Fishing Report June 13 - Western Long Island Sound

Manhasset Bay Fishing Report June 13
Tides and sunrise/set for
Friday High 11:52 PM – Sunset 8:27 PM

Saturday High 12:31 PM
Sunrise 5:23 AM, Sunset 8:28 PM
Sunday High 12:43 AM and 1:24 PM
Sunrise 5:23 AM, Sunset 8:28 PM
Water Surface Temp. at Execution Rock: 65 (deg. F)

NOTE:   Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s out there!  Hopefully your family will let you go out fishing.

General report – Slow week weather wise.  Lots of fog, no wind, brutal bugs made for some mediocre conditions.  That said the fishing was pretty good.  Water is cloudy and green and there are still some jellyfish lurking around.  There are lots of fish fry in the water.  Bunker are thick in some areas but not schooled up really tight.  If you are going to snag use large 9/0 and 10/0 snags.

Fly fishing – The water is still murky so use some bright colors.  Again flies tied with the new UV bright materials greatly increase the visibility of your flies in murky and low light conditions.  Again bring a shrimp pattern with you if nothing else seems to work.  Sand eel patterns are working well to the East.  There is a lot of small bait on the surface of the water so small epoxy minnow (size 2 or 1 hook) patterns in light colors are worth a try.

Fluke – Fluking continues to be good.  Fish have moved a little deeper with the warmer water temps.  Reports are more keepers are being caught in the 10 to 20 foot range.  I am getting the usual complaints; “regs are 18”, I’m catching 17”.  Spearing are still in short supply so don’t be surprised to see prices $6 and up for local spearing.  Most places have Canadian spearing because of the shortage.  Sand eels are an excellent alternative just make sure to hook them through the body, there heads are weak and they will come off the hook quickly if hooked that way.  Again, Gulp!

Stripers – Things have really picked up.  Reports of 30” (10 lb) and up stripers are common in Hempstead Harbor and around the mouth of the Harbor.  Lots of bunker around so try fishing around and under the schools.  If you can snag one try live lining.  If not sink some chunks under a school and try casting poppers or swimming plugs around the outside of the school of fish.  Make sure to use wire so you don’t lose your plugs! (Not hairplugs.)

Bluefish – Occasional report of blues in the Bay.  Most are being caught in the sound.  Some big ones but most of the fish have been slender.  They are starting to fatten themselves up on the bunker.  Poppers and wire leaders are always fun for blues.

Porgy fishing – Big porgies to the East past Matinecock.  Good size fish are starting to be caught on various rocks in the Sound.  Best way to located them is with the fish finder on your boat.  Find a rock on the chart, make sure it is deep enough or it is high tide, and take a couple of sweeps over it to see if you mark anything.  Clams and clam chum have been good.  Again Gulp has been working well also.  2 hook rig with a clam strip and an Gulp Minnow Grub.

Fisherman’s tip:  The 15 minute rule.  When you get into position to fish a spot in shallower water (10 to 15 feet under the boat) give it 15 minutes for the fish to calm down.  Boat engine noise disturbs them and it can take a little bit for them to get back into feeding mode.  15 minutes after that if things haven’t changed, try a new spot or change your boat position by letting out or taking in some anchor line.

For live reports, tips, etc. call Atlantic Outfitters at 516-767-2215 or check the website www.atlanticoutfitters.us.  You can also find us on Facebook, just search for Atlantic Outfitters.
Tight lines,
John