Went up to Massachusetts Friday on a 6pk. They have a 5 fish bag limit. Crew limited by 10:30 am and added some nice seabass....big tides....tough drift...but still got em.
Fished LBI Aug 1 on a party boat with 40 people....regs are super stupid in NJ. I had zero keepers.....wife had two keepers...one the winner of a nice pool.
Post your 2019-2025 Fluke Pix & Trip Reports Here!
Headed out this morning with The Chef and new crew Kevin/Longcast, straight to my usual offshore office, as the ocean was super calm. Once there, as suspected - zero drift. We moved maybe 100 feet in the first hour. No worries, as we brought the spinning gear.
Lots of casting by the three of us put a goodly amount of heart breakers on the deck, along with a couple of keepers. I searched around all morning, looking for a pod of better fish - and finally found one tight to a pot buoy - which drop we hit hard, with 4 or 5 more for the box to 4.5lbs. Thank goodness for the spinning gear today!
Anyway, once the tide changed the drift improved, and though the current was going under the boat (because the slight breeze was just enough to hold the boat in opposition), it was no big concern, as we were getting a quality bite going. In not much more time the South breeze picked up a bit and we were forced to 4oz jigs on the bait casters. The bite really did come alive in the 2:00 - 2:45 time period and we (mostly Ken, actually) finished off our boat limit, allowing us to skedaddle back to the dock for the boat cleaning/fish cutting ritual.
All together, a very nice day, one that really taxed the skills of both the Capt. and crew. No real "sea monsters" this trip, but it all worked out nicely with quality results in the end. And our run of boat limit catches remains intact, which is important to me!
Lots of casting by the three of us put a goodly amount of heart breakers on the deck, along with a couple of keepers. I searched around all morning, looking for a pod of better fish - and finally found one tight to a pot buoy - which drop we hit hard, with 4 or 5 more for the box to 4.5lbs. Thank goodness for the spinning gear today!
Anyway, once the tide changed the drift improved, and though the current was going under the boat (because the slight breeze was just enough to hold the boat in opposition), it was no big concern, as we were getting a quality bite going. In not much more time the South breeze picked up a bit and we were forced to 4oz jigs on the bait casters. The bite really did come alive in the 2:00 - 2:45 time period and we (mostly Ken, actually) finished off our boat limit, allowing us to skedaddle back to the dock for the boat cleaning/fish cutting ritual.
All together, a very nice day, one that really taxed the skills of both the Capt. and crew. No real "sea monsters" this trip, but it all worked out nicely with quality results in the end. And our run of boat limit catches remains intact, which is important to me!
"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
Headed out this morning with The Chef and new crew Kevin/Longcast, straight to my usual offshore office, as the ocean was super calm. Once there, as suspected - zero drift. We moved maybe 100 feet in the first hour. No worries, as we brought the spinning gear.
Lots of casting by the three of us put a goodly amount of heart breakers on the deck, along with a few keepers. I kept moving around all morning, looking for a pod of keepers - and actually found one tight to a pot buoy - which drop we hit hard for maybe 4-5 more keepers to 4.5lbs. Thank God for the spinning gear today!
Anyway, once the tide changed we drifted a little better, and though the current was going under the boat, it was no big concern, as we were getting a quality bite going. In not much more time the South breeze picked up and we were forced to 4oz jigs on the bait casters. The bite really did come alive in the 2:00 - 2:45 time period and we (mostly Ken, actually) finished off our boat limit and then skedaddled back to the dock for the boat cleaning and cutting ritual.
All together, a very nice day, one that really taxed the skills of both the Capt. and crew - but it all worked out with a full quality limit in the end. Pic attached.
View attachment 52576
And yes, Ken had the hot hand today.
AdmiralOriginal Crew20,417 postsSince 2019
Fished early today at the north west end of Rattlesnake. Slow .5mph drift to start. 3 of us picked away for a limit of black sea bass and 4 fluke 3 slot amd one over.
The best part of the day and most frustrating was a move I made to an area where no one was fishing and in ten minutes we had another 6+ keeper sea bass but these were all big 17-19 inches. No fluke there so we continued the hunt until the early afternoon before heading in.
Lots of fluke today just too small.
We saw a large shark early chasing something on the surface close to us. It arched out of the water almost like a dolphin. It was easily over 6 feet long just based on amount of body that was out of the water.
