Gone Fishin': Anglers Enjoying Bass, Blues, Fluke Action

The weather is heating up, and so is the fishing action. A significant sign of good things to come were the reports from various sage experts who mentioned the heavy amount of bunker pods that’ve moved in during the last few weeks.

Pete, Suffolk Bait and Tackle, had some nice reports this past weekend. Joe Winter and his son Michael, using spots, caught three bass and three blues while fishing in the inlet near the popular spot known as the sixth can.

 “Captain Tom Boniberger fished aboard his boat, the ‘Krista,’ fishing the pods of bunker west of the inlet, and Tommy weighed in a 22-pound striped bass last Saturday," Pete said.

Pete also noted that Josh, from the shop, was fishing the inlet area for bass when a seven-pound hungry fluke, weighed in at the store, took a live spot.

“There’s also more good news on the fluke scene as John Boyd and his friend Ralph weighed in a 4.75-pound and a 3.50-pound fluke last Saturday, and they caught the monsters in 45 feet of water using spearing and local squid.”

SBT’s report also included results from the Suffolk Marine Anglers Fourth Annual Striped Bass Tournament, held this past Sunday and sponsored by the Ale House and West Marine.

“There were some nice fish caught on the bunker pods and inside the inlet,” said Pete. George Yurcak took home first place with a mammoth 43.95-pound striper and Ryan Brownyard’s 34.70-pounder edged out Rich Rotzman’s 33.40-pound catch as the anglers took second and third place, respectively.

The bluefish tournament winner was Joe Vitigliano. View the full results and photos of the Suffolk Marine Anglers tournament on the website.

Bobby, Babylon Fishing Station, reported that there was fluke to be had in approximately 60 feet of water off Gilgo Beach, and that there were some nice-sized stripers currently being caught with regularity as they chase the ever-increasing bunker pods from Gilgo to Jones Beach.

He noted the steady amount of blowfish in the area, and reminded anglers to use bunker on the bass, and spear squid combo and clam chum on the fluke.

John, Trophy Fishing Tackle, said there were quite a few striped bass caught over the weekend on bunker schools, ranging from the east of the inlet all the way west of Tobay.

He said fluke fishing was very spotty the previous week with a lot of throwbacks, especially south of the inlet. However, the offshore scene was really starting to come alive, with yellowfin, bluefin and big eye tuna all being caught from the Fishtails all the way to Hudson Canyon.

Editor's Note: Patch would love to include your fishing tales in the next fishing report. E-mail Richard Smidt here.