches on clams doing most of the damage, and phone number - 914-235-6930 chunks with some mid-sized bluefish in plenty of short fluke were taken in the Fax Numbers - 914-235-8268 the six to eight-pound range also taken. final days of the season. On Friday, 8/29, John made a long hour- Peter Cheng at New First Fishing & Mammaroneck and-a-half run east off of Crane’s Neck Tackle in Flushing said porgies are being looking for albies. He found them but they caught at a pretty strong clip on the north had lockjaw. John said the fish came up shore. He said bluefish are still running in Molly Roze eight or nine times and his clients threw the shallow waters of Little Neck Bay, but FISHING CHARTERS everything — flies, small metals, slug-gos bass have been slow on the bite over the – but couldn’t get them to eat. He rounded last week. Long Island Sound’s Finest Charter Service out that day working west off Lloyds and John at Fisherman Depot in College Cold Spring Harbor with some nice top- Point, N.Y., said the bluefish and porgy 46' Luxury Sportfish water blues action. John said he’s sorry to anglers have been doing well in local Sails From Mammaroneck, NY see the fluke season over, but said it was waters, but the striped bass haven’t come Fully Licensed & Insured “okay, but not great” overall, especially around too well yet. “As the fluke fishing Multi Tournament Winning Boat & Crew with the much-criticized minimum length. comes to an end, the bluefish have come “Hopefully these water temps drop so around, but the bass aren’t there yet,” he All Bait & Tackle Provided we can get on some bass,” he said, adding said. Anglers heading south of New Jersey he hopes to get on the bonita and albies are doing well jigging up some large Capt. Steve Jagoda (914) 423-6464 before they’re gone. bluefin in the 100-pound class, as well as www.mollyroze.com Capt. Steven Jagoda of Molly Rose a few smaller yellowfin, he said. Fishing Charters was upbeat about some This will be the last weekly column NEW FIRST FISHING big porgies taken over the last week. this year in the printed edition of the mag- LARGEST SELECTIONS OF BAITS & TACKLES IN QUEENS “Plate-sized” porgies, two pounds and bet- azine. Head over to noreast.com for the • Sandworms - $35 per flat • Blood or Bass Worms - $8 per doz. ter running 13 to 15 inches were on the same weekly coverage through October • Rod & Reel Repairs menu for Molly Rose anglers fishing off for the fall season. Noreast will publish OPEN 7 DAYS Oak Neck and Rocky Point. Some nice monthly starting mid-Oct. Tight lines! ◆ 150-46 Northern Blvd., Flushing, NY 11354 Call (718) 886-7322 • (718) 886-7548

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September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 49 Stratford Bait & Tackle 1 1076 /2 Stratford Avenue WESTERN New Moon Stratford, CT 06615 September 30 (203) 377-8091 Chris Fulton CONNECTICUT Owner Covering Greenwich First Quarter Reel & Rod Repair September 7 Bait & Tackle, Custom Rods to New Haven. Specializing in Saltwater Plugs Specializing in Saltwater Fly Fishing Fresh & Saltwater Fly Tying Materials Tides and Currents Full Moon Sept. 3 to Sept. 9 September 15 By Rob Caluori Stamford email: [email protected] Last Quarter September 22 WEDS. THURS. FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. DEBORAH ANN IV Stratford Housatonic River High & Low Tides FISHING CHARTERS 2:30am Hi 5.7 3:13am Hi 5.3 3:58am Hi 5.1 4:47am Hi 4.9 12:13am Lo 1 1:09am Lo 1.1 2:06am Lo 1.1 Over 30 Years Fishing Long Island Sound 9:14am Lo 0.2 9:56am Lo 0.5 10:41am Lo 0.7 11:30am Lo 1 5:41am Hi 4.8 6:38am Hi 4.8 7:36am Hi 4.9 2:48pm Hi 6 3:32pm Hi 5.8 4:18pm Hi 5.7 5:08pm Hi 5.5 12:24pm Lo 1.3 1:22pm Lo 1.4 2:20pm Lo 1.4 “Bring Your Lunch, Catch Your Dinner” 9:46pm Lo 0.1 10:31pm Lo 0.4 11:20pm Lo 0.7 6:02pm Hi 5.4 6:59pm Hi 5.4 7:56pm Hi 5.5 All Bait & Tackle Provided Saugatuck River Entrance High & Low Tides Harbour Square Marina, Stamford, CT 2:02am Hi 7.2 2:45am Hi 6.8 3:30am Hi 6.4 4:19am Hi 6.2 5:13am Hi 6 12:09am Lo 1.5 1:06am Lo 1.5 8:14am Lo 0.2 8:56am Lo 0.6 9:41am Lo 0.9 10:30am Lo 1.4 11:24am Lo 1.7 6:10am Hi 6 7:08am Hi 6.2 Capt. Bryan H. Hocking 2:20pm Hi 7.6 3:04pm Hi 7.4 3:50pm Hi 7.2 4:40pm Hi 7 5:34pm Hi 6.9 12:22pm Lo 1.9 1:20pm Lo 1.9 www. debannfishing.com 8:46pm Lo 0.1 9:31pm Lo 0.5 10:20pm Lo 0.9 11:13pm Lo 1.2 6:31pm Hi 6.9 7:28pm Hi 7 New Haven Harbor Entrance High & Low Tides 203-792-2277 1:55am Hi 6.3 2:38am Hi 6 3:23am Hi 5.7 4:12am Hi 5.5 5:06am Hi 5.3 6:03am Hi 5.3 12:51am Lo 1.3 water at Compo Beach. Total cost, which 7:59am Lo 0.2 8:41am Lo 0.6 9:26am Lo 0.8 10:15am Lo 1.2 11:09am Lo 1.5 12:07pm Lo 1.7 7:01am Hi 5.5 2:13pm Hi 6.7 2:57pm Hi 6.5 3:43pm Hi 6.3 4:33pm Hi 6.2 5:27pm Hi 6.1 6:24pm Hi 6.1 1:05pm Lo 1.7 includes lunch and a light breakfast and 8:31pm Lo 0.1 9:16pm Lo 0.5 10:05pm Lo 0.8 10:58pm Lo 1.1 11:54pm Lo 1.3 7:21pm Hi 6.2 refreshments throughout the day, will be Stamford High & Low Tides $150. Capt. Rick Dayhuff and Capt. Matt 2:07am Hi 7.4 2:50am Hi 7 3:35am Hi 6.6 4:24am Hi 6.4 5:18am Hi 6.2 12:16am Lo 1.5 1:13am Lo 1.5 Gifford ventured out with a group from 8:21am Lo 0.2 9:03am Lo 0.6 9:48am Lo 1 10:37am Lo 1.4 11:31am Lo 1.7 6:15am Hi 6.2 7:13am Hi 6.4 First Reserve Bank in Greenwich for their 2:25pm Hi 7.8 3:09pm Hi 7.6 3:55pm Hi 7.4 4:45pm Hi 7.2 5:39pm Hi 7.1 12:29pm Lo 1.9 1:27pm Lo 1.9 8:53pm Lo 0.1 9:38pm Lo 0.5 10:27pm Lo 1 11:20pm Lo 1.3 6:36pm Hi 7.1 7:33pm Hi 7.2 annual fishing event and they were not disappointed. Despite the fact that the Week of August 25 through August 31 as bait and took their limit of porgies, bonding and beverages seemed to be the As if on cue, just as the WICC Greatest which averaged 2 pounds apiece. priority, the group managed a bunch of Bluefish on Earth Tournament ends, the Nick Massaro of Fisherman’s World bluefish to 8 pounds and a few bass just big bluefish decide to roll on in. Anglers on Norwalk spoke of the WICC tourna- shy of keepers on swim baits and in western Connecticut will find that this ment and the fact that his shop had a Stillwater plugs. Ed Byron while sailboat latest change in the water temperature has fourth place finisher in the competition racing earlier in the week, did report that spiked some energy in the bait runs and with Bryan Thivierge catching a 15.77- he sailed right through a small school of along with it has come the schools of big pound bluefish. The fish has been one of bonefish about one mile south of bluefish, some smaller bass, and a con- the top catches right up until the final Bridgeport Harbor. And John Jinishian stant run of 2-pound porgies. There has hours of the tournament when the win- reported that he too has seen signs of also been some sea bass in the mix and an ning fish were caught. David Colby bonefish breaking water at Cockenoe occasional weakfish is being taken as fished the tournament and instead of Island. well. catching bluefish he caught two bass, a Pete Miller of Pete’s Place in At Stratford B&T in Stratford, all 34.6 and a 24.9-pound striper. Both fish Stamford was raving about the fantastic Chris Fulton could talk about was how were caught at Buoy 29C with bunker fishing conditions that were occurring in 12-year-old Nick Nemergut was leading chunks. Brian St. George had success his region and believe it or not, he was not the WICC affair right up until the final with the bass too and he caught a 29.0- talking about striped bass. It seems that hours of the contest. While Nemergut did pound striper on a bunker chunk while porgies have rolled in big time at Sound not win the big prize, his 15.54-pound fishing at Norwalk Island. David Smith Reef, the Cows, and East Branch and bluefish did net him $1,000, which was a did get some bluefish and his catch came everyone is taking their limits. These fish