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| Issue #24, September 8, 2006 |
Go Fish
J. Nathan's big blue caught in Shinnecock Bay with Capt. Don Kaye
Fluke season ends in a few days – September 12 – and there is a possibility that the fluke fishery could be permanently closed. The National Marine Fisheries Service, which controls what recreational and commercial fisherman can catch in U.S. waters, operates under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Congress amended the law in 1996 and, as now written, it severely limits fluke catches in 2007 – so much that it might effectively close the fluke fishery. The summer flounder stock (fluke) has been rebuilding. The research that the current legislation is based on was done in 1930, so it is imperative that we contact members of Congress to immediately update this act.
The Magnuson-Stevens Act as it now stands, leaves open the possibility of closing all U.S. fisheries in the future. This would be devastating to the East End fishing community and economy. The local fishing magazine Nor’east Saltwater has a connection on its website, www.noreast.com, to the United Boatmen of New York’s letter to President Bush and Congress. Please add your name to this letter if you wish to preserve local fishing.
Even though tropical storm Ernesto blew through with heavy rain and winds last weekend, several fishermen braved the weather. Ken Morse of Tight Lines Tackle, Sag Harbor, said large bluefish were caught at Jessups Neck and Bostick’s Point in the Peconic bays and striped bass off Montauk Point.
Captain Joe out of Wego Fishing Station, Southhold, reported large bass at the Race. The party boats out of Orient Point also report that good porgy fishing continues.
East End Bait and Tackle in Hamptons Bays says fluke fishing is good outside Shinnecock inlet and fishing reports from Shinnecock Bay, including Capt. Don Kaye’s, said it is filled with “peanut” bunker, which should attract bluefish, striped bass and albacore.
For those of you who are wing shooters, goose season is open September 5 through September 30. There is an eight-bird per-person daily limit and hunting hours are half an hour before sunrise to sunset.
If you have questions about local fishing or other items to share, please email me at YeOldeSalt@aol.com.
–Rich Firstenberg
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