IF you thought the new fluke fishing regulations are a disgrace, there is a good chance that they are going to get even worse before the summer is over.
This week the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission told New York that even with three fish at 17 inches it is not in compliance with federal regulations. New York’s Dept. of Environmental Conservation was hoping that a 20 percent reduction for three years would bring us up to snuff, but the ASMFC says it is not enough and that if New York does not reduce the recreational catch even more it will shut the fluke fishery down entirely.
New York will have to fight this tooth and nail or there will be an economic crash in the recreational fishing community that will be of historic proportions. In the meantime every angler is urged to call or write your congressman and both of New York’s senators.
I hope that doesn’t ruin your Memorial Day weekend because there is some great fishing to be had. Striped bass, bluefish and weakfish are great targets for the weekend and despite what the ASMFC is telling us, the East End of Long Island is paved with fluke right now.
The big news was the three bass that went over 50 pounds this week and all taken in the western end of the Sound. There was one taken in Manhasset Bay, another in Little Neck Bay and I believe that last came from Hempstead Harbor. There were also a few in the 30-pound class and loads from 15 to 25 pounds – the preferred bait seems to be bunker.
In lower New York Harbor, striped bass and bluefish are plentiful. Party boats from Sheepshead Bay have had great success with their late day and evening bass trips. Blues to eight pounds were coming over the rails for boats sailing for blues during the day, and mixed with the choppers are stripers to 30 pounds. Bass, blues and weakfish are in Jamaica Bay, especially in the back by JFK.
Striper action has been good at both Debs and Jones Inlet. Fluke to nine pounds were taken by some charter and party boats outside Jones Inlet.
Great South Bay patrons on one of the Captree party boats had solid fishing for fluke during the week and the nighttime bass and weakfish trips have been even more productive. The weakfish action continues off Ocean Beach and in the West Channel.
For those heading to the East End for the weekend, expect to find more than just traffic. Weakfish, fluke and stripers are in Shinnecock Bay and at the inlet. The weakies are still moving through the canal and into the Peconics, where they are being caught along the South Race and Roses Grove.
Bass to 45 pounds and fluke to 12 pounds were caught off Montauk Point this week. The fluking has been terrific, with lots of doormats coming off the bottom, and the size of these fish almost makes up for the fact that you can only keep three.
Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend.