"Gunkholing: The term refers to the gunk, or mud, typical of the creeks, coves, marshes, sloughs, and rivers that are referred to as gunkholes. While not necessary, gunkholers typically seek out the serenity of isolated anchorages over the crowds of marinas and popular bays, and a minimal draft is preferred, since gunkholers tend to go as far up and into the gunkholes as possible, seeking ever more inaccessible destinations."
September through November signifies the annual Fall migration in the North East. As the days grow shorter and the surrounding waters begin to cool, bluefish, false albacore and striped bass feed with abandon on the myriad of bait that is being flushed out of the local bays and estuaries. Montauk, at the most eastern tip of Long Island's South Fork, becomes center stage for the Fall run.
The presence of our Gulf Stream adversary, the false albacore, is symbolic in that it alerts us to the beginning of the Fall migration and it is a welcome relief from the typical outings of the "dog days of summer". For anglers in the North East there is no better fly or light tackle quarry. The false albacore or "fat albert" as it has been affectionately called, is all about speed! With a fusiform body shape, fin pockets, and a stiffened, sickle shaped tail, albies can really move out or turn on a dime toward their unsuspecting prey. In Montauk waters it is common to catch albies weighing around 6-12 pounds (16 lbs., my personal best!). Even at the low end of the scale, false albacore are capable of heart stopping runs, repeatedly taking anglers into their backing. Fly fishermen typically employ 2-3" epoxy or "softy" minnows which perfectly mimic bay anchovies, one of the most prevalent bait fish in the water column. Light tackle fishermen have also been successful taking false albacore with small, slender metallic jigs like Deadly Dicks and plastic stick baits such as Slugos.
Once anglers get a few false albacore under their belts, everyone then turns their attention toward striped bass. With water temperatures steadily dropping, striped bass become aggressive again in their attempts of packing on as much fat and protein for their long journey south. Throughout a charter during the Fall run, one can be literally surrounded by acres of striped bass as they blitz on huge bait balls of bay anchovies on the water's surface! It is quite thrilling to witness this natural phenomenon first hand. I've actually had anglers put their fly rods down just to watch and listen as the melee unfolds! Once an angler has regained their composure, this can become a wonderful opportunity to "rack up" on numerous fish. Often times bluefish and false albacore will join in the party. However they are usually relegated to feeding on the edges of the blitzing striper scrum. With an accurate cast, one can actually select which species of fish he or she would like to catch! The fabled North East "grand slam" may be attained again and again as the concentrations of blues, albies and stripers are at their peak!
Only a matter of a few hours drive from the tri-state area, let the surrounding waters of Eastern Long Island and Montauk, New York be your fishing grounds! Whether you'd like to test your mettle on the flats of Shinnecock and Gardiner's Bays or reap the rewards of the Fall bonanza in Montauk, Captain Merritt White will guarantee a memorable, fun filled, productive day on the water!
Conservation: The striped bass fishery on Long Island, New York has made an incredible comeback due largely to the cleansing of the Hudson River, one of the primary spawning grounds for the striper. Tighter controls on the commercial harvest of the striped bass as well as those of recreational fishermen have also played a part in the burgeoning population of the striped bass in the Northeast. As recreational fishermen it is in our collective interest to appreciate this fishery resource for its "intrinsic value" rather than for its value on the dinner plate. We must all realize that the fishery is much more valuable considered as a sport, a renewable resource, like trout fishermen have known for a long time. Now in growing numbers saltwater fishermen are practicing "catch and release" with the hope that future generations might enjoy the same if not greater bounties that we enjoy today.
Merritt has been an enormous addition to my fishing life, and that is saying something, because I am an addict and have fished with lots of captains. He has patiently and skillfully advanced my fly fishing skills, and seems always to get me on some good fish. He always knows what is going on in the area and tries as hard as anyone I have ever fished with.
Richard S.
New York, NY
"Whether rushing after blitzes of albacore and striped bass in Montauk Point, NY or hunting for 100# + tarpon in Key West, FL Merrit White gives 100% all day, everytime, in making the fishing experience an exciting one. Merritt's knowledge about what fish are "running" what they will likely feed on, finding fish, and then catching them, are ingredients for a great guiding experience.
Lee D.
New Jersey
Site powered by: THE FLyBOOK, llc.
Fall: Montauk, NY
