Summer Mode Fishing

With summer nearly half over, we have settled into summer weather. It’s been hot and muggy, with many folks enjoying the beach. Bay water temps are in the 70s, and it’s very comfortable for all water activities.

Even the ocean water has been nice — but beware of those rip currents. Your best bet is to swim where there are lifeguards.

Let’s not forget those sharks. The large schools of bunkers are holding the sharks close to shore.

Fishing in the local waters is definitely in the summer mode. The first signs of snappers are showing up. Although small, they are chasing the smaller shiners. They may even be too small to catch.

Porgies are still throughout the local bays. You can catch them almost everywhere. Sizes are mixed, but you’ll still find some large mediums.

Bluefish locally have been quiet, but those small summer bluefish are due. Fluke fishing remains slow, with only the odd fish being caught. Striped bass have moved outside to cooler waters.

Good news is that the weakfish are still in the Peconic and Noyac bays. Hi/lo squid on the drift are catching fish. They are responding well to small jigs and teasers. Fish up to 25 inches are being caught. They should hold up until Labor Day.

Plum Gut, the Race and Montauk all have good striped bass fishing. All methods are working: trolling, jigging and live bait. Good numbers of slot-sized fish are being taken. There also are some large fish that have to be released.

Bluefish at the above spots are also cooperating and being caught while bass fishing. Porgies are in the Sound and at Montauk, with some large fish being caught. Sea bass are being caught — and remember the 16-inch limit of three fish.

Fluke fishing in the ocean isn’t great, but there are some quality fish being caught.

Freshwater fishermen have a good bite when fishing early and late. Blue claw crabs are in the coves and local creeks.