I spent a total of 8 days on the Island. One 4 day trip from 10/4 thru 10/7 and one from 10/18 thru 10/21.
Dramatic absence of bait. Not even squid in the docks at night although there was Mullet or some type of bait that was the size and shape of Mullet.

There were some guys from this site the first trip but no one the second trip. In fact this past week in 4 days I only saw one other truck with rod racks

Wind was a big problem both trips. Hard NE for 3 days the first trip. Hard SW for 2 days the second. I had a total of 5 rats under 25", one fish about 18# and a decent fish in the mid 20s this last trip.

Either they haven't gotten to the Island yet or they went by. I did talk to a few guys from NY and NJ and they said Montauk has not been great either.

I fished the entire Island from the North Rip, Cow Cove, Grove Point to the Snake Hole, Spar point, Old Harbor Point to SW Bar, Dories, Gracies and the CG Channel and The Dump.

The lack of bait has been such a huge issue the last 7 years. When there was a good sand eel run the fishing was great, since then its been a pick every year. I will still spend a week or two there every year until i cant physically do it any longer. Love it with or without fish.

I spent a total of 8 days on the Island. One 4 day trip from 10/4 thru 10/7 and one from 10/18 thru 10/21.
Dramatic absence of bait. Not even squid in the docks at night although there was Mullet or some type of bait that was the size and shape of Mullet.

There were some guys from this site the first trip but no one the second trip. In fact this past week in 4 days I only saw one other truck with rod racks

Wind was a big problem both trips. Hard NE for 3 days the first trip. Hard SW for 2 days the second. I had a total of 5 rats under 25", one fish about 18# and a decent fish in the mid 20s this last trip.

Either they haven't gotten to the Island yet or they went by. I did talk to a few guys from NY and NJ and they said Montauk has not been great either.

I fished the entire Island from the North Rip, Cow Cove, Grove Point to the Snake Hole, Spar point, Old Harbor Point to SW Bar, Dories, Gracies and the CG Channel and The Dump.

Paul, I thought u was an old guy... LOL
I applaud your grit

I haven't done too well on block in years… in 2009 or 2010 i was going once per week all summer long and doing great (not huge fish but lots of action throughout the night at most spots). and then every year after has somehow been pffffffffft…
Really sucks because I love that island, but honestly I can get skunked on the mainland!

Paul, I thought u was an old guy... LOL
I applaud your grit

Thanks Gup. Don't know how many more years I can stay up straight in the surf on the Island but I'll keep going till I can't.

I really love the surf and I'm thinking of selling my boat as the maintenance, slip, upkeep, gas etc is starting to become a pain. I use the boat May, June and July and then she sits.

PI that,s because your to stubbon to target other fisheries & then you pull it waaaaay to soon in the fall ..... when ya see Denis . asked how the bass fishing has been in the bay ><><><>:fishin:

Mike, It's not always about catching. I enjoy being alone in the surf. I enjoy the ruggedness of the BI coast.
Most of all, I like to fish. Doesn't matter if I get skunked. What matters is what makes me feel good and fishing in general does just that.

I know you are getting fish in the Bay and I'm very glad you are. I pulled my boat when I felt I didn't want to run anymore.

Fortunately, I am still healthy enough to jump rocks and deal with the BI shoreline. I'll keep doing what I do until I am not able to.

My blinders came off years ago. I am just as happy catching fluke,tautog,sea bass or anything else that swims. Paulie, nice to hear you had a good trip to the Chop.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

paulie . I know well its not just about catching / unless its commercial ........... But except for a short time in the spring I can,t even get a hit from shore & the B/S @ where I go makes it sucks ..................so I,m limited to ride the beaches , which is fine , many times I never take the rods out of the truck .&&&&& In that regards I went to East Matunick today & they now have all the access to the beach blocked off ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,#^&#^&#^&#^& in little chicken birds ................. I,d love to rock hop ........but that won,t happen again until the next life .............which I,m coming back as a stone ....to I can roll in the surf forever :hidin:

paulie . I know well its not just about catching / unless its commercial ........... But except for a short time in the spring I can,t even get a hit from shore & the B/S @ where I go makes it sucks ..................so I,m limited to ride the beaches , which is fine , many times I never take the rods out of the truck .&&&&& In that regards I went to East Matunick today & they now have all the access to the beach blocked off ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,#^&#^&#^&#^& in little chicken birds ................. I,d love to rock hop ........but that won,t happen again until the next life .............which I,m coming back as a stone ....to I can roll in the surf forever :hidin:

I know Mike. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to still do it after all the medical issues I've had.

do it while ya can my friend :fishin::fishin: