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Fluke fishing has stayed the same for the most part this week. As far as action goes, the bays have been productive. Plenty of shorts to go around with some VERY NICE keepers in the mix.  Bucktails and fluke rigs are the best bets. Both gulp, and  spearing with squid strips combos are producers. 

The ocean fluke fishing has produced some bigger fish. Fishing around the Artificial Reefs will not only produce some fine fluke but there are many opportunities to catch a variety of other fish too.  Sea bass, ling and more can be had for taking.

The Fluke Regulation Changed On August 2nd.  The Season started out on May 4th at 3 Fish at 19",  Now, On August 2nd The SIZE LIMIT WILL INCREASE to 19-1/2" at 3 fish per day. This was a compromise plan in order to extend the Fluke season until October 15th. 

Porgies are all over the North Shore beaches.  Anywhere with a rocky shoreline will hold them. Both sandworms and clams make great bait. The south shore inlets  have porgies and triggerfish in them as well. They seem to be a little larger in size.

Porgies on the south shore: This time of year the south shore provides a great porgy bait at places such as the Shinecock inlet and the Shinnecock Canal. These fish will move in to these locations during the summer because of the increase in water temperature. When fishing at the canal the best time of day to go is when the locks are closed. If you are unsure when the locks close you can call this number (631) 852-8299  and a canal operator will be gladly to let you know the schedule. At the inlet most fish are generally caught on a slack tide because it’s easier for the fish to swim in and out. At both of these places the best way to catch the porgy’s would be a simple hi-lo rig with clam, sand worm or squid.

Down at Shinecock Inlet  and Moriches inlets triggerfish have been cooperating with anglers fishing for them off the rocks. The use of a hi low rig baited with either clam or squid is perfect to use. Remember to use a rod and reel combo with some power. When hooked these fish will dart into the rocks instantly. You have to beat them before they beat you.

 Summer Weakfish continue as the season progress, plenty of fish from 2lb-4lb. Surfcasters and boat fishermen doing equal well, Many of these fish have been taken on small swim shads, tins, as well as bucktails tipped with gulp baits. For bait fisherman clam, squid or sandworms have been the ticket

Striped Bass fishing is a little slow right now with the warmer water temperatures . Night time tides are your best bet for them when the water cools down. I also like fishing the incoming tide if possible. Focus attention around inlets also. Don't be surprised if you hook-up with a cownose ray.

We have some scattered reports of Bonita around the south shore inlets. Opposite of Albies, They are excellent eating. Fish for them the same way though small tins or Joe Baggs epoxy jigs and reel fast on light tackle setups. Tip: If you do stumble across them be sure to bleed and ice them right away. A favorite method to cook them is a quick sear on the grill.

Blues have been plentyfull in the south shore inlets. Mainly cocktails this time of year. Fire island • Moriches • Smith Point County Park and Shinecock Inlet  have been the "go to" spots to get into the action.

Fish Facts:  Bonita

Size Limit-Bag Limit-Season: No Restrictions.   If you are fishing from a pier or boat, you can catch them with Deadly Dick lures. Yes, they are good to eat and are a delicacy to some. A family it shares with is mackerel, tuna, and Spanish mackerel.

 

Cobia:

Minimum Size Limits: 37"
Possession Limits: 1 per vessel-Fishing From BOAT
Possession Limits: 1 per angler-Fishing From SHORE
Seasons: All year

In U.S. waters, cobia are most abundant from Virginia south through the Gulf of Mexico. Cobia migrate seasonally in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Along the Atlantic coast, they move south and offshore toward warmer waters during the late fall and winter. EXCELLENT EATING
Cobia | NOAA Fisheries

Over the past several years, Cobia have become more abundant in our local waters.  Predominately caught off the south shore inlets.  Techniques for targeting these prizes fish are  sight-fishing, chumming, and trolling. Lures for these fish include poppers, darters and diamond jigs.  Bait like bunker or mackerel will also work.

Cobia are a summer visitor in our waters and are typically found along our beaches mixed in with the bunker schools. Cobia are a great fighting fish and can weigh over 50 pounds. Cobia are also a delicious eating fish and can be cooked in a variety of ways. The best way to catch Cobia would be bait like bunker or mackerel. 

Offshore:   Mahi mahi  about 20 miles out on any floating debris. Mahi can be caught using light spinning gear with top water plugs or small soft plastics.  Cole (with nick Kevin Dana and tuna Mike.) reports Yellowfin has also been plentiful around the tip of the Hudson Canyon. The current yellow fin regulations are 3 fish a man per day at 27 inches from the lower jaw  to the fork of the tail.   Cole and crew had them on jigs 

When tuna are found on dolphins top water tuna poppers are a fun and effective way to catch them. Tuna are feeding on sand eels, so jigs are working very well.   

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The local lakes are a little choked with weed but if you can get down past them with a weedless rig or  Gary Yamamoto Senko Worm you can expect some bass. Try early mornings and late evenings for best results. The fish become more active at these times.

 Try something new: Here is a listing (and links) of some of Long Islands 500 lakes and ponds to try.  Enjoy!

• West Lake  •  Swan Lake Info • Carmans River  • Bubble Falls  • Caleb Smith State Park  • Argyle lake  • Southards Pond  • Belmont Lake  • Upper lake Yaphank  • Southaven Park  • Connetquot River State Park   • Lake Ronkonkoma  • Great Patchogue Lake  • Gibbs Pond • Artist Lake • Fort Pond, Montauk