Bigger Bass But Fewer Fluke

Striped bass are getting bigger, fluke are getting more scattered, and black sea bass are getting just downright maddening.Big breeder striped bass in the 40- to 50-pound range have started showing in local waters. The main push of big fish through the ocean has still yet to get past the bunker schools in the Bight but big fish have been pushing out Long Island Sound and are now being caught along the Connecticut coastline and north shore of Long Island and a few have found their way into Block Island Sound and the Peconics. Water temps are still on the cool side so it’s safe to expect that a lot of fish should still be moving in, rather than moving out, of the bays in the next couple weeks.

Sinker bouncers have found it a little harder to put together limits of fluke on the deck but there are keepers and a few doormats to be had for those who are patient. The Shelter Island Sound runs are still producing but the best bite seems to have shifted to the waters off Montauk Point.

Sea robins continued to be a major pest to fluke anglers, as did the increasing number of giant, knot-headed black sea bass that always pile into the bays this time of year—but can’t be kept by New York anglers until (supposedly, check back on this because the regulations have not been made official by the state yet) June 23. It’s a major sore point, if you haven’t been following.

Offshore big guns are starting to make trips to the canyons and the closer-in shark spots, in hopes the makos and bluefins will be pushing in soon.

You hunters who are jonesing for some camo time, the Riverhead Ducks Unlimited chapter is holding its beer and wings night at the Birchwood in Polishtown next Thursday, June 21. The cost is $40 for all-you-can-eat-and-drink beer, wings and Swedish meatballs! Call Chelsea Thornhill at (631) 765-0611 or Stephen Rempe at (631) 807-2395 for tickets or information.

Catch ’em up. See you out there.