pretty good haul for the youngster who from shore in Norwalk Harbor. In off- also have some big shoulders according caught his fish in Milford Harbor while shore news, Joe Isadora was trolling west to Joe Horvath who not only caught his fishing with a bunker head. Alex Perry of the Dip and hit it big with a 70-pound limit at the Cows, using clams as bait, but took the port prize at Fulton’s shop with a yellowfin, a 150-pound white marlin, one his fish measured 19 inches and weighed 12.56-pound chopper that was caught big eye tuna and a wahoo. Not a bad haul. 3 pounds. Phil Vincoli also fished the close to shore in Bridgeport Harbor. This Brad Burke and John Iossa teamed up for Cows with the same results using the fish was taken on a bunker chunk. a trolling trip south of Middle Ground same bait. Bill Kovak also limited out on In other news, Keith Cavoto took his where Iossa caught his first yelllowfin porgies at the Cows, while. Paul daughter, Erin, out for a day of fishing in ever, a 65-pound fish. McFarland heard the news about the por- the Housatonic River. The duo used At Westport Outfitters in Norwalk, gies and he too headed over to the Cows bombers and swimmers for non-stop Eric Johnson said that two fall dates have and took his limit of fish. Miller was out action with schoolie bass and cocktail been set to learn from the legend, Lou there at Sound Reef as well and he man- bluefish. Chris Schmedlin also made it a Tabory. The introductory/intermediate aged a bass that measured 32 inches, as family affair. He was fishing with his son, class will be held on Oct. 18 and the well as more 4-8-pound bluefish than he Mike, at the mouth of the Housatonic advanced class on Oct. 25. Both classes cared to count. All the fish were caught River. The two anglers used sandworms will begin promptly at 6:00 a.m. in the with Miller alternating between jigging

50 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 and live bait. Capt. Mike Black had a of fish with bluefish, schoolie bass and Uncil had James Leva and his son, 8-year- charter out in Stamford waters and he hit porgies all holding in this area. The key to old Michael, out fishing, along with 11- the mother lode with 37 bass caught. catching fish at this location is the time of year-old Christian Uncil. The group Black was fishing in skinny water of day an angler makes the attempt. Early fished the Byram River with the young- about three feet. However, of all those fish mornings and later evening will bring the sters catching four snappers apiece. Now only three of the striped bass were keep- bass and bluefish, while daytime fishing 15-year-old Joseph Stenley has just a few ers. will result in a good porgy catch. more years on these other youngsters and At Rudy’s Tackle Barn in Greenwich, Mike Noyes of Sportsman’s Den in his experience was evident because he Joe Paese’s team reported that there is a Cos Cob had news about the youngsters fished Cos Cob Harbor with bunker ton of bunker in Mamaroneck Harbor taking advantage of the snappers that have chunks and caught an 18-inch bluefish every morning and with them are the virtually inundated the Byram River, Cos and a 24-inch striper, which was a far cry bluefish and some bass. Porgies are also Cob Harbor and the surrounding inlets. from snappers. making a big showing at Island Beach, Jan Socic had his 6-year-old son, Report Note: Readers should be aware Hen and Chickens as well as Todds Point. Christopher, fishing the Bush Holley that this will be the last weekly printed Fishing at Scotch Caps in 12 feet of water House area with his snapper rig and the report for the paper magazine. Reports will yield anglers as many 6 to 8-pound youngster just cleaned up on these little will continue to be available on-line on bluefish as their arms will allow, while fighters using pieces of squid to get them the web site through October. Noreast will Captains Island is a virtual smorgasbord to jump all over his hook. Capt. Enzo publish their monthly issue in mid-Oct. ◆

