More Questions & Answers
To send Al your questions and topics click
here, then check back here for your answers.
Q: From Doug: Doug fishes Montauk for bass. His question
is "How do you effectively chunk for bass in a running tide"?
A: Ideally I like to fish the last of the incoming and
first of the outgoing tide. However, sometimes that does not work out and
you can only fish in a running tide. In that situation I fish four rods
using two different methods. The first is fishing with a fish finder rig
and 6-12 ounce sinker. The leader to the 8/0 hook is 60 lb test mono 12
feet long. You drop the rig to the bottom and slowly walk the sinker back
in the tide constantly feeling for the bottom and the weight of the chunk
pulling in the tide. Typically you drop back from 150-200 feet behind the
boat periodically checking for the bottom. I Like to fish these rigs inboard
off the stern. The second method is to use leadcore or wire line with no
weight. These are fished off both stern corners. Use a six foot leader to
the hook. Slowly drop it back in the tide and feel for the bottom. When
you feel bottom take up 3-4 turns on the reel to raise the chunk off the
bottom. If no bites, than slowly drop back further feeling for the bottom
and again take up 3-4 turns when you feel the bottom. You usually will have
approximately 200 feet of line out. If you get a bite and miss the fish,
drop back about ten feet. The fish will usually come back if the bait is
still there. The leadcore and wire have no stretch, therefore make sure
your drag is properly set and keep your rod at 45 degrees to absorb the
fight of the fish. Many people pull the hook on a good fish because of too
tight a drag and improper rod handling.
Q: From Steve: Steve is an avid fan of jigging
for fluke. He wants to know want type of teaser to use?
A: I use white early in the season, them switch to
chartreuse green woth silver krystalflash. I like a 3/0 hook. You can
buy them at about $1.50 each or easily make them yourself. I usually make
my own or have a fly tying buddy make them up for me over the winter.
I use a Gamakatsu 3/0 Octopus hook tied with white and chartreuse green
synthetic hair with a few strands of silver krystalflash.
Q: Paul Wolff from Point Lookout. Wants some
tips on clam chummimg around the bridges in his area.
A: Clam chumming has been around for a long time.
I remember doing it more than thirty years ago around Captree. It is
a very effective method for taking striped bass. The only drawback is
that you will primarily be catching schoolie fish below the 28 inch
minimum size with an occasional keeper. But it is fun on light tackle.
My preference is to fish dawn or late afternoon on the last three hours
of the flood tide and the first two hours of the ebb tide. I anchor
uptide of the bridge pilings, usually toward the sides of the bridge,
not dead center. In the old days we would take a thawed 5 gallon can
of clam bellies and dribble some over the stern of the boat to create
a slick and then drift some clam bellies back on a 3/0 baitholder hook
approximatel 150 feet. If no bite, than you would reel in an start your
drop back again. Today, clam bellies are hard to come by. Ground frozen
clam chum is what is available commercially. So today we use a specially
made 5 gallon chum pot and put in the entire can of frozen clam chum.
We use a fine wire mesh to prevent excess chum from creating too heavy
a slick. We then lower the chum pot down off the stern just above the
bottom and cleat it off. As I said before, this is light tackle fishing.
Use a 6.5 foot medium bay rod with 15 lb test mono spooled onto a baitcaster
capable of holding approximately 200 yards. Tie on a small black barrel
swivel and about two feet of 25 lb test flourocarbon leader snelled
to a 3/0 Gamakatsu baitholder hook. Bait up with fresh pieces of clam
with the soft belly part or with clam bellies if you can get them. Free
spool the line off the back of the boat approximately 150 feet. I am
usually fishing with two to three people in the boat. When we start,
one rod is fished with no spit shot and two are fished with varying
weights of split shot. This is done to find the depth the fish are feeding
at. Give a spot at least a half hour to produce the first fish. It sometimes
takes that long to get them started. If there are no bites than move
your location and start over. A word of caution. Clam chumming produces
lots of small fish that must go back unharmed. First, net all fish.
Also, this method sometimes results in fish taking the hook deep. If
that happens, than cut the leader as close to the hook as possible and
return the fish to the water.
Q: From Drew in Mt. Sinai. What do I think
of Ambassadeur reels matched to a 6 1/2 foot Ugly Stik for Peconic
Bay fluking?
A: I have been using an Ambassadeur 6000C for
over 30 years and have taken many fluke, stripers and blues on this
reel. I would recommend the 6500C3 spool with 20 lb mono. Make sure
to clean both your rod and reel after each trip, back off the drag
and spray the reel lightly with Superlube.
Q: From Kevin. He fishes on the Captain Lou
out of Freeport and is interested in a custom rod, but the prices
for a custom rod he thinks are too high. Suggestions!
A: Kevin, a true custom rod should perform better
than the rod you are currently using. However, you should know that
a custom rod is not just the fancy threadwork. A good custom fluke/flounder
rod made from quality components is a minimum of $225 without any
fancy butt wrap. If that is beyond your budget than consider a good
production rod. The Cabelas catalog has some excellent rods to choose
from.
Q: From kbookeyman. Wants to practice catch
and release and is afraid that if he squeezes down the barb on
the hook he will loose fish.
A: Squeezing down the barbs should be primarily
on treble hook lures. It's for catch and release and for safety
reasons. If you are using a single hook for bait, try a circle
hook. Also, the secret to not loosing fish when caught on a barbless
hook is to maintain no slack in the line when fighting the fish.
Q: From Tom on City Island. Want to recommend
a rod and reel for fluking in the Sandy Hook area for around
$100.
A: Tom, since you are a mate on a party
boat, the outfit will get alot of use. I would recommend a Shimano
TR100N reel which goes for approximately $70. I would match
it with a Penn rod with ceramic guides and capable of handling
up to 6 ounces of lead. The entire outfit should run you no
more than $125-$150.
Q: From Rob: Why is a single hook better
than a treble hook on a cod jig? Why do you use a swivel and
split ring to attach a teaser to the dropper loop?
A: A single hook is more effective than
a treble for several reasons. On a large fish, the single
hook will hold better than the smaller treble. You tend to
snag more smaller fish with the treble hooks and as get hung
up more frequently in rocky bottom. Using a split ring and
swivel, or just the swivel alone with allow the teaser to
spin freely to attract more fish and not twist your line.
Q: From Unknown. He fishes cut bait
for bluefish with circle hooks on a heavy leader attached
to a 3-way swivel and is not getting any bites while others
are catching fish. Any suggestions.
A: Eliminate the 3-way swivel and use
a fishfinder rig. When you get a bite, do not strike the
fish. Let him run and take up the slack by reeling into
the fish. He will hook himself.
Q: From Chris 3515 - What is the
best tide to fish the north shore harbors for spring flounder?
Do yellow sinkers really work? What is the best bait for
spring flounder?
A: I am not familiar with the west
end north shore so I would check with the local tackle
shops in the area. Typically you want some tide movement
to carry your chum slick. Yes, yellow sinkers do work.
Also, put some small yellow or florescent plastic 1.5
inch grubs on your hook. They are also quite effective.
For bait, my personal favorite is fresh mussels. However,
I would bring a variety off baits like sand worms and
fresh clams. Bring plenty of chum. Fresh crushed mussels
or frozen clam chum logs.
Q: From Adam: How to rig for
offshore cod jigging?
A: The long range cod trips to Georges
Bank can be both bait or jig fishing, depending on the
conditions. For jig fishing the jigs range in size from
10-20 ounces depending on wind, tide and water depth.
Jigs like the Bridgeport Vike, Norwegian or Crippled
Herring are all effective. Make sure you take off the
standard treble hook and put on a single 10/0 Siwash
or Mustad tube hook. A flourescent pearl or green tube
or skirt over the hook will add to its effectiveness.
Tie the jig to a 3 foot piece of 80 lb. mono shock leader
with a 4 inch dropper loop about 18 inches above the
jig. Then attach a heavy split ring to the dropper loop
and attach a heavy black barrel swivel to the split
ring. Then take another of the above hooks with a 9
inch purple jelly worm and attach it to the barrel swivel.
These hooks have open eyes that can be closed with the
pair of pliars. At the other end of the leader tie on
a heavy black ball bearing swivel and then tie your
main line to the other eye of the swivel. There a basically
two jigging techniques depending on your position on
the boat. If you are up in the bow, then flip your jig
uptide and bounce it along the bottom until you pass
the bow to the downtide side. Reel up and repeat the
process. If you are on the side of the boat then just
drop the jig straight down to the bottom and start to
yo yo the jig. Keep droping back two our three times
to feel the bottom while you work the jig. If no bite
then reel up and repeat the process. If you are not
getting bites, watch those fishermen that are catching
fish and follow their jigging style.
Q: From Dano: What are the
advantages of using circle hooks?
A: The main advantage is that
you won't gut hook the fish should you want to release
it. Second, you will increase your hook up ratio.
I have had success fishing circle hooks for striped
bass, bluefish, tuna and fluke in the north, and tarpon,
sailfish, grouper and snapper down south. The key
to fishing these hooks is not to try to set the hook
on the bite. You simply reel into the fish when you
feel the bite and the fish literally hooks himself.
Also, circle hooks do not have the same numbering
system as other hooks. Buy them at a reputable tackle
shop that stocks them and ask their advice on the
proper hook size.
Q: From Pat and John: Spring
Blackfish Tips Fishing from Point Lookout.
A: Blackfishing in the spring
is a shadow of what it was in years past. Commercial
pressure has severely reduced both the sping and
fall recreational catch. However, you can still
put some fairly decent catches from time to time.
While you can target the many bridge structures
in the greater Jones Beach area like the Meadowbrook,
I would try to find some of the many inshore ocean
rockpiles and structure that are outside Jones Inlet.
Pick up some local charts that will show you the
known wrecks in the area and give them a try. Also,
try to do some searching on your own for some bottom
structure. Standard tackle of a medium boat rod
and reel loaded with 30 lb. spectra line. A #5 Virginia
or 3/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hook snelled on 40 lb.
leader. Bait can be fiddlers, green crabs or fresh
clams. Spring blackfish usually are on the small
side, with a good fish being 5-6 lb. However, there
is always the chance of picking up a larger fish.
Make sure you put back the spawning females.
Q: From Jerrold: Porgy
Tips for Late Summer and Fall
A: Like blackfish, porgy fishing
has shown a tremendous decline over the years.
The best porgy fishing I had last year was from
mid September into October from Orient Point,
Montauk and off Block Island on charter fishing
trips. I would check out the Long Island Fisherman
for the names of charter boats from Montauk and
Orient Point and call the captains for more information
to schedule a trip. Chater boats from Montauk
I can recommend are the Vivienne, Karen Sue, Lori
Jay, Fisherman II, Breakaway, Blue Fin IV and
Montauk.. From Orient Point - Nancy Ann, Orient
Star and the Sundowner.
Q: From W.T. Tyler -
Recommendations for Places to Fly Fish on Long
Island In April.
A: I am not a freshwater
fly fisherman and have only just started to
fly fish in saltwater. I would recommend you
contact one of the many fly fishing tackle shops
on Long Island for more information or pick
up a copy of the Long Island Fisherman.
Q: From Mike C. Wants
a recommendation on a rod a reel combo for
party boat fluking. Would prefer a Penn reel.
A: In trying to answer
Mike's question, he failed to tell me where
he does his party boat fluking. So to answer
his question, I would recommend two combinations.
One for bay and inlet fishing and one for
ocean fishing. Also, not knowing Mike's budget,
I will try to recommend a quality combination
under $100. For bay and inlet fishing in relatively
shallow water and light tides, you need an
outfit capable of 1-5 ounces of lead. A 6
1/2-7 foot medium light boat rod and a Penn
9M or Mag 10 with 20 lb. mono. Look at rods
like the Penn Power Stick PC3801ML, Ugly Stik
BWB113066 or a Star Rod in the similar range.
For ocean fluking, try a Penn 310 GTI loaded
with 25 lb. mono. Look at rods from the same
manufacturers that are medium action and can
handle from six to ten ounces of lead. Also,
check out your local reputable tackle shop
for their recommendations as well.
Q: G Hook wants to
know how to decipher weather forecasts for
"reasonable conditions" to plan a party
boat blackfish trip.
A: Weather forecasting
maybe a science, but for me it is a "SWAG"
(scientific wild ass guess") at best. Especially
in the fall. The water and air temperatures
can change rapidly. That difference in water
and air temperatures is what causes wind.
I have lost so many fall trips over the
years, that I now plan for at least a 50%
cancellation rate when settting up my fall
blackfish schedule.
I try to look for a stable weather pattern
for at least two days. I do most of my blackfishing
from Montauk to Orient. That area allows
us to usually find a productive fishing
spot in the lee of the wind. However, sometimes
that is not the case.
I would look for a weather forecast for
wind no more than 10-15 mph and seas 2-3
feet. Any more than that, the boat will
be bouncing around making it difficult to
lay quietly on a piece of productive bottom
since blackfish do not like a bait bouncing
around.
Q: From Vinny:
I am using Spider Wire for blackfish and
like the sensitivity, but I am breaking
the line on the structure when I attempt
to set the hook. What am I doing wrong?
A: Vinny, Spider wire,
or any of the other new super lines, require
some special attention when fishing with
them. If you are not familiar with the
following knots I strongly advise you
to buy a copy of a good knot book in a
reputable tackle store.
When fishing for blackfish, cod, sea bass
or any deep water bottom fish, here is
how I rig up. It has proven the test of
time with many successful catches.
1. I use 30 lb. test Spider Wire for all
my bbottom fishing applications. For deep
water (>100 feet) I first double over
the Spider Wire about 24 inches and tie
a Spider Hitch.
2. For blackfish, cod and sea bass I then
tie on to the doubled spider wire approximately
25 feet of 50 lb. Ande mono. Join the
two lines together with a double uni knot.
3. Tie on a black barrel swivel to the
end of the 50 lb. mono. The tie on your
terminal rigging to the 50 lb. mono.
The 50 lb mono serves three purposes:
- It is more abrasion resistant than the
Spider Wire and barnacle encrusted bottom
structure.
- It acts as a shock absorber when a big
fish makes a final dive for freedom since
it has more stretch than the spider wire.
- Should you get tangled with another
angler, it is much easier to untangle
mono than spider wire.
Also, when blackfishing, make sure your
hooks are sharp. Very important. You don't
need to swing hard since the line has
no stretch. Also, slightly loosen up on
your drag. You will land more fish.
Q: From Marty
- Wants a recommendation for a spinning
reel for flipping jigs from a boat to
match a medium-heavy spinning rod.
A: There are many
excellent reels out there to choose
from. You will want a reel with a smooth
drag and a capacity of approximately
200 yards of 12-15 lb. mono. I would
go with either Penn, Shimano or Daiwa.
There are several models in different
price ranges from $60 and up.
Q: From Doug
- Doug is floating chunks at the south
shore bridges and is getting run offs
but is not getting a solid hook up.
A: Try really
sharpening your hooks. Also, try moving
up to a larger hook, about a 7/0 Octopus
style.
Q: From hrodri4142
- Wants to know about proper knots.
A: I can't think
of anything that is more important
to proper rigging than knowing the
correct knot to use. There are some
excellent books and videos on knot
tying. My favorite is a paperback
by Mark Sosin and Lefty Kreh. You
can find it in any good tackle shop.
Get the book and practice tying.
You really only need to know about
6-8 knots for most fishing situations.
They are: hook snell knot; perfection
loop; uni-knot; Spider hitch; Trilene
Knot; Improved clinch knot; dropper
loop and Surgeon's loop.
Q: From
Bill - Wants recommendations for
a rod and reel to fish the south
shore beaches.
A: Bill, I
am not a surf fisherman, but I
have a lot of friends who are.
They have a selection of rods
and reels for different situations.
There is no all purpose rod and
reel. However, you can come pretty
close. For all around surf fishing,
I would recommend a 10 foot medium
action rod capable of handling
2-5 ounces. Choose a matching
reel with a good drag and line
capacity of 250 yards of 20 lb.
mono. Whether you choose spinning
or conventional is your choice.
I would recommend you check out
some of the better tackle shops
on Long Island for tackle recommendations
for the areas you will be fishing.
Q: From
Travis Tate...Jigging Blues
off Port Jefferson in October.
A: Blues
are on the move and feeding
heavily for their fall migration
south. Since they are feeding
very heavily they could be at
any depth chasing bait. The
waters off Port Jefferson is
varied in depth all the way
out to Middle Grounds where
the depth can exceed 100 feet.
If you are fishing on your own
boat I would get out there early
and first look for birds working.
That is a sure sign that bass
or blues are feeding. If there
are no birds working you need
to find the rip lines where
the tide will push the bait.
Blues and bass will take up
station down tide of the structure
to have the bait brought to
them by the tide. Cruise around
over known structure to see
if you can read them on your
bottom machine. Use a medium
heavy boat rod of about 7 feet.
A conventional reel with 30-50
test mono and 8 ounce diamond
or slab jigs with a single 8/0
or 9/0 hook.
Q:
From Unknown...Best bait and
water temperature for cod?
A: Cod
are not fussy eaters and will
bight on most types of bait.
However, the standard bait
used is usually sea clams.
A half of a large clam or
a whole clam on a 5/0 beak
hook on a 15 inch leader is
the standard rig. Make sure
you have some of the soft
belly meat of the clam on
the hook. As far as water
temperature, cod usually like
it in the mid to low 40 degree
range. As the temperature
goes below 40 degrees they
become reluctant to feed.
Q:
From Fred...Best colors
and time to bucktail at
Plum Gut?
A: Well
Fred, now is the time. The
daytime bucktailing is hot.
Check with Bob at Wego Fishing
Station in Southold for
the best time and tides.
He will also advise you
on the best colors. White,
purple and flourescent chatreuse
are all effective colors.
Make sure you put on a striper
pork rind.
Q: From Paul...How to
rig crabs for blackfish?
A:
I use green crabs for
blackfish in the fall.
If I can get hermit crabs
I prefer them. Use a #
5 Virginia blackfish hook
snelled on 50 lb. leader.
Cut the green crab in
half with a pair of scissors.
The inexpensive utility
snips for about $3 work
great. Snip of the legs
and remove the back shell.
Thread the hook through
one socket and out the
other. That's it.
Q: From Unknown...Wire
Line Trolling Umbrella
Rigs in the Freeport
Area.
A: Umbrella rigs are
very effective where
there are concentrations
of baitfish. I would
work the Jones Inlet
area and outside along
the beach. Start out
with 150 feet of wire
out. If you have no
hits go to 200 feet
and continue to let
out wire until you hit
fish. Look for birds
working and troll the
edge of the school.
Don't go through the
center of the diving
birds since you will
scatter the school.
Q: From ClareBear...How
do you catch live
bunker?
A: Live bunker are
caught by commercial
fishermen by netting.
To catch live bunker
by a sport fisherman,
we usually try to
spot a school of bunker
early in the morning
and use a snagging
rig to catch them.
Most sport fishermen
purchase them fresh
from a reliable bait
and tackle shop.
Q: From Unknown.
What kind of rig
do you use for seabass
on wrecks and when
is the best time
to go?
A: I use a two or
three hook hi-lo
rig using 50 lb.
leader material
with 6 inch dropper
loops. The first
loop should be about
6 inches above the
sinker and the next
two should be spread
about a foot apart.
I use 4/0 baitholder
hooks. Bait with
squid strips or
skimmer clam. The
seabass season just
open up. Inshore
wrecks and rocks
should hold fish
this time of year.
As the season progresses
they will move to
deeper areas, with
the biggest fish
being caught on
the deeper wrecks
in the ocean and
Long Island Sound.
One of my friends
just fished a deep
wreck in LI Sound
and had three fish
over 5 lb and one
over 6 lb.
Q: From Tony -
Where can he get
a map of Moriches
Bay?
A: If you are
a boater I would
strongly recommend
you go into one
on the many boat
supply stores
and get a bound
laminated book
of maps for your
primary fishing
areas. The stores
usually carry
a full selection.
Q: From Fred
- Best tide
to Fish for
Striped Bass
in Plum Gut?
A: This changes
day deepending
on weather,
wind, time of
year and the
presence of
bait in the
water. Both
ebb and flood
tide will produce
fish. Check
with your local
tackle shops
familiar with
the area for
the latest information.
Q: From Jerry,
Cold Spring
- Where can
he get GPS
numbers for
productive
wrecks in
Long Island
Sound?
A: Wreck numbers
are boat fishermens
most guarded
secret. You
can get lists
of known wrecks
and obstructions
off coastal
navigation
maps listed
in latitude
and longitude.
I would recommend
that you keep
a log like
most successful
fishermen
of productive
spots you
have fished.
Also, when
I had my own
boat, I would
take time
during the
"dog days"
of summer
you do some
wreck hunting.
When moving
from one fishing
spot to another,
don't race
at 20+ knots.
Slow down
and look at
your bottom
machine and
note any wrecks
and obstructions
you might
run across.
Then check
them out later
in the season.
Q: From
John: Is
a Penn 209
reel okay
for fluke
and what
sinker weight
should I
use?
A: The Penn
209 is a
great reel
for fluke.
I would
spool it
up with
20lb. quality
mono line,
like Ande
or Berkeley
Big Game.
As far a
what sinker
weight,
it depend
on how deep
you are
fishing
and the
speed of
the current.
You always
want to
be in contact
with the
bottom.
For in the
bay, 2-3
ounces is
usually
adequate.
In the inlets
and along
ocean beaches
you may
need to
go up to
6 ounces.
For true
ocean fluking
in deep
water like
Ambrose
Channel
or off Montauk
and Gardiners
Island where
there are
deep dropoffs
and strong
tides, it's
not uncommon
to fish
10 ounces
and even
higher.
FLUKE
FISHING
We have
been getting
lots of
questions
on fluke
fishing.
Questions
on how
to rig
for bait
fishing
and bucktailing;
specific
knots
to use
and how
to tie
them;
areas
to fish
from one
end of
Long Island
to the
other.
The best
thing
I can
recommend
on sharpening
you skills
on fluking
is to
pick up
Don Kamienski's
book and
video
tape on
fluking,
and get
a copy
of "Knot
Tying"
by Mark
Sosin
and Lefty
Kreh.
They are
all great
sources
of information.
Kamienski's
book and
video
are loaded
with great
information
and tips
on fluking.
Knot Tying
by Sosin
and Kreh
is essential
for your
knowledge
of proper
knots
and how
to tie
them.
Q: From
Tom
from
Babylon:
Tom
is new
to the
fishing
game
a has
bought
a Penn
5500
spinning
reel
and
7 foot
medium
heavy
rod
to match.
His
question
is can
he fish
this
rig
for
fluke,
flounder,
weaks,
blues
and
bass?
He just
started
fishing
on party
boats.
A: Sure
Tom,
you
can
fish
for
these
fish
with
this
set
up.
It may
be a
little
heavy
for
fluke
and
flounder.
I would
not
recommend
it on
a party
boat.
Spinning
reels
are
for
casting,
and
casting
on a
party
boat
is a
no no.
This
would
be a
great
set
up for
pier
and
jetty
fishing.
If you
want
to fish
on a
party
boat
get
a conventional
reel
that
will
hold
approximately
200
yards
of 25
lb test
mono
line.
Check
with
your
local
tackle
shop
for
the
proper
reel
in your
budget.
Q:
From
Hughie
from
Flanders.
Hughie
fishes
for
fluke
in
Western
Peconic
Bay
and
has
had
not
much
luck.
He
wants
to
know
any
favorite
spots
I
can
recommend.
A:
The
fluke
were
super
in
the
Peconic
area
early
in
the
season,
but
they
have
moved
east
to
the
Gardiners
Island
area,
east
of
the
Ruins.
I
would
run
through
Shinnecock
Canal
and
fish
the
inlet
channel
and
just
outside
the
jetties.
Check
with
Altenkirch
Tackle
in
Hampton
Bay
for
the
latest
information
on
area,
bait
and
tides.
Please
pick
your
day
carefully.
Shinnecock
Inlet
can
be
very
dangerous
in
bad
weather.
For
more
answers
to
your
questions
Click
Here.
Return
to
Al
Goldberg's
Tackle
Corner
or
Dave's
Homepage.
A: Ideally I like to fish the last of the incoming and first of the outgoing tide. However, sometimes that does not work out and you can only fish in a running tide. In that situation I fish four rods using two different methods. The first is fishing with a fish finder rig and 6-12 ounce sinker. The leader to the 8/0 hook is 60 lb test mono 12 feet long. You drop the rig to the bottom and slowly walk the sinker back in the tide constantly feeling for the bottom and the weight of the chunk pulling in the tide. Typically you drop back from 150-200 feet behind the boat periodically checking for the bottom. I Like to fish these rigs inboard off the stern. The second method is to use leadcore or wire line with no weight. These are fished off both stern corners. Use a six foot leader to the hook. Slowly drop it back in the tide and feel for the bottom. When you feel bottom take up 3-4 turns on the reel to raise the chunk off the bottom. If no bites, than slowly drop back further feeling for the bottom and again take up 3-4 turns when you feel the bottom. You usually will have approximately 200 feet of line out. If you get a bite and miss the fish, drop back about ten feet. The fish will usually come back if the bait is still there. The leadcore and wire have no stretch, therefore make sure your drag is properly set and keep your rod at 45 degrees to absorb the fight of the fish. Many people pull the hook on a good fish because of too tight a drag and improper rod handling.
Q: From Steve: Steve is an avid fan of jigging
for fluke. He wants to know want type of teaser to use?
A: I use white early in the season, them switch to
chartreuse green woth silver krystalflash. I like a 3/0 hook. You can
buy them at about $1.50 each or easily make them yourself. I usually make
my own or have a fly tying buddy make them up for me over the winter.
I use a Gamakatsu 3/0 Octopus hook tied with white and chartreuse green
synthetic hair with a few strands of silver krystalflash.
Q: Paul Wolff from Point Lookout. Wants some
tips on clam chummimg around the bridges in his area.
A: Clam chumming has been around for a long time.
I remember doing it more than thirty years ago around Captree. It is
a very effective method for taking striped bass. The only drawback is
that you will primarily be catching schoolie fish below the 28 inch
minimum size with an occasional keeper. But it is fun on light tackle.
My preference is to fish dawn or late afternoon on the last three hours
of the flood tide and the first two hours of the ebb tide. I anchor
uptide of the bridge pilings, usually toward the sides of the bridge,
not dead center. In the old days we would take a thawed 5 gallon can
of clam bellies and dribble some over the stern of the boat to create
a slick and then drift some clam bellies back on a 3/0 baitholder hook
approximatel 150 feet. If no bite, than you would reel in an start your
drop back again. Today, clam bellies are hard to come by. Ground frozen
clam chum is what is available commercially. So today we use a specially
made 5 gallon chum pot and put in the entire can of frozen clam chum.
We use a fine wire mesh to prevent excess chum from creating too heavy
a slick. We then lower the chum pot down off the stern just above the
bottom and cleat it off. As I said before, this is light tackle fishing.
Use a 6.5 foot medium bay rod with 15 lb test mono spooled onto a baitcaster
capable of holding approximately 200 yards. Tie on a small black barrel
swivel and about two feet of 25 lb test flourocarbon leader snelled
to a 3/0 Gamakatsu baitholder hook. Bait up with fresh pieces of clam
with the soft belly part or with clam bellies if you can get them. Free
spool the line off the back of the boat approximately 150 feet. I am
usually fishing with two to three people in the boat. When we start,
one rod is fished with no spit shot and two are fished with varying
weights of split shot. This is done to find the depth the fish are feeding
at. Give a spot at least a half hour to produce the first fish. It sometimes
takes that long to get them started. If there are no bites than move
your location and start over. A word of caution. Clam chumming produces
lots of small fish that must go back unharmed. First, net all fish.
Also, this method sometimes results in fish taking the hook deep. If
that happens, than cut the leader as close to the hook as possible and
return the fish to the water.
Q: From Drew in Mt. Sinai. What do I think
of Ambassadeur reels matched to a 6 1/2 foot Ugly Stik for Peconic
Bay fluking?
A: I have been using an Ambassadeur 6000C for
over 30 years and have taken many fluke, stripers and blues on this
reel. I would recommend the 6500C3 spool with 20 lb mono. Make sure
to clean both your rod and reel after each trip, back off the drag
and spray the reel lightly with Superlube.
Q: From Kevin. He fishes on the Captain Lou
out of Freeport and is interested in a custom rod, but the prices
for a custom rod he thinks are too high. Suggestions!
A: Kevin, a true custom rod should perform better
than the rod you are currently using. However, you should know that
a custom rod is not just the fancy threadwork. A good custom fluke/flounder
rod made from quality components is a minimum of $225 without any
fancy butt wrap. If that is beyond your budget than consider a good
production rod. The Cabelas catalog has some excellent rods to choose
from.
Q: From kbookeyman. Wants to practice catch
and release and is afraid that if he squeezes down the barb on
the hook he will loose fish.
A: Squeezing down the barbs should be primarily
on treble hook lures. It's for catch and release and for safety
reasons. If you are using a single hook for bait, try a circle
hook. Also, the secret to not loosing fish when caught on a barbless
hook is to maintain no slack in the line when fighting the fish.
Q: From Tom on City Island. Want to recommend
a rod and reel for fluking in the Sandy Hook area for around
$100.
