Hello all. First off, Lep, thanks for the recommendation to go with the 6.3 on my new Tranx 150A. I paired it with a Grappler Type LJ with medium action. Probably caught a dozen or more fish to 4lbs and still waiting for a fatty. FI Reef has been decent when fishing around the structure. If you're not getting snagged, you are probably not catching fluke. When in open bottom you're catching sea robins.
Question, can someone recommend the size of a drift sock for a 30' Contender?
Post your 2019-2025 Fluke Pix & Trip Reports Here!
30’ Contender, you say? Nice boat!
I use a 48” black Cabelas “Deluxe” sock on my 26’ keeled inboard. You probably need something in the 55-60” range, as your boat is larger and also lacks a drift-slowing keel. Don’t forget to add 20-25’ of 1/2” line with a big snap to couple up to the sock’s short lead, so that you can get the sock out a bit where it can get a “good bite” of the water.
I use a pre-made 25’ dock line for that - the loop end gets attached to a mid-ship cleat and the snap on the other end couples up to the the Cabelas sock lead that had the orange float. Some days properly using this contraption means the difference between a solid catch and giving up/sailing home with the crew quietly staring at the deck in disappointment. Don’t let that happen to you! ?
I use a 48” black Cabelas “Deluxe” sock on my 26’ keeled inboard. You probably need something in the 55-60” range, as your boat is larger and also lacks a drift-slowing keel. Don’t forget to add 20-25’ of 1/2” line with a big snap to couple up to the sock’s short lead, so that you can get the sock out a bit where it can get a “good bite” of the water.
I use a pre-made 25’ dock line for that - the loop end gets attached to a mid-ship cleat and the snap on the other end couples up to the the Cabelas sock lead that had the orange float. Some days properly using this contraption means the difference between a solid catch and giving up/sailing home with the crew quietly staring at the deck in disappointment. Don’t let that happen to you! ?
"Luck" is when preparation meets opportunity.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.
CaptainOriginal Crew2,216 postsSince 2018
Killer Day on the Offshore Drops today. Full boat limit of mixed-size flatties to my pair of twin 6lb fish. Had my "West End" crew aboard, Frankie and Darryll of the Teresa V, who worked hard to help put together a truly quality catch. Forgot to shoot my customary deck dump or cooler snaps, but here's my two big ones from today's excursion.
View attachment 51251
View attachment 51252
Well done Lep.
CaptainOriginal Crew1,853 postsSince 2018
Saturday, I had my “A” Team crew of John, Ricky, Sal, and Frank join me for our first Montauk Fluke charter of the season. I had been receiving reports of improved action although it has been somewhat streaky. We hit one of my favorite South side drops to start and never had to move very far for the entire day. The action was amazingly consistent with Fluke and Sea Bass being landed in multiple numbers on every single drift. Although the keeper ratio was a bit low on the fluke side, the quality of the fish made up for it. The foursome decked nearly 50 Fluke with 8 keepers and the top 2 fish going 5.5 and 8.2#. Virtually all the keepers were over 20” in size. The guys also topped off the box with a full boat limit of Sea Bass including a few real nice biscuits in the 3.5# range. Needless to say, they all went home with beautiful fat bags of filet.
I now have 3 crew members for my spilt Montauk Fluke charter scheduled for Tuesday 8/2 and one more spot remains. Here is your chance at one the to best spots on LI to cash in on some really quality Fluke action. All you have to do is give me a call to sign on!
Capt. Mike
516-317-5423
I now have 3 crew members for my spilt Montauk Fluke charter scheduled for Tuesday 8/2 and one more spot remains. Here is your chance at one the to best spots on LI to cash in on some really quality Fluke action. All you have to do is give me a call to sign on!
Capt. Mike
516-317-5423
CaptainOriginal Crew1,853 postsSince 2018
"As an aside - I've been playing around with the sinkered B/S Rig over the past couple of seasons and have found that lengthening the dropper to around 12" really makes a difference on those days you need a 6oz or more sinker to stay in the game. Actually, what I do is to make a 6" dropper loop and then cut one side of it to make a single "leader," and then reverse snell my hook onto that. It really does work - try it and see if it works for you."
