Summer: Eastern Long Island
Some of the most beautiful, gin clear flyfishing waters in the Northeast are found on the eastern end of Long Island, New York. The classic sightfishing strategies that have been so successfully employed in the Florida Keys are now ever present here in the Hamptons in places like Shinnecock Bay in Southampton and Gardiner's Bay in East Hampton. During the Spring and Summer we will hunt for bluefish and striped bass as they feed in inches of water across bright, sandy, rock strewn flats.
The Fishery: Stripers are the first to show in Long Island's waters in the early Spring and the last to leave, some lingering into late December as they fatten up on the shoals of menhaden and then large herring that choke the waters at that time. In Spring and Summer, stripers are king of their domain, as they warily stalk the flats in search of a wide variety of prey items. Smaller Finesse and Slugo style rubber jigs are the norm for ultralight spin tackle as are flies which imitate sand eels and spearring. Bass can also be caught on juvenile flounder and crab fly imitations, further proof of their omnivorous diets.
Although bluefish can be caught in shallow waters during the Spring and Summer, they are largely water column feeders. Typically they are not picky and become an easy target for fly and spin fishermen alike. bluefish have a very well defined, razor sharp dentition. To aid in hook removal, just about any flies or lures with single barbless hooks will work. Once hooked, bluefish are relentless fighters, capable of several head shaking, surging runs. Novice anglers may gain a lot of confidence catching countless numbers of these "choppers" in a day's outing.
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!
"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."
"As two 74 year old husband and wife anglers who have fly fished all over the world, in both fresh and salt water, we think Capt. Merritt White is one of the best! His knowledge of fly fishing, professionalism and respect for the environment are exceeded only by his enthusiasm for the sport. His boats and equipment are top of the line and maintained to the highest of standards. It is a pleasure to spend time on the water with merritt!
Pat & Barbara C.
Locust Valley, NY
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.
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