A: Tom, since you are a mate on a party
boat, the outfit will get alot of use. I would recommend a Shimano
TR100N reel which goes for approximately $70. I would match
it with a Penn rod with ceramic guides and capable of handling
up to 6 ounces of lead. The entire outfit should run you no
more than $125-$150.
Q: From Rob: Why is a single hook better
than a treble hook on a cod jig? Why do you use a swivel and
split ring to attach a teaser to the dropper loop?
A: A single hook is more effective than
a treble for several reasons. On a large fish, the single
hook will hold better than the smaller treble. You tend to
snag more smaller fish with the treble hooks and as get hung
up more frequently in rocky bottom. Using a split ring and
swivel, or just the swivel alone with allow the teaser to
spin freely to attract more fish and not twist your line.
Q: From Unknown. He fishes cut bait
for bluefish with circle hooks on a heavy leader attached
to a 3-way swivel and is not getting any bites while others
are catching fish. Any suggestions.
A: Eliminate the 3-way swivel and use
a fishfinder rig. When you get a bite, do not strike the
fish. Let him run and take up the slack by reeling into
the fish. He will hook himself.
Q: From Chris 3515 - What is the
best tide to fish the north shore harbors for spring flounder?
Do yellow sinkers really work? What is the best bait for
spring flounder?
A: I am not familiar with the west
end north shore so I would check with the local tackle
shops in the area. Typically you want some tide movement
to carry your chum slick. Yes, yellow sinkers do work.
Also, put some small yellow or florescent plastic 1.5
inch grubs on your hook. They are also quite effective.
For bait, my personal favorite is fresh mussels. However,
I would bring a variety off baits like sand worms and
fresh clams. Bring plenty of chum. Fresh crushed mussels
or frozen clam chum logs.
Q: From Adam: How to rig for
offshore cod jigging?
A: The long range cod trips to Georges
Bank can be both bait or jig fishing, depending on the
conditions. For jig fishing the jigs range in size from
10-20 ounces depending on wind, tide and water depth.
Jigs like the Bridgeport Vike, Norwegian or Crippled
Herring are all effective. Make sure you take off the
standard treble hook and put on a single 10/0 Siwash
or Mustad tube hook. A flourescent pearl or green tube
or skirt over the hook will add to its effectiveness.
Tie the jig to a 3 foot piece of 80 lb. mono shock leader
with a 4 inch dropper loop about 18 inches above the
jig. Then attach a heavy split ring to the dropper loop
and attach a heavy black barrel swivel to the split
ring. Then take another of the above hooks with a 9
inch purple jelly worm and attach it to the barrel swivel.
These hooks have open eyes that can be closed with the
pair of pliars. At the other end of the leader tie on
a heavy black ball bearing swivel and then tie your
main line to the other eye of the swivel. There a basically
two jigging techniques depending on your position on
the boat. If you are up in the bow, then flip your jig
uptide and bounce it along the bottom until you pass
the bow to the downtide side. Reel up and repeat the
process. If you are on the side of the boat then just
drop the jig straight down to the bottom and start to
yo yo the jig. Keep droping back two our three times
to feel the bottom while you work the jig. If no bite
then reel up and repeat the process. If you are not
getting bites, watch those fishermen that are catching
fish and follow their jigging style.
Q: From Dano: What are the
advantages of using circle hooks?
A: The main advantage is that
you won't gut hook the fish should you want to release
it. Second, you will increase your hook up ratio.
I have had success fishing circle hooks for striped
bass, bluefish, tuna and fluke in the north, and tarpon,
sailfish, grouper and snapper down south. The key
to fishing these hooks is not to try to set the hook
on the bite. You simply reel into the fish when you
feel the bite and the fish literally hooks himself.
Also, circle hooks do not have the same numbering
system as other hooks. Buy them at a reputable tackle
shop that stocks them and ask their advice on the
proper hook size.
Q: From Pat and John: Spring
Blackfish Tips Fishing from Point Lookout.
A: Blackfishing in the spring
is a shadow of what it was in years past. Commercial
pressure has severely reduced both the sping and
fall recreational catch. However, you can still
put some fairly decent catches from time to time.
While you can target the many bridge structures
in the greater Jones Beach area like the Meadowbrook,
I would try to find some of the many inshore ocean
rockpiles and structure that are outside Jones Inlet.
Pick up some local charts that will show you the
known wrecks in the area and give them a try. Also,
try to do some searching on your own for some bottom
structure. Standard tackle of a medium boat rod
and reel loaded with 30 lb. spectra line. A #5 Virginia
or 3/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hook snelled on 40 lb.
leader. Bait can be fiddlers, green crabs or fresh
clams. Spring blackfish usually are on the small
side, with a good fish being 5-6 lb. However, there
is always the chance of picking up a larger fish.
Make sure you put back the spawning females.
Q: From Jerrold: Porgy
Tips for Late Summer and Fall
A: Like blackfish, porgy fishing
has shown a tremendous decline over the years.
The best porgy fishing I had last year was from
mid September into October from Orient Point,
Montauk and off Block Island on charter fishing
trips. I would check out the Long Island Fisherman
for the names of charter boats from Montauk and
Orient Point and call the captains for more information
to schedule a trip. Chater boats from Montauk
I can recommend are the Vivienne, Karen Sue, Lori
Jay, Fisherman II, Breakaway, Blue Fin IV and
Montauk.. From Orient Point - Nancy Ann, Orient
Star and the Sundowner.
Q: From W.T. Tyler -
Recommendations for Places to Fly Fish on Long
Island In April.
A: I am not a freshwater
fly fisherman and have only just started to
fly fish in saltwater. I would recommend you
contact one of the many fly fishing tackle shops
on Long Island for more information or pick
up a copy of the Long Island Fisherman.
Q: From Mike C. Wants
a recommendation on a rod a reel combo for
party boat fluking. Would prefer a Penn reel.
A: In trying to answer
Mike's question, he failed to tell me where
he does his party boat fluking. So to answer
his question, I would recommend two combinations.
One for bay and inlet fishing and one for
ocean fishing. Also, not knowing Mike's budget,
I will try to recommend a quality combination
under $100. For bay and inlet fishing in relatively
shallow water and light tides, you need an
outfit capable of 1-5 ounces of lead. A 6
1/2-7 foot medium light boat rod and a Penn
9M or Mag 10 with 20 lb. mono. Look at rods
like the Penn Power Stick PC3801ML, Ugly Stik
BWB113066 or a Star Rod in the similar range.
For ocean fluking, try a Penn 310 GTI loaded
with 25 lb. mono. Look at rods from the same
manufacturers that are medium action and can
handle from six to ten ounces of lead. Also,
check out your local reputable tackle shop
for their recommendations as well.
Q: G Hook wants to
know how to decipher weather forecasts for
"reasonable conditions" to plan a party
boat blackfish trip.
A: Weather forecasting
maybe a science, but for me it is a "SWAG"
(scientific wild ass guess") at best. Especially
in the fall. The water and air temperatures
can change rapidly. That difference in water
and air temperatures is what causes wind.
I have lost so many fall trips over the
years, that I now plan for at least a 50%
cancellation rate when settting up my fall
blackfish schedule.
I try to look for a stable weather pattern
for at least two days. I do most of my blackfishing
from Montauk to Orient. That area allows
us to usually find a productive fishing
spot in the lee of the wind. However, sometimes
that is not the case.
I would look for a weather forecast for
wind no more than 10-15 mph and seas 2-3
feet. Any more than that, the boat will
be bouncing around making it difficult to
lay quietly on a piece of productive bottom
since blackfish do not like a bait bouncing
around.
Q: From Vinny:
I am using Spider Wire for blackfish and
like the sensitivity, but I am breaking
the line on the structure when I attempt
to set the hook. What am I doing wrong?
A: Vinny, Spider wire,
or any of the other new super lines, require
some special attention when fishing with
them. If you are not familiar with the
following knots I strongly advise you
to buy a copy of a good knot book in a
reputable tackle store.
When fishing for blackfish, cod, sea bass
or any deep water bottom fish, here is
how I rig up. It has proven the test of
time with many successful catches.
1. I use 30 lb. test Spider Wire for all
my bbottom fishing applications. For deep
water (>100 feet) I first double over
the Spider Wire about 24 inches and tie
a Spider Hitch.
2. For blackfish, cod and sea bass I then
tie on to the doubled spider wire approximately
25 feet of 50 lb. Ande mono. Join the
two lines together with a double uni knot.
3. Tie on a black barrel swivel to the
end of the 50 lb. mono. The tie on your
terminal rigging to the 50 lb. mono.
The 50 lb mono serves three purposes:
- It is more abrasion resistant than the
Spider Wire and barnacle encrusted bottom
structure.
- It acts as a shock absorber when a big
fish makes a final dive for freedom since
it has more stretch than the spider wire.
- Should you get tangled with another
angler, it is much easier to untangle
mono than spider wire.
Also, when blackfishing, make sure your
hooks are sharp. Very important. You don't
need to swing hard since the line has
no stretch. Also, slightly loosen up on
your drag. You will land more fish.
Q: From Marty
- Wants a recommendation for a spinning
reel for flipping jigs from a boat to
match a medium-heavy spinning rod.
A: There are many
excellent reels out there to choose
from. You will want a reel with a smooth
drag and a capacity of approximately
200 yards of 12-15 lb. mono. I would
go with either Penn, Shimano or Daiwa.
There are several models in different
price ranges from $60 and up.
Q: From Doug
- Doug is floating chunks at the south
shore bridges and is getting run offs
but is not getting a solid hook up.
A: Try really
sharpening your hooks. Also, try moving
up to a larger hook, about a 7/0 Octopus
style.
Q: From hrodri4142
- Wants to know about proper knots.
A: I can't think
of anything that is more important
to proper rigging than knowing the
correct knot to use. There are some
excellent books and videos on knot
tying. My favorite is a paperback
by Mark Sosin and Lefty Kreh. You
can find it in any good tackle shop.
Get the book and practice tying.
You really only need to know about
6-8 knots for most fishing situations.
They are: hook snell knot; perfection
loop; uni-knot; Spider hitch; Trilene
Knot; Improved clinch knot; dropper
loop and Surgeon's loop.
Q: From
Bill - Wants recommendations for
a rod and reel to fish the south
shore beaches.
A: Bill, I
am not a surf fisherman, but I
have a lot of friends who are.
They have a selection of rods
and reels for different situations.
There is no all purpose rod and
reel. However, you can come pretty
close. For all around surf fishing,
I would recommend a 10 foot medium
action rod capable of handling
2-5 ounces. Choose a matching
reel with a good drag and line
capacity of 250 yards of 20 lb.
mono. Whether you choose spinning
or conventional is your choice.
I would recommend you check out
some of the better tackle shops
on Long Island for tackle recommendations
for the areas you will be fishing.
Q: From
Travis Tate...Jigging Blues
off Port Jefferson in October.
A: Blues
are on the move and feeding
heavily for their fall migration
south. Since they are feeding
very heavily they could be at
any depth chasing bait. The
waters off Port Jefferson is
varied in depth all the way
out to Middle Grounds where
the depth can exceed 100 feet.
If you are fishing on your own
boat I would get out there early
and first look for birds working.
That is a sure sign that bass
or blues are feeding. If there
are no birds working you need
to find the rip lines where
the tide will push the bait.
Blues and bass will take up
station down tide of the structure
to have the bait brought to
them by the tide. Cruise around
over known structure to see
if you can read them on your
bottom machine. Use a medium
heavy boat rod of about 7 feet.
A conventional reel with 30-50
test mono and 8 ounce diamond
or slab jigs with a single 8/0
or 9/0 hook.
Q:
From Unknown...Best bait and
water temperature for cod?
A: Cod
are not fussy eaters and will
bight on most types of bait.
However, the standard bait
used is usually sea clams.
A half of a large clam or
a whole clam on a 5/0 beak
hook on a 15 inch leader is
the standard rig. Make sure
you have some of the soft
belly meat of the clam on
the hook. As far as water
temperature, cod usually like
it in the mid to low 40 degree
range. As the temperature
goes below 40 degrees they
become reluctant to feed.
Q:
From Fred...Best colors
and time to bucktail at
Plum Gut?
A: Well
Fred, now is the time. The
daytime bucktailing is hot.
Check with Bob at Wego Fishing
Station in Southold for
the best time and tides.
He will also advise you
on the best colors. White,
purple and flourescent chatreuse
are all effective colors.
Make sure you put on a striper
pork rind.
Q: From Paul...How to
rig crabs for blackfish?
A:
I use green crabs for
blackfish in the fall.
If I can get hermit crabs
I prefer them. Use a #
5 Virginia blackfish hook
snelled on 50 lb. leader.
Cut the green crab in
half with a pair of scissors.
The inexpensive utility
snips for about $3 work
great. Snip of the legs
and remove the back shell.
Thread the hook through
one socket and out the
other. That's it.
Q: From Unknown...Wire
Line Trolling Umbrella
Rigs in the Freeport
Area.
A: Umbrella rigs are
very effective where
there are concentrations
of baitfish. I would
work the Jones Inlet
area and outside along
the beach. Start out
with 150 feet of wire
out. If you have no
hits go to 200 feet
and continue to let
out wire until you hit
fish. Look for birds
working and troll the
edge of the school.
Don't go through the
center of the diving
birds since you will
scatter the school.
Q: From ClareBear...How
do you catch live
bunker?
A: Live bunker are
caught by commercial
fishermen by netting.
To catch live bunker
by a sport fisherman,
we usually try to
spot a school of bunker
early in the morning
and use a snagging
rig to catch them.
Most sport fishermen
purchase them fresh
from a reliable bait
and tackle shop.
Q: From Unknown.
What kind of rig
do you use for seabass
on wrecks and when
is the best time
to go?
A: I use a two or
three hook hi-lo
rig using 50 lb.
leader material
with 6 inch dropper
loops. The first
loop should be about
6 inches above the
sinker and the next
two should be spread
about a foot apart.
I use 4/0 baitholder
hooks. Bait with
squid strips or
skimmer clam. The
seabass season just
open up. Inshore
wrecks and rocks
should hold fish
this time of year.
As the season progresses
they will move to
deeper areas, with
the biggest fish
being caught on
the deeper wrecks
in the ocean and
Long Island Sound.
One of my friends
just fished a deep
wreck in LI Sound
and had three fish
over 5 lb and one
over 6 lb.
Q: From Tony -
Where can he get
a map of Moriches
Bay?
A: If you are
a boater I would
strongly recommend
you go into one
on the many boat
supply stores
and get a bound
laminated book
of maps for your
primary fishing
areas. The stores
usually carry
a full selection.
Q: From Fred
- Best tide
to Fish for
Striped Bass
in Plum Gut?
A: This changes
day deepending
on weather,
wind, time of
year and the
presence of
bait in the
water. Both
ebb and flood
tide will produce
fish. Check
with your local
tackle shops
familiar with
the area for
the latest information.
Q: From Jerry,
Cold Spring
- Where can
he get GPS
numbers for
productive
wrecks in
Long Island
Sound?
A: Wreck numbers
are boat fishermens
most guarded
secret. You
can get lists
of known wrecks
and obstructions
off coastal
navigation
maps listed
in latitude
and longitude.
I would recommend
that you keep
a log like
most successful
fishermen
of productive
spots you
have fished.
Also, when
I had my own
boat, I would
take time
during the
"dog days"
of summer
you do some
wreck hunting.
When moving
from one fishing
spot to another,
don't race
at 20+ knots.
Slow down
and look at
your bottom
machine and
note any wrecks
and obstructions
you might
run across.
Then check
them out later
in the season.
Q: From
John: Is
a Penn 209
reel okay
for fluke
and what
sinker weight
should I
use?
A: The Penn
209 is a
great reel
for fluke.
I would
spool it
up with
20lb. quality
mono line,
like Ande
or Berkeley
Big Game.
As far a
what sinker
weight,
it depend
on how deep
you are
fishing
and the
speed of
the current.
You always
want to
be in contact
with the
bottom.
For in the
bay, 2-3
ounces is
usually
adequate.
In the inlets
and along
ocean beaches
you may
need to
go up to
6 ounces.
For true
ocean fluking
in deep
water like
Ambrose
Channel
or off Montauk
and Gardiners
Island where
there are
deep dropoffs
and strong
tides, it's
not uncommon
to fish
10 ounces
and even
higher.
FLUKE
FISHING
We have
been getting
lots of
questions
on fluke
fishing.
Questions
on how
to rig
for bait
fishing
and bucktailing;
specific
knots
to use
and how
to tie
them;
areas
to fish
from one
end of
Long Island
to the
other.
The best
thing
I can
recommend
on sharpening
you skills
on fluking
is to
pick up
Don Kamienski's
book and
video
tape on
fluking,
and get
a copy
of "Knot
Tying"
by Mark
Sosin
and Lefty
Kreh.
They are
all great
sources
of information.
Kamienski's
book and
video
are loaded
with great
information
and tips
on fluking.
Knot Tying
by Sosin
and Kreh
is essential
for your
knowledge
of proper
knots
and how
to tie
them.
Q: From
Tom
from
Babylon:
Tom
is new
to the
fishing
game
a has
bought
a Penn
5500
spinning
reel
and
7 foot
medium
heavy
rod
to match.
His
question
is can
he fish
this
rig
for
fluke,
flounder,
weaks,
blues
and
bass?
He just
started
fishing
on party
boats.
A: Sure
Tom,
you
can
fish
for
these
fish
with
this
set
up.
It may
be a
little
heavy
for
fluke
and
flounder.
I would
not
recommend
it on
a party
boat.
Spinning
reels
are
for
casting,
and
casting
on a
party
boat
is a
no no.
This
would
be a
great
set
up for
pier
and
jetty
fishing.
If you
want
to fish
on a
party
boat
get
a conventional
reel
that
will
hold
approximately
200
yards
of 25
lb test
mono
line.
Check
with
your
local
tackle
shop
for
the
proper
reel
in your
budget.
Q:
From
Hughie
from
Flanders.
Hughie
fishes
for
fluke
in
Western
Peconic
Bay
and
has
had
not
much
luck.
He
wants
to
know
any
favorite
spots
I
can
recommend.
A:
The
fluke
were
super
in
the
Peconic
area
early
in
the
season,
but
they
have
moved
east
to
the
Gardiners
Island
area,
east
of
the
Ruins.
I
would
run
through
Shinnecock
Canal
and
fish
the
inlet
channel
and
just
outside
the
jetties.
Check
with
Altenkirch
Tackle
in
Hampton
Bay
for
the
latest
information
on
area,
bait
and
tides.
Please
pick
your
day
carefully.
Shinnecock
Inlet
can
be
very
dangerous
in
bad
weather.
For
more
answers
to
your
questions
Click
Here.
Return
to
Al
Goldberg's
Tackle
Corner
or
Dave's
Homepage.
A: Clam chumming has been around for a long time. I remember doing it more than thirty years ago around Captree. It is a very effective method for taking striped bass. The only drawback is that you will primarily be catching schoolie fish below the 28 inch minimum size with an occasional keeper. But it is fun on light tackle. My preference is to fish dawn or late afternoon on the last three hours of the flood tide and the first two hours of the ebb tide. I anchor uptide of the bridge pilings, usually toward the sides of the bridge, not dead center. In the old days we would take a thawed 5 gallon can of clam bellies and dribble some over the stern of the boat to create a slick and then drift some clam bellies back on a 3/0 baitholder hook approximatel 150 feet. If no bite, than you would reel in an start your drop back again. Today, clam bellies are hard to come by. Ground frozen clam chum is what is available commercially. So today we use a specially made 5 gallon chum pot and put in the entire can of frozen clam chum. We use a fine wire mesh to prevent excess chum from creating too heavy a slick. We then lower the chum pot down off the stern just above the bottom and cleat it off. As I said before, this is light tackle fishing. Use a 6.5 foot medium bay rod with 15 lb test mono spooled onto a baitcaster capable of holding approximately 200 yards. Tie on a small black barrel swivel and about two feet of 25 lb test flourocarbon leader snelled to a 3/0 Gamakatsu baitholder hook. Bait up with fresh pieces of clam with the soft belly part or with clam bellies if you can get them. Free spool the line off the back of the boat approximately 150 feet. I am usually fishing with two to three people in the boat. When we start, one rod is fished with no spit shot and two are fished with varying weights of split shot. This is done to find the depth the fish are feeding at. Give a spot at least a half hour to produce the first fish. It sometimes takes that long to get them started. If there are no bites than move your location and start over. A word of caution. Clam chumming produces lots of small fish that must go back unharmed. First, net all fish. Also, this method sometimes results in fish taking the hook deep. If that happens, than cut the leader as close to the hook as possible and return the fish to the water.
Q: From Drew in Mt. Sinai. What do I think
of Ambassadeur reels matched to a 6 1/2 foot Ugly Stik for Peconic
Bay fluking?
A: I have been using an Ambassadeur 6000C for
over 30 years and have taken many fluke, stripers and blues on this
reel. I would recommend the 6500C3 spool with 20 lb mono. Make sure
to clean both your rod and reel after each trip, back off the drag
and spray the reel lightly with Superlube.
Q: From Kevin. He fishes on the Captain Lou
out of Freeport and is interested in a custom rod, but the prices
for a custom rod he thinks are too high. Suggestions!
A: Kevin, a true custom rod should perform better
than the rod you are currently using. However, you should know that
a custom rod is not just the fancy threadwork. A good custom fluke/flounder
rod made from quality components is a minimum of $225 without any
fancy butt wrap. If that is beyond your budget than consider a good
production rod. The Cabelas catalog has some excellent rods to choose
from.
Q: From kbookeyman. Wants to practice catch
and release and is afraid that if he squeezes down the barb on
the hook he will loose fish.
A: Squeezing down the barbs should be primarily
on treble hook lures. It's for catch and release and for safety
reasons. If you are using a single hook for bait, try a circle
hook. Also, the secret to not loosing fish when caught on a barbless
hook is to maintain no slack in the line when fighting the fish.
Q: From Tom on City Island. Want to recommend
a rod and reel for fluking in the Sandy Hook area for around
$100.
A: Tom, since you are a mate on a party
boat, the outfit will get alot of use. I would recommend a Shimano
TR100N reel which goes for approximately $70. I would match
it with a Penn rod with ceramic guides and capable of handling
up to 6 ounces of lead. The entire outfit should run you no
more than $125-$150.
Q: From Rob: Why is a single hook better
than a treble hook on a cod jig? Why do you use a swivel and
split ring to attach a teaser to the dropper loop?
A: A single hook is more effective than
a treble for several reasons. On a large fish, the single
hook will hold better than the smaller treble. You tend to
snag more smaller fish with the treble hooks and as get hung
up more frequently in rocky bottom. Using a split ring and
swivel, or just the swivel alone with allow the teaser to
spin freely to attract more fish and not twist your line.
Q: From Unknown. He fishes cut bait
for bluefish with circle hooks on a heavy leader attached
to a 3-way swivel and is not getting any bites while others
are catching fish. Any suggestions.
A: Eliminate the 3-way swivel and use
a fishfinder rig. When you get a bite, do not strike the
fish. Let him run and take up the slack by reeling into
the fish. He will hook himself.
Q: From Chris 3515 - What is the
best tide to fish the north shore harbors for spring flounder?
Do yellow sinkers really work? What is the best bait for
spring flounder?
A: I am not familiar with the west
end north shore so I would check with the local tackle
shops in the area. Typically you want some tide movement
to carry your chum slick. Yes, yellow sinkers do work.
Also, put some small yellow or florescent plastic 1.5
inch grubs on your hook. They are also quite effective.
For bait, my personal favorite is fresh mussels. However,
I would bring a variety off baits like sand worms and
fresh clams. Bring plenty of chum. Fresh crushed mussels
or frozen clam chum logs.
Q: From Adam: How to rig for
offshore cod jigging?
A: The long range cod trips to Georges
Bank can be both bait or jig fishing, depending on the
conditions. For jig fishing the jigs range in size from
10-20 ounces depending on wind, tide and water depth.
Jigs like the Bridgeport Vike, Norwegian or Crippled
Herring are all effective. Make sure you take off the
standard treble hook and put on a single 10/0 Siwash
or Mustad tube hook. A flourescent pearl or green tube
or skirt over the hook will add to its effectiveness.
Tie the jig to a 3 foot piece of 80 lb. mono shock leader
with a 4 inch dropper loop about 18 inches above the
jig. Then attach a heavy split ring to the dropper loop
and attach a heavy black barrel swivel to the split
ring. Then take another of the above hooks with a 9
inch purple jelly worm and attach it to the barrel swivel.
These hooks have open eyes that can be closed with the
pair of pliars. At the other end of the leader tie on
a heavy black ball bearing swivel and then tie your
main line to the other eye of the swivel. There a basically
two jigging techniques depending on your position on
the boat. If you are up in the bow, then flip your jig
uptide and bounce it along the bottom until you pass
the bow to the downtide side. Reel up and repeat the
process. If you are on the side of the boat then just
drop the jig straight down to the bottom and start to
yo yo the jig. Keep droping back two our three times
to feel the bottom while you work the jig. If no bite
then reel up and repeat the process. If you are not
getting bites, watch those fishermen that are catching
fish and follow their jigging style.
Q: From Dano: What are the
advantages of using circle hooks?
A: The main advantage is that
you won't gut hook the fish should you want to release
it. Second, you will increase your hook up ratio.
I have had success fishing circle hooks for striped
bass, bluefish, tuna and fluke in the north, and tarpon,
sailfish, grouper and snapper down south. The key
to fishing these hooks is not to try to set the hook
on the bite. You simply reel into the fish when you
feel the bite and the fish literally hooks himself.
Also, circle hooks do not have the same numbering
system as other hooks. Buy them at a reputable tackle
shop that stocks them and ask their advice on the
proper hook size.
Q: From Pat and John: Spring
Blackfish Tips Fishing from Point Lookout.
A: Blackfishing in the spring
is a shadow of what it was in years past. Commercial
pressure has severely reduced both the sping and
fall recreational catch. However, you can still
put some fairly decent catches from time to time.
While you can target the many bridge structures
in the greater Jones Beach area like the Meadowbrook,
I would try to find some of the many inshore ocean
rockpiles and structure that are outside Jones Inlet.
Pick up some local charts that will show you the
known wrecks in the area and give them a try. Also,
try to do some searching on your own for some bottom
structure. Standard tackle of a medium boat rod
and reel loaded with 30 lb. spectra line. A #5 Virginia
or 3/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hook snelled on 40 lb.
leader. Bait can be fiddlers, green crabs or fresh
clams. Spring blackfish usually are on the small
side, with a good fish being 5-6 lb. However, there
is always the chance of picking up a larger fish.
Make sure you put back the spawning females.
Q: From Jerrold: Porgy
Tips for Late Summer and Fall
A: Like blackfish, porgy fishing
has shown a tremendous decline over the years.
The best porgy fishing I had last year was from
mid September into October from Orient Point,
Montauk and off Block Island on charter fishing
trips. I would check out the Long Island Fisherman
for the names of charter boats from Montauk and
Orient Point and call the captains for more information
to schedule a trip. Chater boats from Montauk
I can recommend are the Vivienne, Karen Sue, Lori
Jay, Fisherman II, Breakaway, Blue Fin IV and
Montauk.. From Orient Point - Nancy Ann, Orient
Star and the Sundowner.
Q: From W.T. Tyler -
Recommendations for Places to Fly Fish on Long
Island In April.
A: I am not a freshwater
fly fisherman and have only just started to
fly fish in saltwater. I would recommend you
contact one of the many fly fishing tackle shops
on Long Island for more information or pick
up a copy of the Long Island Fisherman.
Q: From Mike C. Wants
a recommendation on a rod a reel combo for
party boat fluking. Would prefer a Penn reel.
A: In trying to answer
Mike's question, he failed to tell me where
he does his party boat fluking. So to answer
his question, I would recommend two combinations.
One for bay and inlet fishing and one for
ocean fishing. Also, not knowing Mike's budget,
I will try to recommend a quality combination
under $100. For bay and inlet fishing in relatively
shallow water and light tides, you need an
outfit capable of 1-5 ounces of lead. A 6
1/2-7 foot medium light boat rod and a Penn
9M or Mag 10 with 20 lb. mono. Look at rods
like the Penn Power Stick PC3801ML, Ugly Stik
BWB113066 or a Star Rod in the similar range.
For ocean fluking, try a Penn 310 GTI loaded
with 25 lb. mono. Look at rods from the same
manufacturers that are medium action and can
handle from six to ten ounces of lead. Also,
check out your local reputable tackle shop
for their recommendations as well.
Q: G Hook wants to
know how to decipher weather forecasts for
"reasonable conditions" to plan a party
boat blackfish trip.
A: Weather forecasting
maybe a science, but for me it is a "SWAG"
(scientific wild ass guess") at best. Especially
in the fall. The water and air temperatures
can change rapidly. That difference in water
and air temperatures is what causes wind.
I have lost so many fall trips over the
years, that I now plan for at least a 50%
cancellation rate when settting up my fall
blackfish schedule.
I try to look for a stable weather pattern
for at least two days. I do most of my blackfishing
from Montauk to Orient. That area allows
us to usually find a productive fishing
spot in the lee of the wind. However, sometimes
that is not the case.
I would look for a weather forecast for
wind no more than 10-15 mph and seas 2-3
feet. Any more than that, the boat will
be bouncing around making it difficult to
lay quietly on a piece of productive bottom
since blackfish do not like a bait bouncing
around.