Southbury EASTERN New Moon September 30 CONNECTICUT BLACK PEARL II First Quarter Covering New Haven September 7 • 45 FT. TWIN DIESEL• to Stonington. • FULL ELECTRONICS• • 25 PERSON CAPACITY• Tides and Currents Full Moon Sept. 3 to Sept. 9 September 15 Blues - Bass - Fluke - Blackfish Tuna - Shark By Roland St. Denis email: [email protected] Last Quarter Capt. Robert Barnes Thomas Pietrini; VP. September 22 203-509-0409 203-232-1826 WEDS. THURS. FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. Connecticut River High & Low Tides 1:21am Hi 3.5 2:05am Hi 3.2 2:52am Hi 3 3:44am Hi 2.7 4:44am Hi 2.6 5:49am Hi 2.6 12:38am Lo 0.9 7:23am Lo 0.5 8:08am Lo 0.6 8:57am Lo 0.9 9:51am Lo 1 10:48am Lo 1.1 11:46am Lo 1.3 6:51am Hi 2.6 1:42pm Hi 4 2:27pm Hi 3.8 3:16pm Hi 3.6 4:09pm Hi 3.5 5:07pm Hi 3.3 6:06pm Hi 3.3 12:43pm Lo 1.1 8:03pm Lo 0.5 8:54pm Lo 0.6 9:48pm Lo 0.9 10:45pm Lo 0.9 11:42pm Lo 1 7:03pm Hi 3.3 Thames River High & Low Tides 12:10am Hi 2.8 12:54am Hi 2.6 1:41am Hi 2.4 2:33am Hi 2.2 3:33am Hi 2.1 4:38am Hi 2.1 5:40am Hi 2.1 6:30am Lo 0.4 7:15am Lo 0.5 8:04am Lo 0.7 8:58am Lo 0.8 9:55am Lo 0.9 10:53am Lo 1 11:50am Lo 0.9 12:31pm Hi 3.2 1:16pm Hi 3.1 2:05pm Hi 2.9 2:58pm Hi 2.8 3:56pm Hi 2.7 4:55pm Hi 2.7 5:52pm Hi 2.7 MIJOY 747 7:10pm Lo 0.4 8:01pm Lo 0.5 8:55pm Lo 0.7 9:52pm Lo 0.7 10:49pm Lo 0.8 11:45pm Lo 0.7 Noank, Mystic River High & Low Tides PORGIES: 2 TRIPS MON-FRI 6:22am Lo 0.4 12:32am Hi 2.3 1:19am Hi 2.1 2:11am Hi 2 3:11am Hi 1.9 4:16am Hi 1.9 5:18am Hi 1.9 6AM & 1PM 12:09pm Hi 2.8 7:07am Lo 0.4 7:56am Lo 0.6 8:50am Lo 0.7 9:47am Lo 0.8 10:45am Lo 0.9 11:42am Lo 0.8 7:02pm Lo 0.4 12:54pm Hi 2.8 1:43pm Hi 2.6 2:36pm Hi 2.5 3:34pm Hi 2.4 4:33pm Hi 2.4 5:30pm Hi 2.4 BLUES & BASS: SAT & SUN 7:53pm Lo 0.4 8:47pm Lo 0.6 9:44pm Lo 0.6 10:41pm Lo 0.7 11:37pm Lo 0.6 6AM & 1PM Stonington, Fishers Island Sound High & Low Tides 5:49am Lo 0.4 12:22am Hi 2.7 1:09am Hi 2.5 2:01am Hi 2.3 3:01am Hi 2.2 4:06am Hi 2.2 5:08am Hi 2.2 860-443-0663 11:59am Hi 3.4 6:34am Lo 0.5 7:23am Lo 0.7 8:17am Lo 0.8 9:14am Lo 0.9 10:12am Lo 1 11:09am Lo 0.9 www.VisitConnecticut.com/MiJoy 6:29pm Lo 0.4 12:44pm Hi 3.3 1:33pm Hi 3 2:26pm Hi 2.9 3:24pm Hi 2.8 4:23pm Hi 2.8 5:20pm Hi 2.8 No Reservations 7:20pm Lo 0.5 8:14pm Lo 0.7 9:11pm Lo 0.7 10:08pm Lo 0.8 11:04pm Lo 0.7 11:54pm Lo 0.6 Week of August 25 through August 31 more whales than you could imagine. All The bluefish are everywhere, and Although we are in a time period most fish were caught approximately 22 miles locals, including surfcasters, are slaughter- would consider the “dog days,” eastern off the Chatham shoreline. Glad you had ing these yellow-eyed devils using a vari- Long Island Sound continues to show signs some fun Mark, you certainly deserve it. ety of tactics. All the nearby reefs, as well of a steady ramp up for the fabled fall run. Regarding the local bite, Mark as shoreline spots such as Salt Island and In Westbrook, Mark Beers of Block described the bassing to be sporadic. Many West Beach are holding scores of these Island Outfitters checked in this week fol- of the local haunts, such as Southwest fish. lowing his min-vacation spent with friends Reef, Duck Island, and Six-Mile Reefs are Fluking has been decent in terms of the fishing for bluefin tuna off the Cape. Mark still yielding fish, but most are of the medi- action, but once again poor in terms of the reported the tuna (in the 100-lb.-class) um-sized (20-pounders) variety. It appears keeper-to-short ratio. were active, feeding, and hitting whatever with the lack of rain and increasing water For those looking for keeper sea bass, offerings Mark and crew provided. He also temps in the area, the bass have sought give Gardiner’s a shot. spotted some makos basking on top and deeper, cooler water. In Madison, Captain Morgan’s Bait