No fluke pictures today.
The best part of the day and most frustrating was a move I made to an area where no one was fishing and in ten minutes we had another 6+ keeper sea bass but these were all big 17-19 inches. No fluke there so we continued the hunt until the early afternoon before heading in.
Lots of fluke today just too small.
We saw a large shark early chasing something on the surface close to us. It arched out of the water almost like a dolphin. It was easily over 6 feet long just based on amount of body that was out of the water.
No fluke pictures today.
Deckhand48 postsSince 2022
Headed out this morning with The Chef and new crew Kevin/Longcast, straight to my usual offshore office, as the ocean was super calm. Once there, as suspected - zero drift. We moved maybe 100 feet in the first hour. No worries, as we brought the spinning gear.
Lots of casting by the three of us put a goodly amount of heart breakers on the deck, along with a few keepers. I kept moving around all morning, looking for a pod of keepers - and actually found one tight to a pot buoy - which drop we hit hard for maybe 4-5 more keepers to 4.5lbs. Thank God for the spinning gear today!
Anyway, once the tide changed we drifted a little better, and though the current was going under the boat, it was no big concern, as we were getting a quality bite going. In not much more time the South breeze picked up and we were forced to 4oz jigs on the bait casters. The bite really did come alive in the 2:00 - 2:45 time period and we (mostly Ken, actually) finished off our boat limit and then skedaddled back to the dock for the boat cleaning and cutting ritual.
All together, a very nice day, one that really taxed the skills of both the Capt. and crew - but it all worked out with a full quality limit in the end. Pic attached.
View attachment 52576
Commodore5,031 postsSince 2020
Enjoyed a special birthday celebration for my oldest friend Ron by taking him to Montauk for Fluke yesterday. Weather and ocean conditions were absolutely perfect, but someone forgot to tell the fish to show up!
First drop on the Frisbees, which has been very consistent this season, looked like another good day. We start out with a fat 20” keeper then a couple of shorts. Next 2 drifts produce a 4.5# and then a nice 6# fish. Everything was on schedule. Then it seemed like someone threw a switch and the bite started getting very scratchy and soon after totally shut down.
I got a call from a friend who said he was doing OK at Cartwright, so we started a search pattern out to the deeper drops with some solid spots hit along the way. Regardless of our efforts it seemed like we were fishing in a desert the rest of the day. No Sea Bass, no trash fish, what a total surprise.
Still, I have been around the fishing game long enough to understand we all have to pay some dues occasionally. Next trips to Montauk, hopefully later this week after current blow, will be much better.
First drop on the Frisbees, which has been very consistent this season, looked like another good day. We start out with a fat 20” keeper then a couple of shorts. Next 2 drifts produce a 4.5# and then a nice 6# fish. Everything was on schedule. Then it seemed like someone threw a switch and the bite started getting very scratchy and soon after totally shut down.
I got a call from a friend who said he was doing OK at Cartwright, so we started a search pattern out to the deeper drops with some solid spots hit along the way. Regardless of our efforts it seemed like we were fishing in a desert the rest of the day. No Sea Bass, no trash fish, what a total surprise.
Still, I have been around the fishing game long enough to understand we all have to pay some dues occasionally. Next trips to Montauk, hopefully later this week after current blow, will be much better.
CaptainOriginal Crew1,853 postsSince 2018
How's about fresh fluke w/Portobellos, diced red peppers, garlic, onions, scallions, basil and parsley in a light teriyaki/clam juice broth over rice, served with baby white cauliflower? Really good!
Out of the fresh stuff, so . . . we sail tomorrow!
Out of the fresh stuff, so . . . we sail tomorrow!
"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
Met Capt. Mike and George at the boat at 0530 this morning and got underway shortly thereafter. Mike had run a full-day Montauk charter on his boat yesterday, and so I honestly don't know how he crawled out of bed to drive to Freeport from Calverton and then put in a long day of Leprechaun calisthenics with me, just a handful of hours later. Honestly, though I work hard to not "Ahab it," I am not all that easy on my crew - but Mike, man, he is a true "Fluke Fishing Ironman," and pretty much immune to my near-constant verbal jabs. The best fishing buddy you could possibly ask for.