Q: From Vinny:
I am using Spider Wire for blackfish and
like the sensitivity, but I am breaking
the line on the structure when I attempt
to set the hook. What am I doing wrong?
A: Vinny, Spider wire,
or any of the other new super lines, require
some special attention when fishing with
them. If you are not familiar with the
following knots I strongly advise you
to buy a copy of a good knot book in a
reputable tackle store.
When fishing for blackfish, cod, sea bass
or any deep water bottom fish, here is
how I rig up. It has proven the test of
time with many successful catches.
1. I use 30 lb. test Spider Wire for all
my bbottom fishing applications. For deep
water (>100 feet) I first double over
the Spider Wire about 24 inches and tie
a Spider Hitch.
2. For blackfish, cod and sea bass I then
tie on to the doubled spider wire approximately
25 feet of 50 lb. Ande mono. Join the
two lines together with a double uni knot.
3. Tie on a black barrel swivel to the
end of the 50 lb. mono. The tie on your
terminal rigging to the 50 lb. mono.
The 50 lb mono serves three purposes:
- It is more abrasion resistant than the
Spider Wire and barnacle encrusted bottom
structure.
- It acts as a shock absorber when a big
fish makes a final dive for freedom since
it has more stretch than the spider wire.
- Should you get tangled with another
angler, it is much easier to untangle
mono than spider wire.
Also, when blackfishing, make sure your
hooks are sharp. Very important. You don't
need to swing hard since the line has
no stretch. Also, slightly loosen up on
your drag. You will land more fish.
Q: From Marty
- Wants a recommendation for a spinning
reel for flipping jigs from a boat to
match a medium-heavy spinning rod.
A: There are many
excellent reels out there to choose
from. You will want a reel with a smooth
drag and a capacity of approximately
200 yards of 12-15 lb. mono. I would
go with either Penn, Shimano or Daiwa.
There are several models in different
price ranges from $60 and up.
Q: From Doug
- Doug is floating chunks at the south
shore bridges and is getting run offs
but is not getting a solid hook up.
A: Try really
sharpening your hooks. Also, try moving
up to a larger hook, about a 7/0 Octopus
style.
Q: From hrodri4142
- Wants to know about proper knots.
A: I can't think
of anything that is more important
to proper rigging than knowing the
correct knot to use. There are some
excellent books and videos on knot
tying. My favorite is a paperback
by Mark Sosin and Lefty Kreh. You
can find it in any good tackle shop.
Get the book and practice tying.
You really only need to know about
6-8 knots for most fishing situations.
They are: hook snell knot; perfection
loop; uni-knot; Spider hitch; Trilene
Knot; Improved clinch knot; dropper
loop and Surgeon's loop.
Q: From
Bill - Wants recommendations for
a rod and reel to fish the south
shore beaches.
A: Bill, I
am not a surf fisherman, but I
have a lot of friends who are.
They have a selection of rods
and reels for different situations.
There is no all purpose rod and
reel. However, you can come pretty
close. For all around surf fishing,
I would recommend a 10 foot medium
action rod capable of handling
2-5 ounces. Choose a matching
reel with a good drag and line
capacity of 250 yards of 20 lb.
mono. Whether you choose spinning
or conventional is your choice.
I would recommend you check out
some of the better tackle shops
on Long Island for tackle recommendations
for the areas you will be fishing.
Q: From
Travis Tate...Jigging Blues
off Port Jefferson in October.
A: Blues
are on the move and feeding
heavily for their fall migration
south. Since they are feeding
very heavily they could be at
any depth chasing bait. The
waters off Port Jefferson is
varied in depth all the way
out to Middle Grounds where
the depth can exceed 100 feet.
If you are fishing on your own
boat I would get out there early
and first look for birds working.
That is a sure sign that bass
or blues are feeding. If there
are no birds working you need
to find the rip lines where
the tide will push the bait.
Blues and bass will take up
station down tide of the structure
to have the bait brought to
them by the tide. Cruise around
over known structure to see
if you can read them on your
bottom machine. Use a medium
heavy boat rod of about 7 feet.
A conventional reel with 30-50
test mono and 8 ounce diamond
or slab jigs with a single 8/0
or 9/0 hook.
Q:
From Unknown...Best bait and
water temperature for cod?
A: Cod
are not fussy eaters and will
bight on most types of bait.
However, the standard bait
used is usually sea clams.
A half of a large clam or
a whole clam on a 5/0 beak
hook on a 15 inch leader is
the standard rig. Make sure
you have some of the soft
belly meat of the clam on
the hook. As far as water
temperature, cod usually like
it in the mid to low 40 degree
range. As the temperature
goes below 40 degrees they
become reluctant to feed.
Q:
From Fred...Best colors
and time to bucktail at
Plum Gut?
A: Well
Fred, now is the time. The
daytime bucktailing is hot.
Check with Bob at Wego Fishing
Station in Southold for
the best time and tides.
He will also advise you
on the best colors. White,
purple and flourescent chatreuse
are all effective colors.
Make sure you put on a striper
pork rind.
Q: From Paul...How to
rig crabs for blackfish?
A:
I use green crabs for
blackfish in the fall.
If I can get hermit crabs
I prefer them. Use a #
5 Virginia blackfish hook
snelled on 50 lb. leader.
Cut the green crab in
half with a pair of scissors.
The inexpensive utility
snips for about $3 work
great. Snip of the legs
and remove the back shell.
Thread the hook through
one socket and out the
other. That's it.
Q: From Unknown...Wire
Line Trolling Umbrella
Rigs in the Freeport
Area.
A: Umbrella rigs are
very effective where
there are concentrations
of baitfish. I would
work the Jones Inlet
area and outside along
the beach. Start out
with 150 feet of wire
out. If you have no
hits go to 200 feet
and continue to let
out wire until you hit
fish. Look for birds
working and troll the
edge of the school.
Don't go through the
center of the diving
birds since you will
scatter the school.
Q: From ClareBear...How
do you catch live
bunker?
A: Live bunker are
caught by commercial
fishermen by netting.
To catch live bunker
by a sport fisherman,
we usually try to
spot a school of bunker
early in the morning
and use a snagging
rig to catch them.
Most sport fishermen
purchase them fresh
from a reliable bait
and tackle shop.
Q: From Unknown.
What kind of rig
do you use for seabass
on wrecks and when
is the best time
to go?
A: I use a two or
three hook hi-lo
rig using 50 lb.
leader material
with 6 inch dropper
loops. The first
loop should be about
6 inches above the
sinker and the next
two should be spread
about a foot apart.
I use 4/0 baitholder
hooks. Bait with
squid strips or
skimmer clam. The
seabass season just
open up. Inshore
wrecks and rocks
should hold fish
this time of year.
As the season progresses
they will move to
deeper areas, with
the biggest fish
being caught on
the deeper wrecks
in the ocean and
Long Island Sound.
One of my friends
just fished a deep
wreck in LI Sound
and had three fish
over 5 lb and one
over 6 lb.
Q: From Tony -
Where can he get
a map of Moriches
Bay?
A: If you are
a boater I would
strongly recommend
you go into one
on the many boat
supply stores
and get a bound
laminated book
of maps for your
primary fishing
areas. The stores
usually carry
a full selection.
Q: From Fred
- Best tide
to Fish for
Striped Bass
in Plum Gut?
A: This changes
day deepending
on weather,
wind, time of
year and the
presence of
bait in the
water. Both
ebb and flood
tide will produce
fish. Check
with your local
tackle shops
familiar with
the area for
the latest information.
Q: From Jerry,
Cold Spring
- Where can
he get GPS
numbers for
productive
wrecks in
Long Island
Sound?
A: Wreck numbers
are boat fishermens
most guarded
secret. You
can get lists
of known wrecks
and obstructions
off coastal
navigation
maps listed
in latitude
and longitude.
I would recommend
that you keep
a log like
most successful
fishermen
of productive
spots you
have fished.
Also, when
I had my own
boat, I would
take time
during the
"dog days"
of summer
you do some
wreck hunting.
When moving
from one fishing
spot to another,
don't race
at 20+ knots.
Slow down
and look at
your bottom
machine and
note any wrecks
and obstructions
you might
run across.
Then check
them out later
in the season.
Q: From
John: Is
a Penn 209
reel okay
for fluke
and what
sinker weight
should I
use?
A: The Penn
209 is a
great reel
for fluke.
I would
spool it
up with
20lb. quality
mono line,
like Ande
or Berkeley
Big Game.
As far a
what sinker
weight,
it depend
on how deep
you are
fishing
and the
speed of
the current.
You always
want to
be in contact
with the
bottom.
For in the
bay, 2-3
ounces is
usually
adequate.
In the inlets
and along
ocean beaches
you may
need to
go up to
6 ounces.
For true
ocean fluking
in deep
water like
Ambrose
Channel
or off Montauk
and Gardiners
Island where
there are
deep dropoffs
and strong
tides, it's
not uncommon
to fish
10 ounces
and even
higher.
FLUKE
FISHING
We have
been getting
lots of
questions
on fluke
fishing.
Questions
on how
to rig
for bait
fishing
and bucktailing;
specific
knots
to use
and how
to tie
them;
areas
to fish
from one
end of
Long Island
to the
other.
The best
thing
I can
recommend
on sharpening
you skills
on fluking
is to
pick up
Don Kamienski's
book and
video
tape on
fluking,
and get
a copy
of "Knot
Tying"
by Mark
Sosin
and Lefty
Kreh.
They are
all great
sources
of information.
Kamienski's
book and
video
are loaded
with great
information
and tips
on fluking.
Knot Tying
by Sosin
and Kreh
is essential
for your
knowledge
of proper
knots
and how
to tie
them.
Q: From
Tom
from
Babylon:
Tom
is new
to the
fishing
game
a has
bought
a Penn
5500
spinning
reel
and
7 foot
medium
heavy
rod
to match.
His
question
is can
he fish
this
rig
for
fluke,
flounder,
weaks,
blues
and
bass?
He just
started
fishing
on party
boats.
A: Sure
Tom,
you
can
fish
for
these
fish
with
this
set
up.
It may
be a
little
heavy
for
fluke
and
flounder.
I would
not
recommend
it on
a party
boat.
Spinning
reels
are
for
casting,
and
casting
on a
party
boat
is a
no no.
This
would
be a
great
set
up for
pier
and
jetty
fishing.
If you
want
to fish
on a
party
boat
get
a conventional
reel
that
will
hold
approximately
200
yards
of 25
lb test
mono
line.
Check
with
your
local
tackle
shop
for
the
proper
reel
in your
budget.
Q:
From
Hughie
from
Flanders.
Hughie
fishes
for
fluke
in
Western
Peconic
Bay
and
has
had
not
much
luck.
He
wants
to
know
any
favorite
spots
I
can
recommend.
A:
The
fluke
were
super
in
the
Peconic
area
early
in
the
season,
but
they
have
moved
east
to
the
Gardiners
Island
area,
east
of
the
Ruins.
I
would
run
through
Shinnecock
Canal
and
fish
the
inlet
channel
and
just
outside
the
jetties.
Check
with
Altenkirch
Tackle
in
Hampton
Bay
for
the
latest
information
on
area,
bait
and
tides.
Please
pick
your
day
carefully.
Shinnecock
Inlet
can
be
very
dangerous
in
bad
weather.
For
more
answers
to
your
questions
Click
Here.
Return
to
Al
Goldberg's
Tackle
Corner
or
Dave's
Homepage.
A: Kevin, a true custom rod should perform better than the rod you are currently using. However, you should know that a custom rod is not just the fancy threadwork. A good custom fluke/flounder rod made from quality components is a minimum of $225 without any fancy butt wrap. If that is beyond your budget than consider a good production rod. The Cabelas catalog has some excellent rods to choose from.
Q: From kbookeyman. Wants to practice catch
and release and is afraid that if he squeezes down the barb on
the hook he will loose fish.
A: Squeezing down the barbs should be primarily
on treble hook lures. It's for catch and release and for safety
reasons. If you are using a single hook for bait, try a circle
hook. Also, the secret to not loosing fish when caught on a barbless
hook is to maintain no slack in the line when fighting the fish.
Q: From Tom on City Island. Want to recommend
a rod and reel for fluking in the Sandy Hook area for around
$100.
A: Tom, since you are a mate on a party
boat, the outfit will get alot of use. I would recommend a Shimano
TR100N reel which goes for approximately $70. I would match
it with a Penn rod with ceramic guides and capable of handling
up to 6 ounces of lead. The entire outfit should run you no
more than $125-$150.
Q: From Rob: Why is a single hook better
than a treble hook on a cod jig? Why do you use a swivel and
split ring to attach a teaser to the dropper loop?
A: A single hook is more effective than
a treble for several reasons. On a large fish, the single
hook will hold better than the smaller treble. You tend to
snag more smaller fish with the treble hooks and as get hung
up more frequently in rocky bottom. Using a split ring and
swivel, or just the swivel alone with allow the teaser to
spin freely to attract more fish and not twist your line.
Q: From Unknown. He fishes cut bait
for bluefish with circle hooks on a heavy leader attached
to a 3-way swivel and is not getting any bites while others
are catching fish. Any suggestions.
A: Eliminate the 3-way swivel and use
a fishfinder rig. When you get a bite, do not strike the
fish. Let him run and take up the slack by reeling into
the fish. He will hook himself.
Q: From Chris 3515 - What is the
best tide to fish the north shore harbors for spring flounder?
Do yellow sinkers really work? What is the best bait for
spring flounder?
A: I am not familiar with the west
end north shore so I would check with the local tackle
shops in the area. Typically you want some tide movement
to carry your chum slick. Yes, yellow sinkers do work.
Also, put some small yellow or florescent plastic 1.5
inch grubs on your hook. They are also quite effective.
For bait, my personal favorite is fresh mussels. However,
I would bring a variety off baits like sand worms and
fresh clams. Bring plenty of chum. Fresh crushed mussels
or frozen clam chum logs.
Q: From Adam: How to rig for
offshore cod jigging?
A: The long range cod trips to Georges
Bank can be both bait or jig fishing, depending on the
conditions. For jig fishing the jigs range in size from
10-20 ounces depending on wind, tide and water depth.
Jigs like the Bridgeport Vike, Norwegian or Crippled
Herring are all effective. Make sure you take off the
standard treble hook and put on a single 10/0 Siwash
or Mustad tube hook. A flourescent pearl or green tube
or skirt over the hook will add to its effectiveness.
Tie the jig to a 3 foot piece of 80 lb. mono shock leader
with a 4 inch dropper loop about 18 inches above the
jig. Then attach a heavy split ring to the dropper loop
and attach a heavy black barrel swivel to the split
ring. Then take another of the above hooks with a 9
inch purple jelly worm and attach it to the barrel swivel.
These hooks have open eyes that can be closed with the
pair of pliars. At the other end of the leader tie on
a heavy black ball bearing swivel and then tie your
main line to the other eye of the swivel. There a basically
two jigging techniques depending on your position on
the boat. If you are up in the bow, then flip your jig
uptide and bounce it along the bottom until you pass
the bow to the downtide side. Reel up and repeat the
process. If you are on the side of the boat then just
drop the jig straight down to the bottom and start to
yo yo the jig. Keep droping back two our three times
to feel the bottom while you work the jig. If no bite
then reel up and repeat the process. If you are not
getting bites, watch those fishermen that are catching
fish and follow their jigging style.
Q: From Dano: What are the
advantages of using circle hooks?
A: The main advantage is that
you won't gut hook the fish should you want to release
it. Second, you will increase your hook up ratio.
I have had success fishing circle hooks for striped
bass, bluefish, tuna and fluke in the north, and tarpon,
sailfish, grouper and snapper down south. The key
to fishing these hooks is not to try to set the hook
on the bite. You simply reel into the fish when you
feel the bite and the fish literally hooks himself.
Also, circle hooks do not have the same numbering
system as other hooks. Buy them at a reputable tackle
shop that stocks them and ask their advice on the
proper hook size.
Q: From Pat and John: Spring
Blackfish Tips Fishing from Point Lookout.
A: Blackfishing in the spring
is a shadow of what it was in years past. Commercial
pressure has severely reduced both the sping and
fall recreational catch. However, you can still
put some fairly decent catches from time to time.
While you can target the many bridge structures
in the greater Jones Beach area like the Meadowbrook,
I would try to find some of the many inshore ocean
rockpiles and structure that are outside Jones Inlet.
Pick up some local charts that will show you the
known wrecks in the area and give them a try. Also,
try to do some searching on your own for some bottom
structure. Standard tackle of a medium boat rod
and reel loaded with 30 lb. spectra line. A #5 Virginia
or 3/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hook snelled on 40 lb.
leader. Bait can be fiddlers, green crabs or fresh
clams. Spring blackfish usually are on the small
side, with a good fish being 5-6 lb. However, there
is always the chance of picking up a larger fish.
Make sure you put back the spawning females.
Q: From Jerrold: Porgy
Tips for Late Summer and Fall
A: Like blackfish, porgy fishing
has shown a tremendous decline over the years.
The best porgy fishing I had last year was from
mid September into October from Orient Point,
Montauk and off Block Island on charter fishing
trips. I would check out the Long Island Fisherman
for the names of charter boats from Montauk and
Orient Point and call the captains for more information
to schedule a trip. Chater boats from Montauk
I can recommend are the Vivienne, Karen Sue, Lori
Jay, Fisherman II, Breakaway, Blue Fin IV and
Montauk.. From Orient Point - Nancy Ann, Orient
Star and the Sundowner.
Q: From W.T. Tyler -
Recommendations for Places to Fly Fish on Long
Island In April.
A: I am not a freshwater
fly fisherman and have only just started to
fly fish in saltwater. I would recommend you
contact one of the many fly fishing tackle shops
on Long Island for more information or pick
up a copy of the Long Island Fisherman.
Q: From Mike C. Wants
a recommendation on a rod a reel combo for
party boat fluking. Would prefer a Penn reel.
A: In trying to answer
Mike's question, he failed to tell me where
he does his party boat fluking. So to answer
his question, I would recommend two combinations.
One for bay and inlet fishing and one for
ocean fishing. Also, not knowing Mike's budget,
I will try to recommend a quality combination
under $100. For bay and inlet fishing in relatively
shallow water and light tides, you need an
outfit capable of 1-5 ounces of lead. A 6
1/2-7 foot medium light boat rod and a Penn
9M or Mag 10 with 20 lb. mono. Look at rods
like the Penn Power Stick PC3801ML, Ugly Stik
BWB113066 or a Star Rod in the similar range.
For ocean fluking, try a Penn 310 GTI loaded
with 25 lb. mono. Look at rods from the same
manufacturers that are medium action and can
handle from six to ten ounces of lead. Also,
check out your local reputable tackle shop
for their recommendations as well.
Q: G Hook wants to
know how to decipher weather forecasts for
"reasonable conditions" to plan a party
boat blackfish trip.
A: Weather forecasting
maybe a science, but for me it is a "SWAG"
(scientific wild ass guess") at best. Especially
in the fall. The water and air temperatures
can change rapidly. That difference in water
and air temperatures is what causes wind.
I have lost so many fall trips over the
years, that I now plan for at least a 50%
cancellation rate when settting up my fall
blackfish schedule.
I try to look for a stable weather pattern
for at least two days. I do most of my blackfishing
from Montauk to Orient. That area allows
us to usually find a productive fishing
spot in the lee of the wind. However, sometimes
that is not the case.
I would look for a weather forecast for
wind no more than 10-15 mph and seas 2-3
feet. Any more than that, the boat will
be bouncing around making it difficult to
lay quietly on a piece of productive bottom
since blackfish do not like a bait bouncing
around.
Q: From Vinny:
I am using Spider Wire for blackfish and
like the sensitivity, but I am breaking
the line on the structure when I attempt
to set the hook. What am I doing wrong?
A: Vinny, Spider wire,
or any of the other new super lines, require
some special attention when fishing with
them. If you are not familiar with the
following knots I strongly advise you
to buy a copy of a good knot book in a
reputable tackle store.
When fishing for blackfish, cod, sea bass
or any deep water bottom fish, here is
how I rig up. It has proven the test of
time with many successful catches.
1. I use 30 lb. test Spider Wire for all
my bbottom fishing applications. For deep
water (>100 feet) I first double over
the Spider Wire about 24 inches and tie
a Spider Hitch.
2. For blackfish, cod and sea bass I then
tie on to the doubled spider wire approximately
25 feet of 50 lb. Ande mono. Join the
two lines together with a double uni knot.
3. Tie on a black barrel swivel to the
end of the 50 lb. mono. The tie on your
terminal rigging to the 50 lb. mono.
The 50 lb mono serves three purposes:
- It is more abrasion resistant than the
Spider Wire and barnacle encrusted bottom
structure.
- It acts as a shock absorber when a big
fish makes a final dive for freedom since
it has more stretch than the spider wire.
- Should you get tangled with another
angler, it is much easier to untangle
mono than spider wire.
Also, when blackfishing, make sure your
hooks are sharp. Very important. You don't
need to swing hard since the line has
no stretch. Also, slightly loosen up on
your drag. You will land more fish.
Q: From Marty
- Wants a recommendation for a spinning
reel for flipping jigs from a boat to
match a medium-heavy spinning rod.
A: There are many
excellent reels out there to choose
from. You will want a reel with a smooth
drag and a capacity of approximately
200 yards of 12-15 lb. mono. I would
go with either Penn, Shimano or Daiwa.
There are several models in different
price ranges from $60 and up.
Q: From Doug
- Doug is floating chunks at the south
shore bridges and is getting run offs
but is not getting a solid hook up.
A: Try really
sharpening your hooks. Also, try moving
up to a larger hook, about a 7/0 Octopus
style.
Q: From hrodri4142
- Wants to know about proper knots.
A: I can't think
of anything that is more important
to proper rigging than knowing the
correct knot to use. There are some
excellent books and videos on knot
tying. My favorite is a paperback
by Mark Sosin and Lefty Kreh. You
can find it in any good tackle shop.
Get the book and practice tying.
You really only need to know about
6-8 knots for most fishing situations.
They are: hook snell knot; perfection
loop; uni-knot; Spider hitch; Trilene
Knot; Improved clinch knot; dropper
loop and Surgeon's loop.
Q: From
Bill - Wants recommendations for
a rod and reel to fish the south
shore beaches.
A: Bill, I
am not a surf fisherman, but I
have a lot of friends who are.
They have a selection of rods
and reels for different situations.
There is no all purpose rod and
reel. However, you can come pretty
close. For all around surf fishing,
I would recommend a 10 foot medium
action rod capable of handling
2-5 ounces. Choose a matching
reel with a good drag and line
capacity of 250 yards of 20 lb.
mono. Whether you choose spinning
or conventional is your choice.
I would recommend you check out
some of the better tackle shops
on Long Island for tackle recommendations
for the areas you will be fishing.
Q: From
Travis Tate...Jigging Blues
off Port Jefferson in October.
A: Blues
are on the move and feeding
heavily for their fall migration
south. Since they are feeding
very heavily they could be at
any depth chasing bait. The
waters off Port Jefferson is
varied in depth all the way
out to Middle Grounds where
the depth can exceed 100 feet.
If you are fishing on your own
boat I would get out there early
and first look for birds working.
That is a sure sign that bass
or blues are feeding. If there
are no birds working you need
to find the rip lines where
the tide will push the bait.
Blues and bass will take up
station down tide of the structure
to have the bait brought to
them by the tide. Cruise around
over known structure to see
if you can read them on your
bottom machine. Use a medium
heavy boat rod of about 7 feet.
A conventional reel with 30-50
test mono and 8 ounce diamond
or slab jigs with a single 8/0
or 9/0 hook.
Q:
From Unknown...Best bait and
water temperature for cod?
A: Cod
are not fussy eaters and will
bight on most types of bait.
However, the standard bait
used is usually sea clams.
A half of a large clam or
a whole clam on a 5/0 beak
hook on a 15 inch leader is
the standard rig. Make sure
you have some of the soft
belly meat of the clam on
the hook. As far as water
temperature, cod usually like
it in the mid to low 40 degree
range. As the temperature
goes below 40 degrees they
become reluctant to feed.
Q:
From Fred...Best colors
and time to bucktail at
Plum Gut?
A: Well
Fred, now is the time. The
daytime bucktailing is hot.
Check with Bob at Wego Fishing
Station in Southold for
the best time and tides.
He will also advise you
on the best colors. White,
purple and flourescent chatreuse
are all effective colors.
Make sure you put on a striper
pork rind.
Q: From Paul...How to
rig crabs for blackfish?
A:
I use green crabs for
blackfish in the fall.
If I can get hermit crabs
I prefer them. Use a #
5 Virginia blackfish hook
snelled on 50 lb. leader.
Cut the green crab in
half with a pair of scissors.
The inexpensive utility
snips for about $3 work
great. Snip of the legs
and remove the back shell.
Thread the hook through
one socket and out the
other. That's it.
Q: From Unknown...Wire
Line Trolling Umbrella
Rigs in the Freeport
Area.
A: Umbrella rigs are
very effective where
there are concentrations
of baitfish. I would
work the Jones Inlet
area and outside along
the beach. Start out
with 150 feet of wire
out. If you have no
hits go to 200 feet
and continue to let
out wire until you hit
fish. Look for birds
working and troll the
edge of the school.
Don't go through the
center of the diving
birds since you will
scatter the school.
Q: From ClareBear...How
do you catch live
bunker?
A: Live bunker are
caught by commercial
fishermen by netting.
To catch live bunker
by a sport fisherman,
we usually try to
spot a school of bunker
early in the morning
and use a snagging
rig to catch them.
Most sport fishermen
purchase them fresh
from a reliable bait
and tackle shop.
Q: From Unknown.
What kind of rig
do you use for seabass
on wrecks and when
is the best time
to go?
A: I use a two or
three hook hi-lo
rig using 50 lb.
leader material
with 6 inch dropper
loops. The first
loop should be about
6 inches above the
sinker and the next
two should be spread
about a foot apart.
I use 4/0 baitholder
hooks. Bait with
squid strips or
skimmer clam. The
seabass season just
open up. Inshore
wrecks and rocks
should hold fish
this time of year.
As the season progresses
they will move to
deeper areas, with
the biggest fish
being caught on
the deeper wrecks
in the ocean and
Long Island Sound.
One of my friends
just fished a deep
wreck in LI Sound
and had three fish
over 5 lb and one
over 6 lb.
Q: From Tony -
Where can he get
a map of Moriches
Bay?
A: If you are
a boater I would
strongly recommend
you go into one
on the many boat
supply stores
and get a bound
laminated book
of maps for your
primary fishing
areas. The stores
usually carry
a full selection.
Q: From Fred
- Best tide
to Fish for
Striped Bass
in Plum Gut?
A: This changes
day deepending
on weather,
wind, time of
year and the
presence of
bait in the
water. Both
ebb and flood
tide will produce
fish. Check
with your local
tackle shops
familiar with
the area for
the latest information.
Q: From Jerry,
Cold Spring
- Where can
he get GPS
numbers for
productive
wrecks in
Long Island
Sound?
A: Wreck numbers
are boat fishermens
most guarded
secret. You
can get lists
of known wrecks
and obstructions
off coastal
navigation
maps listed
in latitude
and longitude.
I would recommend
that you keep
a log like
most successful
fishermen
of productive
spots you
have fished.
Also, when
I had my own
boat, I would
take time
during the
"dog days"
of summer
you do some
wreck hunting.
When moving
from one fishing
spot to another,
don't race
at 20+ knots.
Slow down
and look at
your bottom
machine and
note any wrecks
and obstructions
you might
run across.
Then check
them out later
in the season.
Q: From
John: Is
a Penn 209
reel okay
for fluke
and what
sinker weight
should I
use?
A: The Penn
209 is a
great reel
for fluke.
I would
spool it
up with
20lb. quality
mono line,
like Ande
or Berkeley
Big Game.
As far a
what sinker
weight,
it depend
on how deep
you are
fishing
and the
speed of
the current.
You always
want to
be in contact
with the
bottom.
For in the
bay, 2-3
ounces is
usually
adequate.
In the inlets
and along
ocean beaches
you may
need to
go up to
6 ounces.
For true
ocean fluking
in deep
water like
Ambrose
Channel
or off Montauk
and Gardiners
Island where
there are
deep dropoffs
and strong
tides, it's
not uncommon
to fish
10 ounces
and even
higher.
FLUKE
FISHING
We have
been getting
lots of
questions
on fluke
fishing.
Questions
on how
to rig
for bait
fishing
and bucktailing;
specific
knots
to use
and how
to tie
them;
areas
to fish
from one
end of
Long Island
to the
other.
The best
thing
I can
recommend
on sharpening
you skills
on fluking
is to
pick up
Don Kamienski's
book and
video
tape on
fluking,
and get
a copy
of "Knot
Tying"
by Mark
Sosin
and Lefty
Kreh.
They are
all great
sources
of information.
Kamienski's
book and
video
are loaded
with great
information
and tips
on fluking.
Knot Tying
by Sosin
and Kreh
is essential
for your
knowledge
of proper
knots
and how
to tie
them.
Q: From
Tom
from
Babylon:
Tom
is new
to the
fishing
game
a has
bought
a Penn
5500
spinning
reel
and
7 foot
medium
heavy
rod
to match.
His
question
is can
he fish
this
rig
for
fluke,
flounder,
weaks,
blues
and
bass?
He just
started
fishing
on party
boats.