September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 51 running around and spreading out to the adjacent beaches. Snapper Blues: They’re averaging 6” now and growing. Fishing for them has been OK and the 10 fish limit isn’t hard to reach. There’s plenty of silversides hugging the shoreline and attracting snappers. Good reports have come from The DEP Piers, the Causeway and Blackhall River. Fluke: The Fat Lady is in the wings awaiting her solo. This Monday was the last day of fluke fishing for Connecticut and NY waters. Rhode Island has no closed season. If you trailer to RI you are covered but you cannot come into Connecticut or NY waters with fluke New England’s Largest Party Boat Restaurant & Tackle on Board including fillets after Monday, September HEL-CAT II 1st. STRIPERS & BLUES: 860-535-2066 The fluking was heating up this week 9AM - 3PM DAILY or 860-535-3200 for doormats. Since the weekend we ALLIGATOR LEDGE NIGHT TRIPS weighed in a 10, 12, and 13-pounder. 9/6 & 9/20 6PM - 3AM HEL-CAT DOCK 181 THAMES ST., GROTON, CT 06340 Reports from Block Island have picked up WWW.HELCAT.COM WWW.HELCAT.COM again but it looks like the fluke are starting and Tackle reports a strong bluefish bite, shorts and occasional larger fish. Fluking to get ready for the migration. You don’t as evidenced by the 2nd place finisher of is winding up and although folks are get- have to travel too far, 2 of those fish were the WICC tournament. There are scores of ting into some keepers, the theme has caught locally. varying sized choppers around nearby remained the same with regard to the high Porgies: Some slammer sizes. Good to islands and reefs, as well as along the percentage of shorts. For those in search of very good reports from Hatchett’s and shoreline. doormats, give Black Point and Two Tree a Bartlett’s and most rock piles. Bassing has been decent, but not great, shot in deeper water (70-80 feet). Blackfish- Also coming to an end for a with a lot of small to medium sized fish River’s End Bait and Tackle provided month. This Sunday, August 31st was the lurking around the local haunts. Fluking the following species-by-species report: last day of the summer season. It reopens has been decent as there are keepers to be Striped Bass- It was a downslide this on October 1st. taken in deeper water for those with a bit of week as bass were scarcer than the previ- Blue Crabs: Numbers still aren’t there patience. ous week. There was a bit more activity in but the sizes are good. We have occasion- Cary from J&B Tackle in Niantic had a a few places but the overall upswing was ally heard of a good catch but buckets of nice report covering both inshore and off- not there. Six Mile Reef and Long Sand over a dozen are rare. The coves in the shore waters. Shoal had a few good mornings with live lower River are still the best bet. Offshore, the chunk bite is picking up at bait and the Watch Hill Reefs have also Bonito/False Albacore: Reports of night, while the daytime fishing has been picked up with some surface action. The bonito were few this week and most came “OK.” There is still a decent marlin bite at Race and Plum Gut have a few bass if the from the RI South Shore. No albie reports the Canyons, with a few big eye’s mixed in blues will let them have a bite. There’s yet. as well. The albacore fishing has been slow plenty of bait around, adult bunker are On the charter front, Pat Renna ran two leading up to this weekend. Sharking has spread out from Branford to Niantic and trips this week, both consisting of little been consistent, but not red hot and the the beaches are full of silversides. The tykes wanting to do battle with the mighty bluefin bite has been on and off south of reefs have small butterfish. The only thing striped bass. Although most of the fish Block Island. missing is peanut bunker, any sightings? were small to medium-sized, there were The inshore scene has