Oct. in Montauk

[VAN]

Guys,
I have been invited to spend a few days in October to fish the blitzes. What do you think - would a fly guy do well off the beaches there and are there any spots where I should concentrate more than others? I,m open to any ideas - That area and time of year there are new to me. Also early or late in the month?
Thanks,
Van

[fmw]

Timing?? Probably earlier, rather than later. However, the bass are there into November and December (as witnessed by last years herring run).

Where?? Probably the best spot to fly rod is going to be the south side points: Browns, Kings and Caswells. Make sure you have korkers and wade out and stand on a rock. It just gets too crowded in the areas closer to the point.

[VAN]

Right now I think it may be the second week.
Wow, I didn't realize how crowded it would get. I'd hate to think I'd be confined to a rock to aviod the crowds.
Thanks

[John Rider]

Van,
I've fished in early Oct for the past few years - mostly from a boat, but have filled the time with fly-rodding from the beach. It is definitely more challenging than chasing them from a boat. I've found the surf fishing guys to be great company. If you are considerate and don't back cast when they are moving around, you can get along just fine. They hate the dopes that come into their territory with their boats in the rocks much more that any fly- rodder. I've made many friends quickly on the beach. I've spent most of my time under the light at Montauk on both sides. When the fish are blitzing, you can reach them from the beach. In fact, you can litterally step on them!!!
If you haven't fished from the surf before, I suggest you get reading and practicing right away. You need to be able to handle BIG flys into the WIND and need to be using a stripping basket.

It can be done. See the attached. I think of all the Albies I've cought, I'm most proud of this one. If you go there, you'll recognize the place.

[John Rider]

Van,
Looks like the picture didn't make it. EMail me and I'll send it on.

[Mark Cahill]

Gets me fired up to get on the water this weekend...

[VAN]

John,
That's a real clear picture. It looks like you have your hands full! That is really getting me excited! Yes I have fished the surf a good bit - mainly up on the Cape so I know what you mean about the wind. And I'm glad to hear the spinning guys don't mind us - after all we are all out for a thrill. There's courtesy in fishing just like any where else.
You mentioned big flies. How big? And what is the main bait fish that comes through?
Most of my paterns imitate the sand eels, silversides and small stuff maybe three to four inches. I have tied several flatwings that come close to nine inches long - I think they come off at the sign of Blues though.
From what I've heard a lot of action could be on top and I made some of Popovic's "Bob's Banger's" - what do you think?
Anyway I thank you a lot. I'm heading out for the weekend now so I'll check any posts hopefully Sunday.
Tight Lines!

[John Rider]

Van,
Pretty much all the action is on top. If they are Albies, small white deceivers with lots of flash are the ticket along with chartruse and white Clousers. Shouldn't be more than 2 in. since they are chasing the bay anchovies and rain bait. Bass are usually mixed in and also come in real close. The banger should be great as well as slightly larger deceivers and half and halfs for the bass.
What I've found from the surf is that the regulars don't recognize the Albies and think they are bass. They bomb them with big top water plugs and lead headed jigs. Ol' Fat Albert just ignores all this stuff. You can then walk right into the middle of the frey and ask them if you can take a shot when they get frustrated. Usually they say "Sure". Their stuff is all geared for bass.
Blues are another story, as you mentioned. Anything goes then and you can get a sore arm when it's really hot. Just don't use any flys you wanna' keep.
I'll be there first week next month. Let me know when you decide to go.