The Location: Montauk Point at the end of Long Island's South Fork lies some of the most beautiful, gin clear fly fishing waters in the Northeast. Classic sight fishing strategies that have been so successfully employed in the Florida Keys are now ever present here in the Hamptons in places like Shinnecock Bay, Southampton and Gardiners Bay, East Hampton. During the spring and early summer we will fish for bluefish and striped bass as they feed in inches of water across sandy, rock-strewn flats. The Fishery: 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 stripers. 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. 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 early summer, Stripers are king of their domain, as they warily stalk the flats in search of a wide variety of prey items. Swimming style plugs and finesse style rubber jigs are the norm for spin tackle as are flies which imitate sand eels and/or spearing. Bass can also be caught on juvenile flounder and crab flies, further proof of their omnivorous diets.Although bluefish can be caught in shallow waters during the spring and early summer, they are largely water column feeders. Typically they are not picky and become an easy target for spin and fly fisherman 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. Novice anglers may gain a lot of confidence catching countless numbers of these "choppers" in a days outing. Once hooked, bluefish are relentless fighters, capable of several head shaking, surging runs. Towards the middle of summer as the temperature levels exceed the tolerances of those flats feeders, we begin to turn our sights onto our Gulf Stream adversary, the false albacore. It is here when anglers test their skill as there is no better light tackle quarry. The false albacore or "Little Tunny" as it has been affectionately called is all about speed! It has a torpedo shaped body, pockets which it can tuck its fins into and a sickle shaped tail that propels the fish forward toward its unsuspecting prey. On average, false albacore found in Gardiners Bay, East Hampton or Block Island Sound, Montauk weigh in around 6-12 lbs. They are capable of heart stopping runs, which repeatedly take fly anglers deep into their backing. Spin fishermen of late have been very successful taking Albacore on small, metallic jigs, while fly fishermen employ 2-3" long epoxy flies which perfectly mimic the Bay Anchovies which are so prevalent in the water at that time. September through November signifies the annual fall migration. As the surrounding waters begin to cool down, bluefish, false albacore and striped bass feed with abandon on the myriad of baits that are being flushed out of the bays and estuaries. Montauk, at the most eastern tip of Long Island's South Fork, becomes center stage for the fall run. The fabled Northeast grand slam may be attained time after time during this period as the concentrations of fish are at their peak! Only a matter of a few hours drive from the tri-state area, let the surrounding waters of the Hamptons and Montauk, Long Island be your fishing grounds! Whether you'd like to test your mettle on the rock-strewn flats of Gardiners Isle or reap the rewards of the fall bonanza in Montauk, let Capt. Merritt White guide you there! Let's work together toward a memorable, fun filled, productive day on the water! Ready to hook up and book your next fishing trip? Click» for more info... |  | | | |  |
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| "I have been out with a number of fishing guides and captains over the years and Merritt ranks at the top of my list. His expertise and knowledge have always led to great days on the water. Not only does he put you on the fish, but Merritt's friendly disposition and patience make him a true gem! I had a buddy who had never gone saltwater flyfishing before and Merritt, with great patience and diligence, helped him land some great fish. Merritt will go the extra mile to make the most out of every trip! One time he suggested that we hang around the Montauk Point lighthouse until dusk to have a shot at some blitzing striped bass. Nearly all of the other guides had gone back to the dock as if on some sort of a time limit. Well, the bass came up just like he said they would, and we essentially had an unforgettable experience to cap off a fantastic trip! Keith Berkellhamer,
Armonk, New York |
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" I have to tell you again that that day was one of the most exhilarating days on the water I have had anywhere. I can't wait to do it again next year. 
