The Labor Day holiday weekend is here. It feels like it came rather quickly. Is summer really over? The answer is obviously no; we still have a few weeks left. But for many folks, it is.
We are nearing the peak of hurricane season, which reaches its apex in the middle of September. Now is the time to prepare.
Last week, we dodged a bullet when Hurricane Erin passed between the U.S. and Bermuda on its northeasterly course toward` Europe, slowly winding down from her once-powerful 150-mile-per-hour winds.
There was no rain here, but the main issue of concern was the high surf and dangerous rip currents that made it impossible to swim along our oceanfront beaches for several days. Fishing was equally disrupted. Hardly ideal as we near the end of summer.
As for the fishing scene, any hurricanes that come closer to our area in the next few weeks will be found to affect those who wet a line.
I remember talking years ago with Capt. Michael Vegessi, who operated the Lazybones, the popular Montauk open boat. “Bring your lunch and catch your dinner” is its clever slogan. I always brought my lunch and most often caught my dinner. She’s a great boat.
Vegessi always fished a long season pursuing fluke. Some of the largest fluke would commonly be landed in the month of September on their migration south before he switched over to striped bass and bluefish.
According to my fishing logbook, I was actually on board on Sept. 17, 1987, when an 18-pound fish was landed. It was huge, a true, legitimate doormat. I know I will never see a larger fluke.
Like many good captains, Vegessi always kept a sharp eye on the upcoming weather. He also educated me on how hurricanes can also impact fish, especially fluke.
“Fluke are affected by sound and disturbance, and if a large hurricane comes near us in September, the fishing usually quickly drops off,” he said. “It really disrupts the water for a long time and the fish never settle down to feed.”
Those on the hunt for yellowfin tuna would agree. Such major storms usually interfere with their migration and feeding patterns and it takes a while before they settle down after a hefty blow.
Hopefully, we’ll avoid a direct hit from a hurricane, but at some point it will happen.
Because of that, seven years ago when we rebuilt our house on North Haven, which sits directly on the east-facing waters, I was insistent on installing hurricane-proof windows as well as a large generator. I took no chances.
Having gone through some rather harsh hurricanes that brushed by us and many northeasters in my 63 years of life out here, I know how nasty Mother Nature can be.
Such was the case with Hurricane Gloria in 1985. We lost electricity for a week in her aftermath.
Driving on Main Street the following day, I saw a big sign in front of the long-gone Harbor Deli. In black spray paint, it said that all ice cream in the nonworking freezer was available for free. Needless to say, I took two pints of Haagen-Dazs.
As the seas have begun to settle down, a few ventured forth to fish starting on Saturday. By Sunday, Erin was in the rearview mirror and the fishing had bounced back.”
“Blowfish and porgies are biting well on the bay side,” remarked Sebastian Gorgone at Mrs. Sam’s Bait and Tackle in East Hampton. “Fluking has been good off Sammy’s Beach and at Napeague.” Gorgone said that striped bass were caught in ocean surf before the large swells showed up and he expected the fishing to bounce back as seas settle down.
“And blue-claw crabs have been doing well in the harbors and coves,” he added.
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Fishing tips, observations, and photographs can be sent to [email protected].