The past week or so I have been asked how I "Reverse Snell" a hook onto my modified long-leadered B/S Rig. this is how its done:
The past week or so I have been asked how I "Reverse Snell" a hook onto my modified long-leadered B/S Rig. this is how its done:
"Luck" is when preparation meets opportunity.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.
CaptainOriginal Crew2,216 postsSince 2018
Officially COVID-free - finally!
And the celebratory dinner - White wine braised pork chop with three-mushroom medley and shishido peppers, with a BP Toasted Lager!
Some fluke are gonna be off’ed tomorrow, that I can promise!
And the celebratory dinner - White wine braised pork chop with three-mushroom medley and shishido peppers, with a BP Toasted Lager!
Some fluke are gonna be off’ed tomorrow, that I can promise!
"Luck" is when preparation meets opportunity.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.
CaptainOriginal Crew2,216 postsSince 2018
Was looking for an easy day today, after nearly two weeks of COVID crap. Yeah, well, it was not to be, as the fish made me work very hard at captaining today. Had Ken the Chef and special guest jigger Kevin/Longcast from right here on NYAngler aboard for a Deep Jigging trip. Gorgeous ocean all day, but just couldn't get the fish started on the incoming - I think we had two keepers by Noon. Totally unacceptable.
Many, many fish in the 17-18.25" range but keepers - not so much. Frustrating as hell. So I resolved to keep us out later than usual - and we were rewarded, as the better fish bit well in the 2:00-3:15 time range - after most boats gave up and sailed inshore. Me? I just don't think that way. Anyway, we ended up with 11 keepers to 5lbs plus some assorted edible bottom critters, with Kevin acquitting himself very well for his first trip to the deep.
By the time we hit the dock I was pretty well winded. I guess I'm not fully recovered from the China Flu just yet - though my sense of taste is slowly returning. Smell, not so much. Such is the way it was today.
Many, many fish in the 17-18.25" range but keepers - not so much. Frustrating as hell. So I resolved to keep us out later than usual - and we were rewarded, as the better fish bit well in the 2:00-3:15 time range - after most boats gave up and sailed inshore. Me? I just don't think that way. Anyway, we ended up with 11 keepers to 5lbs plus some assorted edible bottom critters, with Kevin acquitting himself very well for his first trip to the deep.
By the time we hit the dock I was pretty well winded. I guess I'm not fully recovered from the China Flu just yet - though my sense of taste is slowly returning. Smell, not so much. Such is the way it was today.
"Luck" is when preparation meets opportunity.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.
CaptainOriginal Crew2,216 postsSince 2018
Was looking for an easy day today, after nearly two weeks of COVID crap. Yeah, well, it was not to be, the fish made me work very hard at captaining today. Had Ken the Chef and special guest jigger Kevin/Longcast from right here on NYAngler aboard for a Deep Jigging trip. Gorgeous ocean all day, but just couldn't get the fish started on the incoming - I think we had two keepers by Noon. Totally unacceptable.
Many, many fish in the 17-18.25" range but keepers - not so much. Frustrating as hell. So I resolved to keep us out later than usual - and we were rewarded, as the better fish bit well in the 2:00-3:15 time range - after most boats gave up and sailed inshore. Me? I just don't think that way. Anyway, we ended up with 11 keepers to 5lbs, with Kevin acquitting himself very well for his first trip to the deep.
By the time we hit the dock I was pretty well winded. I guess I'm not fully recovered from the China Flu just yet - though my sense of taste is slowly returning. Smell, not so much. Such is the way it was today.
View attachment 51997
Commodore5,031 postsSince 2020
Was looking for an easy day today, after nearly two weeks of COVID crap. Yeah, well, it was not to be, the fish made me work very hard at captaining today. Had Ken the Chef and special guest jigger Kevin/Longcast from right here on NYAngler aboard for a Deep Jigging trip. Gorgeous ocean all day, but just couldn't get the fish started on the incoming - I think we had two keepers by Noon. Totally unacceptable.
