Silverado was the name of a western movie. Several years ago I heard the term used again when we were in a red hot porgy bite up in Hyannis, Massachusetts during the legendary spring run of slammer porgies. In recent years the porgies, like the flounder and blackfish, have been the target of heavy commercial fishing. The poor recreational catches reflect that in both size and quantity of fish caught.
I never was much of a porgy fisherman, having pursued more glamorous fish. However, having experienced the spring run in Hyannis and some super porgy fishing in Montauk over the last few years, I really enjoy fishing for them when given the opportunity. They are fun to catch and give a good account of themselves on light tackle. I have fished with some real sharpie porgy fishermen over the last few years and learned some tricks that really improved my catch.
If I get invited to go porgy fishing I fish only the spring and fall run when the larger fish are more prevalent. The summer run is usually smaller fish and I am usually chasing striped bass, fluke or tuna.
The spring run in May and early June is relatively short, but you have a shot at some decent size fish from 1-3 lbs. Mattituck, Port Jefferson, Shoreham and the Peconics are areas that can produce excellent catches both in quality and quantity.
This article will focus on spring porgy fishing since the tackle and techniques used in the spring are different than in the fall. I will cover fall porgy fishing in another article that will also include sea bass.
Spring porgy fishing is usually done in shallow water up to a depth of thirty feet in the areas I fish. These early spring fish are very spooky, therefore it is essential that if you are fishing from a private boat or skiff you be very quiet. Also, the larger fish tend to bite best in low light conditions, therefore, early morning or early evening produce the best bites.
Porgies like structure and tide. So that means fishing around rocks and wrecks. If you have your own boat and a good bottom machine, you can usually see them on the screen hugging structure. Run up tide a little and quietly drop your anchor.
The first rule is to chum. Frozen clam chum is the way to go. You do not want to over chum, since they will stay down tide of the boat. You want just enough chum to draw them around the boat.
For bait fresh skimmer clams sliced into one inch strips with the soft belly meat is filet mignon to porgies. You may also want to bring some sea worms, since they show a preference for them at times.
Tackle is simple. I like a six to six and one half foot conventional rod capable of handling up to four ounces of sinker. A conventional reel with a smooth drag capable of 150 yards of 15-20 lb line. Look for a reel with a relatively large knob, since your hand can tire easily from cranking up a lot of these fish. I use Spiderwire, but mono is fine. If you use Spiderwire, remember to back off a little on your drag. You will not loose as many fish.
Also, reel them up slowly and enjoy the fight.
Terminal rigging is simple. Use Mustad or Gamakatsu bronze baitholder hooks in size 4 snelled to 16 inches of 20 lb leader material tied in tandem. Also, I found that a green florescent bead or a green and silver sparkle one inch plastic skirt are really effective.
Well, we are on the spot, the chum pot is down, our hooks are baited and we are ready to catch some fish. Don't get frustrated with missing the bites at first. You need to get your timing down. I don't try to set the hook on the bite. I usually drop the rig to the bottom very slowly to not create any slack in the line. When I hit bottom, my rod time is pointed at the water and I slowly lift the bait off the bottom. If I have no bites, then I slowly walk the sinker back into the tide, then stop for a few seconds and slowly lift. You will usually hook the larger fish on the lift. The smaller fish tend to be more aggressive biters.
Some words of advice. These are great little fighters on light tackle. Please keep only that which you know you will use and return the rest. Bring along a fair size cooler and fill it with ice, sea water and kosher salt to make a sea water brine. This will keep the fish in prime condition.
Maybe you to will find the Silverado load this spring.
Tight Lines and Fair Weather.
|
