A fisherman holds up a catch.

A fisherman holds up a catch. Credit: Getty

If you plan to be in the woods for the opening of Long Island's bow season Oct. 1, now is the time to make sure that all is in order. The days are slipping by quickly and many of the best local hunters are fully prepared and ready to go. For those of you still playing catch-up, now is the time to get your act together.

Traditionally, that means a full check of gear, a trip to the archery shop or shooting range for a bow tuneup and to sight-in, plus heading out to your favorite hunting spots to scout, check access and renew your privileges on private property if you've been granted such rights.

You'll also want to get your hunting license and any special land access permits necessary, such as the Seasonal Access Permit required to hunt on some state managed lands, including the Sarnoff Pine Barrens Preserve and portions of the Otis Pike Preserve (see www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7815.html for details.)

Many archers overlook the importance of scouting, especially when it comes to areas they've previously hunted. Blow-downs from storms, fresh posted signs and new construction are just a few of the factors that might cramp your style. Better to discover these now than on Opening Day.

If you expect to hunt on or adjacent to farmland anywhere on the East End, one thing you'll want to check for is new deer fencing. If the deer can no longer move freely between woodlots and your favorite farm field, your ambush points definitely will need adjusting.

Full schedule for surf-casters

The next few weeks are busy ones for local surf-casters, even before considering that fishing action should be picking up in the curls.

The Fisherman magazine's Annual Surf Fishing Show and Workshop is slated for Sept. 19, at the Huntington Hilton. Call 631-345-5200 ext. 209 for information.

The Montauk Classic Surf Fishing Tournament will run Sept. 21 -23. Call 631-321-3510 for details.

Paulie's Tackle in Montauk also is hosting a surf tournament Sept. 21-23. For details, call 631-668-5520.

Bottom fishing, bluefishing still hot

Mixed-bag bottom fishing continues to shine, both in the bays, where porgy, spot, kingfish, weakfish, triggerfish and snappers are the mainstays, and in the ocean and Sound, where porgy, sea bass and fluke have ruled. The Island Princess out of Captree has had nonstop action on Great South Bay, although most fish need to be tossed back. To focus on keeper fluke (the season runs through Sept. 30), hit Ambrose Channel to the west or Montauk to the east.

If blues give you a rush, trek out to Mattituck. The open boat Captain Bob hammered slammers close to port there Wednesday. For porgies, Greenport, Port Jefferson and Huntington remain hot spots. From Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, those targeting porgies on licensed open and charter boats are allowed to take 40 fish per day with a minimum size of 11 inches. All others follow standard porgy regulations (see www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7894.html).

Email: outdoortom@optonline.net

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