Montauk 8/9: Blues and little tunoids

[fmw]

Went out late morning on Saturday hoping to get a few hours in before it started raining. In the end, the weather was not so bad in Montauk, not much sun but no rain.

As I headed past Shagwong, I saw a bunch of pods of birds. Knowing that the south side structure was probably going to be unfishable and with threatening weather, I decided to spend a little time with these fish. Additionally, given the time of year, I figured its worth figuring out whats under the birds. Turned out that they were decent sized blues, 4-8 lbs, that were just kind of finning on top, lazily feeding. Caught a few nice ones that took me to backing. The fish were spitting out dime sized peanut bunker.

When that died out and the skies looked a little brighter, I took a drive down to the point. In the area of the Elbow, I found schools of fish frothing on top. Hundreds of small fish at a time would rise in unison and then head down again. One thing became clear to me right away: tunoids!!! Unfortunately, despite hooking up a number of times, I never actually landed one. They were pretty small as they didn't really even run out my fly line. The only other boat chasing these fish landed one and called it a "baby albie." I am fairly convinced that these fish are the frigate mackerals that were discussed on the board last year. They were finnicky buggers as well. I put on an epoxy, they wouldn't hit. Got them to hit some spare clousers. After 20 minutes or a half hour, they were gone. While it lasted it was a very spectacular show. Great visuals, multiple schools on top, a taste of the fall to come.

[joshr]

I got out for a bit Sunday and headed up to the Gulls. Glad I did. A lot of nice bass up there rolling in the surface and away from the treacherous reef areas too. They were on something very small--probably the same peanuts as further east--it certaily smelled like bunker was being cut up. They were picky but we got a four on very small flies--one was about the fattest 28" striper I've ever seen. Some blues around too of course, but not really mixed in with the bass so we didn't lose too many flies.

When we first got up there--around noon, maybe a little earlier--there were some very large and densely packed schools finning, swirling and rolling, but once a few boats started motoring through 'em.....alas

--Josh

[Tuna]

Didn't fish again this weekend (volunteered for some work, didn't need to, then got grouchy when I saw so little rain Saturday).

Hmm, the frigates were in.

Last year, the bonito and skip jack followed.

Looks like I won't be volunteering to work this weekend. Perhaps even take Friday off.

Oh boy, its getting close now.

[fmw]

I thought I had posted another reply, but it seems like it got lost . . . so if it pops up again I apologize.

I actually thought for awhile around Shagwong that some of the fish lazily rolling on top were bass. They seemed too selective for blues . . . but the location of Gin Beach/Shagwong seemed kind of a funny place for bass on top.

I was out taking guests for a boat ride on Sunday and someone had brought into my marina a 69-point-something pound bass. 69 lbs.!!!! I have never seen nor heard of one even remotely that large.

Bonito and Skippies may already be around, just not as visible. According to other posts, it seems Bonito may be around the North Fork . . . although Josh didn't seem to find any at the Gulls. The one other boat chasing the "baby albies" mentioned that they thought they saw some bigger fish in with the schools.

Josh: Actually thought of emailing/calling to go to the Gulls this past weekend but with the forecast so dicey, I wasn't sure when or whether I'd even be able to get out. I'm out east every weekend from now thru Labor Day (and then of course most weekends in the fall) . . . so maybe sometime in the next several weeks.

[AndyF]

There's a picture of the 69 pound striper on noreast.com (go to the New York section).

[martinatpw]

Hey Josh, sounds like its any day now.. about to blow open. End of the week looks pretty good weather.. we look to be making our trips starting on Thurs-Fri.. You around? I know you are busy with work and family.. But we'll be hitting the point and reviewing any last minute tuna info that we can gather. Rumors abound about behind block. but nothing that I can guarantee... Butterfish hole sounds more shark than tuna. IS anybody really goint east though, or just south?> I wonder. Could be fun chasing these hefty bass that keep showing up. Or by friday, who knows, there will be "others" a bit thicker.. better get to the fly bench. Or was it the orvis shop..i forget...

[joshr]

yeah, saw no bonito up at the Gulls all day.

FMW--

Hey man...call any time and let's get out there together. Re the weather this past weekend: really weird; there ewas a strong south blow as you know on Sunday too, but up at the Gulls by early afternoon it was completely calm. I figured the wind must have died, but as we came around Gardiners back toward 3 Mile harbor, we discovered the wind was still up. How can Gardiners create that much lee way up by the Gulls?! Very strange...at any rate, it was great cause the water was nice and calm up by the islands most of the afternoon.

Sean--

Would love to get out there in the bluewater...Howie and I are looking at this Thursday, although my work is putting that in jeopardy already...alas...keep me posted on your plans.

--JHR

[fmw]

If you read the Noreast magazine online for this week, Harvey Bennett is reporting "albies" at Gardiners Island, etc.

This meets Tuna's prediction that Harvey is always the first to spot "albies."

Maybe Harvey simply read Tuna's post.

[joshr]

Hehe...like clockwork...so funny.

[Tuna]

Ah, its now all coming together.

Now, if only I could bump into Rafferty Friday morning before I get on the water (and he told me he saw something funny around Bostwicks or something), I'd really be psyched.

Hmm, maybe, just maybe, I'll see something this weekend. If not, its coming soon!!!!!

[Albiemanmike]

Man you guy's crack me up..........I mean that in a good way! Reminds me of the Reel-Time in the old days. That's why I post over here more now than on the New England board. Been whackin em' good for the last 3 weeks since my 54 and there seems to be no let up as of yet. Fished MOn./Today and did real well. Now be warned these fish are falling to live shad not flies although I have given my self another good flare up of tendonitis trying to get them to hit a fly on the 12 wt. I got 2- 47's and a 48 yesterday that went 38 lbs. And today the biggest was high 40's and weighed 40 lbs. even. Got into some real good topwater action the last couple of days with the flyrod. The fish have been chasing baby butterfish in the first wave of the rip and just blasting them out of the water. Fish have been up to 12-13 lbs. but mostly smaller fish. Alot of fun though, floater w/crease fly has been too much fun. I was going to make a run over to Orient today to take a look for the alleged Bones but never made it. I will be keeping my eyes open and when I see them you will here about it first guy's. Hint: North shore of Plum Is. almost always sees real early tunoids. If you are over around the Gulls make the short burst to the rips on the North side close to shore and look for the tell tale slashing you have all seen and love.

Tightlines,
Mike Mayo

http://www.fishcontest.com/Mike/38lber.jpg

[Tuna]

Maybe we should be calling you bassmanmike until the albies come in.

By the way, cool looking boat!

[Albiemanmike]

Thanks Tuna we need to meet up during the Albie-a-thon later this season. I am always out your way in the late season/fall. The bass fishing has been awesome and I hope it continues until the tuna show. Going to try and get out tomorrow with the wife and see if I can get her into a big bass.

Tightlines,
Mike Mayo