been dominated Bluefish: What we lack in bass has been enough bigger fish in the mix to leave by the bluefish; many of which are large. filled in by bluefish and then some. The these young lads with a memory they’ll Trolling during the slack tide and 3-waying Race and Plum Gut are back in the old never forget. bucktails with moving water has produced days with a good population of choppers Pat described the bait population as outstanding results, especially at the Race. from 4 to 10 pounds. The mouth of the incredibly healthy, especially near some Bassing has been sporadic with a lot of Connecticut River also has some blues of the deep water reefs and cuts, such as

OPEN BOAT FISHING 110 Pass.. Custom Buiillt!! SEA OTTER FISHING FLEET SEA OTTER V SEA OTTER IV PORGIES! FRI, SAT, SUN 8AM-2:00PM Now Booking MONDAY STRIPERS & BLUES 2008 Charters 9AM-3PM Aboard the Available from Montauk, NIGHT BASS W/LIVE EELS! SEA OTTER IV Sailing Out Of Groton, CT FRI, SAT 6PM-MIDNIGHT BY RESERVATION NY or Groton, CT! (860) 739--1882 OTHER WEEKDAY TRIPS AVAIL. FOR GROUPS 10 OR OVER Capt. Joel Lizza www.seaotterfishing.com 52 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008 Plum Gut. There is a huge population of The fishing remains good to very good one of those trips, Captain Glas highly butterfish near Black Point, plenty of with an occasional down turn caused by advises you to call ahead to ensure there is bunker and shad in the rivers, lots of juve- something very local, like the day that a enough room on the boat. These trips fill nile bunker along and just off the reefs, school of 200-pound tuna showed up in the up quick, so please plan accordingly. and plenty of legal-sized porgy to 3-way. Race and started shacking the blues. Of The fish of the week award goes to This week, the bait schools were so thick course the blues went into the duck and Tony Wabalas of Tariffville, Connecticut. that Pat changed up his strategy of fishing cover mode for the rest of the day. Besides Tony took this week’s honors with an 18- the reefs and worked his tubes and spoons that rather interesting experience, the fish- pound striped bass. His free trip is on its in structureless spots holding large quan- ing has been great! way to him in the mail. tities bait. This is where he tallied a vast We’re still whacking away at some bass Please be advised this is the last week of majority of his catches. As they say, fol- when we can get past the vociferous blue- the printed version of Nor’east Saltwater low the bait and you’ll find your fish! fish. Every day, we sail at 9AM and return Magazine. I will continue to provide Great job, Pat. at 3PM; commonly known as our reports online until the end of the season. Lastly, Brad Glas of the Hel-Cat II “Banker’s Hours Special.” There are two Please take the time to visit Party Boat said the fishing was very good Alligator Ledge Night Trips scheduled for www.noreast.com for those reports as well. this week and there were a couple of sur- the 6th and 20th of September. Those two Until next time my friends, tight lines to prises as well. trips sail at 6PM. If you’re planning to take you all! ◆ Rhode Island RHODE New Moon September 30 had moved onto the west side of the Ledge ISLAND where I usually fish. After a quick run Covering the Rhode Island First Quarter over to the east side we found that the dog- Coast to Providence Harbor, September 7 gies over there weren’t quite as bad and Including Block Island. we managed to put about 20 fish in the Tides and Currents Full Moon boat, filling a 162-quart cooler. Most of Sept. 3 to Sept. 9 September 15 the keeper fish were in the 5 to 6-pound range with a couple of fish in the 20- By Mike Plaia email: [email protected] Last Quarter pound class and one true 30-pounder. I September 22 talked to some friends who fished out WEDS. THURS. FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. there on Sunday