Montauk Fishing Report (Capt. Kelly August 22, 2005)

The tuna action is getting steadier every day. Boats running extended trips are chipping away at yellowfins, longfins and occasional marlin and mahi. Boats have been reporting up to a dozen fish a trip, and those are usually longfins, since they have a tendency to attack in bunches. Smaller numbers generally include yellows in the mix. The action can be anywhere south of the 600 line, and as far south as the 400 line, but to be safe concentrate between 500 & 400 on the bottom and 500 to 650 on the top.

Shark fishing continues fairly good, with practically no skunker trips. The mix is mostly blue sharks with occasional makos thrown in, but fewer threshers are being reported.

Striped bass fishing seems to be improving a bit, but trolling is still the way to go. Live porgies are nice, but I really don’t think there are enough bass around right now to make it very productive.

The Mercury Grand Slam Tournament will be held at Uhlein’s Marina next weekend. Unlike the shark contests this is an “everyman” type tournament with stripers, bluefish, fluke and seabass the targeted species. Points are awarded based on weight, with the grand prize winner accumulating the most points. There is more to this than just the contest, with a barbecue, as well as displays by boat manufacturers and suppliers. For more information, go to http://www.montaukmercurygrandslam.org/, or call 631 668 3799.

If you would like to have these reports sent to you directly, just drop me a note at CaptGene@MontaukSportfishing.com. And for more information about fishing in Montauk, you can give me a call at 800 377 1197 or check out Montauk Sportfishing

Capt Gene Kelly
Montauk Sportfishing