A: Sure
Tom,
you
can
fish
for
these
fish
with
this
set
up.
It may
be a
little
heavy
for
fluke
and
flounder.
I would
not
recommend
it on
a party
boat.
Spinning
reels
are
for
casting,
and
casting
on a
party
boat
is a
no no.
This
would
be a
great
set
up for
pier
and
jetty
fishing.
If you
want
to fish
on a
party
boat
get
a conventional
reel
that
will
hold
approximately
200
yards
of 25
lb test
mono
line.
Check
with
your
local
tackle
shop
for
the
proper
reel
in your
budget.
Q:
From
Hughie
from
Flanders.
Hughie
fishes
for
fluke
in
Western
Peconic
Bay
and
has
had
not
much
luck.
He
wants
to
know
any
favorite
spots
I
can
recommend.
A:
The
fluke
were
super
in
the
Peconic
area
early
in
the
season,
but
they
have
moved
east
to
the
Gardiners
Island
area,
east
of
the
Ruins.
I
would
run
through
Shinnecock
Canal
and
fish
the
inlet
channel
and
just
outside
the
jetties.
Check
with
Altenkirch
Tackle
in
Hampton
Bay
for
the
latest
information
on
area,
bait
and
tides.
Please
pick
your
day
carefully.
Shinnecock
Inlet
can
be
very
dangerous
in
bad
weather.
For
more
answers
to
your
questions
Click
Here.
Return
to
Al
Goldberg's
Tackle
Corner
or
Dave's
Homepage.
A: Tom, since you are a mate on a party boat, the outfit will get alot of use. I would recommend a Shimano TR100N reel which goes for approximately $70. I would match it with a Penn rod with ceramic guides and capable of handling up to 6 ounces of lead. The entire outfit should run you no more than $125-$150.
Q: From Rob: Why is a single hook better
than a treble hook on a cod jig? Why do you use a swivel and
split ring to attach a teaser to the dropper loop?
A: A single hook is more effective than
a treble for several reasons. On a large fish, the single
hook will hold better than the smaller treble. You tend to
snag more smaller fish with the treble hooks and as get hung
up more frequently in rocky bottom. Using a split ring and
swivel, or just the swivel alone with allow the teaser to
spin freely to attract more fish and not twist your line.
Q: From Unknown. He fishes cut bait
for bluefish with circle hooks on a heavy leader attached
to a 3-way swivel and is not getting any bites while others
are catching fish. Any suggestions.
A: Eliminate the 3-way swivel and use
a fishfinder rig. When you get a bite, do not strike the
fish. Let him run and take up the slack by reeling into
the fish. He will hook himself.
Q: From Chris 3515 - What is the
best tide to fish the north shore harbors for spring flounder?
Do yellow sinkers really work? What is the best bait for
spring flounder?
A: I am not familiar with the west
end north shore so I would check with the local tackle
shops in the area. Typically you want some tide movement
to carry your chum slick. Yes, yellow sinkers do work.
Also, put some small yellow or florescent plastic 1.5
inch grubs on your hook. They are also quite effective.
For bait, my personal favorite is fresh mussels. However,
I would bring a variety off baits like sand worms and
fresh clams. Bring plenty of chum. Fresh crushed mussels
or frozen clam chum logs.
Q: From Adam: How to rig for
offshore cod jigging?
A: The long range cod trips to Georges
Bank can be both bait or jig fishing, depending on the
conditions. For jig fishing the jigs range in size from
10-20 ounces depending on wind, tide and water depth.
Jigs like the Bridgeport Vike, Norwegian or Crippled
Herring are all effective. Make sure you take off the
standard treble hook and put on a single 10/0 Siwash
or Mustad tube hook. A flourescent pearl or green tube
or skirt over the hook will add to its effectiveness.
Tie the jig to a 3 foot piece of 80 lb. mono shock leader
with a 4 inch dropper loop about 18 inches above the
jig. Then attach a heavy split ring to the dropper loop
and attach a heavy black barrel swivel to the split
ring. Then take another of the above hooks with a 9
inch purple jelly worm and attach it to the barrel swivel.
These hooks have open eyes that can be closed with the
pair of pliars. At the other end of the leader tie on
a heavy black ball bearing swivel and then tie your
main line to the other eye of the swivel. There a basically
two jigging techniques depending on your position on
the boat. If you are up in the bow, then flip your jig
uptide and bounce it along the bottom until you pass
the bow to the downtide side. Reel up and repeat the
process. If you are on the side of the boat then just
drop the jig straight down to the bottom and start to
yo yo the jig. Keep droping back two our three times
to feel the bottom while you work the jig. If no bite
then reel up and repeat the process. If you are not
getting bites, watch those fishermen that are catching
fish and follow their jigging style.
Q: From Dano: What are the
advantages of using circle hooks?
A: The main advantage is that
you won't gut hook the fish should you want to release
it. Second, you will increase your hook up ratio.
I have had success fishing circle hooks for striped
bass, bluefish, tuna and fluke in the north, and tarpon,
sailfish, grouper and snapper down south. The key
to fishing these hooks is not to try to set the hook
on the bite. You simply reel into the fish when you
feel the bite and the fish literally hooks himself.
Also, circle hooks do not have the same numbering
system as other hooks. Buy them at a reputable tackle
shop that stocks them and ask their advice on the
proper hook size.
Q: From Pat and John: Spring
Blackfish Tips Fishing from Point Lookout.
A: Blackfishing in the spring
is a shadow of what it was in years past. Commercial
pressure has severely reduced both the sping and
fall recreational catch. However, you can still
put some fairly decent catches from time to time.
While you can target the many bridge structures
in the greater Jones Beach area like the Meadowbrook,
I would try to find some of the many inshore ocean
rockpiles and structure that are outside Jones Inlet.
Pick up some local charts that will show you the
known wrecks in the area and give them a try. Also,
try to do some searching on your own for some bottom
structure. Standard tackle of a medium boat rod
and reel loaded with 30 lb. spectra line. A #5 Virginia
or 3/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hook snelled on 40 lb.
leader. Bait can be fiddlers, green crabs or fresh
clams. Spring blackfish usually are on the small
side, with a good fish being 5-6 lb. However, there
is always the chance of picking up a larger fish.
Make sure you put back the spawning females.
Q: From Jerrold: Porgy
Tips for Late Summer and Fall
A: Like blackfish, porgy fishing
has shown a tremendous decline over the years.
The best porgy fishing I had last year was from
mid September into October from Orient Point,
Montauk and off Block Island on charter fishing
trips. I would check out the Long Island Fisherman
for the names of charter boats from Montauk and
Orient Point and call the captains for more information
to schedule a trip. Chater boats from Montauk
I can recommend are the Vivienne, Karen Sue, Lori
Jay, Fisherman II, Breakaway, Blue Fin IV and
Montauk.. From Orient Point - Nancy Ann, Orient
Star and the Sundowner.
Q: From W.T. Tyler -
Recommendations for Places to Fly Fish on Long
Island In April.
A: I am not a freshwater
fly fisherman and have only just started to
fly fish in saltwater. I would recommend you
contact one of the many fly fishing tackle shops
on Long Island for more information or pick
up a copy of the Long Island Fisherman.
Q: From Mike C. Wants
a recommendation on a rod a reel combo for
party boat fluking. Would prefer a Penn reel.
A: In trying to answer
Mike's question, he failed to tell me where
he does his party boat fluking. So to answer
his question, I would recommend two combinations.
One for bay and inlet fishing and one for
ocean fishing. Also, not knowing Mike's budget,
I will try to recommend a quality combination
under $100. For bay and inlet fishing in relatively
shallow water and light tides, you need an
outfit capable of 1-5 ounces of lead. A 6
1/2-7 foot medium light boat rod and a Penn
9M or Mag 10 with 20 lb. mono. Look at rods
like the Penn Power Stick PC3801ML, Ugly Stik
BWB113066 or a Star Rod in the similar range.
For ocean fluking, try a Penn 310 GTI loaded
with 25 lb. mono. Look at rods from the same
manufacturers that are medium action and can
handle from six to ten ounces of lead. Also,
check out your local reputable tackle shop
for their recommendations as well.
Q: G Hook wants to
know how to decipher weather forecasts for
"reasonable conditions" to plan a party
boat blackfish trip.
A: Weather forecasting
maybe a science, but for me it is a "SWAG"
(scientific wild ass guess") at best. Especially
in the fall. The water and air temperatures
can change rapidly. That difference in water
and air temperatures is what causes wind.
I have lost so many fall trips over the
years, that I now plan for at least a 50%
cancellation rate when settting up my fall
blackfish schedule.
I try to look for a stable weather pattern
for at least two days. I do most of my blackfishing
from Montauk to Orient. That area allows
us to usually find a productive fishing
spot in the lee of the wind. However, sometimes
that is not the case.
I would look for a weather forecast for
wind no more than 10-15 mph and seas 2-3
feet. Any more than that, the boat will
be bouncing around making it difficult to
lay quietly on a piece of productive bottom
since blackfish do not like a bait bouncing
around.
Q: From Vinny:
I am using Spider Wire for blackfish and
like the sensitivity, but I am breaking
the line on the structure when I attempt
to set the hook. What am I doing wrong?
A: Vinny, Spider wire,
or any of the other new super lines, require
some special attention when fishing with
them. If you are not familiar with the
following knots I strongly advise you
to buy a copy of a good knot book in a
reputable tackle store.
When fishing for blackfish, cod, sea bass
or any deep water bottom fish, here is
how I rig up. It has proven the test of
time with many successful catches.
1. I use 30 lb. test Spider Wire for all
my bbottom fishing applications. For deep
water (>100 feet) I first double over
the Spider Wire about 24 inches and tie
a Spider Hitch.
2. For blackfish, cod and sea bass I then
tie on to the doubled spider wire approximately
25 feet of 50 lb. Ande mono. Join the
two lines together with a double uni knot.
3. Tie on a black barrel swivel to the
end of the 50 lb. mono. The tie on your
terminal rigging to the 50 lb. mono.
The 50 lb mono serves three purposes:
- It is more abrasion resistant than the
Spider Wire and barnacle encrusted bottom
structure.
- It acts as a shock absorber when a big
fish makes a final dive for freedom since
it has more stretch than the spider wire.
- Should you get tangled with another
angler, it is much easier to untangle
mono than spider wire.
Also, when blackfishing, make sure your
hooks are sharp. Very important. You don't
need to swing hard since the line has
no stretch. Also, slightly loosen up on
your drag. You will land more fish.
Q: From Marty
- Wants a recommendation for a spinning
reel for flipping jigs from a boat to
match a medium-heavy spinning rod.
A: There are many
excellent reels out there to choose
from. You will want a reel with a smooth
drag and a capacity of approximately
200 yards of 12-15 lb. mono. I would
go with either Penn, Shimano or Daiwa.
There are several models in different
price ranges from $60 and up.
Q: From Doug
- Doug is floating chunks at the south
shore bridges and is getting run offs
but is not getting a solid hook up.
A: Try really
sharpening your hooks. Also, try moving
up to a larger hook, about a 7/0 Octopus
style.
Q: From hrodri4142
- Wants to know about proper knots.
A: I can't think
of anything that is more important
to proper rigging than knowing the
correct knot to use. There are some
excellent books and videos on knot
tying. My favorite is a paperback
by Mark Sosin and Lefty Kreh. You
can find it in any good tackle shop.
Get the book and practice tying.
You really only need to know about
6-8 knots for most fishing situations.
They are: hook snell knot; perfection
loop; uni-knot; Spider hitch; Trilene
Knot; Improved clinch knot; dropper
loop and Surgeon's loop.
Q: From
Bill - Wants recommendations for
a rod and reel to fish the south
shore beaches.
A: Bill, I
am not a surf fisherman, but I
have a lot of friends who are.
They have a selection of rods
and reels for different situations.
There is no all purpose rod and
reel. However, you can come pretty
close. For all around surf fishing,
I would recommend a 10 foot medium
action rod capable of handling
2-5 ounces. Choose a matching
reel with a good drag and line
capacity of 250 yards of 20 lb.
mono. Whether you choose spinning
or conventional is your choice.
I would recommend you check out
some of the better tackle shops
on Long Island for tackle recommendations
for the areas you will be fishing.
Q: From
Travis Tate...Jigging Blues
off Port Jefferson in October.
A: Blues
are on the move and feeding
heavily for their fall migration
south. Since they are feeding
very heavily they could be at
any depth chasing bait. The
waters off Port Jefferson is
varied in depth all the way
out to Middle Grounds where
the depth can exceed 100 feet.
If you are fishing on your own
boat I would get out there early
and first look for birds working.
That is a sure sign that bass
or blues are feeding. If there
are no birds working you need
to find the rip lines where
the tide will push the bait.
Blues and bass will take up
station down tide of the structure
to have the bait brought to
them by the tide. Cruise around
over known structure to see
if you can read them on your
bottom machine. Use a medium
heavy boat rod of about 7 feet.
A conventional reel with 30-50
test mono and 8 ounce diamond
or slab jigs with a single 8/0
or 9/0 hook.
Q:
From Unknown...Best bait and
water temperature for cod?
A: Cod
are not fussy eaters and will
bight on most types of bait.
However, the standard bait
used is usually sea clams.
A half of a large clam or
a whole clam on a 5/0 beak
hook on a 15 inch leader is
the standard rig. Make sure
you have some of the soft
belly meat of the clam on
the hook. As far as water
temperature, cod usually like
it in the mid to low 40 degree
range. As the temperature
goes below 40 degrees they
become reluctant to feed.
Q:
From Fred...Best colors
and time to bucktail at
Plum Gut?
A: Well
Fred, now is the time. The
daytime bucktailing is hot.
Check with Bob at Wego Fishing
Station in Southold for
the best time and tides.
He will also advise you
on the best colors. White,
purple and flourescent chatreuse
are all effective colors.
Make sure you put on a striper
pork rind.
Q: From Paul...How to
rig crabs for blackfish?
A:
I use green crabs for
blackfish in the fall.
If I can get hermit crabs
I prefer them. Use a #
5 Virginia blackfish hook
snelled on 50 lb. leader.
Cut the green crab in
half with a pair of scissors.
The inexpensive utility
snips for about $3 work
great. Snip of the legs
and remove the back shell.
Thread the hook through
one socket and out the
other. That's it.
Q: From Unknown...Wire
Line Trolling Umbrella
Rigs in the Freeport
Area.
A: Umbrella rigs are
very effective where
there are concentrations
of baitfish. I would
work the Jones Inlet
area and outside along
the beach. Start out
with 150 feet of wire
out. If you have no
hits go to 200 feet
and continue to let
out wire until you hit
fish. Look for birds
working and troll the
edge of the school.
Don't go through the
center of the diving
birds since you will
scatter the school.
Q: From ClareBear...How
do you catch live
bunker?
A: Live bunker are
caught by commercial
fishermen by netting.
To catch live bunker
by a sport fisherman,
we usually try to
spot a school of bunker
early in the morning
and use a snagging
rig to catch them.
Most sport fishermen
purchase them fresh
from a reliable bait
and tackle shop.
Q: From Unknown.
What kind of rig
do you use for seabass
on wrecks and when
is the best time
to go?
A: I use a two or
three hook hi-lo
rig using 50 lb.
leader material
with 6 inch dropper
loops. The first
loop should be about
6 inches above the
sinker and the next
two should be spread
about a foot apart.
I use 4/0 baitholder
hooks. Bait with
squid strips or
skimmer clam. The
seabass season just
open up. Inshore
wrecks and rocks
should hold fish
this time of year.
As the season progresses
they will move to
deeper areas, with
the biggest fish
being caught on
the deeper wrecks
in the ocean and
Long Island Sound.
One of my friends
just fished a deep
wreck in LI Sound
and had three fish
over 5 lb and one
over 6 lb.
Q: From Tony -
Where can he get
a map of Moriches
Bay?
A: If you are
a boater I would
strongly recommend
you go into one
on the many boat
supply stores
and get a bound
laminated book
of maps for your
primary fishing
areas. The stores
usually carry
a full selection.
Q: From Fred
- Best tide
to Fish for
Striped Bass
in Plum Gut?
A: This changes
day deepending
on weather,
wind, time of
year and the
presence of
bait in the
water. Both
ebb and flood
tide will produce
fish. Check
with your local
tackle shops
familiar with
the area for
the latest information.
Q: From Jerry,
Cold Spring
- Where can
he get GPS
numbers for
productive
wrecks in
Long Island
Sound?
A: Wreck numbers
are boat fishermens
most guarded
secret. You
can get lists
of known wrecks
and obstructions
off coastal
navigation
maps listed
in latitude
and longitude.
I would recommend
that you keep
a log like
most successful
fishermen
of productive
spots you
have fished.
Also, when
I had my own
boat, I would
take time
during the
"dog days"
of summer
you do some
wreck hunting.
When moving
from one fishing
spot to another,
don't race
at 20+ knots.
Slow down
and look at
your bottom
machine and
note any wrecks
and obstructions
you might
run across.
Then check
them out later
in the season.
Q: From
John: Is
a Penn 209
reel okay
for fluke
and what
sinker weight
should I
use?
A: The Penn
209 is a
great reel
for fluke.
I would
spool it
up with
20lb. quality
mono line,
like Ande
or Berkeley
Big Game.
As far a
what sinker
weight,
it depend
on how deep
you are
fishing
and the
speed of
the current.
You always
want to
be in contact
with the
bottom.
For in the
bay, 2-3
ounces is
usually
adequate.
In the inlets
and along
ocean beaches
you may
need to
go up to
6 ounces.
For true
ocean fluking
in deep
water like
Ambrose
Channel
or off Montauk
and Gardiners
Island where
there are
deep dropoffs
and strong
tides, it's
not uncommon
to fish
10 ounces
and even
higher.
FLUKE
FISHING
We have
been getting
lots of
questions
on fluke
fishing.
Questions
on how
to rig
for bait
fishing
and bucktailing;
specific
knots
to use
and how
to tie
them;
areas
to fish
from one
end of
Long Island
to the
other.
The best
thing
I can
recommend
on sharpening
you skills
on fluking
is to
pick up
Don Kamienski's
book and
video
tape on
fluking,
and get
a copy
of "Knot
Tying"
by Mark
Sosin
and Lefty
Kreh.
They are
all great
sources
of information.
Kamienski's
book and
video
are loaded
with great
information
and tips
on fluking.
Knot Tying
by Sosin
and Kreh
is essential
for your
knowledge
of proper
knots
and how
to tie
them.
Q: From
Tom
from
Babylon:
Tom
is new
to the
fishing
game
a has
bought
a Penn
5500
spinning
reel
and
7 foot
medium
heavy
rod
to match.
His
question
is can
he fish
this
rig
for
fluke,
flounder,
weaks,
blues
and
bass?
He just
started
fishing
on party
boats.
A: Sure
Tom,
you
can
fish
for
these
fish
with
this
set
up.
It may
be a
little
heavy
for
fluke
and
flounder.
I would
not
recommend
it on
a party
boat.
Spinning
reels
are
for
casting,
and
casting
on a
party
boat
is a
no no.
This
would
be a
great
set
up for
pier
and
jetty
fishing.
If you
want
to fish
on a
party
boat
get
a conventional
reel
that
will
hold
approximately
200
yards
of 25
lb test
mono
line.
Check
with
your
local
tackle
shop
for
the
proper
reel
in your
budget.
Q:
From
Hughie
from
Flanders.
Hughie
fishes
for
fluke
in
Western
Peconic
Bay
and
has
had
not
much
luck.
He
wants
to
know
any
favorite
spots
I
can
recommend.
A:
The
fluke
were
super
in
the
Peconic
area
early
in
the
season,
but
they
have
moved
east
to
the
Gardiners
Island
area,
east
of
the
Ruins.
I
would
run
through
Shinnecock
Canal
and
fish
the
inlet
channel
and
just
outside
the
jetties.
Check
with
Altenkirch
Tackle
in
Hampton
Bay
for
the
latest
information
on
area,
bait
and
tides.
Please
pick
your
day
carefully.
Shinnecock
Inlet
can
be
very
dangerous
in
bad
weather.
For
more
answers
to
your
questions
Click
Here.
Return
to
Al
Goldberg's
Tackle
Corner
or
Dave's
Homepage.
A: Eliminate the 3-way swivel and use a fishfinder rig. When you get a bite, do not strike the fish. Let him run and take up the slack by reeling into the fish. He will hook himself.
Q: From Chris 3515 - What is the
best tide to fish the north shore harbors for spring flounder?
Do yellow sinkers really work? What is the best bait for
spring flounder?
A: I am not familiar with the west
end north shore so I would check with the local tackle
shops in the area. Typically you want some tide movement
to carry your chum slick. Yes, yellow sinkers do work.
Also, put some small yellow or florescent plastic 1.5
inch grubs on your hook. They are also quite effective.
For bait, my personal favorite is fresh mussels. However,
I would bring a variety off baits like sand worms and
fresh clams. Bring plenty of chum. Fresh crushed mussels
or frozen clam chum logs.
Q: From Adam: How to rig for
offshore cod jigging?
A: The long range cod trips to Georges
Bank can be both bait or jig fishing, depending on the
conditions. For jig fishing the jigs range in size from
10-20 ounces depending on wind, tide and water depth.
Jigs like the Bridgeport Vike, Norwegian or Crippled
Herring are all effective. Make sure you take off the
standard treble hook and put on a single 10/0 Siwash
or Mustad tube hook. A flourescent pearl or green tube
or skirt over the hook will add to its effectiveness.
Tie the jig to a 3 foot piece of 80 lb. mono shock leader
with a 4 inch dropper loop about 18 inches above the
jig. Then attach a heavy split ring to the dropper loop
and attach a heavy black barrel swivel to the split
ring. Then take another of the above hooks with a 9
inch purple jelly worm and attach it to the barrel swivel.
These hooks have open eyes that can be closed with the
pair of pliars. At the other end of the leader tie on
a heavy black ball bearing swivel and then tie your
main line to the other eye of the swivel. There a basically
two jigging techniques depending on your position on
the boat. If you are up in the bow, then flip your jig
uptide and bounce it along the bottom until you pass
the bow to the downtide side. Reel up and repeat the
process. If you are on the side of the boat then just
drop the jig straight down to the bottom and start to
yo yo the jig. Keep droping back two our three times
to feel the bottom while you work the jig. If no bite
then reel up and repeat the process. If you are not
getting bites, watch those fishermen that are catching
fish and follow their jigging style.
Q: From Dano: What are the
advantages of using circle hooks?
A: The main advantage is that
you won't gut hook the fish should you want to release
it. Second, you will increase your hook up ratio.
I have had success fishing circle hooks for striped
bass, bluefish, tuna and fluke in the north, and tarpon,
sailfish, grouper and snapper down south. The key
to fishing these hooks is not to try to set the hook
on the bite. You simply reel into the fish when you
feel the bite and the fish literally hooks himself.
Also, circle hooks do not have the same numbering
system as other hooks. Buy them at a reputable tackle
shop that stocks them and ask their advice on the
proper hook size.
Q: From Pat and John: Spring
Blackfish Tips Fishing from Point Lookout.
A: Blackfishing in the spring
is a shadow of what it was in years past. Commercial
pressure has severely reduced both the sping and
fall recreational catch. However, you can still
put some fairly decent catches from time to time.
While you can target the many bridge structures
in the greater Jones Beach area like the Meadowbrook,
I would try to find some of the many inshore ocean
rockpiles and structure that are outside Jones Inlet.
Pick up some local charts that will show you the
known wrecks in the area and give them a try. Also,
try to do some searching on your own for some bottom
structure. Standard tackle of a medium boat rod
and reel loaded with 30 lb. spectra line. A #5 Virginia
or 3/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hook snelled on 40 lb.
leader. Bait can be fiddlers, green crabs or fresh
clams. Spring blackfish usually are on the small
side, with a good fish being 5-6 lb. However, there
is always the chance of picking up a larger fish.
Make sure you put back the spawning females.
Q: From Jerrold: Porgy
Tips for Late Summer and Fall
A: Like blackfish, porgy fishing
has shown a tremendous decline over the years.
The best porgy fishing I had last year was from
mid September into October from Orient Point,
Montauk and off Block Island on charter fishing
trips. I would check out the Long Island Fisherman
for the names of charter boats from Montauk and
Orient Point and call the captains for more information
to schedule a trip. Chater boats from Montauk
I can recommend are the Vivienne, Karen Sue, Lori
Jay, Fisherman II, Breakaway, Blue Fin IV and
Montauk.. From Orient Point - Nancy Ann, Orient
Star and the Sundowner.
Q: From W.T. Tyler -
Recommendations for Places to Fly Fish on Long
Island In April.
A: I am not a freshwater
fly fisherman and have only just started to
fly fish in saltwater. I would recommend you
contact one of the many fly fishing tackle shops
on Long Island for more information or pick
up a copy of the Long Island Fisherman.
Q: From Mike C. Wants
a recommendation on a rod a reel combo for
party boat fluking. Would prefer a Penn reel.
A: In trying to answer
Mike's question, he failed to tell me where
he does his party boat fluking. So to answer
his question, I would recommend two combinations.
One for bay and inlet fishing and one for
ocean fishing. Also, not knowing Mike's budget,
I will try to recommend a quality combination
under $100. For bay and inlet fishing in relatively
shallow water and light tides, you need an
outfit capable of 1-5 ounces of lead. A 6
1/2-7 foot medium light boat rod and a Penn
9M or Mag 10 with 20 lb. mono. Look at rods
like the Penn Power Stick PC3801ML, Ugly Stik
BWB113066 or a Star Rod in the similar range.
For ocean fluking, try a Penn 310 GTI loaded
with 25 lb. mono. Look at rods from the same
manufacturers that are medium action and can
handle from six to ten ounces of lead. Also,
check out your local reputable tackle shop
for their recommendations as well.
Q: G Hook wants to
know how to decipher weather forecasts for
"reasonable conditions" to plan a party
boat blackfish trip.
A: Weather forecasting
maybe a science, but for me it is a "SWAG"
(scientific wild ass guess") at best. Especially
in the fall. The water and air temperatures
can change rapidly. That difference in water
and air temperatures is what causes wind.
I have lost so many fall trips over the
years, that I now plan for at least a 50%
cancellation rate when settting up my fall
blackfish schedule.
I try to look for a stable weather pattern
for at least two days. I do most of my blackfishing
from Montauk to Orient. That area allows
us to usually find a productive fishing
spot in the lee of the wind. However, sometimes
that is not the case.
I would look for a weather forecast for
wind no more than 10-15 mph and seas 2-3
feet. Any more than that, the boat will
be bouncing around making it difficult to
lay quietly on a piece of productive bottom
since blackfish do not like a bait bouncing
around.
Q: From Vinny:
I am using Spider Wire for blackfish and
like the sensitivity, but I am breaking
the line on the structure when I attempt
to set the hook. What am I doing wrong?
A: Vinny, Spider wire,
or any of the other new super lines, require
some special attention when fishing with
them. If you are not familiar with the
following knots I strongly advise you
to buy a copy of a good knot book in a
reputable tackle store.
When fishing for blackfish, cod, sea bass
or any deep water bottom fish, here is
how I rig up. It has proven the test of
time with many successful catches.
1. I use 30 lb. test Spider Wire for all
my bbottom fishing applications. For deep
water (>100 feet) I first double over
the Spider Wire about 24 inches and tie
a Spider Hitch.
2. For blackfish, cod and sea bass I then
tie on to the doubled spider wire approximately
25 feet of 50 lb. Ande mono. Join the
two lines together with a double uni knot.
3. Tie on a black barrel swivel to the
end of the 50 lb. mono. The tie on your
terminal rigging to the 50 lb. mono.
The 50 lb mono serves three purposes:
- It is more abrasion resistant than the
Spider Wire and barnacle encrusted bottom
structure.
- It acts as a shock absorber when a big
fish makes a final dive for freedom since
it has more stretch than the spider wire.
- Should you get tangled with another
angler, it is much easier to untangle
mono than spider wire.
Also, when blackfishing, make sure your
hooks are sharp. Very important. You don't
need to swing hard since the line has
no stretch. Also, slightly loosen up on
your drag. You will land more fish.
Q: From Marty
- Wants a recommendation for a spinning
reel for flipping jigs from a boat to
match a medium-heavy spinning rod.
A: There are many
excellent reels out there to choose
from. You will want a reel with a smooth
drag and a capacity of approximately
200 yards of 12-15 lb. mono. I would
go with either Penn, Shimano or Daiwa.
There are several models in different
price ranges from $60 and up.
Q: From Doug
- Doug is floating chunks at the south
shore bridges and is getting run offs
but is not getting a solid hook up.
A: Try really
sharpening your hooks. Also, try moving
up to a larger hook, about a 7/0 Octopus
style.
Q: From hrodri4142
- Wants to know about proper knots.
A: I can't think
of anything that is more important
to proper rigging than knowing the
correct knot to use. There are some
excellent books and videos on knot
tying. My favorite is a paperback
by Mark Sosin and Lefty Kreh. You
can find it in any good tackle shop.
Get the book and practice tying.
You really only need to know about
6-8 knots for most fishing situations.
They are: hook snell knot; perfection
loop; uni-knot; Spider hitch; Trilene
Knot; Improved clinch knot; dropper
loop and Surgeon's loop.
Q: From
Bill - Wants recommendations for
a rod and reel to fish the south
shore beaches.
