Montauk Offshore Overview (August 26, 2005)

Well, it seems that this year's "End of August" pick couldn't ask for more. Generally speaking, the offshore weather this year has been good. The fishing seems to be even better!

However, most of the catches are happening out on the edge with "the tails" getting most of the attention. The canyon areas have seen the best so far with great reports of yellowfins, albacore, mahi and a good number of the truly exotics. I've been hearing quite a few reports of blue marlin catches happening regularly. It has also been common (this week) to hear of a hammerhead shark or two jump onto a chunk.

Nearshore offshore hasn't seen anything spectacular, though. Most of the action is out to the 500 line and beyond to the edge. I did hear of a few albies being boated east by the dump.

If you are thinking about heading out, you better book a charter soon! It might, actually, be too late since everyone seems to be getting the good word. Hopefully, September will be a season saving month for the charter guys.

As for the private guys, the worst thing about this season is the price of fuel. A 70 mile run offshore is a lot more expensive than it's been.

Anyway, if you have any reports, please let me know and I'll post them up asap.

Capt. Kevin Shea
www.fishingmontauk.com

Montauk Fishing Pictures: 50 and 30lb striped bass

This is a 50lb striped bass caught on the Charter boat Abracadabra a couple of weeks ago (August 2005). Now that's a nice fish! Request a charter booking



Here's a 30 pounder caught on the same trip.

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