8/22/11
The tuna fishing is nothing to rave about. In fact maybe it's not even something to consider unless you are
hard core. There are a few yellowfins to be caught south of the 43600 line as well as out on the Edge. But it's far
from a sure thing that you will get one. You can probably catch some mahi around the pots to keep the skunk off
the boat, but it's a long run for five pound fish. Likewise to the east where you might hope for a bluefin or two.
That's unlikely to happen either.
Sharks on the other hand are very cooperative. Four or five bluesharks are about the norm, with a real
possibility of a mako, although the mako might only be a pup. But there are enough of them of legal size around
that you do stand a chance of getting one you can eat. What's also nice about the shark fishing is the little
amount of fuel you burn to get to them.
Inshore the striped bass fishing is a little delicate. You might explain that it's that way because there are so
many bluefish around - or maybe just not that many bass. A lot of the small private boats are fishing with live
baits like eels, and the bluefish love them. More of the charter boats are running over to Southwest Ledge for
them, even on a half day. That might cost $75 or so more in fuel than it would cost to fish around the Point.
Bottom fishing is great, for fluke, seabass and porgies. In recent years the fluke fishing started to taper off
by this time of year, but it is holding up nicely, and there is no reason, other than incompetence, why you
shouldn't be able to go out and catch some nice meals. Most of the action is on the south side.
If you are interested in catching a lot of sailfish this winter, I'll be escorting some groups to Guatemala in
March. Check it out at www.tropicalfishing.com/guaescort.html
For more info about fishing in Montauk, check out www.montauksportfishing.com and if you would like to
receive these reports directly, drop me a line at captaingene@montauksportfishing.com