Gone Fishin’: Big Ones Chasing the Bunker Pods

There be big fish in these waters.

On Sunday a private boater headed out of Fire Island inlet and tossed jigs near the Robert Moses Bridge. As the tide picked up, he hooked some short fluke, then focused on striped bass using clam bellies as bait.

A battle ensued between the fisherman and a huge blue-gray ray which appeared to be about seven feet wide. It struggled and popped his 40-pound test leader, waving a wing in victory before vanishing.

Another boater out of the inlet observed plenty of bunker in about 30 feet of water and hooked up with a heavy fluke bite, grabbing a doormat flattie south of the inlet.

Pete at Suffolk Bait and Tackle in Babylon reported that Kort Panzer, Jr. fished with dad, Kort, Sr., for fluke, and young Kort was rewarded with a 5.25-pound fluke that was weighed in at the shop. The fish was caught on local spearing and local squid.

Pete also noted that Dr. Joe Lalia called into the shop to inform him that he worked the bunker pods west of the inlet for bass to 36 pounds.

John Senft, Jr. and his friend Kevin fished the 40-foot depth range to land a 32.25-pound striper along with a 26-pounder before switching to the reef for seabass to 2.5 pounds.

Another notable catch last Thursday was recorded by Leo Sotile and Ralph Perrone, who according to Pete, "fished the bunker pods at first light west of Fire Island Inlet...and after 50 years of fishing, Ralph finally was rewared with his first keeper bass, weighing a hefty 32.25 pounds.”

Pete offered his congratulations to Perrone.

Also last Thursday night, Captain Tom Boniberger, fishing aboard the Krista, chased the bunker pods and caught four fish more than 30 pounds.

Mike Desimone, fishing aboard the Afishanado, reeled in bass to 40 pounds.

This past Saturday Babylon Tuna Club member Billy Donovan and his wife Anne Marie stopped by Suffolk Bait and Tackle to weigh in some fluke for the club's week-long contest, and Billy's fish weighed in at 3.3 pounds while Anne Marie's catch was close behind at 3.2 pounds.

The fish were all caught on local spearing in 55 feet of water, south of the Fire Island Inlet, Pete noted. He added that there were also reports coming in indicating the larger fluke were hanging around the 55 to 70 foot depths.

Furthermore, he had a report indicating that bass were feeding off of Fair Harbor.

Those who follow the tournaments should be aware that the South Shore Marlin and Tuna Club is hosting a tournament from July 22 through July 24. Anglers may leave from both Fire Island inlet or Shinnecock. For additional information contact Andrew Dean at 646-734-2795.

There’s also the 55th Annual Babylon Tuna Club Tuna Tournament from July 28 to July 31. This is an especially meaningful one since it’s dedicated to U.S. troops and those who helped our nation on 9/11. For more information contact Artie at 516-369-5320 or Brian at 631-834-2060.

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