New York Fishing Reports

Captains Table Tricky Tog

Friday, I sailed solo to scope out some new spots in anticipation for my charter scheduled for Saturday. On a new drop, also on the CT side, I was immediately into fast action on the start of the ebb. With a minimal of sorting smaller fish I had my 3 fish limit to 6# in about 45 minutes. I spent the next couple of hours testing some other “fishy looking” locations near Plum I. to keep in my back pocket for those days when the wind puffs steady out of the south. I caught a mix of shorts and keepers to return on each drop so Day 2 of the marathon for me was also quite successful.

Today I ran an “Open Boat Trip” for 4 anglers and based upon my solid results from the prior 2 days as well as last week’s limit trips I figured it would be a “cake walk” Naturally, the Tog had other thoughts in mind and I wound up swallowing a large piece of “humble pie”. We started on the CT shallow drop that was so good on Thursday but on the end of the flood instead of the ebb. Two hours of a strong effort only produced 4 smallish keepers.
Off we go to the nearby reef in 50’ but the new moon tides blew us off that piece in less than an hour. A lost of lost tackle, a number of short Tog and only one 17” keeper to show for our time there. So, I realized we needed to find another shallower piece of bottom more protected from the screaming tides.
The last drop of the day was a favorite 40’ spot near Fishers and while the ebb tide was pulling pretty hard there at least it was fishable. Again, a lot of sorting was experienced but we did eventually pull 6 more keepers to 5.5# for 2 hours-time. I can’t recall the last time I worked so hard to come up just one fish short of a boat limit. Just when you think you have Blackfish almost figured out, they throw you a curve. I guess it’s one of those challenges that keeps us coming back to the fight time and time again.

Looking forward to the next weather break and some lighter tidal flows to get back on track. Spots are still available on a few upcoming trips so give me a call if you want to get out.
Capt. Mike
516-317-5423 cell
racerock166@aol.com
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New York Fishing Reports

Captains Table “Bass on Bass” Trip

Had my long-term customers John, Ricky, and young Daniel out with me yesterday for a full day combo charter. We started out Bass fishing in the Gut with only 90 minutes of tide left but still managed to deck 10 Bass in the short window including a limit catch. John scored our best Bass of the season so far with a fat 38” fish tipping the scales at 24#. Even 11y/o Daniel had a keeper with a little assistance from the Capt.

Moved around into the Sound for the slack water period and enjoyed a solid Sea Bass bite coming just one fish short of our limit with fish to 3.5#. The crew desperately wanted some Fluke so, despite my strongest warnings of poor action with the flatfish we pressed on to Gardiners for about 3 hours of the Ebb tide. Sadly, things remain the same on those formerly fertile Fluke grounds with only 6 shorts to show for that effort. At least Daniel landed one more 3.5# Sea Bass to fill out our limit. We even tried about an hours Fluking in Orient Harbor on the way in but still found nothing but shorts.

Nevertheless, the crew went home with big smiles and nice bags full of tasty “Bass On Bass” filets!

Still some openings this week if you want to cash in on the strong Bass bite. Just give me a call
Capt. Mike
516-317-5423 cell
plumgut@optimum.net

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New York Fishing Reports

Captains Table Crew Trip

Took advantage of yesterday’s beautiful weather and solid Bass bite to enjoy a little time with the wife working Plum Gut. First drift on the flood we both had fish on within minutes although they turned out to be shorts. Following that the bite was reliable although a bit slower than was experienced on Sunday’s charter. After a total 3 hour effort the tear sheet showed we did land 10 Bass with just one keeper. However, it was another 35" thick, fat Bass, an easy 20# class fish. Towards the end of the trip Arlene’s hefty Calstar rod doubled over with what seemed to be a sure second keeper but after a tough struggle the fish did ultimately gain it’s freedom. Nevertheless, Striped Bass is my wife’s favorite fish for the table so I guess I am still on the "good guy" list in her mind!!

With the fairly strong winds predicted for the next few days plus Father’s Day it seems likely I will be off the water until next week. However, for the Bass fans out there don’t forget that Monday is the June full moon, prime time for big Bass in our area. If you have any time off you might want to contact me as I have Monday through Thursday is open next week. Split charters can be arranged.

Capt. Mike
516-317-5423 cell
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