A: Bill, I
am not a surf fisherman, but I
have a lot of friends who are.
They have a selection of rods
and reels for different situations.
There is no all purpose rod and
reel. However, you can come pretty
close. For all around surf fishing,
I would recommend a 10 foot medium
action rod capable of handling
2-5 ounces. Choose a matching
reel with a good drag and line
capacity of 250 yards of 20 lb.
mono. Whether you choose spinning
or conventional is your choice.
I would recommend you check out
some of the better tackle shops
on Long Island for tackle recommendations
for the areas you will be fishing.
Q: From
Travis Tate...Jigging Blues
off Port Jefferson in October.
A: Blues
are on the move and feeding
heavily for their fall migration
south. Since they are feeding
very heavily they could be at
any depth chasing bait. The
waters off Port Jefferson is
varied in depth all the way
out to Middle Grounds where
the depth can exceed 100 feet.
If you are fishing on your own
boat I would get out there early
and first look for birds working.
That is a sure sign that bass
or blues are feeding. If there
are no birds working you need
to find the rip lines where
the tide will push the bait.
Blues and bass will take up
station down tide of the structure
to have the bait brought to
them by the tide. Cruise around
over known structure to see
if you can read them on your
bottom machine. Use a medium
heavy boat rod of about 7 feet.
A conventional reel with 30-50
test mono and 8 ounce diamond
or slab jigs with a single 8/0
or 9/0 hook.
Q:
From Unknown...Best bait and
water temperature for cod?
A: Cod
are not fussy eaters and will
bight on most types of bait.
However, the standard bait
used is usually sea clams.
A half of a large clam or
a whole clam on a 5/0 beak
hook on a 15 inch leader is
the standard rig. Make sure
you have some of the soft
belly meat of the clam on
the hook. As far as water
temperature, cod usually like
it in the mid to low 40 degree
range. As the temperature
goes below 40 degrees they
become reluctant to feed.
Q:
From Fred...Best colors
and time to bucktail at
Plum Gut?
A: Well
Fred, now is the time. The
daytime bucktailing is hot.
Check with Bob at Wego Fishing
Station in Southold for
the best time and tides.
He will also advise you
on the best colors. White,
purple and flourescent chatreuse
are all effective colors.
Make sure you put on a striper
pork rind.
Q: From Paul...How to
rig crabs for blackfish?
A:
I use green crabs for
blackfish in the fall.
If I can get hermit crabs
I prefer them. Use a #
5 Virginia blackfish hook
snelled on 50 lb. leader.
Cut the green crab in
half with a pair of scissors.
The inexpensive utility
snips for about $3 work
great. Snip of the legs
and remove the back shell.
Thread the hook through
one socket and out the
other. That's it.
Q: From Unknown...Wire
Line Trolling Umbrella
Rigs in the Freeport
Area.
A: Umbrella rigs are
very effective where
there are concentrations
of baitfish. I would
work the Jones Inlet
area and outside along
the beach. Start out
with 150 feet of wire
out. If you have no
hits go to 200 feet
and continue to let
out wire until you hit
fish. Look for birds
working and troll the
edge of the school.
Don't go through the
center of the diving
birds since you will
scatter the school.
Q: From ClareBear...How
do you catch live
bunker?
A: Live bunker are
caught by commercial
fishermen by netting.
To catch live bunker
by a sport fisherman,
we usually try to
spot a school of bunker
early in the morning
and use a snagging
rig to catch them.
Most sport fishermen
purchase them fresh
from a reliable bait
and tackle shop.
Q: From Unknown.
What kind of rig
do you use for seabass
on wrecks and when
is the best time
to go?
A: I use a two or
three hook hi-lo
rig using 50 lb.
leader material
with 6 inch dropper
loops. The first
loop should be about
6 inches above the
sinker and the next
two should be spread
about a foot apart.
I use 4/0 baitholder
hooks. Bait with
squid strips or
skimmer clam. The
seabass season just
open up. Inshore
wrecks and rocks
should hold fish
this time of year.
As the season progresses
they will move to
deeper areas, with
the biggest fish
being caught on
the deeper wrecks
in the ocean and
Long Island Sound.
One of my friends
just fished a deep
wreck in LI Sound
and had three fish
over 5 lb and one
over 6 lb.
Q: From Tony -
Where can he get
a map of Moriches
Bay?
A: If you are
a boater I would
strongly recommend
you go into one
on the many boat
supply stores
and get a bound
laminated book
of maps for your
primary fishing
areas. The stores
usually carry
a full selection.
Q: From Fred
- Best tide
to Fish for
Striped Bass
in Plum Gut?
A: This changes
day deepending
on weather,
wind, time of
year and the
presence of
bait in the
water. Both
ebb and flood
tide will produce
fish. Check
with your local
tackle shops
familiar with
the area for
the latest information.
Q: From Jerry,
Cold Spring
- Where can
he get GPS
numbers for
productive
wrecks in
Long Island
Sound?
A: Wreck numbers
are boat fishermens
most guarded
secret. You
can get lists
of known wrecks
and obstructions
off coastal
navigation
maps listed
in latitude
and longitude.
I would recommend
that you keep
a log like
most successful
fishermen
of productive
spots you
have fished.
Also, when
I had my own
boat, I would
take time
during the
"dog days"
of summer
you do some
wreck hunting.
When moving
from one fishing
spot to another,
don't race
at 20+ knots.
Slow down
and look at
your bottom
machine and
note any wrecks
and obstructions
you might
run across.
Then check
them out later
in the season.
Q: From
John: Is
a Penn 209
reel okay
for fluke
and what
sinker weight
should I
use?
A: The Penn
209 is a
great reel
for fluke.
I would
spool it
up with
20lb. quality
mono line,
like Ande
or Berkeley
Big Game.
As far a
what sinker
weight,
it depend
on how deep
you are
fishing
and the
speed of
the current.
You always
want to
be in contact
with the
bottom.
For in the
bay, 2-3
ounces is
usually
adequate.
In the inlets
and along
ocean beaches
you may
need to
go up to
6 ounces.
For true
ocean fluking
in deep
water like
Ambrose
Channel
or off Montauk
and Gardiners
Island where
there are
deep dropoffs
and strong
tides, it's
not uncommon
to fish
10 ounces
and even
higher.
FLUKE
FISHING
We have
been getting
lots of
questions
on fluke
fishing.
Questions
on how
to rig
for bait
fishing
and bucktailing;
specific
knots
to use
and how
to tie
them;
areas
to fish
from one
end of
Long Island
to the
other.
The best
thing
I can
recommend
on sharpening
you skills
on fluking
is to
pick up
Don Kamienski's
book and
video
tape on
fluking,
and get
a copy
of "Knot
Tying"
by Mark
Sosin
and Lefty
Kreh.
They are
all great
sources
of information.
Kamienski's
book and
video
are loaded
with great
information
and tips
on fluking.
Knot Tying
by Sosin
and Kreh
is essential
for your
knowledge
of proper
knots
and how
to tie
them.
Q: From
Tom
from
Babylon:
Tom
is new
to the
fishing
game
a has
bought
a Penn
5500
spinning
reel
and
7 foot
medium
heavy
rod
to match.
His
question
is can
he fish
this
rig
for
fluke,
flounder,
weaks,
blues
and
bass?
He just
started
fishing
on party
boats.
A: Sure
Tom,
you
can
fish
for
these
fish
with
this
set
up.
It may
be a
little
heavy
for
fluke
and
flounder.
I would
not
recommend
it on
a party
boat.
Spinning
reels
are
for
casting,
and
casting
on a
party
boat
is a
no no.
This
would
be a
great
set
up for
pier
and
jetty
fishing.
If you
want
to fish
on a
party
boat
get
a conventional
reel
that
will
hold
approximately
200
yards
of 25
lb test
mono
line.
Check
with
your
local
tackle
shop
for
the
proper
reel
in your
budget.
Q:
From
Hughie
from
Flanders.
Hughie
fishes
for
fluke
in
Western
Peconic
Bay
and
has
had
not
much
luck.
He
wants
to
know
any
favorite
spots
I
can
recommend.
A:
The
fluke
were
super
in
the
Peconic
area
early
in
the
season,
but
they
have
moved
east
to
the
Gardiners
Island
area,
east
of
the
Ruins.
I
would
run
through
Shinnecock
Canal
and
fish
the
inlet
channel
and
just
outside
the
jetties.
Check
with
Altenkirch
Tackle
in
Hampton
Bay
for
the
latest
information
on
area,
bait
and
tides.
Please
pick
your
day
carefully.
Shinnecock
Inlet
can
be
very
dangerous
in
bad
weather.
For
more
answers
to
your
questions
Click
Here.
Return
to
Al
Goldberg's
Tackle
Corner
or
Dave's
Homepage.
A: The long range cod trips to Georges Bank can be both bait or jig fishing, depending on the conditions. For jig fishing the jigs range in size from 10-20 ounces depending on wind, tide and water depth. Jigs like the Bridgeport Vike, Norwegian or Crippled Herring are all effective. Make sure you take off the standard treble hook and put on a single 10/0 Siwash or Mustad tube hook. A flourescent pearl or green tube or skirt over the hook will add to its effectiveness. Tie the jig to a 3 foot piece of 80 lb. mono shock leader with a 4 inch dropper loop about 18 inches above the jig. Then attach a heavy split ring to the dropper loop and attach a heavy black barrel swivel to the split ring. Then take another of the above hooks with a 9 inch purple jelly worm and attach it to the barrel swivel. These hooks have open eyes that can be closed with the pair of pliars. At the other end of the leader tie on a heavy black ball bearing swivel and then tie your main line to the other eye of the swivel. There a basically two jigging techniques depending on your position on the boat. If you are up in the bow, then flip your jig uptide and bounce it along the bottom until you pass the bow to the downtide side. Reel up and repeat the process. If you are on the side of the boat then just drop the jig straight down to the bottom and start to yo yo the jig. Keep droping back two our three times to feel the bottom while you work the jig. If no bite then reel up and repeat the process. If you are not getting bites, watch those fishermen that are catching fish and follow their jigging style.
Q: From Dano: What are the
advantages of using circle hooks?
A: The main advantage is that
you won't gut hook the fish should you want to release
it. Second, you will increase your hook up ratio.
I have had success fishing circle hooks for striped
bass, bluefish, tuna and fluke in the north, and tarpon,
sailfish, grouper and snapper down south. The key
to fishing these hooks is not to try to set the hook
on the bite. You simply reel into the fish when you
feel the bite and the fish literally hooks himself.
Also, circle hooks do not have the same numbering
system as other hooks. Buy them at a reputable tackle
shop that stocks them and ask their advice on the
proper hook size.
Q: From Pat and John: Spring
Blackfish Tips Fishing from Point Lookout.
A: Blackfishing in the spring
is a shadow of what it was in years past. Commercial
pressure has severely reduced both the sping and
fall recreational catch. However, you can still
put some fairly decent catches from time to time.
While you can target the many bridge structures
in the greater Jones Beach area like the Meadowbrook,
I would try to find some of the many inshore ocean
rockpiles and structure that are outside Jones Inlet.
Pick up some local charts that will show you the
known wrecks in the area and give them a try. Also,
try to do some searching on your own for some bottom
structure. Standard tackle of a medium boat rod
and reel loaded with 30 lb. spectra line. A #5 Virginia
or 3/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hook snelled on 40 lb.
leader. Bait can be fiddlers, green crabs or fresh
clams. Spring blackfish usually are on the small
side, with a good fish being 5-6 lb. However, there
is always the chance of picking up a larger fish.
Make sure you put back the spawning females.
Q: From Jerrold: Porgy
Tips for Late Summer and Fall
A: Like blackfish, porgy fishing
has shown a tremendous decline over the years.
The best porgy fishing I had last year was from
mid September into October from Orient Point,
Montauk and off Block Island on charter fishing
trips. I would check out the Long Island Fisherman
for the names of charter boats from Montauk and
Orient Point and call the captains for more information
to schedule a trip. Chater boats from Montauk
I can recommend are the Vivienne, Karen Sue, Lori
Jay, Fisherman II, Breakaway, Blue Fin IV and
Montauk.. From Orient Point - Nancy Ann, Orient
Star and the Sundowner.
Q: From W.T. Tyler -
Recommendations for Places to Fly Fish on Long
Island In April.
A: I am not a freshwater
fly fisherman and have only just started to
fly fish in saltwater. I would recommend you
contact one of the many fly fishing tackle shops
on Long Island for more information or pick
up a copy of the Long Island Fisherman.
Q: From Mike C. Wants
a recommendation on a rod a reel combo for
party boat fluking. Would prefer a Penn reel.
A: In trying to answer
Mike's question, he failed to tell me where
he does his party boat fluking. So to answer
his question, I would recommend two combinations.
One for bay and inlet fishing and one for
ocean fishing. Also, not knowing Mike's budget,
I will try to recommend a quality combination
under $100. For bay and inlet fishing in relatively
shallow water and light tides, you need an
outfit capable of 1-5 ounces of lead. A 6
1/2-7 foot medium light boat rod and a Penn
9M or Mag 10 with 20 lb. mono. Look at rods
like the Penn Power Stick PC3801ML, Ugly Stik
BWB113066 or a Star Rod in the similar range.
For ocean fluking, try a Penn 310 GTI loaded
with 25 lb. mono. Look at rods from the same
manufacturers that are medium action and can
handle from six to ten ounces of lead. Also,
check out your local reputable tackle shop
for their recommendations as well.
Q: G Hook wants to
know how to decipher weather forecasts for
"reasonable conditions" to plan a party
boat blackfish trip.
A: Weather forecasting
maybe a science, but for me it is a "SWAG"
(scientific wild ass guess") at best. Especially
in the fall. The water and air temperatures
can change rapidly. That difference in water
and air temperatures is what causes wind.
I have lost so many fall trips over the
years, that I now plan for at least a 50%
cancellation rate when settting up my fall
blackfish schedule.
I try to look for a stable weather pattern
for at least two days. I do most of my blackfishing
from Montauk to Orient. That area allows
us to usually find a productive fishing
spot in the lee of the wind. However, sometimes
that is not the case.
I would look for a weather forecast for
wind no more than 10-15 mph and seas 2-3
feet. Any more than that, the boat will
be bouncing around making it difficult to
lay quietly on a piece of productive bottom
since blackfish do not like a bait bouncing
around.
Q: From Vinny:
I am using Spider Wire for blackfish and
like the sensitivity, but I am breaking
the line on the structure when I attempt
to set the hook. What am I doing wrong?
A: Vinny, Spider wire,
or any of the other new super lines, require
some special attention when fishing with
them. If you are not familiar with the
following knots I strongly advise you
to buy a copy of a good knot book in a
reputable tackle store.
When fishing for blackfish, cod, sea bass
or any deep water bottom fish, here is
how I rig up. It has proven the test of
time with many successful catches.
1. I use 30 lb. test Spider Wire for all
my bbottom fishing applications. For deep
water (>100 feet) I first double over
the Spider Wire about 24 inches and tie
a Spider Hitch.
2. For blackfish, cod and sea bass I then
tie on to the doubled spider wire approximately
25 feet of 50 lb. Ande mono. Join the
two lines together with a double uni knot.
3. Tie on a black barrel swivel to the
end of the 50 lb. mono. The tie on your
terminal rigging to the 50 lb. mono.
The 50 lb mono serves three purposes:
- It is more abrasion resistant than the
Spider Wire and barnacle encrusted bottom
structure.
- It acts as a shock absorber when a big
fish makes a final dive for freedom since
it has more stretch than the spider wire.
- Should you get tangled with another
angler, it is much easier to untangle
mono than spider wire.
Also, when blackfishing, make sure your
hooks are sharp. Very important. You don't
need to swing hard since the line has
no stretch. Also, slightly loosen up on
your drag. You will land more fish.
Q: From Marty
- Wants a recommendation for a spinning
reel for flipping jigs from a boat to
match a medium-heavy spinning rod.
A: There are many
excellent reels out there to choose
from. You will want a reel with a smooth
drag and a capacity of approximately
200 yards of 12-15 lb. mono. I would
go with either Penn, Shimano or Daiwa.
There are several models in different
price ranges from $60 and up.
Q: From Doug
- Doug is floating chunks at the south
shore bridges and is getting run offs
but is not getting a solid hook up.
A: Try really
sharpening your hooks. Also, try moving
up to a larger hook, about a 7/0 Octopus
style.
Q: From hrodri4142
- Wants to know about proper knots.
A: I can't think
of anything that is more important
to proper rigging than knowing the
correct knot to use. There are some
excellent books and videos on knot
tying. My favorite is a paperback
by Mark Sosin and Lefty Kreh. You
can find it in any good tackle shop.
Get the book and practice tying.
You really only need to know about
6-8 knots for most fishing situations.
They are: hook snell knot; perfection
loop; uni-knot; Spider hitch; Trilene
Knot; Improved clinch knot; dropper
loop and Surgeon's loop.
Q: From
Bill - Wants recommendations for
a rod and reel to fish the south
shore beaches.
A: Bill, I
am not a surf fisherman, but I
have a lot of friends who are.
They have a selection of rods
and reels for different situations.
There is no all purpose rod and
reel. However, you can come pretty
close. For all around surf fishing,
I would recommend a 10 foot medium
action rod capable of handling
2-5 ounces. Choose a matching
reel with a good drag and line
capacity of 250 yards of 20 lb.
mono. Whether you choose spinning
or conventional is your choice.
I would recommend you check out
some of the better tackle shops
on Long Island for tackle recommendations
for the areas you will be fishing.
Q: From
Travis Tate...Jigging Blues
off Port Jefferson in October.
A: Blues
are on the move and feeding
heavily for their fall migration
south. Since they are feeding
very heavily they could be at
any depth chasing bait. The
waters off Port Jefferson is
varied in depth all the way
out to Middle Grounds where
the depth can exceed 100 feet.
If you are fishing on your own
boat I would get out there early
and first look for birds working.
That is a sure sign that bass
or blues are feeding. If there
are no birds working you need
to find the rip lines where
the tide will push the bait.
Blues and bass will take up
station down tide of the structure
to have the bait brought to
them by the tide. Cruise around
over known structure to see
if you can read them on your
bottom machine. Use a medium
heavy boat rod of about 7 feet.
A conventional reel with 30-50
test mono and 8 ounce diamond
or slab jigs with a single 8/0
or 9/0 hook.
Q:
From Unknown...Best bait and
water temperature for cod?
A: Cod
are not fussy eaters and will
bight on most types of bait.
However, the standard bait
used is usually sea clams.
A half of a large clam or
a whole clam on a 5/0 beak
hook on a 15 inch leader is
the standard rig. Make sure
you have some of the soft
belly meat of the clam on
the hook. As far as water
temperature, cod usually like
it in the mid to low 40 degree
range. As the temperature
goes below 40 degrees they
become reluctant to feed.
Q:
From Fred...Best colors
and time to bucktail at
Plum Gut?
A: Well
Fred, now is the time. The
daytime bucktailing is hot.
Check with Bob at Wego Fishing
Station in Southold for
the best time and tides.
He will also advise you
on the best colors. White,
purple and flourescent chatreuse
are all effective colors.
Make sure you put on a striper
pork rind.
Q: From Paul...How to
rig crabs for blackfish?
A:
I use green crabs for
blackfish in the fall.
If I can get hermit crabs
I prefer them. Use a #
5 Virginia blackfish hook
snelled on 50 lb. leader.
Cut the green crab in
half with a pair of scissors.
The inexpensive utility
snips for about $3 work
great. Snip of the legs
and remove the back shell.
Thread the hook through
one socket and out the
other. That's it.
Q: From Unknown...Wire
Line Trolling Umbrella
Rigs in the Freeport
Area.
A: Umbrella rigs are
very effective where
there are concentrations
of baitfish. I would
work the Jones Inlet
area and outside along
the beach. Start out
with 150 feet of wire
out. If you have no
hits go to 200 feet
and continue to let
out wire until you hit
fish. Look for birds
working and troll the
edge of the school.
Don't go through the
center of the diving
birds since you will
scatter the school.
Q: From ClareBear...How
do you catch live
bunker?
A: Live bunker are
caught by commercial
fishermen by netting.
To catch live bunker
by a sport fisherman,
we usually try to
spot a school of bunker
early in the morning
and use a snagging
rig to catch them.
Most sport fishermen
purchase them fresh
from a reliable bait
and tackle shop.
Q: From Unknown.
What kind of rig
do you use for seabass
on wrecks and when
is the best time
to go?
A: I use a two or
three hook hi-lo
rig using 50 lb.
leader material
with 6 inch dropper
loops. The first
loop should be about
6 inches above the
sinker and the next
two should be spread
about a foot apart.
I use 4/0 baitholder
hooks. Bait with
squid strips or
skimmer clam. The
seabass season just
open up. Inshore
wrecks and rocks
should hold fish
this time of year.
As the season progresses
they will move to
deeper areas, with
the biggest fish
being caught on
the deeper wrecks
in the ocean and
Long Island Sound.
One of my friends
just fished a deep
wreck in LI Sound
and had three fish
over 5 lb and one
over 6 lb.
Q: From Tony -
Where can he get
a map of Moriches
Bay?
A: If you are
a boater I would
strongly recommend
you go into one
on the many boat
supply stores
and get a bound
laminated book
of maps for your
primary fishing
areas. The stores
usually carry
a full selection.
Q: From Fred
- Best tide
to Fish for
Striped Bass
in Plum Gut?
A: This changes
day deepending
on weather,
wind, time of
year and the
presence of
bait in the
water. Both
ebb and flood
tide will produce
fish. Check
with your local
tackle shops
familiar with
the area for
the latest information.
Q: From Jerry,
Cold Spring
- Where can
he get GPS
numbers for
productive
wrecks in
Long Island
Sound?
A: Wreck numbers
are boat fishermens
most guarded
secret. You
can get lists
of known wrecks
and obstructions
off coastal
navigation
maps listed
in latitude
and longitude.
I would recommend
that you keep
a log like
most successful
fishermen
of productive
spots you
have fished.
Also, when
I had my own
boat, I would
take time
during the
"dog days"
of summer
you do some
wreck hunting.
When moving
from one fishing
spot to another,
don't race
at 20+ knots.
Slow down
and look at
your bottom
machine and
note any wrecks
and obstructions
you might
run across.
Then check
them out later
in the season.
Q: From
John: Is
a Penn 209
reel okay
for fluke
and what
sinker weight
should I
use?
A: The Penn
209 is a
great reel
for fluke.
I would
spool it
up with
20lb. quality
mono line,
like Ande
or Berkeley
Big Game.
As far a
what sinker
weight,
it depend
on how deep
you are
fishing
and the
speed of
the current.
You always
want to
be in contact
with the
bottom.
For in the
bay, 2-3
ounces is
usually
adequate.
In the inlets
and along
ocean beaches
you may
need to
go up to
6 ounces.
For true
ocean fluking
in deep
water like
Ambrose
Channel
or off Montauk
and Gardiners
Island where
there are
deep dropoffs
and strong
tides, it's
not uncommon
to fish
10 ounces
and even
higher.
FLUKE
FISHING
We have
been getting
lots of
questions
on fluke
fishing.
Questions
on how
to rig
for bait
fishing
and bucktailing;
specific
knots
to use
and how
to tie
them;
areas
to fish
from one
end of
Long Island
to the
other.
The best
thing
I can
recommend
on sharpening
you skills
on fluking
is to
pick up
Don Kamienski's
book and
video
tape on
fluking,
and get
a copy
of "Knot
Tying"
by Mark
Sosin
and Lefty
Kreh.
They are
all great
sources
of information.
Kamienski's
book and
video
are loaded
with great
information
and tips
on fluking.
Knot Tying
by Sosin
and Kreh
is essential
for your
knowledge
of proper
knots
and how
to tie
them.
Q: From
Tom
from
Babylon:
Tom
is new
to the
fishing
game
a has
bought
a Penn
5500
spinning
reel
and
7 foot
medium
heavy
rod
to match.
His
question
is can
he fish
this
rig
for
fluke,
flounder,
weaks,
blues
and
bass?
He just
started
fishing
on party
boats.
A: Sure
Tom,
you
can
fish
for
these
fish
with
this
set
up.
It may
be a
little
heavy
for
fluke
and
flounder.
I would
not
recommend
it on
a party
boat.
Spinning
reels
are
for
casting,
and
casting
on a
party
boat
is a
no no.
This
would
be a
great
set
up for
pier
and
jetty
fishing.
If you
want
to fish
on a
party
boat
get
a conventional
reel
that
will
hold
approximately
200
yards
of 25
lb test
mono
line.
Check
with
your
local
tackle
shop
for
the
proper
reel
in your
budget.
Q:
From
Hughie
from
Flanders.
Hughie
fishes
for
fluke
in
Western
Peconic
Bay
and
has
had
not
much
luck.
He
wants
to
know
any
favorite
spots
I
can
recommend.
A:
The
fluke
were
super
in
the
Peconic
area
early
in
the
season,
but
they
have
moved
east
to
the
Gardiners
Island
area,
east
of
the
Ruins.
I
would
run
through
Shinnecock
Canal
and
fish
the
inlet
channel
and
just
outside
the
jetties.
Check
with
Altenkirch
Tackle
in
Hampton
Bay
for
the
latest
information
on
area,
bait
and
tides.
Please
pick
your
day
carefully.
Shinnecock
Inlet
can
be
very
dangerous
in
bad
weather.
For
more
answers
to
your
questions
Click
Here.
Return
to
Al
Goldberg's
Tackle
Corner
or
Dave's
Homepage.
A: Blackfishing in the spring is a shadow of what it was in years past. Commercial pressure has severely reduced both the sping and fall recreational catch. However, you can still put some fairly decent catches from time to time. While you can target the many bridge structures in the greater Jones Beach area like the Meadowbrook, I would try to find some of the many inshore ocean rockpiles and structure that are outside Jones Inlet. Pick up some local charts that will show you the known wrecks in the area and give them a try. Also, try to do some searching on your own for some bottom structure. Standard tackle of a medium boat rod and reel loaded with 30 lb. spectra line. A #5 Virginia or 3/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hook snelled on 40 lb. leader. Bait can be fiddlers, green crabs or fresh clams. Spring blackfish usually are on the small side, with a good fish being 5-6 lb. However, there is always the chance of picking up a larger fish. Make sure you put back the spawning females.
Q: From Jerrold: Porgy
Tips for Late Summer and Fall
A: Like blackfish, porgy fishing
has shown a tremendous decline over the years.
The best porgy fishing I had last year was from
mid September into October from Orient Point,
Montauk and off Block Island on charter fishing
trips. I would check out the Long Island Fisherman
for the names of charter boats from Montauk and
Orient Point and call the captains for more information
to schedule a trip. Chater boats from Montauk
I can recommend are the Vivienne, Karen Sue, Lori
Jay, Fisherman II, Breakaway, Blue Fin IV and
Montauk.. From Orient Point - Nancy Ann, Orient
Star and the Sundowner.
Q: From W.T. Tyler -
Recommendations for Places to Fly Fish on Long
Island In April.
A: I am not a freshwater
fly fisherman and have only just started to
fly fish in saltwater. I would recommend you
contact one of the many fly fishing tackle shops
on Long Island for more information or pick
up a copy of the Long Island Fisherman.
Q: From Mike C. Wants
a recommendation on a rod a reel combo for
party boat fluking. Would prefer a Penn reel.
A: In trying to answer
Mike's question, he failed to tell me where
he does his party boat fluking. So to answer
his question, I would recommend two combinations.
One for bay and inlet fishing and one for
ocean fishing. Also, not knowing Mike's budget,
I will try to recommend a quality combination
under $100. For bay and inlet fishing in relatively
shallow water and light tides, you need an
outfit capable of 1-5 ounces of lead. A 6
1/2-7 foot medium light boat rod and a Penn
9M or Mag 10 with 20 lb. mono. Look at rods
like the Penn Power Stick PC3801ML, Ugly Stik
BWB113066 or a Star Rod in the similar range.
For ocean fluking, try a Penn 310 GTI loaded
with 25 lb. mono. Look at rods from the same
manufacturers that are medium action and can
handle from six to ten ounces of lead. Also,
check out your local reputable tackle shop
for their recommendations as well.
Q: G Hook wants to
know how to decipher weather forecasts for
"reasonable conditions" to plan a party
boat blackfish trip.
A: Weather forecasting
maybe a science, but for me it is a "SWAG"
(scientific wild ass guess") at best. Especially
in the fall. The water and air temperatures
can change rapidly. That difference in water
and air temperatures is what causes wind.
I have lost so many fall trips over the
years, that I now plan for at least a 50%
cancellation rate when settting up my fall
blackfish schedule.
I try to look for a stable weather pattern
for at least two days. I do most of my blackfishing
from Montauk to Orient. That area allows
us to usually find a productive fishing
spot in the lee of the wind. However, sometimes
that is not the case.
I would look for a weather forecast for
wind no more than 10-15 mph and seas 2-3
feet. Any more than that, the boat will
be bouncing around making it difficult to
lay quietly on a piece of productive bottom
since blackfish do not like a bait bouncing
around.
Q: From Vinny:
I am using Spider Wire for blackfish and
like the sensitivity, but I am breaking
the line on the structure when I attempt
to set the hook. What am I doing wrong?
A: Vinny, Spider wire,
or any of the other new super lines, require
some special attention when fishing with
them. If you are not familiar with the
following knots I strongly advise you
to buy a copy of a good knot book in a
reputable tackle store.