Many, many fish in the 17-18.25" range but keepers - not so much. Frustrating as hell. So I resolved to keep us out later than usual - and we were rewarded, as the better fish bit well in the 2:00-3:15 time range - after most boats gave up and sailed inshore. Me? I just don't think that way. Anyway, we ended up with 11 keepers to 5lbs, with Kevin acquitting himself very well for his first trip to the deep.
By the time we hit the dock I was pretty well winded. I guess I'm not fully recovered from the China Flu just yet - though my sense of taste is slowly returning. Smell, not so much. Such is the way it was today.
View attachment 51997
AdmiralOriginal Crew20,417 postsSince 2019
I had a very inexperienced crew, my wife daughter and her friend out for what I thought was going to be a relaxing day. Well it was anything but. I posted it on the fishing report here.
@Leprechaun I wanted to be sure you saw the tackle I was using 🙂
@Leprechaun I wanted to be sure you saw the tackle I was using 🙂
George R. Scocca
george@nyangler.com
www.nyangler.com - Your Secret Spot Online !
george@nyangler.com
www.nyangler.com - Your Secret Spot Online !
CommodoreOriginal Crew5,174 postsSince 2018
Nice George. You know, I was looking for that outfit the other day. I forgot that you own it now. Don't ever get old. 🙄
"Luck" is when preparation meets opportunity.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.
CaptainOriginal Crew2,216 postsSince 2018
Nice George. You know, I was looking for that outfit the other day. I forgot that you own it now. Don't ever get old. 🙄
George R. Scocca
george@nyangler.com
www.nyangler.com - Your Secret Spot Online !
george@nyangler.com
www.nyangler.com - Your Secret Spot Online !
CommodoreOriginal Crew5,174 postsSince 2018
30’ Contender, you say? Nice boat!
I use a 48” black Cabelas “Deluxe” sock on my 26’ keeled inboard. You probably need something in the 55-60” range, as your boat is larger and also lacks a drift-slowing keel. Don’t forget to add 20-25’ of 1/2” line with a big snap to couple up to the sock’s short lead, so that you can get the sock out a bit where it can get a “good bite” of the water.
I use a pre-made 25’ dock line for that - the loop end gets attached to a mid-ship cleat and the snap on the other end couples up to the the Cabelas sock lead that had the orange float. Some days properly using this contraption means the difference between a solid catch and giving up/sailing home with the crew quietly staring at the deck in disappointment. Don’t let that happen to you! ?
First Mate510 postsSince 2021
Some brisk winds curtailed my last 2 planned Montauk charters but we finally caught a break this past Saturday. The 4-man crew was aboard to celebrate Chip’s 50th birthday and things went quite well. First, we had beautiful conditions on the south side of Montauk and next the Fluke were present in large numbers and quite hungry. Spent the entire day on a productive drift at Frisbees and the group did their jobs well, limiting the boat with nice Fluke to 5.5# The Sea Bass bite was a little off but they still managed to box 4 nice biscuits.
CaptainOriginal Crew1,853 postsSince 2018
Finally, put our first of the season DD on the boat yesterday. My friend actually hooked the fish and fought it to the boat. Unfortunately, as happens with fluke, the hook pulled right next to the boat with the fish 6" below the surface. I took a dive with the net and while half out of the boat, scooped the fish giving me a major assist. Mike grabbed my belt to pull me back into the boat while I had both hands on the net. What a comedy. That's why we love fishing. So purists, do you toss a 10.44 back because it spits the hook before it was netted? We briefly joked about it as I tossed the fish into the livewell.
First Mate510 postsSince 2021
Crabman - not only do I believe that you are entitled to keep any legal fish you catch, but I also think you get the credit for the catch, after your friend's "failure" to boat that fish! ? ? ?
"Luck" is when preparation meets opportunity.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.
CaptainOriginal Crew2,216 postsSince 2018
Synopsis - Full boat limit to 5+lbs today, finished by 12:45.
Headed out with Capt. Mike and Chef Ken through a bumpy ocean, right to my favorite 2022 deep drift. Once we got there, it was actually quite comfortable, as the breeze was slowly backing off, and continued to do so thru slack water.