and the dogfish have Point Judith Harbor of Refuge High & Low Tides completely overrun the ledge. They only 4:32am Lo 0 5:04am Lo 0.1 5:36am Lo 0.2 12:35am Hi 2.6 1:30am Hi 2.3 2:32am Hi 2.3 3:35am Hi 2.3 managed four fish on Sunday, and they 10:47am Hi 3.7 11:31am Hi 3.5 12:17pm Hi 3.2 6:13am Lo 0.3 6:57am Lo 0.4 7:51am Lo 0.5 9:00am Lo 0.6 were all taken on jigs. 5:06pm Lo 0.2 5:41pm Lo 0.3 6:19pm Lo 0.5 1:09pm Hi 3 2:05pm Hi 2.9 3:06pm Hi 2.8 4:05pm Hi 2.9 11:04pm Hi 3.1 11:48pm Hi 2.9 7:02pm Lo 0.6 7:58pm Lo 0.6 9:14pm Lo 0.7 10:50pm Lo 0.6 Over at Breachway Bait and Tackle Great Salt Pond High & Low Tides they did weigh in one 8.5-pound fluke this 4:07am Lo 0 4:39am Lo 0.1 5:11am Lo 0.3 12:38am Hi 2.2 1:33am Hi 2 2:35am Hi 1.9 3:38am Hi 2 weekend, but they said that the fluke fish- 10:50am Hi 3.1 11:34am Hi 3 12:20pm Hi 2.7 5:48am Lo 0.4 6:32am Lo 0.6 7:26am Lo 0.7 8:35am Lo 0.8 ing in general is starting to fall off. The 4:41pm Lo 0.2 5:16pm Lo 0.4 5:54pm Lo 0.6 1:12pm Hi 2.5 2:08pm Hi 2.4 3:09pm Hi 2.4 4:08pm Hi 2.4 fish that are being caught are out in deep- 11:07pm Hi 2.7 11:51pm Hi 2.4 6:37pm Lo 0.8 7:33pm Lo 0.9 8:49pm Lo 0.9 10:25pm Lo 0.8 er water in the 60 to 70-foot range. The Narragansett Pier High & Low Tides striped bass fishing has picked up in the 4:11am Lo 0 4:43am Lo 0.2 5:15am Lo 0.4 12:25am Hi 2.7 1:20am Hi 2.5 2:22am Hi 2.4 3:25am Hi 2.5 breachways, especially at night for the 10:37am Hi 3.8 11:21am Hi 3.6 12:07pm Hi 3.4 5:52am Lo 0.6 6:36am Lo 0.7 7:30am Lo 0.9 8:39am Lo 1 guys fishing live eels. There are plenty of 4:45pm Lo 0.3 5:20pm Lo 0.6 5:58pm Lo 0.8 12:59pm Hi 3.1 1:55pm Hi 3 2:56pm Hi 2.9 3:55pm Hi 3 10:54pm Hi 3.3 11:38pm Hi 3 6:41pm Lo 1 7:37pm Lo 1.1 8:53pm Lo 1.2 10:29pm Lo 1 scup around and some sea bass are mixed in with them. The bonito and little tunny Week of August 25 through August 31 However, the reports will continue for the are in front of the breachways and down The overnight temperatures this week rest of the season and you’ll be able to along the beaches. There are loads of have put a little bit of fall in the air and the find them on the Noreast.com website. snapper-sized bluefish and little stripers fishing is definitely trending toward fall. I ran the Makomania out between the up in the pond. The fluke fishing on the west side of the Harbor of Refuge and the hooter buoy a Paul at Weekapaug Bait and Tackle bay has fallen off a cliff. The fish are def- few miles to the south on both Wednesday tells me that the striped bass fishing has initely getting ready to move out. There and Thursday, looking for the elusive picked up both in the breachways and are bonito and little tunny along the south fluke. Wednesday three anglers only man- along the south shore beaches. Fishing is shore beaches, and the striped bass fishing aged to put four keepers in the boat along better at night with less bother from the has taken a definite uptick. Bluefish are with four decent sea bass. Thursday was bluefish. There are bluefish all over the everywhere, even if you don’t want them, even slower with two anglers only manag- area with many fish going over the 10- and the sea bass fishing is continuing to ing one keeper-sized fluke and one sea pound mark. improve. The dogfish have moved back bass. The only consolation on Thursday The fluke fishing slowed down this onto Cox’s Ledge, basically shutting was that we had a lot of just short 19-inch week, by a lot. There are still plenty of down the codfishing. fluke which at least kept things interest- scup and some sea bass on all the rocky This will be the last printed weekly ing. On Friday, I decided to pass on the spots. A few tautog have been caught by report of the season as the magazine will flatfish and made the run down to Cox’s the scup fishermen, but no one has been move to a monthly basis after this issue. Ledge, only to discover that the doggies targeting them.