When fishing for blackfish, cod, sea bass
or any deep water bottom fish, here is
how I rig up. It has proven the test of
time with many successful catches.
1. I use 30 lb. test Spider Wire for all
my bbottom fishing applications. For deep
water (>100 feet) I first double over
the Spider Wire about 24 inches and tie
a Spider Hitch.
2. For blackfish, cod and sea bass I then
tie on to the doubled spider wire approximately
25 feet of 50 lb. Ande mono. Join the
two lines together with a double uni knot.
3. Tie on a black barrel swivel to the
end of the 50 lb. mono. The tie on your
terminal rigging to the 50 lb. mono.
The 50 lb mono serves three purposes:
- It is more abrasion resistant than the
Spider Wire and barnacle encrusted bottom
structure.
- It acts as a shock absorber when a big
fish makes a final dive for freedom since
it has more stretch than the spider wire.
- Should you get tangled with another
angler, it is much easier to untangle
mono than spider wire.
Also, when blackfishing, make sure your
hooks are sharp. Very important. You don't
need to swing hard since the line has
no stretch. Also, slightly loosen up on
your drag. You will land more fish.
Q: From Marty
- Wants a recommendation for a spinning
reel for flipping jigs from a boat to
match a medium-heavy spinning rod.
A: There are many
excellent reels out there to choose
from. You will want a reel with a smooth
drag and a capacity of approximately
200 yards of 12-15 lb. mono. I would
go with either Penn, Shimano or Daiwa.
There are several models in different
price ranges from $60 and up.
Q: From Doug
- Doug is floating chunks at the south
shore bridges and is getting run offs
but is not getting a solid hook up.
A: Try really
sharpening your hooks. Also, try moving
up to a larger hook, about a 7/0 Octopus
style.
Q: From hrodri4142
- Wants to know about proper knots.
A: I can't think
of anything that is more important
to proper rigging than knowing the
correct knot to use. There are some
excellent books and videos on knot
tying. My favorite is a paperback
by Mark Sosin and Lefty Kreh. You
can find it in any good tackle shop.
Get the book and practice tying.
You really only need to know about
6-8 knots for most fishing situations.
They are: hook snell knot; perfection
loop; uni-knot; Spider hitch; Trilene
Knot; Improved clinch knot; dropper
loop and Surgeon's loop.
Q: From
Bill - Wants recommendations for
a rod and reel to fish the south
shore beaches.
A: Bill, I
am not a surf fisherman, but I
have a lot of friends who are.
They have a selection of rods
and reels for different situations.
There is no all purpose rod and
reel. However, you can come pretty
close. For all around surf fishing,
I would recommend a 10 foot medium
action rod capable of handling
2-5 ounces. Choose a matching
reel with a good drag and line
capacity of 250 yards of 20 lb.
mono. Whether you choose spinning
or conventional is your choice.
I would recommend you check out
some of the better tackle shops
on Long Island for tackle recommendations
for the areas you will be fishing.
Q: From
Travis Tate...Jigging Blues
off Port Jefferson in October.
A: Blues
are on the move and feeding
heavily for their fall migration
south. Since they are feeding
very heavily they could be at
any depth chasing bait. The
waters off Port Jefferson is
varied in depth all the way
out to Middle Grounds where
the depth can exceed 100 feet.
If you are fishing on your own
boat I would get out there early
and first look for birds working.
That is a sure sign that bass
or blues are feeding. If there
are no birds working you need
to find the rip lines where
the tide will push the bait.
Blues and bass will take up
station down tide of the structure
to have the bait brought to
them by the tide. Cruise around
over known structure to see
if you can read them on your
bottom machine. Use a medium
heavy boat rod of about 7 feet.
A conventional reel with 30-50
test mono and 8 ounce diamond
or slab jigs with a single 8/0
or 9/0 hook.
Q:
From Unknown...Best bait and
water temperature for cod?
A: Cod
are not fussy eaters and will
bight on most types of bait.
However, the standard bait
used is usually sea clams.
A half of a large clam or
a whole clam on a 5/0 beak
hook on a 15 inch leader is
the standard rig. Make sure
you have some of the soft
belly meat of the clam on
the hook. As far as water
temperature, cod usually like
it in the mid to low 40 degree
range. As the temperature
goes below 40 degrees they
become reluctant to feed.
Q:
From Fred...Best colors
and time to bucktail at
Plum Gut?
A: Well
Fred, now is the time. The
daytime bucktailing is hot.
Check with Bob at Wego Fishing
Station in Southold for
the best time and tides.
He will also advise you
on the best colors. White,
purple and flourescent chatreuse
are all effective colors.
Make sure you put on a striper
pork rind.
Q: From Paul...How to
rig crabs for blackfish?
A:
I use green crabs for
blackfish in the fall.
If I can get hermit crabs
I prefer them. Use a #
5 Virginia blackfish hook
snelled on 50 lb. leader.
Cut the green crab in
half with a pair of scissors.
The inexpensive utility
snips for about $3 work
great. Snip of the legs
and remove the back shell.
Thread the hook through
one socket and out the
other. That's it.
Q: From Unknown...Wire
Line Trolling Umbrella
Rigs in the Freeport
Area.
A: Umbrella rigs are
very effective where
there are concentrations
of baitfish. I would
work the Jones Inlet
area and outside along
the beach. Start out
with 150 feet of wire
out. If you have no
hits go to 200 feet
and continue to let
out wire until you hit
fish. Look for birds
working and troll the
edge of the school.
Don't go through the
center of the diving
birds since you will
scatter the school.
Q: From ClareBear...How
do you catch live
bunker?
A: Live bunker are
caught by commercial
fishermen by netting.
To catch live bunker
by a sport fisherman,
we usually try to
spot a school of bunker
early in the morning
and use a snagging
rig to catch them.
Most sport fishermen
purchase them fresh
from a reliable bait
and tackle shop.
Q: From Unknown.
What kind of rig
do you use for seabass
on wrecks and when
is the best time
to go?
A: I use a two or
three hook hi-lo
rig using 50 lb.
leader material
with 6 inch dropper
loops. The first
loop should be about
6 inches above the
sinker and the next
two should be spread
about a foot apart.
I use 4/0 baitholder
hooks. Bait with
squid strips or
skimmer clam. The
seabass season just
open up. Inshore
wrecks and rocks
should hold fish
this time of year.
As the season progresses
they will move to
deeper areas, with
the biggest fish
being caught on
the deeper wrecks
in the ocean and
Long Island Sound.
One of my friends
just fished a deep
wreck in LI Sound
and had three fish
over 5 lb and one
over 6 lb.
Q: From Tony -
Where can he get
a map of Moriches
Bay?
A: If you are
a boater I would
strongly recommend
you go into one
on the many boat
supply stores
and get a bound
laminated book
of maps for your
primary fishing
areas. The stores
usually carry
a full selection.
Q: From Fred
- Best tide
to Fish for
Striped Bass
in Plum Gut?
A: This changes
day deepending
on weather,
wind, time of
year and the
presence of
bait in the
water. Both
ebb and flood
tide will produce
fish. Check
with your local
tackle shops
familiar with
the area for
the latest information.
Q: From Jerry,
Cold Spring
- Where can
he get GPS
numbers for
productive
wrecks in
Long Island
Sound?
A: Wreck numbers
are boat fishermens
most guarded
secret. You
can get lists
of known wrecks
and obstructions
off coastal
navigation
maps listed
in latitude
and longitude.
I would recommend
that you keep
a log like
most successful
fishermen
of productive
spots you
have fished.
Also, when
I had my own
boat, I would
take time
during the
"dog days"
of summer
you do some
wreck hunting.
When moving
from one fishing
spot to another,
don't race
at 20+ knots.
Slow down
and look at
your bottom
machine and
note any wrecks
and obstructions
you might
run across.
Then check
them out later
in the season.
Q: From
John: Is
a Penn 209
reel okay
for fluke
and what
sinker weight
should I
use?
A: The Penn
209 is a
great reel
for fluke.
I would
spool it
up with
20lb. quality
mono line,
like Ande
or Berkeley
Big Game.
As far a
what sinker
weight,
it depend
on how deep
you are
fishing
and the
speed of
the current.
You always
want to
be in contact
with the
bottom.
For in the
bay, 2-3
ounces is
usually
adequate.
In the inlets
and along
ocean beaches
you may
need to
go up to
6 ounces.
For true
ocean fluking
in deep
water like
Ambrose
Channel
or off Montauk
and Gardiners
Island where
there are
deep dropoffs
and strong
tides, it's
not uncommon
to fish
10 ounces
and even
higher.
FLUKE
FISHING
We have
been getting
lots of
questions
on fluke
fishing.
Questions
on how
to rig
for bait
fishing
and bucktailing;
specific
knots
to use
and how
to tie
them;
areas
to fish
from one
end of
Long Island
to the
other.
The best
thing
I can
recommend
on sharpening
you skills
on fluking
is to
pick up
Don Kamienski's
book and
video
tape on
fluking,
and get
a copy
of "Knot
Tying"
by Mark
Sosin
and Lefty
Kreh.
They are
all great
sources
of information.
Kamienski's
book and
video
are loaded
with great
information
and tips
on fluking.
Knot Tying
by Sosin
and Kreh
is essential
for your
knowledge
of proper
knots
and how
to tie
them.
Q: From
Tom
from
Babylon:
Tom
is new
to the
fishing
game
a has
bought
a Penn
5500
spinning
reel
and
7 foot
medium
heavy
rod
to match.
His
question
is can
he fish
this
rig
for
fluke,
flounder,
weaks,
blues
and
bass?
He just
started
fishing
on party
boats.
A: Sure
Tom,
you
can
fish
for
these
fish
with
this
set
up.
It may
be a
little
heavy
for
fluke
and
flounder.
I would
not
recommend
it on
a party
boat.
Spinning
reels
are
for
casting,
and
casting
on a
party
boat
is a
no no.
This
would
be a
great
set
up for
pier
and
jetty
fishing.
If you
want
to fish
on a
party
boat
get
a conventional
reel
that
will
hold
approximately
200
yards
of 25
lb test
mono
line.
Check
with
your
local
tackle
shop
for
the
proper
reel
in your
budget.
Q:
From
Hughie
from
Flanders.
Hughie
fishes
for
fluke
in
Western
Peconic
Bay
and
has
had
not
much
luck.
He
wants
to
know
any
favorite
spots
I
can
recommend.
A:
The
fluke
were
super
in
the
Peconic
area
early
in
the
season,
but
they
have
moved
east
to
the
Gardiners
Island
area,
east
of
the
Ruins.
I
would
run
through
Shinnecock
Canal
and
fish
the
inlet
channel
and
just
outside
the
jetties.
Check
with
Altenkirch
Tackle
in
Hampton
Bay
for
the
latest
information
on
area,
bait
and
tides.
Please
pick
your
day
carefully.
Shinnecock
Inlet
can
be
very
dangerous
in
bad
weather.
For
more
answers
to
your
questions
Click
Here.
Return
to
Al
Goldberg's
Tackle
Corner
or
Dave's
Homepage.
A: I am not a freshwater fly fisherman and have only just started to fly fish in saltwater. I would recommend you contact one of the many fly fishing tackle shops on Long Island for more information or pick up a copy of the Long Island Fisherman.
Q: From Mike C. Wants
a recommendation on a rod a reel combo for
party boat fluking. Would prefer a Penn reel.
A: In trying to answer
Mike's question, he failed to tell me where
he does his party boat fluking. So to answer
his question, I would recommend two combinations.
One for bay and inlet fishing and one for
ocean fishing. Also, not knowing Mike's budget,
I will try to recommend a quality combination
under $100. For bay and inlet fishing in relatively
shallow water and light tides, you need an
outfit capable of 1-5 ounces of lead. A 6
1/2-7 foot medium light boat rod and a Penn
9M or Mag 10 with 20 lb. mono. Look at rods
like the Penn Power Stick PC3801ML, Ugly Stik
BWB113066 or a Star Rod in the similar range.
For ocean fluking, try a Penn 310 GTI loaded
with 25 lb. mono. Look at rods from the same
manufacturers that are medium action and can
handle from six to ten ounces of lead. Also,
check out your local reputable tackle shop
for their recommendations as well.
Q: G Hook wants to
know how to decipher weather forecasts for
"reasonable conditions" to plan a party
boat blackfish trip.
A: Weather forecasting
maybe a science, but for me it is a "SWAG"
(scientific wild ass guess") at best. Especially
in the fall. The water and air temperatures
can change rapidly. That difference in water
and air temperatures is what causes wind.
I have lost so many fall trips over the
years, that I now plan for at least a 50%
cancellation rate when settting up my fall
blackfish schedule.
I try to look for a stable weather pattern
for at least two days. I do most of my blackfishing
from Montauk to Orient. That area allows
us to usually find a productive fishing
spot in the lee of the wind. However, sometimes
that is not the case.
I would look for a weather forecast for
wind no more than 10-15 mph and seas 2-3
feet. Any more than that, the boat will
be bouncing around making it difficult to
lay quietly on a piece of productive bottom
since blackfish do not like a bait bouncing
around.
Q: From Vinny:
I am using Spider Wire for blackfish and
like the sensitivity, but I am breaking
the line on the structure when I attempt
to set the hook. What am I doing wrong?
A: Vinny, Spider wire,
or any of the other new super lines, require
some special attention when fishing with
them. If you are not familiar with the
following knots I strongly advise you
to buy a copy of a good knot book in a
reputable tackle store.
When fishing for blackfish, cod, sea bass
or any deep water bottom fish, here is
how I rig up. It has proven the test of
time with many successful catches.
1. I use 30 lb. test Spider Wire for all
my bbottom fishing applications. For deep
water (>100 feet) I first double over
the Spider Wire about 24 inches and tie
a Spider Hitch.
2. For blackfish, cod and sea bass I then
tie on to the doubled spider wire approximately
25 feet of 50 lb. Ande mono. Join the
two lines together with a double uni knot.
3. Tie on a black barrel swivel to the
end of the 50 lb. mono. The tie on your
terminal rigging to the 50 lb. mono.
The 50 lb mono serves three purposes:
- It is more abrasion resistant than the
Spider Wire and barnacle encrusted bottom
structure.
- It acts as a shock absorber when a big
fish makes a final dive for freedom since
it has more stretch than the spider wire.
- Should you get tangled with another
angler, it is much easier to untangle
mono than spider wire.
Also, when blackfishing, make sure your
hooks are sharp. Very important. You don't
need to swing hard since the line has
no stretch. Also, slightly loosen up on
your drag. You will land more fish.
Q: From Marty
- Wants a recommendation for a spinning
reel for flipping jigs from a boat to
match a medium-heavy spinning rod.
A: There are many
excellent reels out there to choose
from. You will want a reel with a smooth
drag and a capacity of approximately
200 yards of 12-15 lb. mono. I would
go with either Penn, Shimano or Daiwa.
There are several models in different
price ranges from $60 and up.
Q: From Doug
- Doug is floating chunks at the south
shore bridges and is getting run offs
but is not getting a solid hook up.
A: Try really
sharpening your hooks. Also, try moving
up to a larger hook, about a 7/0 Octopus
style.
Q: From hrodri4142
- Wants to know about proper knots.
A: I can't think
of anything that is more important
to proper rigging than knowing the
correct knot to use. There are some
excellent books and videos on knot
tying. My favorite is a paperback
by Mark Sosin and Lefty Kreh. You
can find it in any good tackle shop.
Get the book and practice tying.
You really only need to know about
6-8 knots for most fishing situations.
They are: hook snell knot; perfection
loop; uni-knot; Spider hitch; Trilene
Knot; Improved clinch knot; dropper
loop and Surgeon's loop.
Q: From
Bill - Wants recommendations for
a rod and reel to fish the south
shore beaches.
A: Bill, I
am not a surf fisherman, but I
have a lot of friends who are.
They have a selection of rods
and reels for different situations.
There is no all purpose rod and
reel. However, you can come pretty
close. For all around surf fishing,
I would recommend a 10 foot medium
action rod capable of handling
2-5 ounces. Choose a matching
reel with a good drag and line
capacity of 250 yards of 20 lb.
mono. Whether you choose spinning
or conventional is your choice.
I would recommend you check out
some of the better tackle shops
on Long Island for tackle recommendations
for the areas you will be fishing.
Q: From
Travis Tate...Jigging Blues
off Port Jefferson in October.
A: Blues
are on the move and feeding
heavily for their fall migration
south. Since they are feeding
very heavily they could be at
any depth chasing bait. The
waters off Port Jefferson is
varied in depth all the way
out to Middle Grounds where
the depth can exceed 100 feet.
If you are fishing on your own
boat I would get out there early
and first look for birds working.
That is a sure sign that bass
or blues are feeding. If there
are no birds working you need
to find the rip lines where
the tide will push the bait.
Blues and bass will take up
station down tide of the structure
to have the bait brought to
them by the tide. Cruise around
over known structure to see
if you can read them on your
bottom machine. Use a medium
heavy boat rod of about 7 feet.
A conventional reel with 30-50
test mono and 8 ounce diamond
or slab jigs with a single 8/0
or 9/0 hook.
Q:
From Unknown...Best bait and
water temperature for cod?
A: Cod
are not fussy eaters and will
bight on most types of bait.
However, the standard bait
used is usually sea clams.
A half of a large clam or
a whole clam on a 5/0 beak
hook on a 15 inch leader is
the standard rig. Make sure
you have some of the soft
belly meat of the clam on
the hook. As far as water
temperature, cod usually like
it in the mid to low 40 degree
range. As the temperature
goes below 40 degrees they
become reluctant to feed.
Q:
From Fred...Best colors
and time to bucktail at
Plum Gut?
A: Well
Fred, now is the time. The
daytime bucktailing is hot.
Check with Bob at Wego Fishing
Station in Southold for
the best time and tides.
He will also advise you
on the best colors. White,
purple and flourescent chatreuse
are all effective colors.
Make sure you put on a striper
pork rind.
Q: From Paul...How to
rig crabs for blackfish?
A:
I use green crabs for
blackfish in the fall.
If I can get hermit crabs
I prefer them. Use a #
5 Virginia blackfish hook
snelled on 50 lb. leader.
Cut the green crab in
half with a pair of scissors.
The inexpensive utility
snips for about $3 work
great. Snip of the legs
and remove the back shell.
Thread the hook through
one socket and out the
other. That's it.
Q: From Unknown...Wire
Line Trolling Umbrella
Rigs in the Freeport
Area.
A: Umbrella rigs are
very effective where
there are concentrations
of baitfish. I would
work the Jones Inlet
area and outside along
the beach. Start out
with 150 feet of wire
out. If you have no
hits go to 200 feet
and continue to let
out wire until you hit
fish. Look for birds
working and troll the
edge of the school.
Don't go through the
center of the diving
birds since you will
scatter the school.
Q: From ClareBear...How
do you catch live
bunker?
A: Live bunker are
caught by commercial
fishermen by netting.
To catch live bunker
by a sport fisherman,
we usually try to
spot a school of bunker
early in the morning
and use a snagging
rig to catch them.
Most sport fishermen
purchase them fresh
from a reliable bait
and tackle shop.
Q: From Unknown.
What kind of rig
do you use for seabass
on wrecks and when
is the best time
to go?
A: I use a two or
three hook hi-lo
rig using 50 lb.
leader material
with 6 inch dropper
loops. The first
loop should be about
6 inches above the
sinker and the next
two should be spread
about a foot apart.
I use 4/0 baitholder
hooks. Bait with
squid strips or
skimmer clam. The
seabass season just
open up. Inshore
wrecks and rocks
should hold fish
this time of year.
As the season progresses
they will move to
deeper areas, with
the biggest fish
being caught on
the deeper wrecks
in the ocean and
Long Island Sound.
One of my friends
just fished a deep
wreck in LI Sound
and had three fish
over 5 lb and one
over 6 lb.
Q: From Tony -
Where can he get
a map of Moriches
Bay?
A: If you are
a boater I would
strongly recommend
you go into one
on the many boat
supply stores
and get a bound
laminated book
of maps for your
primary fishing
areas. The stores
usually carry
a full selection.
Q: From Fred
- Best tide
to Fish for
Striped Bass
in Plum Gut?
A: This changes
day deepending
on weather,
wind, time of
year and the
presence of
bait in the
water. Both
ebb and flood
tide will produce
fish. Check
with your local
tackle shops
familiar with
the area for
the latest information.
Q: From Jerry,
Cold Spring
- Where can
he get GPS
numbers for
productive
wrecks in
Long Island
Sound?
A: Wreck numbers
are boat fishermens
most guarded
secret. You
can get lists
of known wrecks
and obstructions
off coastal
navigation
maps listed
in latitude
and longitude.
I would recommend
that you keep
a log like
most successful
fishermen
of productive
spots you
have fished.
Also, when
I had my own
boat, I would
take time
during the
"dog days"
of summer
you do some
wreck hunting.
When moving
from one fishing
spot to another,
don't race
at 20+ knots.
Slow down
and look at
your bottom
machine and
note any wrecks
and obstructions
you might
run across.
Then check
them out later
in the season.
Q: From
John: Is
a Penn 209
reel okay
for fluke
and what
sinker weight
should I
use?
A: The Penn
209 is a
great reel
for fluke.
I would
spool it
up with
20lb. quality
mono line,
like Ande
or Berkeley
Big Game.
As far a
what sinker
weight,
it depend
on how deep
you are
fishing
and the
speed of
the current.
You always
want to
be in contact
with the
bottom.
For in the
bay, 2-3
ounces is
usually
adequate.
In the inlets
and along
ocean beaches
you may
need to
go up to
6 ounces.
For true
ocean fluking
in deep
water like
Ambrose
Channel
or off Montauk
and Gardiners
Island where
there are
deep dropoffs
and strong
tides, it's
not uncommon
to fish
10 ounces
and even
higher.
FLUKE
FISHING
We have
been getting
lots of
questions
on fluke
fishing.
Questions
on how
to rig
for bait
fishing
and bucktailing;
specific
knots
to use
and how
to tie
them;
areas
to fish
from one
end of
Long Island
to the
other.
The best
thing
I can
recommend
on sharpening
you skills
on fluking
is to
pick up
Don Kamienski's
book and
video
tape on
fluking,
and get
a copy
of "Knot
Tying"
by Mark
Sosin
and Lefty
Kreh.
They are
all great
sources
of information.
Kamienski's
book and
video
are loaded
with great
information
and tips
on fluking.
Knot Tying
by Sosin
and Kreh
is essential
for your
knowledge
of proper
knots
and how
to tie
them.
Q: From
Tom
from
Babylon:
Tom
is new
to the
fishing
game
a has
bought
a Penn
5500
spinning
reel
and
7 foot
medium
heavy
rod
to match.
His
question
is can
he fish
this
rig
for
fluke,
flounder,
weaks,
blues
and
bass?
He just
started
fishing
on party
boats.
A: Sure
Tom,
you
can
fish
for
these
fish
with
this
set
up.
It may
be a
little
heavy
for
fluke
and
flounder.
I would
not
recommend
it on
a party
boat.
Spinning
reels
are
for
casting,
and
casting
on a
party
boat
is a
no no.
This
would
be a
great
set
up for
pier
and
jetty
fishing.
If you
want
to fish
on a
party
boat
get
a conventional
reel
that
will
hold
approximately
200
yards
of 25
lb test
mono
line.
Check
with
your
local
tackle
shop
for
the
proper
reel
in your
budget.
Q:
From
Hughie
from
Flanders.
Hughie
fishes
for
fluke
in
Western
Peconic
Bay
and
has
had
not
much
luck.
He
wants
to
know
any
favorite
spots
I
can
recommend.
A:
The
fluke
were
super
in
the
Peconic
area
early
in
the
season,
but
they
have
moved
east
to
the
Gardiners
Island
area,
east
of
the
Ruins.
I
would
run
through
Shinnecock
Canal
and
fish
the
inlet
channel
and
just
outside
the
jetties.
Check
with
Altenkirch
Tackle
in
Hampton
Bay
for
the
latest
information
on
area,
bait
and
tides.
Please
pick
your
day
carefully.
Shinnecock
Inlet
can
be
very
dangerous
in
bad
weather.
For
more
answers
to
your
questions
Click
Here.
Return
to
Al
Goldberg's
Tackle
Corner
or
Dave's
Homepage.
A: Weather forecasting maybe a science, but for me it is a "SWAG" (scientific wild ass guess") at best. Especially in the fall. The water and air temperatures can change rapidly. That difference in water and air temperatures is what causes wind. I have lost so many fall trips over the years, that I now plan for at least a 50% cancellation rate when settting up my fall blackfish schedule.
I try to look for a stable weather pattern for at least two days. I do most of my blackfishing from Montauk to Orient. That area allows us to usually find a productive fishing spot in the lee of the wind. However, sometimes that is not the case.
I would look for a weather forecast for wind no more than 10-15 mph and seas 2-3 feet. Any more than that, the boat will be bouncing around making it difficult to lay quietly on a piece of productive bottom since blackfish do not like a bait bouncing around.
Q: From Vinny:
I am using Spider Wire for blackfish and
like the sensitivity, but I am breaking
the line on the structure when I attempt
to set the hook. What am I doing wrong?
A: Vinny, Spider wire,
or any of the other new super lines, require
some special attention when fishing with
them. If you are not familiar with the
following knots I strongly advise you
to buy a copy of a good knot book in a
reputable tackle store.
When fishing for blackfish, cod, sea bass
or any deep water bottom fish, here is
how I rig up. It has proven the test of
time with many successful catches.
1. I use 30 lb. test Spider Wire for all
my bbottom fishing applications. For deep
water (>100 feet) I first double over
the Spider Wire about 24 inches and tie
a Spider Hitch.
2. For blackfish, cod and sea bass I then
tie on to the doubled spider wire approximately
25 feet of 50 lb. Ande mono. Join the
two lines together with a double uni knot.
3. Tie on a black barrel swivel to the
end of the 50 lb. mono. The tie on your
terminal rigging to the 50 lb. mono.
The 50 lb mono serves three purposes:
- It is more abrasion resistant than the
Spider Wire and barnacle encrusted bottom
structure.
- It acts as a shock absorber when a big
fish makes a final dive for freedom since
it has more stretch than the spider wire.
- Should you get tangled with another
angler, it is much easier to untangle
mono than spider wire.
Also, when blackfishing, make sure your
hooks are sharp. Very important. You don't
need to swing hard since the line has
no stretch. Also, slightly loosen up on
your drag. You will land more fish.
Q: From Marty
- Wants a recommendation for a spinning
reel for flipping jigs from a boat to
match a medium-heavy spinning rod.
A: There are many
excellent reels out there to choose
from. You will want a reel with a smooth
drag and a capacity of approximately
200 yards of 12-15 lb. mono. I would
go with either Penn, Shimano or Daiwa.
There are several models in different
price ranges from $60 and up.
Q: From Doug
- Doug is floating chunks at the south
shore bridges and is getting run offs
but is not getting a solid hook up.
A: Try really
sharpening your hooks. Also, try moving
up to a larger hook, about a 7/0 Octopus
style.
Q: From hrodri4142
- Wants to know about proper knots.
A: I can't think
of anything that is more important
to proper rigging than knowing the
correct knot to use. There are some
excellent books and videos on knot
tying. My favorite is a paperback
by Mark Sosin and Lefty Kreh. You
can find it in any good tackle shop.
Get the book and practice tying.
You really only need to know about
6-8 knots for most fishing situations.
They are: hook snell knot; perfection
loop; uni-knot; Spider hitch; Trilene
Knot; Improved clinch knot; dropper
loop and Surgeon's loop.
Q: From
Bill - Wants recommendations for
a rod and reel to fish the south
shore beaches.
A: Bill, I
am not a surf fisherman, but I
have a lot of friends who are.
They have a selection of rods
and reels for different situations.
There is no all purpose rod and
reel. However, you can come pretty
close. For all around surf fishing,
I would recommend a 10 foot medium
action rod capable of handling
2-5 ounces. Choose a matching
reel with a good drag and line
capacity of 250 yards of 20 lb.
mono. Whether you choose spinning
or conventional is your choice.
I would recommend you check out
some of the better tackle shops
on Long Island for tackle recommendations
for the areas you will be fishing.
Q: From
Travis Tate...Jigging Blues
off Port Jefferson in October.
A: Blues
are on the move and feeding
heavily for their fall migration
south. Since they are feeding
very heavily they could be at
any depth chasing bait. The
waters off Port Jefferson is
varied in depth all the way
out to Middle Grounds where
the depth can exceed 100 feet.
If you are fishing on your own
boat I would get out there early
and first look for birds working.
That is a sure sign that bass
or blues are feeding. If there
are no birds working you need
to find the rip lines where
the tide will push the bait.
Blues and bass will take up
station down tide of the structure
to have the bait brought to
them by the tide. Cruise around
over known structure to see
if you can read them on your
bottom machine. Use a medium
heavy boat rod of about 7 feet.
A conventional reel with 30-50
test mono and 8 ounce diamond
or slab jigs with a single 8/0
or 9/0 hook.
Q:
From Unknown...Best bait and
water temperature for cod?
A: Cod
are not fussy eaters and will
bight on most types of bait.
However, the standard bait
used is usually sea clams.
