Fishing Montauk with Captain Skip: May 2024

A Beautiful Grouper & John Feist Diamond Jigging
Rain and Wind has been the highlight of this spring! Let Mother Nature get it all out of her system, that way we can have a beautiful summer! Let’s go with that.
Debbie’s Yellowfin Grouper

The milder winter we had is looking like it could really be a plus. All along the south side the birds have been on the bait fish and there are loads of bait fish on the offshore spots as well. Spearing and Sand Eels is what’s on the menu right now. Huge schools of bait back west have got the Striped Bass fired up, so it’s just a matter of time now, before our Striped Bass buddies show up in our backyard. Water temperature around the Point has been around 45 degrees. With the rain letting off and the sun finally coming out, by the afternoon’s it got up to 47 degrees. With the immense amount of bait that’s around and still coming, along with the squid that are on their way, we just may have those similar conditions we had last May! Fish blitzing everywhere, all around the Point and down the Beach!

Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, & Groupers

2024 updated Fluke Regulations are now in. Opening is May 4th running through October 15th. May 4th through August 1st the new bag limit is 3 fish per Angler and the length remains the same at 19 inches. August 2nd through October 15th the bag limit remains the same at 3 per Angler, but the length goes to 19.5 inches!

Yes, these are nice sized fish, no need to go delicate with rigs and bait. Go up a size or two with your hooks and do your best to target the larger fish, and not waste your time weeding through the numerous shorts.
Black Sea Bass, Porgy (Scup), Striped Bass, and Bluefish regulations as of now will remain the same. Always check with the NYSDEC for any changes that may occur during the season. The phone number to call is 631-444-0430 and the website is http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7894.html.
Mako Shark are still closed for the 2024 season. That is a Federal Regulation.
Looking forward to yet another great fishing season out here in Montauk, NY. Keep in mind, safety first, be courteous to your fellow boaters and most importantly, have FUN catching supper!!
           ~ Tight Lines, Captain Skip