September 3, 2008 • NY . NJ . CT . RI www.noreast.com 53 ing the wily scup. I can tell you from first- Port of Galilee hand experience that there are plenty of big scup as well as sea bass in the area, so Sailing from the Port of Galilee The FRANCES FLEET if scup is your thing, you can look forward Catch a Good Time! www.francesfleet.com to a great September with the higher bag SEA BASS/FLUKE: Daily at 7AM Tuna Season limits. is Here! STRIPED BASS: (Overnight, The recent tuna fishing trip was a big Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun Evenings 2&3 day trips success. There were loads of small yel- PORGY FISHING: Daily 8AM available. Call lowfin caught as well as a 200-pound big- for Details!) Call For Reservations (401) 783-4988 eye and several swordfish won the battle of the tackle during the night. Tanya tells Wakefield, RI me that there is plenty of room on the upcoming tuna trips for those of you who MAKOMANIA SPORTFISHING want to get in on the action. The night striped bass fishing really took off late in 30’ Blackwatch - Inshore/Offshore the week when most of the fares on the For 1 to 4 Passengers boat limited out with two striped bass Sailing from Wakefield, RI each. Biggest fish each night has been run- ning close to 40 pounds. Frank also asked Capt. Mike 401-667-0641 me to remind everyone that the night blue- John at J&B Tackle East says that the The shark fishing is decent with mostly fish trips are over for the season, but the offshore fishing has been slow. There are blue sharks and a few small makos mak- striped bass trips will continue well into some blue sharks in the Mud Hole and a ing up the catch. Inshore, the fluke fishing the fall. Codfish trips will start again in the few makos out at the horns in the 70- has really slowed down. The few good fall at a date yet to be determined. Watch degree water. There are some schoolie catches that they have seen this week these reports or call the office to find out bluefin tuna around but they are widely came from the east side of the bay and the when they will sail once a date is picked. scattered and difficult to find. Inshore, the east side of Block Island. The striped bass Craig at Erickson’s Bait and Tackle bass fishing around the south end of Block fishing has picked up at Southwest Ledge reports that fishing in the bay is generally Island has picked up in the last few days. with live eels producing fish both day and very slow, and to find fish you have to find The fluke fishing along the south shore night. There are plenty of bluefish right the deeper water and fish it on a moving has slowed down while the scup fishing outside the Harbor of Refuge. tide. There are still some fluke in 60 to 70 has improved. There are some sea bass Captain Frank at the Frances Fleet feet of water off of Point Judith and over at mixed in with the scup and there are plen- tells me that the seven in the morning Block Island. The fluke fishing in the bay ty of alligator bluefish around. There are fluke boat, which fishes to the east, has is very slow. There is some decent fishing peanut bunker and snapper bluefish in the still been doing well on big fluke with a for scup and sea bass up in the bay as well Great Salt Pond and Potter’s Pond. load of jumbo sea bass in the mix. Some as down around the Jamestown and Over at Snug Harbor Marina they hubcap sized scup as well as the ever pres- Newport Bridges as well as around The confirm that the bluefin tuna are very scat- ent bluefish have also been adding to the Beavertail. While the striped bass fishing tered. Only two of their customers found catch. Pool fish this week were in the 8 to has been slow in the bay, the fishing has them last week. One boat found a few 9-pound range. The eight in the morning picked up around Block Island. There are schools about 2 miles south of Southeast fluke boat, which fished the west side of plenty of bluefish from snapper-sized to Light on Block Island and the other found the bay and down the coast to alligators all over the bay. the fish a little south of the Fairway Buoy. Charlestown, has switched over to pursu- At Sam’s Bait and Tackle over in Riverside, they say that the local fishing for striped bass is spotty at best. There are plenty of bluefish around. The fluke fish- ing is still pretty very good locally. Sea bass fishing has picked up this week and the tremendous scup fishing is continuing. Offshore, a late week expedition to the canyons, where they fished between the Middle Grounds and the Dip produced four yellowfin tuna, two albacore a small mako and a released blue marlin. On the way back in they spotted some bluefin tuna breaking water south of Jenny’s Horn. Kevin at Edward’s Bait and Tackle reports that the striped bass fishing around 2 1/2-Day Tuna Safaris Newport and Brenton Reef remains pretty Call For Details good. Fluke fishing is still good out front in the deeper water and jumbo scup are on just about every rock you can find. Bluefish of all sizes are everywhere. ◆

54 www.noreast.com NY . NJ . CT . RI • September 3, 2008