Right off the bat Mike banged what would turn out to be the best fish of the day, a fat 5.5lb fish. Ken quickly added a pair of 4.5/5lbers. Me? I was clearing out the 18-inchers for my crew - which we all know is the proper roll of a quality captain. 🙄
And so it went thru the morning and into the change - a keeper every drift or so, with many, many "almosts" thrown back to grow up and be taken by us, next season.
As the incoming got rolling, it was becoming quite breezy once again, and so we had to segue up to 5oz jigs to stay in the game. All done by lunch time, and that was a good thing, as the ocean was starting to build a nasty roll, with cream on top.
Anyway, Ken was pistol-hot, banging plenty of no-measure keepers, with Mike and I boxing the remainder of the limit. The fish was far more aggressive today than last Sunday, with some really serious hits during the early morning's outgoing. A bit pickier on the incoming, but there were still fish to be had, you just had to give 'em "the old 3-one thousand" before swinging.
A pic of Mike's nice one and a pair Ken's better fish, plus the mandatory Leprechaun cooler shot, of course!
Headed out with Capt. Mike and Chef Ken through a bumpy ocean, right to my favorite 2022 deep drift. Once we got there, it was actually quite comfortable, as the breeze was slowly backing off, and continued to do so thru slack water.
Right off the bat Mike banged what would turn out to be the best fish of the day, a fat 5.5lb fish. Ken quickly added a pair of 4.5/5lbers. Me? I was clearing out the 18-inchers for my crew - which we all know is the proper roll of a quality captain. 🙄
And so it went thru the morning and into the change - a keeper every drift or so, with many, many "almosts" thrown back to grow up and be taken by us, next season.
As the incoming got rolling, it was becoming quite breezy once again, and so we had to segue up to 5oz jigs to stay in the game. All done by lunch time, and that was a good thing, as the ocean was starting to build a nasty roll, with cream on top.
Anyway, Ken was pistol-hot, banging plenty of no-measure keepers, with Mike and I boxing the remainder of the limit. The fish was far more aggressive today than last Sunday, with some really serious hits during the early morning's outgoing. A bit pickier on the incoming, but there were still fish to be had, you just had to give 'em "the old 3-one thousand" before swinging.
A pic of Mike's nice one and a pair Ken's better fish, plus the mandatory Leprechaun cooler shot, of course!
"Luck" is when preparation meets opportunity.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.
CaptainOriginal Crew2,216 postsSince 2018
Synopsis - Full boat limit to 5+lbs today, finished by 12:45.
Headed out with Capt. Mike and Chef Ken through a bumpy ocean, right to my favorite 2022 deep drift. Once we got there, it was actually quite comfortable, as the breeze was slowly backing off, and continued to do so thru slack water.
Right off the bat Mike banged what would turn out to be the best fish of the day, a fat 5.5lb fish. Ken quickly added a pair of 4.5/5lbers. Me? I was clearing out the 18-inchers for my crew - which we all know is the proper roll of a quality captain. 🙄
And so it went thru the morning and into the change - a keeper every drift or so, with many, many "almosts" thrown back to grow up and be taken by us, next season.
As the incoming got rolling, it was becoming quite breezy once again, and so we had to segue up to 5oz jigs to stay in the game. All done by lunch time, and that was a good thing, as the ocean was starting to build a nasty roll, with cream on top.
Anyway, Ken was pistol-hot, banging plenty of no-measure keepers, with Mike and I boxing the remainder of the limit. The fish was far more aggressive today than last Sunday, with some really serious hits during the early morning's outgoing. A bit pickier on the outgoing, but there were still fish to be had, you just had to give 'em "the old 3-one thousand" before swinging.
A pic of Mike's nice one and a pair Ken's better fish, plus the mandatory Leprechaun cooler shot, of course!
View attachment 52187
View attachment 52188
View attachment 52189
View attachment 52190
AdmiralOriginal Crew20,417 postsSince 2019
Sign in to reply to this thread.
Thread
Post your 2019-2025 Fluke Pix & Trip Reports Here!