It feels like the end is near. The docks are emptying, while the yards are slowly filling up. Most of the charterboats are
still in the water trying to scratch out a couple more trips. But it’s kind of tough when we get weather like we’ve had for
the past five days. .
Before the blow there were plenty of fish, mostly blues, but if you kept looking you could find a pocket with half bass
and half blues. Most of the bass were in the six to eight pound range, with an occasional ten pounder. Some of the blues
were a lot bigger than the bass. All of the fishing was in the deep waters, out where the pirates sail.
Finally on Sunday a number of the charterboats sailed, but most came right back, thanks to big swells, filthy water and
no fish. One boat who shall remain nameless went out further to the east and found a newer body of fish, all in the
fifteen to twenty pound range, and no bluefish.
The guys fishing for blackfish have been doing well when the conditions are OK. Easy tides and light winds are pretty
essential, especially over at Southwest Ledge. They have also been catching the occasional codfish, which is good
news, because after last winters fishing there are going to be a lot of boats chasing them. The ROSIE from up-island has
already gotten here and there are rumors of another four or five party boats planning to spend the winter here along with
some charters that will probably stay in the water..
If you have always wanted to fish at Tropic Star Lodge in Panama but were never able to plan ahead the year in advance
that is usually required to book a winter trip there, now is the time to act. They have been coming up with occasional
cancellations, including one in mid January. If you are interested, give me a call, ASAP.
If you would like to get these reports sent to you directly, drop me a line at captaingene@montauksportfishing.com and
I’ll put you on the list.