June Bite Continues

We have had some interesting weather over the last few days. We survived the Canadian smoke, and it shows that the weather can be affected by other elements out of our control.

It still is cooler than normal, and that is definitely affecting the water temps. This is keeping the water cooler, and it bodes well for the fishing, which has been consistently good for weeks.

Those porgies that have been biting since April are still throughout the bays.

There are still some large fish in the mix. Clam chum and clam bait or worms have been the ticket for your limits. Mixing in on the porgy baits are a few kingfish and the occasional blowfish.

Fluke fishing is improving, but it’s far from great. Locally, the north shore of Shelter Island and the Greenlawns are the best places to start. You can find the occasional fluke anywhere throughout the bays. A few bluefish are still at Jessups, both large and small. They were there on the June moon and have slowed down since then.

Good weakfishing continues throughout the Peconics and Noyac Bay. The quality is holding up, and there are schools of smaller fish in the bay. You can catch them using a variety of methods. The hi/lo squid rigs are working on the drift. Try adding some colored teasers above the bait for better results. There are anglers who prefer jigs over bait. Use lighter jigs and add a teaser. You’ll be amazed at how many porgies like those jigs.

Locally, striped bass are still available in the bay. If you are looking for a trophy, use live bait and, of course, you will have to release them. Trollers are still catching fish at the South Ferry.

Montauk has had good striped bass fishing, with plenty of slot-sized fish, with overs and unders. Fluking has improved, and the porgies are biting. Plum Gut and the Race have better bass fishing on the night tides.

Let’s hope the fishing holds up throughout June!