Fire Island Fishing- A Mixed Bag Today

Departed the marina this morning around 10:30am and ran into some pretty decent fog on the Great South Bay. Took it nice and easy going across and thankfully there was not too much other traffic. Arrived at Fire Island Inlet right at the start of the ebb current. The water in the area is CRYSTAL clear this Spring and is actually the clearest I can EVER remember seeing in this area. Very cool to see but the fact of the matter is once the water warms up we’ll get the blooms and we will be back to our normal 2-3ft visibility.

10ft deep and seeing the bottom in gin clear water

Started out on some flats with light plugs and plastics but the slipgut weed was fouling the baits in no time. I made a move just outside the inlet and there was some cleaner water free of the weed. Saw shoals of bait in the rips but only managed to pull one little striper.

With current peaking I anchored up on some pieces inside and doled out the chum. I found several different species except for the one I was looking for. Had a pretty nice fluke take a bait, it was short and the season is closed for them so back he went. Later on a nice blackfish joined in the mix.

Good ol' Chisel Tooth

This guy was right on the 16-17inch range, of course the season is closed on them as well, back HE went. The usual skates, sea robins and crabs also put in appearances.

Ended Up a Sunny Day on Great South Bay

Interesting day fish wise as it got to the point where I didn’t know what was coming up next but it ended up being beautiful out there once the fog burned off. First sunburn of the 2012 season and loving it!!

Tight Lines.........
Capt Paul Mandella
captpaul@maybetonightcharters.com
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