A half of a large clam or
a whole clam on a 5/0 beak
hook on a 15 inch leader is
the standard rig. Make sure
you have some of the soft
belly meat of the clam on
the hook. As far as water
temperature, cod usually like
it in the mid to low 40 degree
range. As the temperature
goes below 40 degrees they
become reluctant to feed.
Q:
From Fred...Best colors
and time to bucktail at
Plum Gut?
A: Well
Fred, now is the time. The
daytime bucktailing is hot.
Check with Bob at Wego Fishing
Station in Southold for
the best time and tides.
He will also advise you
on the best colors. White,
purple and flourescent chatreuse
are all effective colors.
Make sure you put on a striper
pork rind.
Q: From Paul...How to
rig crabs for blackfish?
A:
I use green crabs for
blackfish in the fall.
If I can get hermit crabs
I prefer them. Use a #
5 Virginia blackfish hook
snelled on 50 lb. leader.
Cut the green crab in
half with a pair of scissors.
The inexpensive utility
snips for about $3 work
great. Snip of the legs
and remove the back shell.
Thread the hook through
one socket and out the
other. That's it.
Q: From Unknown...Wire
Line Trolling Umbrella
Rigs in the Freeport
Area.
A: Umbrella rigs are
very effective where
there are concentrations
of baitfish. I would
work the Jones Inlet
area and outside along
the beach. Start out
with 150 feet of wire
out. If you have no
hits go to 200 feet
and continue to let
out wire until you hit
fish. Look for birds
working and troll the
edge of the school.
Don't go through the
center of the diving
birds since you will
scatter the school.
Q: From ClareBear...How
do you catch live
bunker?
A: Live bunker are
caught by commercial
fishermen by netting.
To catch live bunker
by a sport fisherman,
we usually try to
spot a school of bunker
early in the morning
and use a snagging
rig to catch them.
Most sport fishermen
purchase them fresh
from a reliable bait
and tackle shop.
Q: From Unknown.
What kind of rig
do you use for seabass
on wrecks and when
is the best time
to go?
A: I use a two or
three hook hi-lo
rig using 50 lb.
leader material
with 6 inch dropper
loops. The first
loop should be about
6 inches above the
sinker and the next
two should be spread
about a foot apart.
I use 4/0 baitholder
hooks. Bait with
squid strips or
skimmer clam. The
seabass season just
open up. Inshore
wrecks and rocks
should hold fish
this time of year.
As the season progresses
they will move to
deeper areas, with
the biggest fish
being caught on
the deeper wrecks
in the ocean and
Long Island Sound.
One of my friends
just fished a deep
wreck in LI Sound
and had three fish
over 5 lb and one
over 6 lb.
Q: From Tony -
Where can he get
a map of Moriches
Bay?
A: If you are
a boater I would
strongly recommend
you go into one
on the many boat
supply stores
and get a bound
laminated book
of maps for your
primary fishing
areas. The stores
usually carry
a full selection.
Q: From Fred
- Best tide
to Fish for
Striped Bass
in Plum Gut?
A: This changes
day deepending
on weather,
wind, time of
year and the
presence of
bait in the
water. Both
ebb and flood
tide will produce
fish. Check
with your local
tackle shops
familiar with
the area for
the latest information.
Q: From Jerry,
Cold Spring
- Where can
he get GPS
numbers for
productive
wrecks in
Long Island
Sound?
A: Wreck numbers
are boat fishermens
most guarded
secret. You
can get lists
of known wrecks
and obstructions
off coastal
navigation
maps listed
in latitude
and longitude.
I would recommend
that you keep
a log like
most successful
fishermen
of productive
spots you
have fished.
Also, when
I had my own
boat, I would
take time
during the
"dog days"
of summer
you do some
wreck hunting.
When moving
from one fishing
spot to another,
don't race
at 20+ knots.
Slow down
and look at
your bottom
machine and
note any wrecks
and obstructions
you might
run across.
Then check
them out later
in the season.
Q: From
John: Is
a Penn 209
reel okay
for fluke
and what
sinker weight
should I
use?
A: The Penn
209 is a
great reel
for fluke.
I would
spool it
up with
20lb. quality
mono line,
like Ande
or Berkeley
Big Game.
As far a
what sinker
weight,
it depend
on how deep
you are
fishing
and the
speed of
the current.
You always
want to
be in contact
with the
bottom.
For in the
bay, 2-3
ounces is
usually
adequate.
In the inlets
and along
ocean beaches
you may
need to
go up to
6 ounces.
For true
ocean fluking
in deep
water like
Ambrose
Channel
or off Montauk
and Gardiners
Island where
there are
deep dropoffs
and strong
tides, it's
not uncommon
to fish
10 ounces
and even
higher.
FLUKE
FISHING
We have
been getting
lots of
questions
on fluke
fishing.
Questions
on how
to rig
for bait
fishing
and bucktailing;
specific
knots
to use
and how
to tie
them;
areas
to fish
from one
end of
Long Island
to the
other.
The best
thing
I can
recommend
on sharpening
you skills
on fluking
is to
pick up
Don Kamienski's
book and
video
tape on
fluking,
and get
a copy
of "Knot
Tying"
by Mark
Sosin
and Lefty
Kreh.
They are
all great
sources
of information.
Kamienski's
book and
video
are loaded
with great
information
and tips
on fluking.
Knot Tying
by Sosin
and Kreh
is essential
for your
knowledge
of proper
knots
and how
to tie
them.
Q: From
Tom
from
Babylon:
Tom
is new
to the
fishing
game
a has
bought
a Penn
5500
spinning
reel
and
7 foot
medium
heavy
rod
to match.
His
question
is can
he fish
this
rig
for
fluke,
flounder,
weaks,
blues
and
bass?
He just
started
fishing
on party
boats.
A: Sure
Tom,
you
can
fish
for
these
fish
with
this
set
up.
It may
be a
little
heavy
for
fluke
and
flounder.
I would
not
recommend
it on
a party
boat.
Spinning
reels
are
for
casting,
and
casting
on a
party
boat
is a
no no.
This
would
be a
great
set
up for
pier
and
jetty
fishing.
If you
want
to fish
on a
party
boat
get
a conventional
reel
that
will
hold
approximately
200
yards
of 25
lb test
mono
line.
Check
with
your
local
tackle
shop
for
the
proper
reel
in your
budget.
Q:
From
Hughie
from
Flanders.
Hughie
fishes
for
fluke
in
Western
Peconic
Bay
and
has
had
not
much
luck.
He
wants
to
know
any
favorite
spots
I
can
recommend.
A:
The
fluke
were
super
in
the
Peconic
area
early
in
the
season,
but
they
have
moved
east
to
the
Gardiners
Island
area,
east
of
the
Ruins.
I
would
run
through
Shinnecock
Canal
and
fish
the
inlet
channel
and
just
outside
the
jetties.
Check
with
Altenkirch
Tackle
in
Hampton
Bay
for
the
latest
information
on
area,
bait
and
tides.
Please
pick
your
day
carefully.
Shinnecock
Inlet
can
be
very
dangerous
in
bad
weather.
For
more
answers
to
your
questions
Click
Here.
Return
to
Al
Goldberg's
Tackle
Corner
or
Dave's
Homepage.
A: There are many excellent reels out there to choose from. You will want a reel with a smooth drag and a capacity of approximately 200 yards of 12-15 lb. mono. I would go with either Penn, Shimano or Daiwa. There are several models in different price ranges from $60 and up.
Q: From Doug
- Doug is floating chunks at the south
shore bridges and is getting run offs
but is not getting a solid hook up.
A: Try really
sharpening your hooks. Also, try moving
up to a larger hook, about a 7/0 Octopus
style.
Q: From hrodri4142
- Wants to know about proper knots.
A: I can't think
of anything that is more important
to proper rigging than knowing the
correct knot to use. There are some
excellent books and videos on knot
tying. My favorite is a paperback
by Mark Sosin and Lefty Kreh. You
can find it in any good tackle shop.
Get the book and practice tying.
You really only need to know about
6-8 knots for most fishing situations.
They are: hook snell knot; perfection
loop; uni-knot; Spider hitch; Trilene
Knot; Improved clinch knot; dropper
loop and Surgeon's loop.
Q: From
Bill - Wants recommendations for
a rod and reel to fish the south
shore beaches.
A: Bill, I
am not a surf fisherman, but I
have a lot of friends who are.
They have a selection of rods
and reels for different situations.
There is no all purpose rod and
reel. However, you can come pretty
close. For all around surf fishing,
I would recommend a 10 foot medium
action rod capable of handling
2-5 ounces. Choose a matching
reel with a good drag and line
capacity of 250 yards of 20 lb.
mono. Whether you choose spinning
or conventional is your choice.
I would recommend you check out
some of the better tackle shops
on Long Island for tackle recommendations
for the areas you will be fishing.
Q: From
Travis Tate...Jigging Blues
off Port Jefferson in October.
A: Blues
are on the move and feeding
heavily for their fall migration
south. Since they are feeding
very heavily they could be at
any depth chasing bait. The
waters off Port Jefferson is
varied in depth all the way
out to Middle Grounds where
the depth can exceed 100 feet.
If you are fishing on your own
boat I would get out there early
and first look for birds working.
That is a sure sign that bass
or blues are feeding. If there
are no birds working you need
to find the rip lines where
the tide will push the bait.
Blues and bass will take up
station down tide of the structure
to have the bait brought to
them by the tide. Cruise around
over known structure to see
if you can read them on your
bottom machine. Use a medium
heavy boat rod of about 7 feet.
A conventional reel with 30-50
test mono and 8 ounce diamond
or slab jigs with a single 8/0
or 9/0 hook.
Q:
From Unknown...Best bait and
water temperature for cod?
A: Cod
are not fussy eaters and will
bight on most types of bait.
However, the standard bait
used is usually sea clams.
A half of a large clam or
a whole clam on a 5/0 beak
hook on a 15 inch leader is
the standard rig. Make sure
you have some of the soft
belly meat of the clam on
the hook. As far as water
temperature, cod usually like
it in the mid to low 40 degree
range. As the temperature
goes below 40 degrees they
become reluctant to feed.
Q:
From Fred...Best colors
and time to bucktail at
Plum Gut?
A: Well
Fred, now is the time. The
daytime bucktailing is hot.
Check with Bob at Wego Fishing
Station in Southold for
the best time and tides.
He will also advise you
on the best colors. White,
purple and flourescent chatreuse
are all effective colors.
Make sure you put on a striper
pork rind.
Q: From Paul...How to
rig crabs for blackfish?
A:
I use green crabs for
blackfish in the fall.
If I can get hermit crabs
I prefer them. Use a #
5 Virginia blackfish hook
snelled on 50 lb. leader.
Cut the green crab in
half with a pair of scissors.
The inexpensive utility
snips for about $3 work
great. Snip of the legs
and remove the back shell.
Thread the hook through
one socket and out the
other. That's it.
Q: From Unknown...Wire
Line Trolling Umbrella
Rigs in the Freeport
Area.
A: Umbrella rigs are
very effective where
there are concentrations
of baitfish. I would
work the Jones Inlet
area and outside along
the beach. Start out
with 150 feet of wire
out. If you have no
hits go to 200 feet
and continue to let
out wire until you hit
fish. Look for birds
working and troll the
edge of the school.
Don't go through the
center of the diving
birds since you will
scatter the school.
Q: From ClareBear...How
do you catch live
bunker?
A: Live bunker are
caught by commercial
fishermen by netting.
To catch live bunker
by a sport fisherman,
we usually try to
spot a school of bunker
early in the morning
and use a snagging
rig to catch them.
Most sport fishermen
purchase them fresh
from a reliable bait
and tackle shop.
Q: From Unknown.
What kind of rig
do you use for seabass
on wrecks and when
is the best time
to go?
A: I use a two or
three hook hi-lo
rig using 50 lb.
leader material
with 6 inch dropper
loops. The first
loop should be about
6 inches above the
sinker and the next
two should be spread
about a foot apart.
I use 4/0 baitholder
hooks. Bait with
squid strips or
skimmer clam. The
seabass season just
open up. Inshore
wrecks and rocks
should hold fish
this time of year.
As the season progresses
they will move to
deeper areas, with
the biggest fish
being caught on
the deeper wrecks
in the ocean and
Long Island Sound.
One of my friends
just fished a deep
wreck in LI Sound
and had three fish
over 5 lb and one
over 6 lb.
Q: From Tony -
Where can he get
a map of Moriches
Bay?
A: If you are
a boater I would
strongly recommend
you go into one
on the many boat
supply stores
and get a bound
laminated book
of maps for your
primary fishing
areas. The stores
usually carry
a full selection.
Q: From Fred
- Best tide
to Fish for
Striped Bass
in Plum Gut?
A: This changes
day deepending
on weather,
wind, time of
year and the
presence of
bait in the
water. Both
ebb and flood
tide will produce
fish. Check
with your local
tackle shops
familiar with
the area for
the latest information.
Q: From Jerry,
Cold Spring
- Where can
he get GPS
numbers for
productive
wrecks in
Long Island
Sound?
A: Wreck numbers
are boat fishermens
most guarded
secret. You
can get lists
of known wrecks
and obstructions
off coastal
navigation
maps listed
in latitude
and longitude.
I would recommend
that you keep
a log like
most successful
fishermen
of productive
spots you
have fished.
Also, when
I had my own
boat, I would
take time
during the
"dog days"
of summer
you do some
wreck hunting.
When moving
from one fishing
spot to another,
don't race
at 20+ knots.
Slow down
and look at
your bottom
machine and
note any wrecks
and obstructions
you might
run across.
Then check
them out later
in the season.
Q: From
John: Is
a Penn 209
reel okay
for fluke
and what
sinker weight
should I
use?
A: The Penn
209 is a
great reel
for fluke.
I would
spool it
up with
20lb. quality
mono line,
like Ande
or Berkeley
Big Game.
As far a
what sinker
weight,
it depend
on how deep
you are
fishing
and the
speed of
the current.
You always
want to
be in contact
with the
bottom.
For in the
bay, 2-3
ounces is
usually
adequate.
In the inlets
and along
ocean beaches
you may
need to
go up to
6 ounces.
For true
ocean fluking
in deep
water like
Ambrose
Channel
or off Montauk
and Gardiners
Island where
there are
deep dropoffs
and strong
tides, it's
not uncommon
to fish
10 ounces
and even
higher.
FLUKE
FISHING
We have
been getting
lots of
questions
on fluke
fishing.
Questions
on how
to rig
for bait
fishing
and bucktailing;
specific
knots
to use
and how
to tie
them;
areas
to fish
from one
end of
Long Island
to the
other.
The best
thing
I can
recommend
on sharpening
you skills
on fluking
is to
pick up
Don Kamienski's
book and
video
tape on
fluking,
and get
a copy
of "Knot
Tying"
by Mark
Sosin
and Lefty
Kreh.
They are
all great
sources
of information.
Kamienski's
book and
video
are loaded
with great
information
and tips
on fluking.
Knot Tying
by Sosin
and Kreh
is essential
for your
knowledge
of proper
knots
and how
to tie
them.
Q: From
Tom
from
Babylon:
Tom
is new
to the
fishing
game
a has
bought
a Penn
5500
spinning
reel
and
7 foot
medium
heavy
rod
to match.
His
question
is can
he fish
this
rig
for
fluke,
flounder,
weaks,
blues
and
bass?
He just
started
fishing
on party
boats.
A: Sure
Tom,
you
can
fish
for
these
fish
with
this
set
up.
It may
be a
little
heavy
for
fluke
and
flounder.
I would
not
recommend
it on
a party
boat.
Spinning
reels
are
for
casting,
and
casting
on a
party
boat
is a
no no.
This
would
be a
great
set
up for
pier
and
jetty
fishing.
If you
want
to fish
on a
party
boat
get
a conventional
reel
that
will
hold
approximately
200
yards
of 25
lb test
mono
line.
Check
with
your
local
tackle
shop
for
the
proper
reel
in your
budget.
Q:
From
Hughie
from
Flanders.
Hughie
fishes
for
fluke
in
Western
Peconic
Bay
and
has
had
not
much
luck.
He
wants
to
know
any
favorite
spots
I
can
recommend.
A:
The
fluke
were
super
in
the
Peconic
area
early
in
the
season,
but
they
have
moved
east
to
the
Gardiners
Island
area,
east
of
the
Ruins.
I
would
run
through
Shinnecock
Canal
and
fish
the
inlet
channel
and
just
outside
the
jetties.
Check
with
Altenkirch
Tackle
in
Hampton
Bay
for
the
latest
information
on
area,
bait
and
tides.
Please
pick
your
day
carefully.
Shinnecock
Inlet
can
be
very
dangerous
in
bad
weather.
For
more
answers
to
your
questions
Click
Here.
Return
to
Al
Goldberg's
Tackle
Corner
or
Dave's
Homepage.
A: I can't think of anything that is more important to proper rigging than knowing the correct knot to use. There are some excellent books and videos on knot tying. My favorite is a paperback by Mark Sosin and Lefty Kreh. You can find it in any good tackle shop. Get the book and practice tying. You really only need to know about 6-8 knots for most fishing situations. They are: hook snell knot; perfection loop; uni-knot; Spider hitch; Trilene Knot; Improved clinch knot; dropper loop and Surgeon's loop.
Q: From
Bill - Wants recommendations for
a rod and reel to fish the south
shore beaches.
A: Bill, I
am not a surf fisherman, but I
have a lot of friends who are.
They have a selection of rods
and reels for different situations.
There is no all purpose rod and
reel. However, you can come pretty
close. For all around surf fishing,
I would recommend a 10 foot medium
action rod capable of handling
2-5 ounces. Choose a matching
reel with a good drag and line
capacity of 250 yards of 20 lb.
mono. Whether you choose spinning
or conventional is your choice.
I would recommend you check out
some of the better tackle shops
on Long Island for tackle recommendations
for the areas you will be fishing.
Q: From
Travis Tate...Jigging Blues
off Port Jefferson in October.
A: Blues
are on the move and feeding
heavily for their fall migration
south. Since they are feeding
very heavily they could be at
any depth chasing bait. The
waters off Port Jefferson is
varied in depth all the way
out to Middle Grounds where
the depth can exceed 100 feet.
If you are fishing on your own
boat I would get out there early
and first look for birds working.
That is a sure sign that bass
or blues are feeding. If there
are no birds working you need
to find the rip lines where
the tide will push the bait.
Blues and bass will take up
station down tide of the structure
to have the bait brought to
them by the tide. Cruise around
over known structure to see
if you can read them on your
bottom machine. Use a medium
heavy boat rod of about 7 feet.
A conventional reel with 30-50
test mono and 8 ounce diamond
or slab jigs with a single 8/0
or 9/0 hook.
Q:
From Unknown...Best bait and
water temperature for cod?
A: Cod
are not fussy eaters and will
bight on most types of bait.
However, the standard bait
used is usually sea clams.
A half of a large clam or
a whole clam on a 5/0 beak
hook on a 15 inch leader is
the standard rig. Make sure
you have some of the soft
belly meat of the clam on
the hook. As far as water
temperature, cod usually like
it in the mid to low 40 degree
range. As the temperature
goes below 40 degrees they
become reluctant to feed.
Q:
From Fred...Best colors
and time to bucktail at
Plum Gut?
A: Well
Fred, now is the time. The
daytime bucktailing is hot.
Check with Bob at Wego Fishing
Station in Southold for
the best time and tides.
He will also advise you
on the best colors. White,
purple and flourescent chatreuse
are all effective colors.
Make sure you put on a striper
pork rind.
Q: From Paul...How to
rig crabs for blackfish?
A:
I use green crabs for
blackfish in the fall.
If I can get hermit crabs
I prefer them. Use a #
5 Virginia blackfish hook
snelled on 50 lb. leader.
Cut the green crab in
half with a pair of scissors.
The inexpensive utility
snips for about $3 work
great. Snip of the legs
and remove the back shell.
Thread the hook through
one socket and out the
other. That's it.
Q: From Unknown...Wire
Line Trolling Umbrella
Rigs in the Freeport
Area.
A: Umbrella rigs are
very effective where
there are concentrations
of baitfish. I would
work the Jones Inlet
area and outside along
the beach. Start out
with 150 feet of wire
out. If you have no
hits go to 200 feet
and continue to let
out wire until you hit
fish. Look for birds
working and troll the
edge of the school.
Don't go through the
center of the diving
birds since you will
scatter the school.
Q: From ClareBear...How
do you catch live
bunker?
A: Live bunker are
caught by commercial
fishermen by netting.
To catch live bunker
by a sport fisherman,
we usually try to
spot a school of bunker
early in the morning
and use a snagging
rig to catch them.
Most sport fishermen
purchase them fresh
from a reliable bait
and tackle shop.
Q: From Unknown.
What kind of rig
do you use for seabass
on wrecks and when
is the best time
to go?
A: I use a two or
three hook hi-lo
rig using 50 lb.
leader material
with 6 inch dropper
loops. The first
loop should be about
6 inches above the
sinker and the next
two should be spread
about a foot apart.
I use 4/0 baitholder
hooks. Bait with
squid strips or
skimmer clam. The
seabass season just
open up. Inshore
wrecks and rocks
should hold fish
this time of year.
As the season progresses
they will move to
deeper areas, with
the biggest fish
being caught on
the deeper wrecks
in the ocean and
Long Island Sound.
One of my friends
just fished a deep
wreck in LI Sound
and had three fish
over 5 lb and one
over 6 lb.
Q: From Tony -
Where can he get
a map of Moriches
Bay?
A: If you are
a boater I would
strongly recommend
you go into one
on the many boat
supply stores
and get a bound
laminated book
of maps for your
primary fishing
areas. The stores
usually carry
a full selection.
Q: From Fred
- Best tide
to Fish for
Striped Bass
in Plum Gut?
A: This changes
day deepending
on weather,
wind, time of
year and the
presence of
bait in the
water. Both
ebb and flood
tide will produce
fish. Check
with your local
tackle shops
familiar with
the area for
the latest information.
Q: From Jerry,
Cold Spring
- Where can
he get GPS
numbers for
productive
wrecks in
Long Island
Sound?
A: Wreck numbers
are boat fishermens
most guarded
secret. You
can get lists
of known wrecks
and obstructions
off coastal
navigation
maps listed
in latitude
and longitude.
I would recommend
that you keep
a log like
most successful
fishermen
of productive
spots you
have fished.
Also, when
I had my own
boat, I would
take time
during the
"dog days"
of summer
you do some
wreck hunting.
When moving
from one fishing
spot to another,
don't race
at 20+ knots.
Slow down
and look at
your bottom
machine and
note any wrecks
and obstructions
you might
run across.
Then check
them out later
in the season.
Q: From
John: Is
a Penn 209
reel okay
for fluke
and what
sinker weight
should I
use?
A: The Penn
209 is a
great reel
for fluke.
I would
spool it
up with
20lb. quality
mono line,
like Ande
or Berkeley
Big Game.
As far a
what sinker
weight,
it depend
on how deep
you are
fishing
and the
speed of
the current.
You always
want to
be in contact
with the
bottom.
For in the
bay, 2-3
ounces is
usually
adequate.
In the inlets
and along
ocean beaches
you may
need to
go up to
6 ounces.
For true
ocean fluking
in deep
water like
Ambrose
Channel
or off Montauk
and Gardiners
Island where
there are
deep dropoffs
and strong
tides, it's
not uncommon
to fish
10 ounces
and even
higher.
FLUKE
FISHING
We have
been getting
lots of
questions
on fluke
fishing.
Questions
on how
to rig
for bait
fishing
and bucktailing;
specific
knots
to use
and how
to tie
them;
areas
to fish
from one
end of
Long Island
to the
other.
The best
thing
I can
recommend
on sharpening
you skills
on fluking
is to
pick up
Don Kamienski's
book and
video
tape on
fluking,
and get
a copy
of "Knot
Tying"
by Mark
Sosin
and Lefty
Kreh.
They are
all great
sources
of information.
Kamienski's
book and
video
are loaded
with great
information
and tips
on fluking.
Knot Tying
by Sosin
and Kreh
is essential
for your
knowledge
of proper
knots
and how
to tie
them.
Q: From
Tom
from
Babylon:
Tom
is new
to the
fishing
game
a has
bought
a Penn
5500
spinning
reel
and
7 foot
medium
heavy
rod
to match.
His
question
is can
he fish
this
rig
for
fluke,
flounder,
weaks,
blues
and
bass?
He just
started
fishing
on party
boats.
A: Sure
Tom,
you
can
fish
for
these
fish
with
this
set
up.
It may
be a
little
heavy
for
fluke
and
flounder.
I would
not
recommend
it on
a party
boat.
Spinning
reels
are
for
casting,
and
casting
on a
party
boat
is a
no no.
This
would
be a
great
set
up for
pier
and
jetty
fishing.
If you
want
to fish
on a
party
boat
get
a conventional
reel
that
will
hold
approximately
200
yards
of 25
lb test
mono
line.
Check
with
your
local
tackle
shop
for
the
proper
reel
in your
budget.
Q:
From
Hughie
from
Flanders.
Hughie
fishes
for
fluke
in
Western
Peconic
Bay
and
has
had
not
much
luck.
He
wants
to
know
any
favorite
spots
I
can
recommend.
A:
The
fluke
were
super
in
the
Peconic
area
early
in
the
season,
but
they
have
moved
east
to
the
Gardiners
Island
area,
east
of
the
Ruins.
I
would
run
through
Shinnecock
Canal
and
fish
the
inlet
channel
and
just
outside
the
jetties.
Check
with
Altenkirch
Tackle
in
Hampton
Bay
for
the
latest
information
on
area,
bait
and
tides.
Please
pick
your
day
carefully.
Shinnecock
Inlet
can
be
very
dangerous
in
bad
weather.
For
more
answers
to
your
questions
Click
Here.
Return
to
Al
Goldberg's
Tackle
Corner
or
Dave's
Homepage.
A: Blues are on the move and feeding heavily for their fall migration south. Since they are feeding very heavily they could be at any depth chasing bait. The waters off Port Jefferson is varied in depth all the way out to Middle Grounds where the depth can exceed 100 feet. If you are fishing on your own boat I would get out there early and first look for birds working. That is a sure sign that bass or blues are feeding. If there are no birds working you need to find the rip lines where the tide will push the bait. Blues and bass will take up station down tide of the structure to have the bait brought to them by the tide. Cruise around over known structure to see if you can read them on your bottom machine. Use a medium heavy boat rod of about 7 feet. A conventional reel with 30-50 test mono and 8 ounce diamond or slab jigs with a single 8/0 or 9/0 hook.
Q:
From Unknown...Best bait and
water temperature for cod?
A: Cod
are not fussy eaters and will
bight on most types of bait.
However, the standard bait
used is usually sea clams.
A half of a large clam or
a whole clam on a 5/0 beak
hook on a 15 inch leader is
the standard rig. Make sure
you have some of the soft
belly meat of the clam on
the hook. As far as water
temperature, cod usually like
it in the mid to low 40 degree
range. As the temperature
goes below 40 degrees they
become reluctant to feed.
Q:
From Fred...Best colors
and time to bucktail at
Plum Gut?
A: Well
Fred, now is the time. The
daytime bucktailing is hot.
Check with Bob at Wego Fishing
Station in Southold for
the best time and tides.
He will also advise you
on the best colors. White,
purple and flourescent chatreuse
are all effective colors.
Make sure you put on a striper
pork rind.
Q: From Paul...How to
rig crabs for blackfish?
A:
I use green crabs for
blackfish in the fall.
If I can get hermit crabs
I prefer them. Use a #
5 Virginia blackfish hook
snelled on 50 lb. leader.
Cut the green crab in
half with a pair of scissors.
The inexpensive utility
snips for about $3 work
great. Snip of the legs
and remove the back shell.
Thread the hook through
one socket and out the
other. That's it.
Q: From Unknown...Wire
Line Trolling Umbrella
Rigs in the Freeport
Area.
A: Umbrella rigs are
very effective where
there are concentrations
of baitfish. I would
work the Jones Inlet
area and outside along
the beach. Start out
with 150 feet of wire
out. If you have no
hits go to 200 feet
and continue to let
out wire until you hit
fish. Look for birds
working and troll the
edge of the school.
Don't go through the
center of the diving
birds since you will
scatter the school.
Q: From ClareBear...How
do you catch live
bunker?
A: Live bunker are
caught by commercial
fishermen by netting.
To catch live bunker
by a sport fisherman,
we usually try to
spot a school of bunker
early in the morning
and use a snagging
rig to catch them.
Most sport fishermen
purchase them fresh
from a reliable bait
and tackle shop.
Q: From Unknown.
What kind of rig
do you use for seabass
on wrecks and when
is the best time
to go?
A: I use a two or
three hook hi-lo
rig using 50 lb.
leader material
with 6 inch dropper
loops. The first
loop should be about
6 inches above the
sinker and the next
two should be spread
about a foot apart.
I use 4/0 baitholder
hooks. Bait with
squid strips or
skimmer clam. The
seabass season just
open up. Inshore
wrecks and rocks
should hold fish
this time of year.
As the season progresses
they will move to
deeper areas, with
the biggest fish
being caught on
the deeper wrecks
in the ocean and
Long Island Sound.
One of my friends
just fished a deep
wreck in LI Sound
and had three fish
over 5 lb and one
over 6 lb.
Q: From Tony -
Where can he get
a map of Moriches
Bay?
