As we have now formally settled into fall, the changes on the fishing scene have commenced, as have the changes in weather.
From Sept. 16 though today the winds have blown steadily from the northeast. That’s over 10 days. Fishermen have become increasingly cranky and frustrated about the extended blow, as most boats have remained tied up to the dock. They want to get out and fish.
Can someone please turn off the fan? Enough is enough.
The incessant winds have also been accompanied by a severe lack of rainfall this month. Out here, we’ve received nary a drop of rain in September. My once lush, green lawn has steadily turned brown and dusty. The John Deere lawnmower I own has not had much use of late. He deserves more.
That said, I’m not overly concerned. The grass will return to normal at some point. Too many folks panic when they see the first signs of dead grass. Lawn grass typically goes dormant during dry spells, only to be quickly resurrected by some rain. Be patient.
As most have also probably noticed, the leaves in many areas are already beginning to fade to various shades of muted yellow and orange. In a few weeks, they will be brown. As well, hopefully we will get some much-needed rainfall.
As for the fish, the weakfish in the bays are quickly on the move out. The chilly northeast winds have scattered the beautiful purple and silver fish that are also known as squeteague by the Indigenous people of days long gone by.
While weakfish arrived early in our warming waters this spring, they are quick to head south once the water temperatures cool and the winds pick up. Smart fish.
As for blowfish and kingfish, they too are on the move to warmer climes. Blue-claw crabs are preparing to burrow deep in the sand and mud for their extended winter-long sleep in our shallow bays, harbors, and creeks before they emerge from their slumber next spring. As most would attest, it was a fine summer season for those who trap and catch perhaps the tastiest of crustaceans anywhere.
It’s a bit different for porgies and sea bass, as they are much more tolerant of the weather and sea conditions. The fishery for both should remain robust through November.
In addition, more and more codfish will also begin to appear on the offshore grounds. A few have already been landed on hook and line south and east of Montauk. Tuna, too, will be had when the seas finally settle down.
Bluefish, striped bass, and false albacore are also on the feed, as they fatten up on various baitfish in anticipation of their upcoming relocation to warmer waters to the south. “Before the winds started, the first batch of false albacore made its way around to the north side of Montauk,” reported Chris Albronda at the Montauk Anglers Club. “I ran into three different patches of albies outside the inlet, past the buoy working the tide line.”
Off to the west, Ken Morse over at Tight Lines Tackle in Sag Harbor and Southampton was enthused about the increased striped bass and bluefish bite in the ocean surf. “When the conditions allow, both bass and blues have been on the feed when the ocean is not too rough,” he said. “Bluefish are still at Jessup’s Neck as well. It’s the same for porgies. There is still much life in the bays.”
When I stopped at his establishment on Sunday, Morse said that he’s already received multiple requests for bushels of green crabs from anglers. Why is that? The invasive crab that migrated from Asia has for many decades become the most popular bait for those who pursue blackfish.
“There are a good number of anglers who want to do some exploring before the season starts,” Morse said. “They want to get a sense of where the fish are when the season opens in a few weeks.”
The season in the Long Island Sound for the robust and tasty fish opens on Oct. 11. Elsewhere in New York waters, it does not start until Oct. 15.
My first bushel of crabs has already been ordered. Blackfish beware.
Finally, get ready, fly-rod and light-tackle aficionados. The popular Castoberfest Montauk Fall Run event will be held on Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Montauk Lake Club on East Lake Drive from 2 to 7 p.m.
Capt. Tim O’Rourke of Montauk Point Fly Fishing, a light-tackle guide, will again host the afternoon of fun featuring a demonstration of high-end fly rods made by Sage. Cold beer from the Montauk Brewing Company will be offered alongside a barbecue hosted by NorthFork Ironworks. A Sage fly rod and other items will be raffled off.
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Fishing tips, observations, and photos can be sent to [email protected].