Well the 2024 Fishing Season is in the record books and it certainly was a good one! For about the third year in a row the Tuna fishing close to shore has been very good and consistent. School Tuna, Mediums, and Giants were all feeding on the numerous shoals of Bunker and Mackerel all along the south shore. South of CIA out to the Butterfish Hole was the areas where they could also be found. Hordes of Tinker mackerel and halfbeaks were just about everywhere. So much so, that the False Albacore were out there as well, chowing down on the abundant bait. It actually delayed the “Falsies” from showing up on time around Montauk Point! Keep in mind that the Bluefin Tuna is a highly federally regulated species, key word “Federal”, make absolutely sure you know the size and bag limits before you go. As for the giant Tuna you need a HMS Federal Permit and there are closure days that you have to be aware of! The Federal fines are no joke, so make sure all your paperwork is in order! Capt. Phil Lewis, the original owner of the ADIOS would say about Regulations and Permits: “Make sure your room is clean”!!! LOL!
Good news on the inshore front. The Striped Bass regulations are going to remain the same for next season as of now. There was rumors going around that there was going to be a moratorium put into effect for the 2025 season, but it seems that the powers at be, came to their senses and realized that the biomass of Striped Bass is in pretty darn good shape! Now the authorities need to know that we are doing more damage to the Striped Bass with the current 28 inch to 31 inch slot. If the slot were 28 inch to 35 inch, the Charter Boats would get their limit faster and move on to a different species, rather that catching and releasing numerous Striped Bass trying to provide their anglers a fish to take home! The Charter Boats should not be in the recreational category, we rely on the health of the species to make a living, so we want to protect our resource, not keep injuring fish to meet an inaccurate slot size! Hopefully the regulators will get this.
Just want to wish everyone All the very Best for 2025 and hope everyone’s Holiday Season was great! I bet some of you got new fishing Rods & Reels!!!
Tight Lines, ~Captain Skip
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