A: If you are
a boater I would
strongly recommend
you go into one
on the many boat
supply stores
and get a bound
laminated book
of maps for your
primary fishing
areas. The stores
usually carry
a full selection.
Q: From Fred
- Best tide
to Fish for
Striped Bass
in Plum Gut?
A: This changes
day deepending
on weather,
wind, time of
year and the
presence of
bait in the
water. Both
ebb and flood
tide will produce
fish. Check
with your local
tackle shops
familiar with
the area for
the latest information.
Q: From Jerry,
Cold Spring
- Where can
he get GPS
numbers for
productive
wrecks in
Long Island
Sound?
A: Wreck numbers
are boat fishermens
most guarded
secret. You
can get lists
of known wrecks
and obstructions
off coastal
navigation
maps listed
in latitude
and longitude.
I would recommend
that you keep
a log like
most successful
fishermen
of productive
spots you
have fished.
Also, when
I had my own
boat, I would
take time
during the
"dog days"
of summer
you do some
wreck hunting.
When moving
from one fishing
spot to another,
don't race
at 20+ knots.
Slow down
and look at
your bottom
machine and
note any wrecks
and obstructions
you might
run across.
Then check
them out later
in the season.
Q: From
John: Is
a Penn 209
reel okay
for fluke
and what
sinker weight
should I
use?
A: The Penn
209 is a
great reel
for fluke.
I would
spool it
up with
20lb. quality
mono line,
like Ande
or Berkeley
Big Game.
As far a
what sinker
weight,
it depend
on how deep
you are
fishing
and the
speed of
the current.
You always
want to
be in contact
with the
bottom.
For in the
bay, 2-3
ounces is
usually
adequate.
In the inlets
and along
ocean beaches
you may
need to
go up to
6 ounces.
For true
ocean fluking
in deep
water like
Ambrose
Channel
or off Montauk
and Gardiners
Island where
there are
deep dropoffs
and strong
tides, it's
not uncommon
to fish
10 ounces
and even
higher.
FLUKE
FISHING
We have
been getting
lots of
questions
on fluke
fishing.
Questions
on how
to rig
for bait
fishing
and bucktailing;
specific
knots
to use
and how
to tie
them;
areas
to fish
from one
end of
Long Island
to the
other.
The best
thing
I can
recommend
on sharpening
you skills
on fluking
is to
pick up
Don Kamienski's
book and
video
tape on
fluking,
and get
a copy
of "Knot
Tying"
by Mark
Sosin
and Lefty
Kreh.
They are
all great
sources
of information.
Kamienski's
book and
video
are loaded
with great
information
and tips
on fluking.
Knot Tying
by Sosin
and Kreh
is essential
for your
knowledge
of proper
knots
and how
to tie
them.
Q: From
Tom
from
Babylon:
Tom
is new
to the
fishing
game
a has
bought
a Penn
5500
spinning
reel
and
7 foot
medium
heavy
rod
to match.
His
question
is can
he fish
this
rig
for
fluke,
flounder,
weaks,
blues
and
bass?
He just
started
fishing
on party
boats.
A: Sure
Tom,
you
can
fish
for
these
fish
with
this
set
up.
It may
be a
little
heavy
for
fluke
and
flounder.
I would
not
recommend
it on
a party
boat.
Spinning
reels
are
for
casting,
and
casting
on a
party
boat
is a
no no.
This
would
be a
great
set
up for
pier
and
jetty
fishing.
If you
want
to fish
on a
party
boat
get
a conventional
reel
that
will
hold
approximately
200
yards
of 25
lb test
mono
line.
Check
with
your
local
tackle
shop
for
the
proper
reel
in your
budget.
Q:
From
Hughie
from
Flanders.
Hughie
fishes
for
fluke
in
Western
Peconic
Bay
and
has
had
not
much
luck.
He
wants
to
know
any
favorite
spots
I
can
recommend.
A:
The
fluke
were
super
in
the
Peconic
area
early
in
the
season,
but
they
have
moved
east
to
the
Gardiners
Island
area,
east
of
the
Ruins.
I
would
run
through
Shinnecock
Canal
and
fish
the
inlet
channel
and
just
outside
the
jetties.
Check
with
Altenkirch
Tackle
in
Hampton
Bay
for
the
latest
information
on
area,
bait
and
tides.
Please
pick
your
day
carefully.
Shinnecock
Inlet
can
be
very
dangerous
in
bad
weather.
For
more
answers
to
your
questions
Click
Here.
Return
to
Al
Goldberg's
Tackle
Corner
or
Dave's
Homepage.
A: Well Fred, now is the time. The daytime bucktailing is hot. Check with Bob at Wego Fishing Station in Southold for the best time and tides. He will also advise you on the best colors. White, purple and flourescent chatreuse are all effective colors. Make sure you put on a striper pork rind.
Q: From Paul...How to
rig crabs for blackfish?
A:
I use green crabs for
blackfish in the fall.
If I can get hermit crabs
I prefer them. Use a #
5 Virginia blackfish hook
snelled on 50 lb. leader.
Cut the green crab in
half with a pair of scissors.
The inexpensive utility
snips for about $3 work
great. Snip of the legs
and remove the back shell.
Thread the hook through
one socket and out the
other. That's it.
Q: From Unknown...Wire
Line Trolling Umbrella
Rigs in the Freeport
Area.
A: Umbrella rigs are
very effective where
there are concentrations
of baitfish. I would
work the Jones Inlet
area and outside along
the beach. Start out
with 150 feet of wire
out. If you have no
hits go to 200 feet
and continue to let
out wire until you hit
fish. Look for birds
working and troll the
edge of the school.
Don't go through the
center of the diving
birds since you will
scatter the school.
Q: From ClareBear...How
do you catch live
bunker?
A: Live bunker are
caught by commercial
fishermen by netting.
To catch live bunker
by a sport fisherman,
we usually try to
spot a school of bunker
early in the morning
and use a snagging
rig to catch them.
Most sport fishermen
purchase them fresh
from a reliable bait
and tackle shop.
Q: From Unknown.
What kind of rig
do you use for seabass
on wrecks and when
is the best time
to go?
A: I use a two or
three hook hi-lo
rig using 50 lb.
leader material
with 6 inch dropper
loops. The first
loop should be about
6 inches above the
sinker and the next
two should be spread
about a foot apart.
I use 4/0 baitholder
hooks. Bait with
squid strips or
skimmer clam. The
seabass season just
open up. Inshore
wrecks and rocks
should hold fish
this time of year.
As the season progresses
they will move to
deeper areas, with
the biggest fish
being caught on
the deeper wrecks
in the ocean and
Long Island Sound.
One of my friends
just fished a deep
wreck in LI Sound
and had three fish
over 5 lb and one
over 6 lb.
Q: From Tony -
Where can he get
a map of Moriches
Bay?
A: If you are
a boater I would
strongly recommend
you go into one
on the many boat
supply stores
and get a bound
laminated book
of maps for your
primary fishing
areas. The stores
usually carry
a full selection.
Q: From Fred
- Best tide
to Fish for
Striped Bass
in Plum Gut?
A: This changes
day deepending
on weather,
wind, time of
year and the
presence of
bait in the
water. Both
ebb and flood
tide will produce
fish. Check
with your local
tackle shops
familiar with
the area for
the latest information.
Q: From Jerry,
Cold Spring
- Where can
he get GPS
numbers for
productive
wrecks in
Long Island
Sound?
A: Wreck numbers
are boat fishermens
most guarded
secret. You
can get lists
of known wrecks
and obstructions
off coastal
navigation
maps listed
in latitude
and longitude.
I would recommend
that you keep
a log like
most successful
fishermen
of productive
spots you
have fished.
Also, when
I had my own
boat, I would
take time
during the
"dog days"
of summer
you do some
wreck hunting.
When moving
from one fishing
spot to another,
don't race
at 20+ knots.
Slow down
and look at
your bottom
machine and
note any wrecks
and obstructions
you might
run across.
Then check
them out later
in the season.
Q: From
John: Is
a Penn 209
reel okay
for fluke
and what
sinker weight
should I
use?
A: The Penn
209 is a
great reel
for fluke.
I would
spool it
up with
20lb. quality
mono line,
like Ande
or Berkeley
Big Game.
As far a
what sinker
weight,
it depend
on how deep
you are
fishing
and the
speed of
the current.
You always
want to
be in contact
with the
bottom.
For in the
bay, 2-3
ounces is
usually
adequate.
In the inlets
and along
ocean beaches
you may
need to
go up to
6 ounces.
For true
ocean fluking
in deep
water like
Ambrose
Channel
or off Montauk
and Gardiners
Island where
there are
deep dropoffs
and strong
tides, it's
not uncommon
to fish
10 ounces
and even
higher.
FLUKE
FISHING
We have
been getting
lots of
questions
on fluke
fishing.
Questions
on how
to rig
for bait
fishing
and bucktailing;
specific
knots
to use
and how
to tie
them;
areas
to fish
from one
end of
Long Island
to the
other.
The best
thing
I can
recommend
on sharpening
you skills
on fluking
is to
pick up
Don Kamienski's
book and
video
tape on
fluking,
and get
a copy
of "Knot
Tying"
by Mark
Sosin
and Lefty
Kreh.
They are
all great
sources
of information.
Kamienski's
book and
video
are loaded
with great
information
and tips
on fluking.
Knot Tying
by Sosin
and Kreh
is essential
for your
knowledge
of proper
knots
and how
to tie
them.
Q: From
Tom
from
Babylon:
Tom
is new
to the
fishing
game
a has
bought
a Penn
5500
spinning
reel
and
7 foot
medium
heavy
rod
to match.
His
question
is can
he fish
this
rig
for
fluke,
flounder,
weaks,
blues
and
bass?
He just
started
fishing
on party
boats.
A: Sure
Tom,
you
can
fish
for
these
fish
with
this
set
up.
It may
be a
little
heavy
for
fluke
and
flounder.
I would
not
recommend
it on
a party
boat.
Spinning
reels
are
for
casting,
and
casting
on a
party
boat
is a
no no.
This
would
be a
great
set
up for
pier
and
jetty
fishing.
If you
want
to fish
on a
party
boat
get
a conventional
reel
that
will
hold
approximately
200
yards
of 25
lb test
mono
line.
Check
with
your
local
tackle
shop
for
the
proper
reel
in your
budget.
Q:
From
Hughie
from
Flanders.
Hughie
fishes
for
fluke
in
Western
Peconic
Bay
and
has
had
not
much
luck.
He
wants
to
know
any
favorite
spots
I
can
recommend.
A:
The
fluke
were
super
in
the
Peconic
area
early
in
the
season,
but
they
have
moved
east
to
the
Gardiners
Island
area,
east
of
the
Ruins.
I
would
run
through
Shinnecock
Canal
and
fish
the
inlet
channel
and
just
outside
the
jetties.
Check
with
Altenkirch
Tackle
in
Hampton
Bay
for
the
latest
information
on
area,
bait
and
tides.
Please
pick
your
day
carefully.
Shinnecock
Inlet
can
be
very
dangerous
in
bad
weather.
For
more
answers
to
your
questions
Click
Here.
Return
to
Al
Goldberg's
Tackle
Corner
or
Dave's
Homepage.
A: Umbrella rigs are very effective where there are concentrations of baitfish. I would work the Jones Inlet area and outside along the beach. Start out with 150 feet of wire out. If you have no hits go to 200 feet and continue to let out wire until you hit fish. Look for birds working and troll the edge of the school. Don't go through the center of the diving birds since you will scatter the school.
Q: From ClareBear...How
do you catch live
bunker?
A: Live bunker are
caught by commercial
fishermen by netting.
To catch live bunker
by a sport fisherman,
we usually try to
spot a school of bunker
early in the morning
and use a snagging
rig to catch them.
Most sport fishermen
purchase them fresh
from a reliable bait
and tackle shop.
Q: From Unknown.
What kind of rig
do you use for seabass
on wrecks and when
is the best time
to go?
A: I use a two or
three hook hi-lo
rig using 50 lb.
leader material
with 6 inch dropper
loops. The first
loop should be about
6 inches above the
sinker and the next
two should be spread
about a foot apart.
I use 4/0 baitholder
hooks. Bait with
squid strips or
skimmer clam. The
seabass season just
open up. Inshore
wrecks and rocks
should hold fish
this time of year.
As the season progresses
they will move to
deeper areas, with
the biggest fish
being caught on
the deeper wrecks
in the ocean and
Long Island Sound.
One of my friends
just fished a deep
wreck in LI Sound
and had three fish
over 5 lb and one
over 6 lb.
Q: From Tony -
Where can he get
a map of Moriches
Bay?
A: If you are
a boater I would
strongly recommend
you go into one
on the many boat
supply stores
and get a bound
laminated book
of maps for your
primary fishing
areas. The stores
usually carry
a full selection.
Q: From Fred
- Best tide
to Fish for
Striped Bass
in Plum Gut?
A: This changes
day deepending
on weather,
wind, time of
year and the
presence of
bait in the
water. Both
ebb and flood
tide will produce
fish. Check
with your local
tackle shops
familiar with
the area for
the latest information.
Q: From Jerry,
Cold Spring
- Where can
he get GPS
numbers for
productive
wrecks in
Long Island
Sound?
A: Wreck numbers
are boat fishermens
most guarded
secret. You
can get lists
of known wrecks
and obstructions
off coastal
navigation
maps listed
in latitude
and longitude.
I would recommend
that you keep
a log like
most successful
fishermen
of productive
spots you
have fished.
Also, when
I had my own
boat, I would
take time
during the
"dog days"
of summer
you do some
wreck hunting.
When moving
from one fishing
spot to another,
don't race
at 20+ knots.
Slow down
and look at
your bottom
machine and
note any wrecks
and obstructions
you might
run across.
Then check
them out later
in the season.
Q: From
John: Is
a Penn 209
reel okay
for fluke
and what
sinker weight
should I
use?
A: The Penn
209 is a
great reel
for fluke.
I would
spool it
up with
20lb. quality
mono line,
like Ande
or Berkeley
Big Game.
As far a
what sinker
weight,
it depend
on how deep
you are
fishing
and the
speed of
the current.
You always
want to
be in contact
with the
bottom.
For in the
bay, 2-3
ounces is
usually
adequate.
In the inlets
and along
ocean beaches
you may
need to
go up to
6 ounces.
For true
ocean fluking
in deep
water like
Ambrose
Channel
or off Montauk
and Gardiners
Island where
there are
deep dropoffs
and strong
tides, it's
not uncommon
to fish
10 ounces
and even
higher.
FLUKE
FISHING
We have
been getting
lots of
questions
on fluke
fishing.
Questions
on how
to rig
for bait
fishing
and bucktailing;
specific
knots
to use
and how
to tie
them;
areas
to fish
from one
end of
Long Island
to the
other.
The best
thing
I can
recommend
on sharpening
you skills
on fluking
is to
pick up
Don Kamienski's
book and
video
tape on
fluking,
and get
a copy
of "Knot
Tying"
by Mark
Sosin
and Lefty
Kreh.
They are
all great
sources
of information.
Kamienski's
book and
video
are loaded
with great
information
and tips
on fluking.
Knot Tying
by Sosin
and Kreh
is essential
for your
knowledge
of proper
knots
and how
to tie
them.
Q: From
Tom
from
Babylon:
Tom
is new
to the
fishing
game
a has
bought
a Penn
5500
spinning
reel
and
7 foot
medium
heavy
rod
to match.
His
question
is can
he fish
this
rig
for
fluke,
flounder,
weaks,
blues
and
bass?
He just
started
fishing
on party
boats.
A: Sure
Tom,
you
can
fish
for
these
fish
with
this
set
up.
It may
be a
little
heavy
for
fluke
and
flounder.
I would
not
recommend
it on
a party
boat.
Spinning
reels
are
for
casting,
and
casting
on a
party
boat
is a
no no.
This
would
be a
great
set
up for
pier
and
jetty
fishing.
If you
want
to fish
on a
party
boat
get
a conventional
reel
that
will
hold
approximately
200
yards
of 25
lb test
mono
line.
Check
with
your
local
tackle
shop
for
the
proper
reel
in your
budget.
Q:
From
Hughie
from
Flanders.
Hughie
fishes
for
fluke
in
Western
Peconic
Bay
and
has
had
not
much
luck.
He
wants
to
know
any
favorite
spots
I
can
recommend.
A:
The
fluke
were
super
in
the
Peconic
area
early
in
the
season,
but
they
have
moved
east
to
the
Gardiners
Island
area,
east
of
the
Ruins.
I
would
run
through
Shinnecock
Canal
and
fish
the
inlet
channel
and
just
outside
the
jetties.
Check
with
Altenkirch
Tackle
in
Hampton
Bay
for
the
latest
information
on
area,
bait
and
tides.
Please
pick
your
day
carefully.
Shinnecock
Inlet
can
be
very
dangerous
in
bad
weather.
For
more
answers
to
your
questions
Click
Here.
Return
to
Al
Goldberg's
Tackle
Corner
or
Dave's
Homepage.
A: I use a two or three hook hi-lo rig using 50 lb. leader material with 6 inch dropper loops. The first loop should be about 6 inches above the sinker and the next two should be spread about a foot apart. I use 4/0 baitholder hooks. Bait with squid strips or skimmer clam. The seabass season just open up. Inshore wrecks and rocks should hold fish this time of year. As the season progresses they will move to deeper areas, with the biggest fish being caught on the deeper wrecks in the ocean and Long Island Sound. One of my friends just fished a deep wreck in LI Sound and had three fish over 5 lb and one over 6 lb.
Q: From Tony -
Where can he get
a map of Moriches
Bay?
A: If you are
a boater I would
strongly recommend
you go into one
on the many boat
supply stores
and get a bound
laminated book
of maps for your
primary fishing
areas. The stores
usually carry
a full selection.
Q: From Fred
- Best tide
to Fish for
Striped Bass
in Plum Gut?
A: This changes
day deepending
on weather,
wind, time of
year and the
presence of
bait in the
water. Both
ebb and flood
tide will produce
fish. Check
with your local
tackle shops
familiar with
the area for
the latest information.
Q: From Jerry,
Cold Spring
- Where can
he get GPS
numbers for
productive
wrecks in
Long Island
Sound?
A: Wreck numbers
are boat fishermens
most guarded
secret. You
can get lists
of known wrecks
and obstructions
off coastal
navigation
maps listed
in latitude
and longitude.
I would recommend
that you keep
a log like
most successful
fishermen
of productive
spots you
have fished.
Also, when
I had my own
boat, I would
take time
during the
"dog days"
of summer
you do some
wreck hunting.
When moving
from one fishing
spot to another,
don't race
at 20+ knots.
Slow down
and look at
your bottom
machine and
note any wrecks
and obstructions
you might
run across.
Then check
them out later
in the season.
Q: From
John: Is
a Penn 209
reel okay
for fluke
and what
sinker weight
should I
use?
A: The Penn
209 is a
great reel
for fluke.
I would
spool it
up with
20lb. quality
mono line,
like Ande
or Berkeley
Big Game.
As far a
what sinker
weight,
it depend
on how deep
you are
fishing
and the
speed of
the current.
You always
want to
be in contact
with the
bottom.
For in the
bay, 2-3
ounces is
usually
adequate.
In the inlets
and along
ocean beaches
you may
need to
go up to
6 ounces.
For true
ocean fluking
in deep
water like
Ambrose
Channel
or off Montauk
and Gardiners
Island where
there are
deep dropoffs
and strong
tides, it's
not uncommon
to fish
10 ounces
and even
higher.
FLUKE
FISHING
We have
been getting
lots of
questions
on fluke
fishing.
Questions
on how
to rig
for bait
fishing
and bucktailing;
specific
knots
to use
and how
to tie
them;
areas
to fish
from one
end of
Long Island
to the
other.
The best
thing
I can
recommend
on sharpening
you skills
on fluking
is to
pick up
Don Kamienski's
book and
video
tape on
fluking,
and get
a copy
of "Knot
Tying"
by Mark
Sosin
and Lefty
Kreh.
They are
all great
sources
of information.
Kamienski's
book and
video
are loaded
with great
information
and tips
on fluking.
Knot Tying
by Sosin
and Kreh
is essential
for your
knowledge
of proper
knots
and how
to tie
them.
Q: From
Tom
from
Babylon:
Tom
is new
to the
fishing
game
a has
bought
a Penn
5500
spinning
reel
and
7 foot
medium
heavy
rod
to match.
His
question
is can
he fish
this
rig
for
fluke,
flounder,
weaks,
blues
and
bass?
He just
started
fishing
on party
boats.
A: Sure
Tom,
you
can
fish
for
these
fish
with
this
set
up.
It may
be a
little
heavy
for
fluke
and
flounder.
I would
not
recommend
it on
a party
boat.
Spinning
reels
are
for
casting,
and
casting
on a
party
boat
is a
no no.
This
would
be a
great
set
up for
pier
and
jetty
fishing.
If you
want
to fish
on a
party
boat
get
a conventional
reel
that
will
hold
approximately
200
yards
of 25
lb test
mono
line.
Check
with
your
local
tackle
shop
for
the
proper
reel
in your
budget.
Q:
From
Hughie
from
Flanders.
Hughie
fishes
for
fluke
in
Western
Peconic
Bay
and
has
had
not
much
luck.
He
wants
to
know
any
favorite
spots
I
can
recommend.
A:
The
fluke
were
super
in
the
Peconic
area
early
in
the
season,
but
they
have
moved
east
to
the
Gardiners
Island
area,
east
of
the
Ruins.
I
would
run
through
Shinnecock
Canal
and
fish
the
inlet
channel
and
just
outside
the
jetties.
Check
with
Altenkirch
Tackle
in
Hampton
Bay
for
the
latest
information
on
area,
bait
and
tides.
Please
pick
your
day
carefully.
Shinnecock
Inlet
can
be
very
dangerous
in
bad
weather.
For
more
answers
to
your
questions
Click
Here.
Return
to
Al
Goldberg's
Tackle
Corner
or
Dave's
Homepage.
A: This changes day deepending on weather, wind, time of year and the presence of bait in the water. Both ebb and flood tide will produce fish. Check with your local tackle shops familiar with the area for the latest information.
Q: From Jerry,
Cold Spring
- Where can
he get GPS
numbers for
productive
wrecks in
Long Island
Sound?
A: Wreck numbers
are boat fishermens
most guarded
secret. You
can get lists
of known wrecks
and obstructions
off coastal
navigation
maps listed
in latitude
and longitude.
I would recommend
that you keep
a log like
most successful
fishermen
of productive
spots you
have fished.
Also, when
I had my own
boat, I would
take time
during the
"dog days"
of summer
you do some
wreck hunting.
When moving
from one fishing
spot to another,
don't race
at 20+ knots.
Slow down
and look at
your bottom
machine and
note any wrecks
and obstructions
you might
run across.
Then check
them out later
in the season.
Q: From
John: Is
a Penn 209
reel okay
for fluke
and what
sinker weight
should I
use?
A: The Penn
209 is a
great reel
for fluke.
I would
spool it
up with
20lb. quality
mono line,
like Ande
or Berkeley
Big Game.
As far a
what sinker
weight,
it depend
on how deep
you are
fishing
and the
speed of
the current.
You always
want to
be in contact
with the
bottom.
For in the
bay, 2-3
ounces is
usually
adequate.
In the inlets
and along
ocean beaches
you may
need to
go up to
6 ounces.
For true
ocean fluking
in deep
water like
Ambrose
Channel
or off Montauk
and Gardiners
Island where
there are
deep dropoffs
and strong
tides, it's
not uncommon
to fish
10 ounces
and even
higher.
FLUKE
FISHING
We have
been getting
lots of
questions
on fluke
fishing.
Questions
on how
to rig
for bait
fishing
and bucktailing;
specific
knots
to use
and how
to tie
them;
areas
to fish
from one
end of
Long Island
to the
other.
The best
thing
I can
recommend
on sharpening
you skills
on fluking
is to
pick up
Don Kamienski's
book and
video
tape on
fluking,
and get
a copy
of "Knot
Tying"
by Mark
Sosin
and Lefty
Kreh.
They are
all great
sources
of information.
Kamienski's
book and
video
are loaded
with great
information
and tips
on fluking.
Knot Tying
by Sosin
and Kreh
is essential
for your
knowledge
of proper
knots
and how
to tie
them.
Q: From
Tom
from
Babylon:
Tom
is new
to the
fishing
game
a has
bought
a Penn
5500
spinning
reel
and
7 foot
medium
heavy
rod
to match.
His
question
is can
he fish
this
rig
for
fluke,
flounder,
weaks,
blues
and
bass?
He just
started
fishing
on party
boats.
A: Sure
Tom,
you
can
fish
for
these
fish
with
this
set
up.
It may
be a
little
heavy
for
fluke
and
flounder.
I would
not
recommend
it on
a party
boat.
Spinning
reels
are
for
casting,
and
casting
on a
party
boat
is a
no no.
This
would
be a
great
set
up for
pier
and
jetty
fishing.
If you
want
to fish
on a
party
boat
get
a conventional
reel
that
will
hold
approximately
200
yards
of 25
lb test
mono
line.
Check
with
your
local
tackle
shop
for
the
proper
reel
in your
budget.
Q:
From
Hughie
from
Flanders.
Hughie
fishes
for
fluke
in
Western
Peconic
Bay
and
has
had
not
much
luck.
He
wants
to
know
any
favorite
spots
I
can
recommend.
A:
The
fluke
were
super
in
the
Peconic
area
early
in
the
season,
but
they
have
moved
east
to
the
Gardiners
Island
area,
east
of
the
Ruins.
I
would
run
through
Shinnecock
Canal
and
fish
the
inlet
channel
and
just
outside
the
jetties.
Check
with
Altenkirch
Tackle
in
Hampton
Bay
for
the
latest
information
on
area,
bait
and
tides.
Please
pick
your
day
carefully.
Shinnecock
Inlet
can
be
very
dangerous
in
bad
weather.
For
more
answers
to
your
questions
Click
Here.
Return
to
Al
Goldberg's
Tackle
Corner
or
Dave's
Homepage.
A: The Penn 209 is a great reel for fluke. I would spool it up with 20lb. quality mono line, like Ande or Berkeley Big Game.
As far a what sinker weight, it depend on how deep you are fishing and the speed of the current. You always want to be in contact with the bottom. For in the bay, 2-3 ounces is usually adequate. In the inlets and along ocean beaches you may need to go up to 6 ounces. For true ocean fluking in deep water like Ambrose Channel or off Montauk and Gardiners Island where there are deep dropoffs and strong tides, it's not uncommon to fish 10 ounces and even higher.
FLUKE
FISHING
We have
been getting
lots of
questions
on fluke
fishing.
Questions
on how
to rig
for bait
fishing
and bucktailing;
specific
knots
to use
and how
to tie
them;
areas
to fish
from one
end of
Long Island
to the
other.
The best
thing
I can
recommend
on sharpening
you skills
on fluking
is to
pick up
Don Kamienski's
book and
video
tape on
fluking,
and get
a copy
of "Knot
Tying"
by Mark
Sosin
and Lefty
Kreh.
They are
all great
sources
of information.
Kamienski's
book and
video
are loaded
with great
information
and tips
on fluking.
Knot Tying
by Sosin
and Kreh
is essential
for your
knowledge
of proper
knots
and how
to tie
them.
Q: From
Tom
from
Babylon:
Tom
is new
to the
fishing
game
a has
bought
a Penn
5500
spinning
reel
and
7 foot
medium
heavy
rod
to match.
His
question
is can
he fish
this
rig
for
fluke,
flounder,
weaks,
blues
and
bass?
He just
started
fishing
on party
boats.
A: Sure
Tom,
you
can
fish
for
these
fish
with
this
set
up.
It may
be a
little
heavy
for
fluke
and
flounder.
I would
not
recommend
it on
a party
boat.
Spinning
reels
are
for
casting,
and
casting
on a
party
boat
is a
no no.
This
would
be a
great
set
up for
pier
and
jetty
fishing.
If you
want
to fish
on a
party
boat
get
a conventional
reel
that
will
hold
approximately
200
yards
of 25
lb test
mono
line.
Check
with
your
local
tackle
shop
for
the
proper
reel
in your
budget.
Q:
From
Hughie
from
Flanders.
Hughie
fishes
for
fluke
in
Western
Peconic
Bay
and
has
had
not
much
luck.
He
wants
to
know
any
favorite
spots
I
can
recommend.
A:
The
fluke
were
super
in
the
Peconic
area
early
in
the
season,
but
they
have
moved
east
to
the
Gardiners
Island
area,
east
of
the
Ruins.
I
would
run
through
Shinnecock
Canal
and
fish
the
inlet
channel
and
just
outside
the
jetties.
Check
with
Altenkirch
Tackle
in
Hampton
Bay
for
the
latest
information
on
area,
bait
and
tides.
Please
pick
your
day
carefully.
Shinnecock
Inlet
can
be
very
dangerous
in
bad
weather.
For
more
answers
to
your
questions
Click
Here.
Return
to
Al
Goldberg's
Tackle
Corner
or
Dave's
Homepage.
A: Sure Tom, you can fish for these fish with this set up. It may be a little heavy for fluke and flounder. I would not recommend it on a party boat. Spinning reels are for casting, and casting on a party boat is a no no.
This would be a great set up for pier and jetty fishing. If you want to fish on a party boat get a conventional reel that will hold approximately 200 yards of 25 lb test mono line. Check with your local tackle shop for the proper reel in your budget.