Anyway, we had a comfortable ride out into a slight swell/chop, straight to my home away from home. The drift was a little funky, as we were moving counter to the weak WSW breeze and outgoing tide. Just a bit confusing, but we made the necessary adjustments and the fish soon responded - shorts at first, but better ones as the morning progressed.
The bite came on strong for an hour before the change and carried on thru into the first hour of the incoming. The result was a full boat limit to 7lbs, with George bagging the two best fish at 6 and very close to 7lbs. Beautiful job there Georgie with that little spinning outfit!
All done by 12:15, with a full limit of plus-sized fatties, probably the best quality I've seen all season.
Anyway, we had a comfortable ride out into a slight swell/chop, straight to my home away from home. The drift was a little funky, as we were moving counter to the weak WSW breeze and outgoing tide. Just a bit confusing, but we made the necessary adjustments and the fish soon responded - shorts at first, but better ones as the morning progressed.
The bite came on strong for an hour before the change and carried on thru into the first hour of the incoming. The result was a full boat limit to 7lbs, with George bagging the two best fish at 6 and very close to 7lbs. Beautiful job there Georgie with that little spinning outfit!
All done by 12:15, with a full limit of plus-sized fatties, probably the best quality I've seen all season.
"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
Met Capt. Mike and George at the boat at 0530 this morning and got underway shortly thereafter. Mike had run a full-day Montauk charter on his boat yesterday, and so I honestly don't know how he crawled out of bed to drive to Freeport from Calverton and then put in a full day of Leprechaun calisthenics with me, just a handful of hours later. Honestly, though I work hard to not "Ahab it," I am not all that easy on my crew - but Mike, man, he is a true "Fluke Fishing Ironman!"
Anyway, we had a comfortable ride out into a slight swell/chop, straight to my home away from home. The drift was a little funky, as we were moving counter to the weak WSW breeze and outgoing tide. Just a bit confusing, but we made the necessary adjustments and the fish soon responded - shorts at first, but better ones as the morning progressed.
The bite came on strong for an hour before the change and carried on thru into the first hour of the incoming. The result was a full boat limit to 7lbs, with George bagging the two best fish at 6 and very close to 7lbs. Beautiful job there Georgie with that little spinning outfit!
All done by 12:15, with a full limit of plus-sized fatties, probably the best quality I've seen all season.
View attachment 52770
View attachment 52771
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View attachment 52776
Commodore5,031 postsSince 2020
Met Capt. Mike and George at the boat at 0530 this morning and got underway shortly thereafter. Mike had run a full-day Montauk charter on his boat yesterday, and so I honestly don't know how he crawled out of bed to drive to Freeport from Calverton and then put in a full day of Leprechaun calisthenics with me, just a handful of hours later. Honestly, though I work hard to not "Ahab it," I am not all that easy on my crew - but Mike, man, he is a true "Fluke Fishing Ironman!"
Anyway, we had a comfortable ride out into a slight swell/chop, straight to my home away from home. The drift was a little funky, as we were moving counter to the weak WSW breeze and outgoing tide. Just a bit confusing, but we made the necessary adjustments and the fish soon responded - shorts at first, but better ones as the morning progressed.
The bite came on strong for an hour before the change and carried on thru into the first hour of the incoming. The result was a full boat limit to 7lbs, with George bagging the two best fish at 6 and very close to 7lbs. Beautiful job there Georgie with that little spinning outfit!
All done by 12:15, with a full limit of plus-sized fatties, probably the best quality I've seen all season.
View attachment 52770
View attachment 52771
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View attachment 52775
View attachment 52776
AdmiralOriginal Crew20,417 postsSince 2019
Went out early this morning to beat the S wind. Drift was slow and the bite was slower. Tried a spot where we had a load of big sea bass last weekend but there was nothing there today. Moved around in and off shore. Picked away at the shorts. Headed in at 12:30 with 4 keepers 17.5 to 20.75. Not spectacular by any means but we got dinner.
Deckhand48 postsSince 2022
Finally got a nice weather window yesterday to do another Montauk Fluke run. The charter crew consisted of Matt, Frank, and the always upbeat Chef Nader!
First drop on the Frisbees found a bit of a lumpy sea with a groundswell left over from the easterly blow earlier in the week. Even with the breeze and seas running in concert, the drift speed was still very low. Better life than last Sunday but still not up to my standards. Only managed one keeper Fluke and a few shorts plus a keeper Sea Bass and more short biscuits for a 2-hour effort on several drops along the south side.
