Fishing Report: Bluefish Taking Over

Bluefish have quickly become the dominant force in a competitive search for food, often making it difficult for anglers to connect with other species like striped bass. This past week has been especially productive for fluke, porgies and sea bass, while anyone wanting to fish for bluefish has had no trouble finding them, since they have become much larger and more aggressive. Last week's full moon was a mixed bag of treats for all who fished our local waters and offshore.

Out of Shinnecock, a private boater fishing just outside the Shinnecock Inlet on Saturday had good catches of fluke and sea bass, including four keeper flatties, hooked by one of the anglers, one of which measured a bit over 26 inches. Seven quality sea bass completed their day's work.

Aboard the Hampton Lady, also on Saturday, the drift was weak in spite of the full moon tide. It did not prevent one angler from taking a 10.6-pound, 30-inch super-fat fluke on the first drift. The fish proved to be the pool winner, even though a slightly smaller 9-plus pounder was caught shortly before the double-digit fluke. Sea bass catches were strong, including a whopping six-pounder. Some people aboard the charter boat had double-header keepers.

Out of Orient Point, Bob Plaia and his wife, Cathy, played host to their family in an annual outing aboard the Orient Star II. Lots of great porgies came over the rails, especially delighting the children and keeping everyone involved in both the angling and the socializing.

Aboard the Brooklyn Girl II out of Orient Point, Capt. Ken reported a good week of fishing with no trouble reaching great scup in excess of two pounds. Aggressive bluefish have made it harder for those seeking striped bass, but there was success for the determined. A 28-pound striper was part of the catch on Saturday for Jason's group, which went home with eight striped bass, their limit of porgies and a ton of big bluefish.

Fishing tournaments are still the highlights, including the Hampton Offshore Invitational Tournament, which runs from Aug. 12 through Aug. 21. Local offshore fishing legend Capt. Tred Barta will be part of the festivities and action. Next week's report will provide all the specifics. For information call Capt. Scott Horowitz at 631-744-1200.

At the moment, all the local docks are currently seeing some spectacular catches of both snappers and blue claw crabs, so grab a light tackle rod (any inexpensive fishing pole will do just fine), some bait (they eat just about anything, both live and artificial) a popper and a bucket if you're in search of snappers and if it's crab you seek, a scoop net (check for holes), a bucket and some thick gloves (careful, they can give quite a pinch) and go grab some of these delicious summer delicacies before they’re gone.

Snapper fishing is the best way to introduce a young angler to their first fishing experience as they are super easy to catch and give a great fight on the reel. The bag limit is also very high, 15 per person per day, (the last five of which must be 12 inches or longer) and considering most people fish for them in groups, they go home with more than enough for their dinner table.