Captain's Table Scouting Day

[captmike28]

With a couple of pending charters for the upcoming week and a desire for a fresh Sea Bass dinner I set out yesterday testing a few spots.
First drop was a new piece of bottom I noticed north of Plum on my way home from a prior trip. Fresh bait, better tides and within seconds of hitting the bottom I get slammed by a beautiful 20" Sea Bass. Figured it was going to be an easy limit day but I couldn't have been more wrong. The parade of shorts began on all my most reliable spots. I noticed a few other boats pulling a few keepers, mid Sound, but no one was really cleaning up. Considering how well most of the rest of LI is doing on bisquits I must admit I am perplexed by the lack of keepers on the North Fork so far.

Quick one hour stop on the ebb in Plum Gut and still plenty of Blues but no Bass; not surprised with the intense heat at mid day. Finished up inside the bay and amazed to see the continued availability of Weakfish, even during the mid afternoon hours. Sizes are coming down a little but still no problem catching one for the table and having fun playing C&R with a few more fish.

Sure hope the Sea Bass bite improves soon as it is one of my staples for half day charters in the summer. Winds look very favorable for Saturday's half day charter and I hope the local fish inside the bay are not too shook up after our quick brush with Elsa. I will let you know Sunday how it went.

 

[Roccus7]

Finished up inside the bay and amazed to see the continued availability of Weakfish, even during the mid afternoon hours. Sizes are coming down a little but still no problem catching one for the table and having fun playing C&R with a few more fish.

I'm waiting for DEC to proclaim victory in re-establishing the weakfish population. Looks like the next couple of years will be banner ones and then, the inevitable crash because of the crazy cyclic nature of that fish. Then let's see what DEC says...

 

[Chinacat]

Strange for sure on the seabass Mike
What are you hearing about the the water's to the east towards block and Montauk?

 

[Leprechaun]

Roccus: ???

I couldn't agree more. . .

 

[captmike28]

Mitch, my intel is saying the Montauk and Block Sea Bass bite is pretty good, not crazy but certainly a lot more reliable than have seen so far in the Orient Point vicinity. However, I am also hearing about a steady increase in my backyard so perhaps, like last year, it will get started with regularity soon.
My next charters and recreational trips for the bisquits will be next Tues -Thurs. Hopefully I will have some good news to report.

Roccus, I totally agree we should be seeing a few really good years with Weakfish coming up both overall numbers and average sizes also improving a lot. No doubt that, DEC will try to take credit for the typical "mismanagement" attempts!

 

[Chinacat]

I'm sure you will find them Capt!
Good to know they are out east as they should be.
Due to motor issues, my commitments as a "roadie' for my boy's gigs, and uncooperative weather on my available days, it looks like Thursday of this week is lining up to be our next opportunity.
I have Dad and Dan lined up and ready to hopefully make some memories LOL

 

[captmike28]

Glad to hear yo have a nice family trip lined up for Thursday Mitch. Looks like a good one, weather wise. I have the real pressure on my shoulders that day as I will be fishing recreationally to put some fresh filets on the table for a major family BBQ scheduled for Friday.
Good luck if you get out.