Fall fishing for stripers, blues setting up nicely

Fishing action around Long Island continues to transition smoothly from late summer to fall patterns. While we are still likely two or three weeks away from the fall blitz fishing conditions for which the saltwater faithful yearn, indications are strong that the shift is under way.

Baitfish and bottom fish grouping into tighter and tighter bunches are one sure sign.

Wednesday night, for example, I stopped by the lower reaches of the Peconic River and found the tidal waters literally bleeding small peanut bunker into Flanders Bay. On the North Shore, very large spearing can now be found holding tight near jetty rocks and bulkheads. On the South Shore, packs of mullet have moved up to stage just inside the inlets, a sure sign that with the next couple of late-night temperature dips, they'll spill out along the ocean beaches -- hopefully luring stripers and blues into the wash.

Of the bottom feeders, catches of kingfish, porgy and sea bass inside the bays and Long Island Sound seem to be taking on a little more urgency, the bite gaining just a bit in ferocity each day. The blowfish, especially, are moving toward the inlet mouths. Reports of fast fishing for the puffers have rolled in from the Sore Thumb area of Fire Island Inlet, the West Cut at Moriches Inlet, and a few of the deeper pockets between Ponquogue Bridge and Shinnecock Inlet. It's been quite some time since we've seen such a good blowfish catch in our waters and it sure is good to see them on the rebound. Currently, there are no regulations as to size and creel limits for this delectable bottom species and some anglers have expressed concern these fish are being swept up at a fast pace. It would seem a prudent idea to establish some personal limits in the lack of official ones where this species is involved.

Yet another signal fall is on the way is the influx of medium-sized bluefish throughout the length of Long Island Sound. Drop a bunker chunk to the bottom when the wind blows from the north and it's hard not to connect with the toothy predators. Diamond jig fans have also found the blues happy to oblige in mid-Sound waters, and surf casters working poppers have encountered the choppers from the beach at daybreak in many areas over the past week. A few schoolie stripers have mixed in with the blues at most locations.

Bluefish, some quite large, have also offered excellent action for those chumming at the Mud Buoy in New York Bight. Mark Keller at Bay Park Fishing Station said that is where Captain Nick Savene had slammers to a whopping 18 pounds this week. Keller added that decent catches of black sea bass continue to be the rule on Rockaway Reef, although you'll cull through a bunch of shorts to get your keepers. Weakfish, if you'd like to get in a few last licks, are plentiful in Reynolds Channel.

For a great day of family fishing fun plan to attend the Fall Freshwater Fishing and Children's Festival at Hempstead Lake State Park Oct. 13. No fishing license is required, loaner gear will be available, and parking is free. Call 631-444-0283 or visit ifishnewyork.org for details.

Email: outdoortom@optonline.net