by Rich Mansfield

 The 2008 Season is Off and Running . . .

  At long last, the Fluke regulations are official - 4 fish per person with a minimum length of 20-1/2 inches.  The 20-1/2" length is going to make it tough to limit out, but we are fortunate to have a lot of big fish around Shinnecock Inlet that move into the bays for the Summer season.  The bait of choice is still the spearing/squid combination, but a bucktail can be deadly in the right hands.

  Striped Bass are making a showing and although a lot of shorts are being caught there are keepers mixed in.  Bunker chunks or Skimmer clams seem to work well early in the season, and of course a live Bunker is "candy" to a Striper.  Plugs and swimmers work in the early morning, also.

  Weakfish have been caught on their way in from the Atlantic to their spawning grounds in thePeconics.   Either the Shinnecock Canal at night or around Robins Island during the day would be a good place to start.

Fishing in Hampton Bays

Whatever type of fishing you like, whether it?s fishing from the edge of Shinnecock Canal for Snappers or running out to the Canyon and beyond for 1,000 pound plus Blue Marlin, or anything in between, it is all available now right here in Hampton Bays.

As always, the best and most current information about what?s happening can be gotten at the local tackle shops or, if you are a boater, from fellow anglers at your marina. To fish from shore, head to the Shinnecock Canal, the Ponquogue Bridge, the beaches along Dune Road or the rocks at the Shinnecock Inlet. Make sure you check the local signage for parking regulations.

If you trailer your boat, there are ramps, both private and public, available in the area. Regulations vary and again it?s a good idea to make inquiries regarding parking and permit requirements. Private ramps charge a fee for their use and provide parking for your vehicle which helps make your life a little easier.

If you would like to go fishing on a boat but don?t have one of your own, you have two options ? you can fish on a party boat (also called a head boat) where you are one of several fishermen aboard, or you can charter a boat, which is exclusively yours for the day with a captain and possibly a mate.   There are a number of different types of charter boats to choose from, depending upon the type of fishing you want to do and also your budget.

There are boats that will take 1 or 2 anglers out into the bay for fly fishing for Stripers and, at the other end of the spectrum, there are large charter boats that will take up to 6 passengers out 70 miles plus to chase Tuna, Mahi-mahi (Dolphinfish) and Marlin. Or, if you wish, you can charter a boat for a Mako trip, Bluefish or almost anything you can imagine. For some names of boats, check this website, local fishing publications and, of course, the tackle and marine shops.