So, an adjustment was in order and we headed back to the point where I knew we could count on a steady drift. We spent the balance of the trip here and had nice action right up to the last whistle putting 8 more keeper Fluke in the box to 5.5# and another Sea Bass among dozens of shorts of both species. So, we made the proverbial “Lemonade” yesterday with some hard work and a consistent effort by a dedicated crew.
First drop on the Frisbees found a bit of a lumpy sea with a groundswell left over from the easterly blow earlier in the week. Even with the breeze and seas running in concert, the drift speed was still very low. Better life than last Sunday but still not up to my standards. Only managed one keeper Fluke and a few shorts plus a keeper Sea Bass and more short biscuits for a 2-hour effort on several drops along the south side.
So, an adjustment was in order and we headed back to the point where I knew we could count on a steady drift. We spent the balance of the trip here and had nice action right up to the last whistle putting 8 more keeper Fluke in the box to 5.5# and another Sea Bass among dozens of shorts of both species. So, we made the proverbial “Lemonade” yesterday with some hard work and a consistent effort by a dedicated crew.
CaptainOriginal Crew1,853 postsSince 2018
Finally got a nice weather window yesterday to do another Montauk Fluke run. The charter crew consisted of Matt, Frank, and the always upbeat Chef Nader!
First drop on the Frisbees found a bit of a lumpy sea with a groundswell left over from the easterly blow earlier in the week. Even with the breeze and seas running in concert, the drift speed was still very low. Better life than last Sunday but still not up to my standards. Only managed one keeper Fluke and a few shorts plus a keeper Sea Bass and more short biscuits for a 2-hour effort on several drops along the south side.
So, an adjustment was in order and we headed back to the point where I knew we could count on a steady drift. We spent the balance of the trip here and had nice action right up to the last whistle putting 8 more keeper Fluke in the box to 5.5# and another Sea Bass among dozens of shorts of both species. So, we made the proverbial “Lemonade” yesterday with some hard work and a consistent effort by a dedicated crew.
View attachment 52801View attachment 52802
Commodore5,031 postsSince 2020
Went out early this morning to beat the S wind. Drift was slow and the bite was slower. Tried a spot where we had a load of big sea bass last weekend but there was nothing there today. Moved around in and off shore. Picked away at the shorts. Headed in at 12:30 with 4 keepers 17.5 to 20.75. Not spectacular by any means but we got dinner.
Deckhand48 postsSince 2022
@Leprechaun The only thing I can add is fishing with you and Mike is always a great and learning experience. You put us on the fish again! That was a great day of fluking. The kind us fluking nuts long for.
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
@Leprechaun The only thing I can add is fishing with you and Mike is always a great and learning experience. You put us on the fish again! That was a great day of fluking. The kind us fluking nuts long for.
CaptainOriginal Crew1,853 postsSince 2018
HAH! They're just lucky my boat was "incapacitated" in June!
Maybe they thought they got a "Stay of Execution" from our wonderful Gov. Hochul.
Why, just look at that form! She's killin' it!
Maybe they thought they got a "Stay of Execution" from our wonderful Gov. Hochul.
Why, just look at that form! She's killin' it!
"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
Fresh fluke over Roasted eggplant with garlicky burst tomatoes.
"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
Fresh fluke over Roasted eggplant wirh garlicky burst tomatoes.
View attachment 52831
View attachment 52832
Commodore5,031 postsSince 2020
Sure! Certainly not a “family secret,” LOL!
www.bitchin-in-the-kitchen.com
BTW, it couldn't hurt to throw a teaspoon or two of rinsed, small capers into the tomatoes, while reducing them.
White Fish with Roasted Eggplant and Garlicky Burst Tomatoes
This White Fish with Roasted Eggplant and Garlicky Burst Tomatoes is the perfect, healthy weeknight dinner. White fish sits on a bed of roasted eggplant then is topped with a simple burst tomato garlic sauce and fresh basil. This dish tastes just as vibrant as it looks!
www.bitchin-in-the-kitchen.com
BTW, it couldn't hurt to throw a teaspoon or two of rinsed, small capers into the tomatoes, while reducing them.
"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
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