7/23/07

Offshore shark fishing is staying pretty consistent, with two or three sharks per trip about average. although there have
been occasional “shark dummies” who were unable to catch any thing. Some of the bluesharks are a little dumb as well,
showing up in the slick and refusing to eat anything, and if they finally open their mouths too dumb to fight.

There are still occasional bluefins flopping around out there, but I don’t know anyone who has been willing to put in a
serious effort at catching them.

Inshore the striped bass fishing is getting more difficult. It seems to happen every year around this time. Guys using the
big tubes or live scup are getting a couple of fish per trip. Those targeting the smaller fish with the parachutes are getting
more fish, but having to measure most of them.

Fluke fishing is off the wall, with lots of fish, especially out in the rips, but not a lot of edible ones. It’s amazing how
good the fishing can be when everything gets thrown back.

Porgy fishing is also red hot, with lots of jumbos around. In fact, one of the problems the guys using the live porgies for
the stripers is catching small enough fish to use for bait. The other problem is the DEC catching guys using the short
ones for bait. Apparently three private boats were ticketed in the last couple of days. And that can get expensive. A
typical fine is around $50/fish, so if you have a couple dozen baits that don’t make the legal size limit, you could be
looking at a hefty fine. A lot more than one short striper will cost you.

I haven’t spoken to anyone who has been looking for seabass lately, but I gave it a shot over the weekend. The first spot
I tried was at Twenty Minutes East, which is to the southeast of the Sub Buoy, but I got dogged out. But I was surprised
to see a couple of boats drifting for bass at the buoy itself. I guess the Coast Guard hasn’t been to vigilant lately. Next I
went over to the Ledge, where I also saw boats bass fishing. Maybe the feds have lost interest. Anyway, I caught a fair
amount of seabass, but too many were too small, and I also had little irritating spells of the doggies.

For more information about fishing in Montauk, you can give me a call at 800 280 5565 or check out
http.//www.montauksportfishing.com. And, if you would like these reports sent to you directly, drop me a line and I’ll
add you to the list.