The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has proposed a 33-percent reduction in our black sea bass quotas for next season. This has been proposed to meet standards set forth by the 
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Scientists have somehow determined that our waters are devoid of this popular ground-fish, and have enlisted politicians to help them save the ocean.
Meanwhile, in reality, sea bass fishing is going gang-busters on the North Fork! Get out there and go get ’em, man!
Mike Boccio from the Prime Time III and Jenglo boat let me know he has been catching loads of monster knotheads to 5 pounds. Thursday’s trip saw a 12-pound fluke come over the rails, with many sea bass limits. Captain Mike has been running to the Block Island area. The fisheries’ scientists must have forgot to look there when determining the overall health and recruitment for this population.
Dan Buckley on the Orient Star IV had sea bass in his report as well. Sunday was an open-by-reservation, bottom-fishing trip. Fluke fishing was good with smaller fish being caught, but “the gigantic knucklehead sea bass more than made up for it,” said Captain Dan. Everyone loaded up with sea bass, jumbo porgies and fluke. Gale Kaufmen of “The Lady Reelers” won the pool with a 7.5 pound fluke.
Phil Kess from The Fishy Business says bottom-fishing is the main action. He reports consistent sea bass/porgy action. Tuesday night’s striped bass charter had a great time loading up on striped bass and gator blues.
Dennis Tinnin from the Peconic Star fleet in Greenport says they have continued to have good porgy fishing, and the sea bass fishing is just excellent.
Capt. Jon from the Capt. Bob Fleet in Mattituck had some difficulty with conditions this week, as a result fishing was hot and cold. The best drift of the week came on Monday with 12 keeper fluke and 14 slob sea bass. Jon says he plans on fishing to the north this week, more on the Connecticut side.
If you have a fantastic sea bass report to share I would love to print it! Send pictures and reports to eelocalreports@gmail.com
Tight lines!
