September Fishing

The last week of August has passed. It continues to be hot and dry. It’s been a great beach summer. We had a few glitches, like sharks and rip currents — but still, in all, a great summer.

The bay water temps haven’t reached 80 degrees this summer, and that is strange. Last year, the bay water was in the 80s the last week of June.

The Farmer’s Almanac predictions for September are for temps to be about average and precipitation to be 2 inches above normal. We could really use the rain. Water tables are way down.

The snappers are finally getting some size to them. I caught some that were 8 inches. They seem to be in good numbers and chasing bait everywhere. It’s time to take the kids snapper fishing.

Their larger cousins are plentiful at Jessups. Cocktail blues have been breaking under the birds. The bait there has been peanut bunkers, so tins and jigs are working. The incoming tide has been the best.

Porgies seem to be getting bigger in size. They are spread out throughout the bay. Drift until you find them, then anchor and chum.

There is no local fluke news to report. The weakfish bite is still great in Noyac and Peconic bays. They are feeding on baby squid, young porgies and peanut bunkers. Jigs are working great. If you’re bait fishing, there are plenty of small sand sharks.

For the traveling anglers, the Long Island Sound has big porgies and some larger sea bass. The Gut and Race have bluefish and some bass early and late. Everyone waited for today, September 1, when the possession limit increases to six sea bass.

Montauk continues to have good fishing. Fluking can be hit or miss, but there are fish being caught. Porgies and sea bass fishing are also good south of the Point and Block Island.

There are bass and bluefish for the charter boats. There has been some good tuna fishing and also some mahi. Jigs and plugs are catching the tuna and small lures for the mahi.

Remember we have some great fishing months ahead!