Gotta Have Heart
As we get older, visits to various doctors become more frequent. It’s a simple fact of life really. And the past week was no exception for me.
Adding it up takes a bit of time. All told, I visited my cardiologist four times, which included two trips to the hospital for bloodwork and observations and tests on my heart and main arteries, including undergoing a nuclear stress test, echocardiogram, and a scan to see if my carotid arteries were clogged in my neck. A stop to my primary physician was also on the agenda, and I also paid a visit my ever-smiling dentist for a chance to sit in his chair.
All in all, everything turned out fine and I was given a clean bill of health and full clearance to continue to play ice hockey and tennis to my heart’s content, even though I have six plastic and metal stents lining several arteries in my ticker.
I don’t feel old, or at least I’m in denial as I advance in years. Being in my mid-50s, I do finally realize that there are a few things I should probably not do.
Lifting 15 heavy lobster traps from deep water in 95-degree heat? Not a wise idea. Waxing and painting the bottom of my boat? Not anymore. Let the guys at my marina handle that chore. Repeatedly hauling by hand six iron scallop dredges in early winter in search of dinner? Find someone to help lift them up. Playing three straight hours of tennis while battling chronic tendinitis (as I did last Thursday)? Not my brightest moment. In short, I need to utilize basic common sense more. I’m not 21 anymore.
It’s the same when it comes to fishing. Gone are the days of pushing my body to go out on the water when it’s blowing 25 knots out of the northwest. I don’t need a fish that bad. Plus, the wear and tear on the body fishing in those conditions is just not fun. I need to appreciate that I have the luxury of time and the flexibility to plan my trips according to the weather conditions.
And now that I’m finally done with all of my various doctors’ appointments, it’s reassuring to know that my body, especially my heart, is ready to have more fun, no matter the sport being pursued.
No doubt about it, heart rates have climbed significantly for the many surfcasters lining the ocean beaches to take advantage of the ample run of striped bass now underway.
“The striped bass bite has really turned on,” said Ken Morse of Tight Lines Tackle in Sag Harbor. “Fish up to 30 pounds are feasting on large sand eels, so fish a skinny lure like a diamond jig or similar lure. The fish are spread out along all the beaches and are biting best in the morning and evening, as well as at night.” Morse was also enthused about the false albacore bite that continues in Gardiner’s Bay and on the east side of Gardiner’s Island. “The fish are still thick.” A member of the tuna family, the feisty false albacore provides heart-stopping action on light tackle.
Morse also received some very positive early season blackfish reports. “The fishing has been really good in and around Plum Island with fish up to 19 inches making up the bulk of the catch.” Morse confirmed a catch of nine keeper-size blackfish landed by an angler fishing from a kayak near Sag Harbor. “He was using a blackfish jig and whaled on them,” he added. “He released them all to fight another day too. Nice job.” Note that anglers are allowed to retain four blackfish over 16 inches per day. If you are fishing in Long Island Sound, the limit is three fish.
“Striped bass are just about everywhere along the ocean beaches, and some big ones up to almost 50 pounds have been landed,” exclaimed Harvey Bennett of the Tackle Shop in Amagansett. “And they are not just in one area. They are pretty much spread out from Bridgehampton all the way east to near Montauk. There is also a lot of shad mixed in, too.”
Bennett confirmed that the false albacore action remains strong on the bay side, as the fish continue to feed heavily on the large number of baitfish exiting the local waters. “The past three weeks have been excellent for albies,” he said. “It should continue for a few more weeks.” Bennett added that sea bass and porgy fishing are still strong off Montauk. “This is such a great time of the year for fishing,” he said. “Between the fishing and the hunting, it’s a perfect combination with the cool weather.”
Bennett also announced that the Amagansett Sportfishing Association will run a fall fishing tournament for the largest striped bass landed, as well as entry into a raffle. The winner will receive a 10-foot Shakespeare Ugly Stick rod and matching reel. The entry fee is $20 and all proceeds will go to underprivileged youth in the Dominican Republic, as Bennett continues his quest to collect used baseball equipment and school supplies. More details can be had by stopping by his shop.
Over at Mrs. Sam’s Bait and Tackle in East Hampton, the owner, Sebastian Gorgone, also acknowledged the excellent striped bass action taking place close to shore. “Seems like we have the start of a good fall run of bass,” said Gorgone. “Lots of nice-sized fish being taken, so get out there while it’s hot.” Gorgone added that the fishing for false albacore remains strong, and that blackfish action should continue to strengthen with the cooling waters. “It was a good start to the season, but it will only get better.”
Out in the rips off the Montauk Lighthouse, the fares aboard the open boat Lazybones have enjoyed excellent action on striped bass and a multitude of other species. “The action has been non-stop,” said Kathy Vegessi, the seasoned, shoreside support arm of the boat for nearly four decades. “There has been a good amount of bass, but we’ve also landed bluefish, false albacore, bonito, sea bass, and porgies. It’s been a great time.”
We welcome your fishing tips, observations, and photographs at [email protected]. You can find the “On the Water” column on Twitter at @ehstarfishing.