Good Cod, Mackerel, Herring

    Montauk’s fishing community was saddened by the death of Bobby Huser on Monday. Most will picture him at the wheel of his classic Nova Scotia-style lobster boat, Teddy Boy. The Muskrat, as he was known, was a popular presence on the Montauk docks for decades. He will be sorely missed.

    Monday’s cold snap was preceded by a good day of cod fishing on Sunday aboard the Viking Star. Capt. Carl Forsberg reported six to eight cod on the line around the boat at all times in the morning, with solid fishing at the trip’s end after a midday lull. Mavros Bennis was the high hook with 23 keeper cod. Montauk’s veteran angler Freddy Shay ended up with 16. He’s got the touch.

    Peter Spacek went after cod on Friday aboard the Star and reported tough fishing with more fish caught from the stern section than in the bow section where he was. However, Spacek did come in second in the pool, and caught a few ling to boot. Those aboard the Star witnessed whales feeding with plenty of birds including gannets. Herring were most likely what the whales were eating.

    Plenty of herring were reported in the New York Bight to the west of us, with striped bass feeding on big schools of them. Mackerel are around as well. Unfortunately there are plenty of dogfish to steal clam baits before the terminal gear even reaches the bottom.

    At least one UpIsland charter boat has been advertising catch-and-release striper trips in the Bight. The State Department of Environmental Conservation allows catch-and-release fishing for bass. The regular season will start on April 15.

    On Monday, March 21, busloads of recreational and commercial fishermen will descend on Upper Senate Park in Washington, D.C., to protest what is being called the unjust administration of the nation’s fishing laws. So far, one bus will depart from Montauk for the rally at 5 a.m. on that day. More information about the rally can be found at keep ­fishermenfishing.com.